TX Bill to restrict homeowner associations’ bans on solar panels passes Senate committee

[The Straight Story]

Bill to restrict homeowner associations’ bans on solar panels passes Senate committee

A Senate committee unanimously approved a bill Wednesday that would restrict homeowners associations from banning solar panels.

The Intergovernmental Relations Committee voted on an amended bill that would require HOAs to permit solar panels unless they stick off the home’s roof, loom above the fence or turn into an eyesore. It precedes a handful of similar bills in both chambers and was placed on the fast track to passage.

Chairman Royce West, D-Dallas, who sponsored the bill, said HOAs could still ban solar panels if they “caused unreasonable discomfort to a person of ordinary sensibilities.” The measure now goes to the full Senate.

Senators fought over the bill in early March. Sen. Mario Gallegos Jr., D-Houston, said he feared it would lead to monstrosities the size of the Starship Enterprise. West noted Gallegos’ comment Wednesday and said: “I assure you, we have provided a docking station for the Starship Enterprise.”


http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/texas-legislature/headlines/20110316-bill-to-restrict-homeowner-associations-bans-on-solar-panels-passes-senate-committee.ece

[Deep13]

1. Good. I hate HOAs. nt

[madmax]

2. +10

[DCofVA]

3. They make solar panels that look just like roof shingles

Someday, if we survive this environmentally devastating fossil fuels and nuclear era, solar shingles will be on all houses and buildings.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

8. Those are not cost competitive with standard panels today

and there are many who doubt their are viable in the long run.

I have read the literature and talked to their installers and reps. It is intended as a boutique product and even they do no expect broad acceptance.

[DCofVA]

10. This is the lame excuse solar power opponents always use

Back in the 70s when I was in 8th grade, a boy showed me his new calculator. It cost $600.00! Now a days you can get one for $6.00, and ironically, they are usually solar powered.
New technology is always expensive and non cost effective.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

13. Sorry the physical reality bothers you so...

Solar shingles will never be as cost effective as standard panels. Touch labor alone will see to that. Nothing wrong with them other than than it will always be secondary solution for those who do not want their "aesthetics "ruined by panels and have $$$ to spend on such frippery. For the rest of us, panels will remain the most cost effective solution for PV solar.

I have some basis for this opinion, having been on solar for many years. I have a 5kw solar field going to 15 kw in the next few weeks.

[tridim]

4. Bout freaking time.

I can't stand HOA's, and I especially can't stand most HOA activists. It's the pro version of "Get off my lawn!".

[SharonAnn]

5. What are "HOA activists"? Supporters of HOA or attackers of HOA?

[tridim]

6. The citizen wannabe dictators who dominate HOA meetings month after month.

The ones in my last HOA were so annoying that nearly all of my neighbors stopped attending meetings.

[SharonAnn]

9. OK. We've a got a small group of those who got "active" this last year.

They're unbelievable and completely out of control.

And they get on Topix and slander the HOA directors, employees, and residents who stick up for them.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

7. This has been the case is California for some time via the Solar Rights Act

There are even penalties for HOAs and individuals who try and block allowed installations.

[Le Taz Hot]

11. Just one more reason I'm glad I live in

an older, working-class neighborhood. HOA's are one of those things up in the ritzy north part of town I refer to as "Villa de Yuppie." When "the Clampets" down the street decided it was a good idea to put a picnic table out in the front yard along with numerous lawn chairs, ice chests and empty beer bottles someone called the city and complained. The city came out and told them to move the shit to the backyard as they were violating several city ordinances. Problem solved.

[IDemo]

12. Good news, now they should do the same for clothes lines n/t