Trees Blocking Light To Solar Panels

Solar panels debate has begun generating conflict all over the place.

Trees blocking light to solar panels.

It protects homeowners investments in solar panels which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Maryland has no law requiring a neighbor to not plant trim trees that might shade a solar panel on the ground or on the roof. Branches and leaves can block sunlight from hitting your roof which means your solar panels aren t maximizing their electricity production potential. Even so solar panels seem to have an edge over trees and it is important to remember that trees don t live and grow forever.

Excepting registered historic properties which prohibit of roof panels e g. Quickly after installing the solar panels the homeowner noticed the shading and asked his neighbors to cut down the trees citing the solar shade act and telling them about the 1000 per day fine. It s not surprising in such a litigious state that lawsuits have been filed over redwoods blocking solar panels. The law also recognizes the right to enter into an easement agreement but that requires agreement by the neighbor.

Ironically maximizing those solar benefits may involve cutting down a tree or two. It will take a major transition to renewable energy like solar to stem the release of fossil carbon to the atmosphere from which there is no good long term way to remove it. There are two specific statutes in the civil code 801 and 801 5 that deal with the easements and solar easements for solar installations. Trees and buildings or other landscape features such as hills can block incoming radiation and cast a shadow reducing the usable solar radiation.

In 2001 the homeowner had just installed 128 solar panels in his backyard just a few years after his neighbors planted a handful of redwood trees in their backyard. Trees have a wonderful habit of blocking the sun. It s bizarre to think that a tiny tree planted in the spring may eventually become a source of conflict but it makes more sense in the context of a. As part of a hoa s rules.

Your neighbours may have an existing tree which annually whilst full of foliage blocks the sun from your solar array reducing its efficiency by 50. There are enough difficult questions that the trees vs. As you may have read in the article it s not just buildings or other such structures that can impact your solar array. Envision also provides a custom solution for self sustainable electric vehicle charging stations in these stations the solar powered trees produce energy that is stored.

The standard envision solar tree is mounted on a single central tower with a 35 square foot 60 module solar photovoltaic panel a solar array mounted on top. In california the giant redwoods are tall enough to block a skyscraper let alone a two story house. There are laws against deeds declarations covenants contracts etc. Complaints are arising from an obscure state law known as the solar shade control act.

It s a difficult truth but solar power and trees do not always get along.