Trees Blocking Solar Panels

It s not surprising in such a litigious state that lawsuits have been filed over redwoods blocking solar panels.

Trees blocking solar panels.

In california the giant redwoods are tall enough to block a skyscraper let alone a two story house. The pole can support multiple panels in different spots much like branches on a tree. Even a small obstruction like a leaf can have a considerable impact on the performance of your system. They are solar panels mounted atop a long pole.

The law also recognizes the right to enter into an easement agreement but that requires agreement by the neighbor. Solar panels debate has begun generating conflict all over the place. These directions receive the strongest. If you are considering cutting down fewer than 50 trees to get the most out of a 7 500 watt solar electric system don t feel guilty.

There are laws against deeds declarations covenants contracts etc. Branches and leaves can block sunlight from hitting your roof which means your solar panels aren t maximizing their electricity production potential. Trees and buildings or other landscape features such as hills can block incoming radiation and cast a shadow reducing the usable solar radiation. What distinguishes a solar tree from other types of solar setups is its unique design.

Avoid planting trees near the west or southwestern facing sides of home. Solar trees would fall under the broader category of ground mounted solar panels. There are enough difficult questions that the trees vs. The 9 606 pounds of co2 that our solar system offsets every year is equivalent to the carbon absorbing capability of about 50 trees.

Place trees away from home to prevent blocking scratching and otherwise damaging solar panels. Complaints are arising from an obscure state law known as the solar shade control act. Trees and solar panels if solar panels are blocked by trees or shade it is possible that the solar panel owner may have a legal action against you. Trees or solar panels do you have to choose.

From a carbon offset standpoint the solar array is a big win. As part of a hoa s rules. Properly maintain trees that are. The good news is that most homeowners can usually get away with just trimming back a few branches.

There are two specific statutes in the civil code 801 and 801 5 that deal with the easements and solar easements for solar installations. With a few exceptions any time vegetation shaded a solar system it must be removed with a penalty of 1000 per day that the tree or shrub remained. 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. 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.

The solar shade act sat in relative obscurity with no one paying much attention for almost 30 years until a solar homeowner in northern california angry at the increasing shade his solar panels were seeing sued his tree loving neighbor.