Anyone who has lived or is currently living in a homeowner’s association (HOA) community knows of the rules and regulations behind property styles. The HOA rules are in place to keep a neighborhood’s aesthetics standardized in the area. Since 2022, Ohioans have new guidance on how communities governed by HOAs can restrict solar in Ohio. Often, we must work with you and your HOA to learn the standing rules, but ultimately, we often can abide by the rules and get you your beautiful solar panels, too.  

Understanding HOA Restrictions on Solar Installations 

In 2022 after the passing of Senate Bill 61, Solar Companies and members of HOA governed communities celebrated, understanding that SB61 prevented HOAs from creating anti-solar rules. However, the issue is a little more complicated than this. 

Within Ohio, after the passing of SB 61, HOA communities are still able to “establish reasonable restrictions on solar” meaning there is wiggle room.  

Across Ohio, solar panels are allowable unless specifically regulated in the bylaws or deeds for a homeowner’s association. Reaching out to the right solar company will help make the process flow smoothly. Here at Kokosing Solar we have an abundance of amazing team members who are ready to answer your questions. 

Working with and around HOA and Solar 

Does your HOA have solar restrictions already set in place? 

Aesthetics is typically the biggest concern of the HOA. Today, we have options for sleek all black panels with efficient technology. The panels we installed today aren’t the blue panels with silver frames that you may have seen in the past. Some HOAs don’t know this.  

There are also ways to carefully place the panels in a form that suggests aesthetic – think a perfect square or rectangle or, in many cases, we can add panels to non-street facing sides of the house. These are typical concerns we see from HOA boards when addressing solar panel installation.  

Working in teams is also beneficial when navigating HOA approval. Teaming up with immediate neighbors who will be a wave of support will earn brownie points in front of the board. The HOA wants anything but backlash from the neighbors, therefore, having majority of the neighborhood on your back will present a stronger proposal statement.  

At the same time, keeping up to date with solar homes in nearby areas is an important leverage we can use. If other homes have solar, what type of panels are they using? Where has the solar been placed? What restrictions did they have? Other nearby homes who already have solar may help your proposal since it shows other HOAs allows solar and could influence your HOA to go forward with your solar.  

Proposal Content to Include for your Homeowners Association  

Making you sure have the right and most important language in a proposal is key. Include ideas such as increasing home reseal value, ensuring aesthetics of home remain the same if not better, including data to show the environmental benefits of solar, stressing the desire to want to work with the HOA instead of against it, and, of course, include the best photos of high-quality residential solar installations. All these tips will help you find an advantage when working with your HOA.  

If Proposal Is Declined/Next Steps 

In some cases, HOA can still disapprove an installation. From here, one option would be to obtain a letter from your attorney addressing the situation and speaking on the concerns. Here, you can provide the legal supporting documents for your case. Typically, it should not come down to this. 

To date, we are not aware of any legal cases challenging SB61, however we could see this in the years to come as HOAs navigate this new rule.  

Kokosing and Your Homeowners Association  

Overall, Kokosing Solar is more than willing to help you navigate through this process. We have members ready to guide and provide necessary advice to new homeowners. HOA’s restrictions shouldn’t hold you back from your dreams of achieving those beautiful panels. 

Strategies for keeping energy low in the summer months

As we get into summer months and the temperature rises so does your energy consumption, often leading to higher electric bills and greater environmental impact. Lucky for us, we can manage our usage with different strategies for keeping energy low in the summer months.

Here are just a few ways you can lower your energy usage while still staying cool in the summer heat.

•  Home Cooling Efficiency
•  Energy- Efficient Appliances
•  Technology
•  Renewable Energy Options

Optimizing Air Conditioning in the summer months 

First, and probably the most obvious strategy for optimizing your AC is increasing your temperature when you’re away. By doing this you can reduce your bill significantly. You can even consider installing a programable thermostat which allows you to schedule these adjustments. By doing this you can ensure that your home is cool when you’re there and reduced while you’re away.

