31 Aug A Perfect Solar Storm at Silent Spring Home
During the Texas 82nd Legislative session House Bill 362 became a law enforceable on September 1, 2011. The law was written to strengthen homeowner’s ability to choose to install solar energy devices on their homes but some homeowners are finding that HOA’s are using clauses in the bill to skirt requests for solar.
Just prior to the bill going into effect homeowner, Larry Mathers was denied the choice of solar panels on his home. Mathers has received notice that his request for solar panels on his home has been denied by the Red Oaks community HOA. Given the extreme weather and the unusually high demands on the grid for power, we have all the reason to promote and encourage homeowners to utilize solar power. Now the homeowner will have to add to his upfront cost of solar by hiring a lawyer to represent him or drop his bid for solar on his home.
RealManage Management and Condo Management has denied Mathers the option of installing solar panels on the roof of his home onSilent Spring Dr. in Cedar Park due to the placement and on the basis that the subdivision is still under development.
The homeowner has supplied signed notices from neighbors stating that they do not object to the placement of the proposed solar panels. Mathers has also supplied a study showing that if the panels are moved to the north of the home they will loose 63% of the panel power production. The law requires that if placement reduces production by over 50% the HOA may not place a restriction on the homeowner.
Three Questions beg to be asked regarding HOA’s and HB 362:
1. Why turn down a disabled retired homeowner a secure, renewable source of energy when the Texas grid is stressed to meet power demands with the extreme heat?
2. Is it a coincidence that the homeowner lives on a street named Silent Spring … the title of a book whose message has lead to environmental awareness since the 1960's?
3. Do you agree that HOA’s should allow homeowners the right to choose solar power for their homes? If so please link to this KVUE report and give your opinion.
http://www.kvue.com/marketplace/green/Cedar-Park-man-claims-HOA-may-be-breaking-law-128709933.html
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