In KPVillas
In KPVillas, what will you find? A series of questions ( PDF ) invite you to explore the neighborhood, with links to relevant content at...
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KPVillas.org
SOLAR PANELS
Homeowners Request Information
After homeowners specifically requested information about solar energy at the 2021 Annual Meeting, the Board called for a committee of volunteers to compile information on solar panels and issues related to solar panels and to report back to the Board.
For transparency and access, this Solar Summary page archives the content created by Chuck Bueter for the benefit of homeowners and the Board, including his Independent Solar Panel Report to the Board. Bueter delivered all of the content to the Board, then archived it Nov. 15, 2021, at his placeholder website KPVillas.org.
The Board declined to share the requested content with homeowners (see Nov. 24, 2021, email from the KPVA President; Subject: Problem Website). On Jan. 10, 2022, the Board voted not to address the Rule about solar panels.
Though the solar panel prohibition remains, a 2022 Indiana state law allows homeowners to override an HOA prohibition under certain circumstances, such as requiring a homeowner to get 65% of member signatures to approve.
An existing Bylaw (Article III, Section 3.06 (f)), requires the Board to advise Members in advance when a Rule change is under consideration. At the 2023 Annual Meeting, a homeowner's motion "to poll owners, if there is a solar panel request from a resident" was approved and passed, per the meeting minutes.
Update: Mar 23, 2022
Blog:
New Indiana Law Restricts HOA's Total Prohibition of Solar Panels
Indiana Code, Title 32, Article 25.5, Chapter 3.5
This page includes three featured items for homeowners and HOAs who are addressing solar energy systems:
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KPVA Solar Report introduces solar energy systems and common related issues (2021);
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Solution for HOA proposes a Rule that benefits the entire community;
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Energy Independence Out of Sight recommends the Board consider a Rule change.
"Reconcile the desire to benefit from solar energy with the desire to maintain home appearances."
Issue: Solar Panels
Official Rule-Solar Panels
KPVA Official Rule-Solar Panels, adopted March 4, 2008, states, "No solar panel or similar device shall be constructed, placed or attached on the roof or other outside portion of the dwelling house nor maintained on any other portion of any lot.”
At the 2021 Annual Meeting, the KPVA Board called for a committee of volunteers to compile information on solar panels and issues related to solar panels and to report back to the Board. For transparency and access, this website archives the content created by Chuck Bueter for the benefit of homeowners and the Board.
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An introduction to solar energy systems and common issues like appearance, home values, and alternative materials.
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Compilation of homeowner comments followed by replies by Chuck Bueter.
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Guidelines for language and restrictions for a solar panel Rule, from model solar ordinances and other HOAs.
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Reports showing the impact of solar panels on home values.
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Blog posts related to the solar panel Rule.
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A proposed Rule in which homesites are deemed eligible for solar panels on a map depicting roofs not visible from the street.
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Independent Solar Panel Report to the Board
Sent on Nov. 19 with letter by Chuck Bueter that states, "My report details one Solution and recommends the Board consider a Rule change." Absent unanimity, each committee member may offer their own opinion to the Board.
I&M Power has increased rates 29% over the last four years, and I&M Power has a request before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission for an additional 6% increase in electricity rates.
South Bend Tribune
Oct. 27, 2021
Home buyers consistently have been willing to pay more for homes with host-owned solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems...This equates to a premium of about $15,000 for a typical PV system.
I commend your efforts to "go solar" and agree the official solar rules panels ban should be revised.
KPVA Homeowner
Solar energy standards should...set reasonable aesthetic standards for solar principal uses that are consistent with other principal uses that have visual impacts.
Blog posts tagged "solar"
Disclaimer
Disclaimer:
KPVillas.org is an independent website that does not represent the opinions or initiative of any HOA or Board. An official HOA site is at KnollwoodParkVillas.org.
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