For years, homeowners associations have restricted – or even banned – residential solar panels due to their aesthetic appearance. Perceived as negatively impacting home values, some neighbors just don’t want to look at solar arrays. Now, proposed legislation in Nevada would take aim at ugly solar panels, as well.
Who gets to decide if solar panels are too ugly?
Although Boulder City, Nevada has just approved the 5th solar power plant in the region, an Assembly committee hearing this week at the State Legislature heard concerns of residents that perceive the alternative energy equipment as an eye-sore and too reflective. They’re also complaining about alleged noise impacts of wind turbines. As a result, AB122, sponsored by Assemblyman Livermore from Carson City is proposed new solar legislation that would allow restrictions based on location and appearance (legally, cities and counties considering land use permit applications can add conditions to address height, noise or safety concerns).
Not everyone is happy with the proposed new solar laws. Concerns about the “chilling effect” that could result from the local adoption of rules relating to ugly solar panels and reflective wind turbines were raised by renewable energy advocates and other interested officials. Regulating renewable energy apparatus based on appearance gives wide discretion for potential denial of land use applications, or the addition of conditions that may be impossible or too expensive to implement.
And why overly restrict solar development in Nevada – a state that averages 300 sunny days a year!
While some neighbors that testified expressed concern about ugly solar panels affecting property values, other groups proposed amendments to the bill such that it would only apply to large solar arrays, or be limited to setback restrictions, not location. The bill has not been adopted yet, and further tweaks or amendments may be considered.
What do you think about legislation directed at ugly solar panels? A good idea or potential for abuse?
Tags: carson city, laws solar, legislation solar, solar laws, solar legislation, solar panels, ugly solar panels
March 5th, 2011 at 9:18 pm
Too many restrictions on Solar Panels already, in my opinion. I just got approved yesterday for a solar array in Solano County. There were no incentives from the county for Solar and the fees were the same as any other project. One of our Supervisors, Barbara Kondylis, tried to put through an exception for fees but the rest voted no. The setback in my area is 30 feet from any structure when ground mounted, so it leaves many locations out of the running for solar. I will be learning more when Solarcity starts construction of the array next week.
June 15th, 2011 at 9:40 am
There are already solar panels which meet the “non-ugly” standard.
One of my favorite companies, Uni-Solar (Energy Conversion Devices) makes thin, flexible solar panels that can be installed on the roof and are a favorite of architects around the world.
We have a solution, so legislation is no big deal.