Solar

While the Association encourages the use of energy devices that are based on renewable resources, it must balance that use with its responsibility to improve and enhance the attractiveness, desirability, and safety of the community. Therefore, HRCA Architect Committee approval is required for all roof-mounted devices, including solar panels and shades. The following standards apply to installation, maintenance, and use of roof mounted and solar devices. 

Solar Panels

• the type of device to be installed 
• the dimensions of the device,
• the proposed color of device, and 
• a pictorial/brochure of the device (if available)

• To the maximum extent possible, a roof mounted device or solar device shall be installed so as to minimize its exposure when viewed from any other Privately Owned Site, Common Area, Community Association Properties, street, or from the surrounding community unless to do so will have the effect of substantially interfering with the use of the device or significantly increasing the cost of the device. 
• The preferred location of the device shall be on the back roof of the residence and below the peak of the roof. Alternatively, the device may be pole mounted in the rear area of a private yard below the fence line and, to the maximum extent possible, shall be screened from the view of others by landscaping materials. 
• All devices shall be installed flush with the roof unless to do so will have the effect of prohibiting the collection of solar energy. 
• The total number of solar panels and other apparatus installed shall not cover more than 75% of any given roof section, unless to do so will have the effect of prohibiting the collection of solar energy. 
• All installations must comply with all applicable building codes and other governmental regulations, and must be secured so that they do not jeopardize the safety of residents or cause damage to adjacent properties.
  
  The Committee will review other suggested locations/installations if the above are not feasible.
  
  Aesthetics
  The Association encourages the Owner to select equipment that is aesthetically acceptable in the community and integrates with the residence and surrounding landscape to the maximum extent possible, keeping in mind the design and roofline of the residence on which the device is to be installed. 

Solar Shades

• Operable or motorized solar shades may only be placed on the rear or side elevation.
• Each window must have its own shade, all windows must be covered on the same elevation.
• Shades must allow visible light transmittance, solid shades are not permitted. Shade colors must be submitted and are subject to review for compatibility with the home’s base and trim colors.
• Housing, track (or cable) and mechanism must be concealed behind trim to blend with the home. Window, trim style and shape must be maintained. Details must be submitted with application.
• Fixed solar shades and operable or motorized solar shades cannot be installed on the same elevation.