At the 2021 KPVA Annual Meeting, the Board called for a committee to compile information on solar panels and issues related to solar panels, and to report back to the Board. Since the Solar Panel Committee was split in its opinions, homeowner Chuck Bueter delivered an Independent Solar Panel Report for the KPVA Board and homeowners alike to consider.
For transparency and access, the material compiled for this independent report is at www.kpvillas.org under the drop-down Solar menu. The report states:
Homeowners increasingly seek the multiple benefits of solar energy systems. However, some owners object to the unfamiliar and discordant appearance of solar panels on the fronts of houses. I propose the Board reconcile the desire to benefit from solar energy with the desire to maintain villa appearances. This independent report recommends roof surfaces not visible from the street should be eligible for solar panels, provided other standards are met. The existing Official Rule-Solar Panels can be replaced with a new model based on a map of eligibility, which restricts solar panels to roof surfaces that are not visible from the street.
The compromise establishes which houses are eligible to install solar panels, as opposed to that number being zero. With the roof surfaces pre-approved on the map, future volunteer Board members do not have to judge suitability of a site. Each lot is essentially pre-approved or not; other restrictions may apply.
Homeowners and buyers will be able to make long range plans for energy independence knowing their eligibility in advance. A change of the map requires a Rule change per Bylaws.
Issues related to considering a Rule change:
Solar arrays benefit all homeowners, including those who don’t install it. Solar energy systems will generate renewable energy, reduce utility bills, increase home values, improve air quality, lessen the impact of carbon on all of creation, facilitate energy independence, and show community leadership.
As solar arrays become critical home infrastructure of the future, the HOA should embrace home improvements that serve its members.
An eligibility map alone does not give permission to install solar panels. A new Rule would include both definitive maps and other restrictions that address KPVA homeowner feedback.
Merely insisting “panels are ugly” does not answer why hidden roofs should not be eligible for solar panels. It’s like asking whether a tree falling in the woods makes noise when no one is around--if something can’t be seen, is it ugly?
Multiple homeowners support a Rule change that permits some solar panels. The Board should solicit homeowner input, per Bylaws Article III, Section 3.06.
Eligibility maps merely define the suitability of roof surfaces by virtue of their appearance from the street and back windows. The maps do not account for site shortcomings; eligible homes are not necessarily viable candidates for solar.
All homeowners should be given information about procuring their electricity at a discount or from renewable energy providers.
The independent report in its entirety is here: