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Can Your HOA Stop You from Installing Solar Energy in Florida?

Posted on December 11, 2024 by Rocio Juarez

Are you thinking of installing solar energy? It is a wise decision. However, you might be curious whether your homeowners association (HOA) can stop you. Sometimes, HOAs have strict rules designed to maintain property values and uphold the aesthetic standards of the community.

We have good news to share. Florida law is on your side. According to state regulations, HOAs cannot stop you from installing rooftop solar panels. Your installation only needs to comply with relevant building codes and standards.

What Does the Law Say?

Under Florida Statute 163.04, HOAs are prohibited from denying homeowners the right to install solar energy systems. Even if your HOA is worried about how solar panels look or affect property values, they cannot ban them outright. However, there are some nuances to consider:

Some HOAs may require homeowners to seek approval before making adjustments to their homes, including installing solar panels. While this is allowed, the HOA processes your request within a reasonable timeframe and will provide a written decision.

An HOA may impose certain restrictions related to the placement of solar panels. However, these restrictions cannot significantly impair the performance or efficiency of the solar energy system. If an HOA denies your request, they must provide a written explanation outlining the specific reasons for their decision. These reasons must be legitimate and cannot serve as an arbitrary barrier to solar installation.

How to Navigate the HOA Approval Process

If your HOA has a formal approval process for home remodellings, it’s essential to follow the steps carefully:

Consult Your Installer: Your solar provider will typically assist you with the necessary paperwork. We will ensure that your proposed installation meets local building codes. We will be more than happy to assist you in the entire process.
Submit a Formal Request: Provide detailed plans and documentation to your HOA for review.
Communicate Proactively: Address any concerns your HOA might have about the appearance or impact of the solar panels.
Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with Florida’s solar access laws to ensure your HOA complies with state regulations.

The Sunshine State Advantage

Florida’s abundant sunshine makes it an ideal location for energy efficiency. Installing rooftop solar panels will definitely benefit you. It allows you to reduce your utility bills, increase your home’s value, and contribute to a cleaner environment. All while enjoying protection under the law.

Don’t let outdated misconceptions or unnecessary hurdles stop you from harnessing the power of the sun. You can ensure a smooth installation process and start enjoying the benefits of renewable energy. Volt home will be happy to assist you in the entire process. Why don’t you schedule a consultation with us and learn about the ways we have worked with HOAs?

Can Solar Panels Damage Your Roof?

Posted on November 25, 2024 by Rocio Juarez

Thinking about solar but worried about potential roof damage? You’re not alone—many homeowners wonder if installing solar panels might lead to leaks or costly repairs. In the worst cases, an improperly installed system can cause leaks that lead to water damage, structural issues, or even safety concerns. But here’s the good news: when done right, solar installations rarely cause roof problems.

In this guide, we’ll look at the real risks of roof leaks with solar, why they’re uncommon with a good installer, and how you can ensure your installation goes smoothly and safely.

Why Roof Leaks from Solar Panels Are Rare with the Right Installer

Leaks caused by solar panels are usually the result of poor installation, not the panels themselves. A reputable solar installer knows how to avoid damage by using quality materials, correct mounting methods, and making sure everything’s watertight.

In fact, with a skilled installer, solar panels can even help protect your roof. They create a barrier against direct sunlight, heavy rain, and hail, which can extend your roof’s life by reducing wear and tear. Again,there is no reason to worry,you only have to find the right installer.

How to Prevent Roof Damage Before and After Solar Installation

Choose an experienced, reputable installer: Work with a licensed solar company that has a solid track record. Quality installers do a detailed assessment of your roof to ensure it’s in good condition for solar.

Get a thorough roof inspection: If there’s pre-existing damage, it’s better to know and address it before panels go up.

Ask about warranties: A good solar installer will offer a strong warranty for both the panels and installation work.

Schedule routine check-ups: Regular inspections and maintenance help prevent small issues from turning into expensive repairs down the line.

Solar Panels as a Roof Protector

One of the hidden benefits of solar panels is they act like a shield for your roof. By blocking direct exposure to sunlight, rain, and hail, solar panels can help reduce the wear and tear that naturally happens over time. This added protection can keep your roof looking and functioning better for longer.

Take the Next Step with Confidence

Ready to go solar and leave roof concerns behind? Volt Home provides expert installation to keep your roof safe while helping you enjoy the benefits of clean, renewable energy. From the first assessment to the final installation, we make sure your home is protected at every step.

Reach out to schedule an appointment with one of our experts. We’ll walk you through the process, address any concerns, and ensure a seamless installation you can trust.

The impact of solar panels in the agricultural and livestock sector

Posted on July 30, 2023 by dy8dm

Electric power, until now, has been essential for agricultural and livestock activity in many countries. It is the main resource to start all production processes.

The field industry depends entirely on different tools and machinery that facilitate heavy work, help to improve production more and more and increase efficiency.

It can be thought that most of these machines are motorized, such as tractors or harvesters, but electrical energy is still essential to carry out other tasks, such as irrigation, heating or cooling products (milk in a dairy or cereals in the silos), the operation of facilities, etc.

For this reason, we see more and more producers investing in alternative and renewable energies, especially photovoltaics. Solar panels became a key element in guaranteeing both the proper functioning of the processes in those remote places where the electrical system is weak, as well as saving resources.

For now, they have become a backup for producers when there are failures in the electrical system. But the statistics show that more and more we are going to see entire fields generating their own energy through solar panels.

In other words, we are evidencing the transition of the countryside towards greater autonomy and sustainability.

