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Can we install solar panels on top of a townhouse in California (Bay Area)?

By admin in Solar Panel Parts
Nov
22

Hi,

I want to buy a town house in Bay area (San Jose, SFO). But my question is can we install solar panels on my roof?

Is it allowed? Or roof is part of HOA maintenance program? What is the law states here?

Is a single family home is the only way to install solar panels?

Thanks for your help.
UPDATED QUESTION:

Can i install on my backyard at least?

Look up AB2473 - The California Solar Rights Act. That removed most of the barriers to installing solar on any property you own. If you had a detached home, even in a gated community with a homeowner’s association, you have a good chance of getting solar even if the HOA doesn’t like it.

The problem with a townhome is that you don’t own the roof. Before you buy, have a cordial conversation with the president of the HOA, to get an idea of how they feel about this sort of thing. If they don’t like it, I wouldn’t fight. Even if you win legally, your neighbors will give you dirty looks for being a troublemaker. But you might be surprised. This IS the bay area, after all, pretty liberal.

Comments

  1. The CPA Guy Said,

    Roofs generally fit into the category of "common area" so they would be under the control of the HOA. Ask the HOA if they’d consider letting you install the panels. More than likely, they’ll tell you "no", especially if you don’t even own the place yet.
    References :
    President of an HOA for 14 years.

  2. Ranger4402 Said,

    The HOA owns the roof. You own the air you breathe inside of your unit.

    There is another consideration besides the HOA. The local zoning laws may have rules that allow for solar panels or not.
    References :

  3. Uncle Pennybags Said,

    So you’ll be in an HOA, right? In our HOA, which is comprised of townhouse condos, the roof is the responsibility of the HOA and they don’t allow modifications.
    References :

  4. Landlord Said,

    You have to have a building permit, and you will not get it since you do not own the roof.

    Some cities will not allow solar panels unless they can not be seen from the public street.
    References :

  5. roderick_young Said,

    Look up AB2473 - The California Solar Rights Act. That removed most of the barriers to installing solar on any property you own. If you had a detached home, even in a gated community with a homeowner’s association, you have a good chance of getting solar even if the HOA doesn’t like it.

    The problem with a townhome is that you don’t own the roof. Before you buy, have a cordial conversation with the president of the HOA, to get an idea of how they feel about this sort of thing. If they don’t like it, I wouldn’t fight. Even if you win legally, your neighbors will give you dirty looks for being a troublemaker. But you might be surprised. This IS the bay area, after all, pretty liberal.
    References :

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