Solar panel enthusiasts on Reddit celebrated the news that Michigan homeowners would no longer be subject to approvals by their homeowners associations when installing solar panels, thanks to a change in state laws.
A thread in r/Solar linked to an MLive article on the topic titled "HOAs in Michigan lose veto power over rooftop solar, home EV charging and more." It detailed a piece of 2024 legislation that granted Michigan homeowners protection for home energy efficiency improvements, including solar panels.
Solar panels are, in fact, the most effective home energy improvement you can make. They turn one of the world's most abundant free resources, sunlight, into valuable electricity — often enough of it to eliminate your energy bill. Better yet, when generating power this way, they don't create heat-trapping air pollution, so they don't contribute to the overheating of the planet. If you want to install solar panels and save money, EnergySage's free tools can help you find vetted energy installers and compare quotes between them to get the best deal.
Despite these advantages, HOAs are notorious for denying residents solar panels just because of how they look. Some homeowners have managed to change the rules, but it's an involved process.
That's probably why commenters were gleeful at the new law.
"Every time an HOA seethes, an angel is born," said one user.
"I'd never ever ever live in a neighborhood with an HOA and no idea why anyone would want to. I'll do what I wish with my property," said another commenter.
Installing solar panels can get expensive upfront, so it's important to get every discount and rebate you can. EnergySage can help with that, saving the average buyer up to $10,000. It uses a helpful mapping tool to lay out average costs on a state-by-state basis and help you determine what purchase and installation incentives are available in your area.
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. |
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Should homeowners associations be able to determine what you grow in your garden?
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