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We’ve recently noticed, at a certain time in the afternoon, that neighbors solar panels send a blinding glare into our backyard. We realize it’s only for a few minutes, and will change as the sun moves throughout the year...but it’s pretty bad when it does.
I’ve asked wife to try n be aware of time it happens and duration...two a few pictures to show them.
Wondering if anyone has had to approach a neighbor with this sort of issue? We don’t have solar, not familiar with its set up or if a fix on their end is possible.
Planting some Lelands this weekend, but don’t think they will grow fast enough to help this summer.
The only way to get peace back in your life when you have an issue bothering you about a neighbor, is to 100% say something... you say it politely..asking if they can be moved or if they can plant some cover (why should you?).. and i've found more often than not they feel guilty and will correct the issue. If not, then you may have to go back and forth a few times threatening town code, etc. Call your local town building department and ask about the code, a neighbor can not create a nuisance that inhibits your quality of life. If you don't confront them, it will fester and drive you mad.
I have a cousin in another state who is experiencing a situation like yours after a neighbor had solar panels installed. She was surprised they were even allowed because they live in an HOA but apparently the HOA doesn't prohibit them. Unfortunately the HOA does prohibit anything but "approved plantings" and so she can't even plant any kind of a privacy screen to block the glare.
She ended up having to change the window treatments on the affected windows to a material that still allows visibility but blocks most of the blinding glare during the hours when it's a problem. She also bought one of those extra-large patio umbrellas that are on a separate offset stand and can be tilted (I think they are called Cantilever umbrellas?) at various angles as needed. I believe hers is about 13' or 14' in diameter. Would something like that help your situation?
Status:
"Let this year be over..."
(set 23 days ago)
Location: Where my bills arrive
19,219 posts, read 17,095,590 times
Reputation: 15538
How many days a year is this occurring? Is it much different from when there is glare from a house or car windshield? If its only a few days a year (if its sunny) is it really worth starting in over.
@VA Yankee.. I agree but obviously he's posting here so it is bothering him enough to come to the forum and ask...in my opinion if it's bothering someone that much then it will never not, so remedy it... we pay too much for our homes to be annoyed and i'm sure the neighbor doesn't realize it so you start out... "I'm sure you don't realize this but..."
Status:
"Let this year be over..."
(set 23 days ago)
Location: Where my bills arrive
19,219 posts, read 17,095,590 times
Reputation: 15538
Quote:
Originally Posted by mx313
@VA Yankee.. I agree but obviously he's posting here so it is bothering him enough to come to the forum and ask...in my opinion if it's bothering someone that much then it will never not, so remedy it... we pay too much for our homes to be annoyed and i'm sure the neighbor doesn't realize it so you start out... "I'm sure you don't realize this but..."
Someone posting to complain on social media is not a benchmark standard that a situation has so become serious, especially on the CD LI Board. You pay too much for your homes because that's the cost of doing business there not because it gives you an elevated expectation of rights or quality of living.
What is the neighbor going to do alter the installation for the 5-7 days that this "annoyance" occurs for a couple of minutes if the sun is out?
you're about as sharp as a doorknob...you can't impose, create, or cause any nuisance by a structure or noise to a neighbor..its basic town code. So lets come shine a spotlight in your window everyday, you can sit there like the sucker you are
Wondering if anyone has had to approach a neighbor with this sort of issue? We don’t have solar, not familiar with its set up or if a fix on their end is possible.
Planting some Lelands this weekend, but don’t think they will grow fast enough to help this summer.
Solar panels must be pointed within a narrow angle to maximize their potential to generate energy from the sun's rays. There is no "fix" to the reflections except to remove the solar panels, move your home or move the sun or build a big wall. You can mitigate the problem by changing your behavior to avoid the time period the reflections effect is irritating you or by adding curtains/drapes or other obstacles to the sunlight path.
As you say it only seems to be a problem for a few minutes of the day, it seems that you avoiding being where the reflections are a problem would be the least impactful solution.
Aint nothing more blinding or obnoxious than white PVC fence. That crap needs to be banned.
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