Argentina leads the investment in solar panels for the field

The development of solar panels has grown remarkably in recent years. Renewable energy has become a great solution for hundreds of producers, as well as a possibility to carry out more sustainable practices.

In fact, Argentina is the Latin American country that leads the investment in photovoltaic energy. Although this type of system implies a large investment, producers see long-term benefits, especially in economic performance and environmental impact, which is why they decide to bet on them.

What are these benefits?

One of them is the reinvestment of money spent on Diesel for the generators. With solar panels, that money can be invested in crops, livestock or machinery.

Another is the reduction of pollution that these activities imply. Through photovoltaics, farmers and ranchers can develop sustainable practices in the field and encourage a complete transformation of the sector.

Finally, we must not forget the reduction of noise pollution either. Solar panels generate much less noise than generators, allowing for longer hours of use and installation in any area.

Solar panels in the field replace windmills

Given that since 2019 solar panels have been registering a significant decrease in cost, we see them more and more in different sectors of society. As we have been seeing, the agricultural and livestock sector is one of them.

Solar pumps are one of these many uses and, since solar panels generate direct and alternating current electricity, such as the one needed by the pumps, they began to replace the famous windmills.

Also, solar panels are more advantageous than windmills for two reasons:

They have a lower cost
They do not need maintenance.

What kind of solar panels are best for the field?

Currently, technological development has allowed the solar energy market to produce different variables that are better adapted to the needs of each sector. There are thermosolar, hybrid, transparent, flexible panels, etc. and of various materials, such as silicon or perovskite.

For the field, photovoltaic panels are the best. These are the most common, that is, those that absorb solar radiation and transform it into energy, storing it in batteries.

The technology of these panels allows them to be installed anywhere, be it on the roof of a building, on the ground or even in the water.

It is not by chance, then, all these changes that are taking place in the countryside. Little by little, agricultural producers such as ranchers begin to see the great benefits of photovoltaics, betting on investing in solar panels.

Which are the countries with the largest renewable solar energy capacity?

Posted on July 30, 2023 by dy8dm

Solar energy is a renewable energy that has become fundamental in reducing carbon emissions, especially in countries with the highest pollution. The current installed capacity allows us to think of a record growth in the coming years.

As awareness of global warming and climate change grows, countries are concentrating their efforts on intensifying the production of renewable solar energy. For this reason, more and more facilities around the world are looking to reduce carbon emissions.

According to studies, it is estimated that the total installed capacity at the end of 2019 increased to about 627 gigawatts (GW) worldwide.

Given these numbers, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that renewable solar energy will set new records from 2022.

Solar energy: information on yields

Solar photovoltaic generation increased 22% in 2019, representing the second-highest power generation growth of all renewable technologies. The first was hydroelectric and, behind solar energy, wind power.

China is undoubtedly the world’s largest market for renewable solar energy. Since they plan to further reduce emissions before 2060, it is estimated that the activity will grow even more in the coming years.

In any case, solar energy is already a fact in many parts of the world, which are even intensifying their efforts and creating new technologies.

What are the countries with the largest solar energy capacity in the world?

1.China – 205 GW

China has the world’s largest installed solar power fleet, producing about 205 GW (2019), according to the IEA Renewables 2020 report.

Even that same year, electricity generation from solar energy increased to 223.8 terawatt hours (TWh).

China is the country with the most emissions in the world, which is why its economy and energy needs give rise to the growth of renewable energy.

Currently, the largest solar plant in China is the Huanghe Hydropower Hainan Solar Park (2.2 GW) in Qinghai province.

2.United States – 76 GW

The United States had the second largest installed solar capacity in the world in 2019, with a total of 76 GW and a production of 93.1 TWh of electricity.

The country is looking to increase its efforts to produce more renewable energy and fully decarbonise its energy system. For this reason, installations in the United States are estimated to reach around 419GW.

The states with the most solar projects are California, Texas, Florida and Virginia.

The reason behind the US growth is the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). This obliges energy distributors to supply a percentage of electricity from renewable sources.

3.Japan – 63.2 GW

Japan ranks third among the countries with the largest solar power capacity. It has a park of 63.2 GW in 2019, according to IEA data, generating 74.1 TWh of electricity.

The popularity of renewable energy stems from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, which led the country to scale back its nuclear plants. It is estimated that by 2025, installed solar capacity in Japan could reach 100GW, depending on government policies and production costs.

4.Germany – 49.2 GW

In Europe, the leading country in renewable energy is Germany, with a park of about 49.2 GW in 2019, which generates 47.5 TWh of electricity.

With the German government proposing to increase its 2030 solar installation target to 100 GW, solar installations have grown remarkably.

Small-scale private facilities are common in Germany, because they are supported by the government. On the other hand, utility-scale projects are expected to grow in the coming years.

Currently the largest project is the 187 megawatt (MW) facility at Weezoow-Willmersdorf, northeast of Berlin.

5. India – 38 GW

India has the fifth largest installed solar capacity in the world, totaling 38 GW in 2019, and produces 54 TWh of electricity.

India is the third largest emitter of carbon dioxide in the world, so the demand for renewable energy is expected to grow throughout the region. In addition, policies are being implemented to end the use of fossil fuels.

The government has set a target of 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. The driving force behind the change is the extraordinary cost competitiveness of solar power, which outperforms coal power.

What are the largest solar energy sources in the world?

As we said, solar energy became the fastest growing energy source and this is due to the constant projects that arise in different countries and the need to exploit the potential of each country.

We show you the plants or energy sources

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