Template Letters

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{{hoaName}} Attention: Board of Directors {{hoaAddress}}{{if hoaAddress}}

RE: APPEAL OF SOLAR INSTALLATION DENIAL Property: {{propertyAddress}} Date of Original Denial: {{denialDate}} Decision Reference: {{decisionReference}}{{if decisionReference}}

Dear Board of Directors Members,

I am writing to formally appeal the {{denialDate}} decision denying my request to install a solar energy system at {{propertyAddress}}. After careful review of North Carolina law and the HOA's governing documents, I believe this denial is inconsistent with my statutory rights.

BACKGROUND:

On {{requestDate}}, I submitted a request to install {{systemDescription}} at {{propertyAddress}}. This request was denied on {{denialDate}}. The stated reason was: {{denialReason}}

LEGAL AUTHORITY:

North Carolina General Statute § 22B-20(b) explicitly states:

"Any deed restriction, covenant, or similar binding agreement that would prohibit, or have the effect of prohibiting, the installation of a solar collector that receives solar energy for a residential property...is void and unenforceable."

The statute clarifies that HOAs may establish reasonable restrictions regarding the LOCATION of solar devices but cannot completely prohibit their installation. Furthermore, restrictions that significantly increase the cost or decrease the efficiency of solar systems may also be invalid under North Carolina law.

CASE LAW SUPPORT:

In the 2022 North Carolina Supreme Court case regarding solar rights, the Court affirmed that HOA restrictions cannot effectively deprive homeowners of their statutory right to utilize solar energy.

PROPOSED COMPROMISE:

I am willing to discuss reasonable accommodations that address the HOA's concerns while still allowing me to exercise my rights under NC law. Potential solutions include: • Alternative panel placement that addresses visibility concerns • Additional screening or landscaping • Use of higher-efficiency panels that may reduce the total array size • Other reasonable compromises that do not significantly increase cost or reduce efficiency

REQUESTED ACTION:

I respectfully request that the Board: 1. Reconsider this decision in light of NC Gen. Stat. § 22B-20 2. Provide a written response within 14 days of receipt of this letter 3. If the denial is upheld, provide specific citations to covenant provisions that justify prohibiting solar installation

Please be aware that NC Gen. Stat. § 22B-20(e) authorizes courts to award attorneys' fees to the prevailing party in any action to enforce solar rights. I would prefer to avoid legal proceedings and work collaboratively with the HOA to reach a mutually acceptable solution.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

{{ownerName}} {{ownerEmail}}{{if ownerEmail}} {{ownerPhone}}{{if ownerPhone}}

REFERENCES: • NC Gen. Stat. § 22B-20: Solar Collectors for Residential Property • NC Session Laws 2007-419, HB 1769

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{{hoaName}} Attention: Architectural Review Committee {{hoaAddress}}{{if hoaAddress}}

RE: Request for Approval to Install Solar Energy System Property: {{propertyAddress}}

Dear Architectural Review Committee Members,

I am writing to formally request approval to install a solar energy system on my property at {{propertyAddress}}. I believe this installation will provide significant environmental and economic benefits while complying with all applicable HOA guidelines and North Carolina law.

PROPOSED INSTALLATION DETAILS:

• Property Owner: {{ownerName}} • Installation Address: {{propertyAddress}} • Proposed Location: {{panelLocation}} • Estimated Installation Date: {{installationDate}} • System Size (DC): {{systemSize}} • Installer: {{installerName}}{{if installerName}}

NORTH CAROLINA SOLAR RIGHTS:

As you may be aware, North Carolina law (NC Gen. Stat. § 22B-20) expressly protects the rights of property owners to install solar collectors on residential properties. The statute states that any deed restriction or covenant that would prohibit solar collectors is "void and unenforceable."

