Solar panels are a smart investment for homeowners in Florida to save money on electricity bills by taking advantage of all that free sunlight.

Yet when an HOA is involved, many worry that their solar panel installation can be rejected since the HOA has to approve home improvement projects like new roofing.

The good news for Florida homeowners is that Florida law protects their right to call a solar panel company to install this energy-producing roofing on their homes, even in HOA neighborhoods.

There is still a catch, so read on.

The Issue of Solar Panel Installation In HOA Neighborhoods

To keep residential neighborhoods looking their best, homeowners associations must typically approve of any improvements a homeowner in their community wishes to make to their property.

HOAs can be especially picky about roofs, as roofing materials choice can dramatically change the look of a home depending on its type, style, and color.

Some roofing materials or colors may even be restricted. Solar panels are often included under these rules, as many HOAs frown upon their installation simply due to their appearance.

Fortunately, solar panel installation is protected under the law in Florida, giving homeowners wishing to invest in this energy-efficient roofing the ability to do so in most cases.

Can An HOA Stop Florida Homeowners From Solar Panel Use?

According to the Florida Solar Rights Act, a law that went into effect in 2008, homeowners may not be prohibited from installing solar panels on their homes by a local HOA.

It is illegal for the HOA to prevent solar panel installation regardless of what the HOA rules state about roofing and homeowners needing their approval.

Under this rule that came about as a means of encouraging more homeowners to invest in energy-efficient roofing, HOAs are permitted to apply reasonable rules and restrictions to the installation but cannot prohibit it outright.

In other words, the law requires HOAs to compromise with their homeowner residents so that solar roofing can be used in ways that are deemed acceptable within that community.

How Can Homeowners Comply With HOA Solar Panel Rules?

Professional solar panel companies that do installations in HOA neighborhoods find that local HOAs will have a set of rules about how solar panels must be set up for the installation to be approved.

Typically, HOAs insist that solar panels be installed on the back side of the roof so they are not visible from the road or that they be installed in certain ways to be consistent with similar installations within the community; however, they may not impose restrictions that elevate the cost of the installation in any way, or reduce its efficiency.

Since the positioning and angling of the panels are so critical for designing an efficient and powerful solar roofing system, homeowners should choose an experienced solar contractor who can design a cost-effective system within the restrictions set forth by the HOA.

Plan The Ideal Installation With An Expert Solar Panel Company

Florida homeowners living in an HOA community who wish to invest in energy-efficient solar panels are protected under the Florida Solar Rights Act, which prevents HOAs from prohibiting their installation.

Still, the law does give HOAs the right to dictate how and where a solar panel installation is done to maintain a consistent home appearance within the community.

To ensure the most efficient installation, it is essential to find a solar panel company with the knowledge and skills to design a powerful system that also meets HOA installation requirements.

With an expertly designed solar energy system, HOA homeowners can reap all of the benefits while also keeping their HOA happy!