Contributed by Elle Tracy
These days, “green” means tapping into renewable energy and protecting the environment. Community association managers can help guide board members and residents through applications for evaluating, approving, and implementing the installation of green technologies such as solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, rain barrels, wind generators, and heat pumps.
When associations adopt green technologies, there may be financial opportunities such as local or state grants that help offset the costs involved. Communities should look for state grants, IRS tax advantages, local utility financing options, contractor discounts in exchange for references, and enhanced market value of units.
For resident installation, communities should:
❚ Understand state and local laws regarding the specific green technology.
❚ Verify in the governing documents whether and how accessories can be installed and whether modifications to buildings need to be approved.
❚ Research architectural approval for placement 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 depending on the project.
1. Solar Panels
Solar panels can deliver residential electricity including heating hot water and battery storage. Adopters may be candidates for selling excess power back to the local grid. This choice is influenced either by financial or value-oriented reasons. The community should:
❚ Require a 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.
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. The community also should have 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. The community should request facts about noise levels, the number of pieces involved, and where they’ll be placed. If an external component is involved, the owner is responsible for its appearance, maintenance, and possibly camouflage.
4. Rain Barrels
The community should determine maintenance and camouflage requirements.
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
Guidelines for geothermal, biomass, and micro hydroelectric dam green technologies may be dictated by state and local governments.
Elle Tracy is with Whidbey Shores Association in Anacortes, Wash.
>>Learn more about eco-friendly community initiatives in Common Ground March/April 2025.
