Media reports around the country have long brought up the occasional dispute between a property owner and their homeowners association over the use of solar panels - not to mention other things such as flagpoles and paint colors.
With this in mind, a recent USA Today report noted that some states are taking steps to prevent homeowner associations from having the power to block individual members from installing solar panels on their homes.
The newspaper noted that Texas and Illinois are among the states where legislation is being considered, while adding that Delaware, Maine, Vermont and Washington passed their own laws in 2009. At least 15 other states reportedly have such laws in place as well.
As solar energy technology continues to mature, lawmakers will find themselves tackling a variety of issues they may not have foreseen in previous years. Still, such home upgrades are likely to become increasingly common as solar panels become more efficient and adaptable.
