solar panels (Phoenix: hoa, job, houses)

[mamom1]

Are there a lot more houses putting up solar panels? Do most HOA allow homeowners to put up solar panels?

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by mamom1

Are there a lot more houses putting up solar panels? Do most HOA allow homeowners to put up solar panels?

Very few. Tile roofs just don't go well with panels. I've seen a couple of solar pool heaters. State law prohibits HOAs from stopping homeowners who want to put up solar panels.

[dbrady]

Very True!

Its what i do for a living. The HOA can suggest the location, but they cannot stop you from putting up panels.

We have put them up in the most exclusive of communities here in Phoenix.

Its our job to make them look good as well as perform!!

[Kentstate57]

Isn't it a pity we needed a state law to allow us to put solar panels on our own roof? HOAs might be able to "suggest" a location, but by law they cannot specify a location that will impair the proper functioning of the panels. That is the key.

[Rawhide Kid]

We are currently in a lower middle class neighborhood, and a neighbor two homes away did solar panels. They got a good rebate from APS (?) on it, making them "break even" on the cost in about 10 years if all goes well.

If you are in your house to stay, they are a good investment. Will also drive up re-sale value, but not enough of course to balance it out. I'm looking at them for the near future (1-2 years) as I think they are a good investment.

[joninaz]

I'm waiting on several companies who have seemingly developed techniques to vastly reduce the expense of panels.

It's kind of like buying the first home computer or first flat TV. These were among the very expensive products for the early adopters, but the early adopters allow the companies to keep getting more efficient.

Once we get solar into the 2-3 year ROI, people will pay for it like they do PCs, TVs, etc.

[teepolo]

Originally Posted by dbrady

Very True!

Its what i do for a living. The HOA can suggest the location, but they cannot stop you from putting up panels.

We have put them up in the most exclusive of communities here in Phoenix.

Its our job to make them look good as well as perform!!

Is there a substantial savings in a monthly electric bill when using solaar panels?

[fcorrales80]

Originally Posted by teepolo

Is there a substantial savings in a monthly electric bill when using solaar panels?

Yes, there can be an incredible savings from solar panels. You can check APS and SRP's sight, but actually many homeowners sell back power to the grid rather than purchase electricity. Only during cloudy weather does one need to rely on conventional power supplies.