Going Green: Your HOA’s Guide

Green these days means tapping into renewable energy and protecting the environment. Community managers can help guide boards through applications for evaluating, approving, and implementing the installation of eco-friendly systems. Green technologies may include solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, rain barrels, wind generators, heat pumps, and other options. All probably require board approval. Once permission is granted, an implementation process follows.

For unit installation:

❚ Verify in the client’s governing documents how accessories can be installed. Modifications to buildings can be approved.

❚ Research architectural approval for placement, which the board controls, but which cannot impede or lessen the operation of the appliance.

❚ Require engaging a properly licensed, insured, and bonded vendor with verifiable credentials.

❚ Plan for implementation that meets the association’s requirements.

❚ Decide what paperwork covers the installation and where the record is kept.

There can be additional appropriate special steps given the project.

1. Solar Systems

Solar systems deliver residential electricity including heating hot water and battery storage using solar panels. Adopters may be candidates for selling excess power back to the local grid. This choice is influenced either by financial or value-oriented reasons.

Guide the board to:

❚ Require written agreement to protect association assets and maintain the panels.

❚ Check for state and municipal regulations. For example, in Washington state, after July 1, 2025, panels must be purchased from a manufacturer with a stewardship program that recycles unwanted panels.

❚ Verify whether a permit is required. If it is, get a copy of the post-inspection paperwork.

2. EV Charging Stations

If a unit includes a garage:

❚ For a 220-volt-or-higher residential charging station, a local permit may be required. If convenient, an owner can charge in their garage using a 120-volt outlet without a permit.

If a unit owns an assigned spot in a common garage, the board may require:

❚Electrical engineering expertise to evaluate the charging load on existing electrical infrastructure.

❚ Separate metering for the charger.

3. Heat Pumps

With many varieties, the key is understanding which type is involved. Objections can be for noise and aesthetics.

Get these facts:

❚ Noise levels.

❚ Number of pieces involved and placement inside and outside the residence.

❚ If an external component is involved, the owner is responsible for its appearance, maintenance, and possibly camouflage.

Note: In stand-alone homes defined as condominiums, it is less expensive to require a signed covenant instead of amending CC&Rs to allow the generator on common ground.

4. Rain Barrels

You can advise the board as to maintenance requirements, including camouflage.

5. Wind Generators

The most complex of the technologies, owners may choose small turbines as a power source. These installations may be the most regulated. Understanding the state and local laws here is essential.

6. Other

We’ll leave geo-thermal, biomass, and micro hydro electric dams for another article. If you’re dealing with one of these options, the only guidelines may be state and local. Any association based on these energy sources should be well informed.

7. Association Implementations

When associations adopt green technologies, there may be financial opportunities you can help your client develop. There may be local or state grants that help offset the costs involved. Look for state grants, IRS tax advantages, local utility financing options, contractor discounts in exchange for references, and enhanced market value of units.

Finally, you can encourage residents to use rubbish bins appropriately, including recycle bins or local electronic recycling options. Countertop compost appliances or food-waste chip producers can be used to help residents live lightly on the planet.