2022
in Community Associations
Solar Panels
— By Mary Reitein, Esq. — of Peryea Silver Taylor, P.S.
I
n 1979, the Washington legislature declared: “the potential economic and environmental
be in the public interest[.]” RCW 64.04.140. Fast forward 40 years and witness the onset of climate change and the desire of association members to utilize alternative energy. How do association members go about it? Are there any laws that empower members? The answer is “yes” for for condominiums.
homeowner association members to install solar.
Homeowners Associations
homeowner association members to install solar. Under
18 Community Associations Journal | April 2022
RCW 64.38.055, associations cannot prevent homeowners from installing solar if certain conditions are met. These are (1) the system must meet state and local standards; it must meet the national electric code and various other agencies charged with regulating electrical equipment.
Associations may require that any frame or brackets be painted to coordinate with
Regulation of Solar Within Associations
Associations may regulate solar installations. Associations to conform to the slope of the roof, and require the top edge be parallel to the roof ridge.
Associations may also require that any frame or brackets ground installed panels to be shielded from the street (but
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