Tue 4 May, 2010
Solar Energy (3); Homeowner’s Association (0)
Filed under: Development, Economic Development, General, Law, Planning, Rural, ZoningTags: Geo-thermal, HOA, Homeowners' Associations, Local Government, Preemption, Renewable Energy, Solar, Wind Turbine, Zoning Ordinance
Solar panels OK for home, legal battle over for Canton couple
The push for alternative and renewable energy production in Michigan received a small but important boost recently when a Canton, Michigan homeowners’ association (HOA) backed down from its initial decision to deny the installation of solar cells on the roof of a home. Here is an excerpt from the Detroit Free Press article:
BY CECIL ANGEL - FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
A Canton couple’s lawsuit against their homeowners association — a battle of aesthetics versus green technology — has been settled after the pair was granted permission to install three solar collection panels.
Daniel Hall and his wife, Michelle Hall, were denied permission in April 2009 to install the panels, which generate hot water and reduce utility bills. The Pheasant View Homeowners’ Association’s Architectural Review Committee concluded the panels were aesthetically incompatible with the homes in the subdivision.
In July, the Halls filed a lawsuit in Wayne County Circuit Court challenging the decision. They cited the alternative-energy trend for which state and federal governments are giving tax breaks to homeowners and that township officials had given them permits to install the panels.
Daniel Hall said he was relieved that it was over. “The good part of the story is that my solar heating system is working,” Hall said. He said he expects to save about 20%-30% in bills for hot water per year.
Governor Granholm is continuing to press for more use of renewable energy resources as part of her efforts to reduce reliance on coal-fired power plants AND create economic development opportunities in research and manufacturing of wind turbines, solar cells, and other means renewable energy production. For local communities, especially townships, this means more requests for approval of private and agricultural wind turbine, solar cell, and geo-thermal HVAC installations.
To learn more about planning for renewable energy production in your community, please visit our “Speaking and Presentation Opportunities” page and click on the “Regulating Small Wind Turbines” link.
Click here to contact Building Place today - we can help you proactively address the planning, zoning, and economic development challenges of alternative and renewable energy production.
Carlton Dugas says:
Hi there, ive recently just been shocked at my electricity bills lately, paying way too much. I think solar energy is the way to go, easy to set up and pretty self explanatory. Well, Cheerio!
Grunergy says:
The best available control technologies needs to be clean and innovative. Experienced scientists and engineers play a huge role in the BACT world.
Bilko says:
Interesting article, thank you. It’s good to read something related to solar power that actually makes sense. I’ve made a note of your site details and will visit again.