Overcoming private land use restrictions on solar energy systems

摘要

Conditions, convenants and restrictions (CC&Rs) govern the aesthetics of homes within the nation's growing number of community associations. These architectural controls constitute a barrier to residential solar development within the prime new home market by adding to system costs or impairing system efficiency. Many homeowners abandon plans to install solar systems rather than submit to the association's design review process. While the homeowner may seek an exemption, ente into contractual arrangements with other homeowners, or petition for a modification of the association's CC&Rs, few homeowners avail themselves of these options because of the cost, time and uncertainty involved.