ASSEMBLYMEMBER TED LIEU
53RD ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
For Immediate Release: February 20, 2008
Contact: David Ford
Phone: (916) 319-2053

Assemblymember Lieu Introduces Legislation to Promote Solar Energy

(Sacramento, CA) – Today, Assemblymember Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) introduced legislation to allow members of homeowner’s associations to more easily install solar energy systems. AB 2180 would prohibit homeowner’s associations from unreasonably restricting the installation of solar panels among their members.

Currently, homeowner’s associations are restricted from prohibiting solar panels within their jurisdictions. They are, however, able to require the installation of these systems subject to approval by the operating board, delaying these projects for an extended amount of time. These delays can cause residents to lose government subsidies and rebates, making the installation much more expensive. AB 2180 would require the homeowner’s association to make a decision within 45 days of the homeowner’s request.
"Every California homeowner should have the opportunity to reduce their energy bills and contribute to solving our state's environmental challenges,” said Sue Kateley, Executive Director of the California Solar Energy Industries Association. “This bill will help many of the people who contact me about problems with obtaining permission from their HOA.”
AB 2180 would require Homeowner’s Associations to establish a time limit for considering approval of these systems. This timeline would ensure that application guidelines for both the California Solar Initiative and Federal tax credits are met and consumers are able to apply for the maximum amounts of rebates. State and Federal programs are funded on a first come, first served basis. By waiting for approval from the homeowner’s association, a resident may miss filing deadlines, adding up to 20-30% of installation cost, which would otherwise be covered by the rebate.

“Many Californians are taking a responsible approach to energy conservation and environment protection. The State has instituted programs to assist consumers with these often expensive projects,” said Assemblymember Lieu. “This bill would ensure that these residents are not excluded from these programs because their association will not meet in a timelier manner”

This bill will be heard in policy committees in the upcoming months.