Neighbours Trees Blocking Solar Panels

As you may have read in the article it s not just buildings or other such structures that can impact your solar array.

Neighbours trees blocking solar panels.

Trees are a common cause of disagreement between neighbours. A neighbour has a tree and is blocking your sun and you want the neighbour to cut or move his tree so you can pitch a solar panel on your roof and sunbathe in your favourite spot. Maryland has no law requiring a neighbor to not plant trim trees that might shade a solar panel on the ground or on the roof. What are your legal rights if a neighbour decides to build up and block direct sunlight from hitting your solar panels.

It s a problem central adelaide resident jo thomas was forced to confront when she learned a developer had plans to build a four storey building next door. Orient your panels elsewhere or put them on stilts. A frequent source of neighbour disputes involving tree branches is that they block off natural light and you should carefully check your deeds to find out if they contain a specific right to light. The law also recognizes the right to enter into an easement agreement but that requires agreement by the neighbor.

Such deliberately place obstructions are often called spite fences. Branches blocking sunlight from solar panels or tv reception. Trees and solar panels if solar panels are blocked by trees or shade it is possible that the solar panel owner may have a legal action against you. There are two specific statutes in the civil code 801 and 801 5 that deal with the easements and solar easements for solar installations.

There are laws against deeds declarations covenants contracts etc. Your neighbours may have an existing tree which annually whilst full of foliage blocks the sun from your solar array reducing its efficiency by 50. In the absence of a view ordinance or an easement you may be able to show that your neighbor planted the tree or refused to trim it built the fence or was responsible for some other obstruction to deliberately and maliciously block your view. Excepting registered historic properties which prohibit of roof panels e g.

Disputes can be about. As part of a hoa s rules. Complaints are arising from an obscure state law known as the solar shade control act. What to do if a neighbour s tree is affecting you.

Sorry this audio has expired listen to the full story. Roots causing damage to your property. It is also possible to establish a right to light if you can demonstrate that you have had 20 years of uninterrupted enjoyment. Trees have a wonderful habit of blocking the sun.