Next, make sure you are utilizing your fans effectively. Fans are a great way to reduce your reliance on air conditioning. Fans will create that wind-chill effect that makes you cooler without even touching the thermostat. These can be portable fans and even ceiling fans.

Another strategy you can try is closing your curtains or blinds during the day. Keeping your curtains and blinds open during the day brings in direct sunlight, forcing your air conditioner to work harder.

Lastly, seal and insulate your home. Proper insulation and sealing can prevent cool air from escaping from windows, doors, and gaps in the walls and floors. By maintaining a well-insulated home you can keep your indoor temperature consistent and prevent air leaks.

Benefits of Energy-Efficient Appliances

Energy-efficient appliances can offer many benefits outside of reducing your electricity bill. Energy efficient appliances can lower your energy consumption, leave a positive environmental impact, help with long-term savings and they have many innovative features.

Energy-efficient appliances can help you consume 20-40% less energy than a standard model, saving on your electricity bill by doing so. With this reduced consumption comes lower greenhouse gas emissions These appliances can leave a positive environmental impact and contribute to sustainability efforts. Though these appliances have a higher price tag, the savings on your electric bill will make up for it in the long run.

Secondly, energy-efficient fans consume less electricity compared to other models. An energy-efficient fan will use an energy-efficient motor and aerodynamic blades that will maximize airflow while keeping your consumption low. These fans will distribute cool air from air conditioners more effectively throughout your home so you can turn up your thermostat without feeling uncomfortable and warm, reducing your cooling cost.

Lastly, energy-efficient air conditioners play a crucial part in maintaining comfort during this hot weather – they offer several advantages. To start, they have higher efficiency. Energy-efficient air conditioners are 10% more efficient than a standard model by using improved compressor technology, better insulation, and advanced airflow settings. Just like other energy-efficient appliances, the initial cost is higher, but the lower consumption will directly reduce your cooling cost, savings on electricity bills and offsetting the higher initial cost of the appliance.

Energy-Efficient Technology

With the new smart thermostat technology comes a significant advancement in home climate control. Smart thermostats offer numerous benefits that can contribute to both energy savings and comfort.

Smart thermostats have an automated temperature adjustment that uses sensors and Wi-Fi that allows them to monitor your temperature levels in and adjust those settings as needed. They can be set up to follow your daily routine and adjust to help conserve energy.

One of the main features of a smart thermostat is the ability to be programmed for personal preferences. This feature allows you to set specific temperatures for different times and days during the week.

Another feature is the remote access and control, letting you control the temperature of your home from anywhere. This can be useful if you forget to change your thermostat or even if you’re going to be away from home longer than expected.

Renewable Energy

Solar! The use of solar panels can offer great benefits for homeowners who are looking to offset their energy consumption. One of these benefits of installing solar panels is the energy cost savings. By generating your electricity from solar panels, you can reduce or even eliminate your reliance on the grid, lowering your electricity bills. Solar is a clean, renewable energy source that produces less greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel-based electricity. By going solar you can reduce your carbon footprint and improve climate change. By generating electricity with solar, you can enhance your energy independence. Solar reduces your reliance on the grid and can protect you from changes in energy prices or any disruption in the grid, like power outages.

Solar panels generate the most electricity in the sunny summer months, this is why it’s great for when you have those increased energy demands for cooling your home during times with higher temperatures. Solar’s ability to produce electricity during peak demand periods can help alleviate stress on the grid and reduce the need for fossil fuels.

Strategies for keeping energy use low during the summer months

In conclusion, using these strategies to keep your energy consumption low during the summer months not only reduces your electricity bill but also contributes to sustainability. Improving your use of air-conditioning, utilizing fans effectively, and sealing your home against air leaks are great steps that will enhance energy efficiency while still being comfortable. Energy-efficient appliances, like refrigerators, fans, and air conditioners not only lower your energy consumption but also have long-term savings and minimize the environmental impact by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Using smart thermostat technology can further your efficiency by adjusting your temperature based on your schedule and preferences. Renewable energy options, like solar panels, can provide a sustainable solution to offset energy consumption. By using these strategies for keeping energy low during the summer months you can improve your finances and also take a positive effect towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.