Homeowners Associations vs. the Green Homeowner - InterNACHI

Homeowners Associations vs. the Green Homeowner - InterNACHI: "Homeowners Associations vs. the Green Homeowner by Nick Gromicko and Rob London Nationwide, homeowners' associations (HOAs) govern the approved uses of millions of properties. While HOAs ostensibly uphold property values by ensuring uniformity or a community's aesthetic standard, they sometimes interfere with individual homeowners’ attempts to install photovoltaic (solar) panels. All over the country, conservative HOAs are trying to prevent homeowners from installing panels, even going to court over the issue. As some homeowners seek to install new energy-efficient solar panels, many are finding that their neighbors and HOAs object, saying the additions defy historic-district regulations, or will look ugly, or will damage property values. “[A]greeing to projects without regard to the architectural guidelines of the community can create divisiveness and can affect property values,” said Frank Rathbun to the Wall Street Journal. Rathbun is spokesman for the Community Associations Institute, an education and advocacy group based in Alexandria, Va. But residents say their right to invest in alternative energy trumps the sensibilities of neighbors who don't like how the panels look."