Jan 21, 2008 2:51 pm US/Eastern
Measure Aimed At Encouraging Solar Energy
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) ―
A bill in the General Assembly would allow people to use solar panels on their homes without having to worry about homeowner association rules.
The measure, sponsored by Frederick area Delegate Sue Hecht, would also allow people to create an easement for the sun rays that land on their roof to prevent neighbors from building obstructions.
Last year, Hecht championed a new law to increase the amount of solar energy used by electric suppliers and to allow residents to get credit for solar power they produced. She says that bill has made Maryland one of the leading solar states in the country and says her new proposal is another step.
Tony Clifford, president of Gaithersburg-based Standard Solar, supports the bill. He says associations usually haven't objected to the panels, but often their regulations were written before resident solar panels were an option.
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