I understand that the HOA may establish reasonable restrictions regarding location and screening of solar devices. My proposed installation is designed to: • Minimize visual impact from common areas • Comply with all local building codes • Maintain the structural integrity of the property • Follow all proper installation procedures

REQUESTED ACTION:

I respectfully request that the Architectural Review Committee: 1. Review this request at your next meeting 2. Provide written approval or specific concerns within {{timeline}} days 3. If approval is denied, please provide the specific reasons in writing citing relevant covenant provisions

I am happy to meet with a representative from the committee to discuss the proposal and address any concerns. My solar installer can also provide detailed specifications and answer technical questions.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

{{ownerName}} {{ownerEmail}}{{if ownerEmail}} {{ownerPhone}}{{if ownerPhone}}

REFERENCES: • NC Gen. Stat. § 22B-20: Solar Collectors for Residential Property • NC Session Laws 2007-419, HB 1769

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{{hoaName}} Attention: Architectural Review Committee and Board of Directors {{hoaAddress}}{{if hoaAddress}}

RE: NOTICE OF INTENT TO INSTALL SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM Property: {{propertyAddress}}

Dear Members of the Architectural Review Committee and Board of Directors,

This letter serves as formal notice that I will proceed with the installation of a solar energy system at {{propertyAddress}}.

INSTALLATION DETAILS:

• Property Owner: {{ownerName}} • Property Address: {{propertyAddress}} • Installer: {{installerName}} • Installation Date: {{installationDate}} • System Description: {{systemDescription}}

{{#if noticeType:approved}}BACKGROUND:

On {{requestDate}}, I submitted a request for approval to install a solar energy system. I am pleased that the HOA has granted permission for this installation, and I will proceed with the project as approved. {{#else}}BACKGROUND:

On {{requestDate}}, I submitted a request for approval to install a solar energy system. Despite my follow-up inquiries, I have not received a response from the HOA within {{daysElapsed}} days.

Under North Carolina General Statute § 22B-20 and standard HOA procedural requirements, architectural review committees are generally required to respond to requests within a reasonable timeframe—typically 30 to 60 days. The failure to respond may be construed as approval or a waiver of the right to deny. {{#/if}}

COMPLIANCE STATEMENT:

This installation will: • Comply with all North Carolina solar rights laws (NC Gen. Stat. § 22B-20) • Meet all local building code requirements • Use licensed and certified installers • Obtain all necessary permits • Follow the approved specifications{{#if noticeType:approved}} provided by the HOA{{#/if}}

I am committed to being a responsible member of this community and ensuring that this installation is performed professionally and in compliance with all applicable requirements.

Please consider this letter as formal notification of the installation timeline. Should the HOA have any specific requirements or questions, please contact me directly.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

{{ownerName}} {{ownerEmail}}{{if ownerEmail}} {{ownerPhone}}{{if ownerPhone}}

REFERENCES: • NC Gen. Stat. § 22B-20: Solar Collectors for Residential Property • Local Building Permit # {{permitNumber}}{{if permitNumber}}

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{{hoaName}} Attention: Architectural Review Committee or Property Management {{hoaAddress}}{{if hoaAddress}}

RE: REQUEST FOR SOLAR POLICY INFORMATION Property: {{propertyAddress}}

To Whom It May Concern,

I am a homeowner at {{propertyAddress}} and am considering installing a solar energy system on my property. Before proceeding with my plans, I am requesting certain information from the HOA to ensure I comply with all requirements.

INFORMATION REQUESTED:

1. Does the HOA have a written policy regarding solar panel installations? If so, please provide a complete copy of this policy.

2. Please provide copies of any architectural guidelines, CC&R provisions, or board resolutions that address solar energy systems or renewable energy installations.

3. Have there been any prior solar installations approved in the community? If so, please provide: • Number of approved installations • General location/address (for reference) • Any conditions or restrictions that were imposed

4. If there are no written policies, please confirm in writing whether solar installations are: • Permitted with approval • Permitted without approval • Restricted or prohibited • Addressed in any other governing documents

5. If architectural review is required, please provide: • The application process and required forms • Review timeline and meeting schedule • Any associated fees • Criteria used for approval decisions

STATUTORY CONTEXT:

As you may know, North Carolina law (NC Gen. Stat. § 22B-20) protects residential property owners' rights to install solar collectors. I want to ensure full compliance with both the law and our HOA's guidelines.

REQUESTED TIMELINE:

Please provide this information within 10 business days of receipt of this letter. If any of the requested information is not available, please indicate so in writing.

Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to reviewing the HOA's solar policy and guidelines.

Sincerely,

{{ownerName}} {{ownerEmail}}{{if ownerEmail}} {{ownerPhone}}{{if ownerPhone}}

Property Owner: {{propertyAddress}}