A complete rewrite of irc section p3103 1 regarding rooftop dwv terminations now specifically allows solar panels to be placed over the top of plumbing vents.
New solar panel rules.
In addition certain towns and cities in new york have zoning rules that allow for solar access protection.
In particular a homeowner association may not prevent the installation of solar collectors on the roof of a home.
The new legislation provides that a restriction is not reasonable if it increases the cost of installation of the solar panels by 5 percent over the projected cost of the initially proposed installation or reduces the energy production by 10 percent below the projected production.
By substituting bipv for standard building materials you can cut down on the additional cost of solar panel mounting systems.
For example some local zoning rules limit the height of certain types of vegetation that might shade solar panels or limit the height of new buildings altogether.
The code now recognizes that plumbing vents may be in the way but they can actually share the space with solar panels.
The new rules will stifle competition allowing utilities to strengthen their monopolies and raise costs for customers washington based solar energy industries association said in a statement.
Bipv technology when used on the building s facades atrium terrace floor and canopies.
The association may determine where on the roof the collectors may be installed so long as the collectors face within 45 degrees of due south.
The good news is that the bipv solar panel systems enable homeowners to save on building materials and electric power costs.
Jessica hendricks with the alliance for affordable energy a new orleans consumer group testified that the rules effectively would allow utility companies to buy electricity from solar panel.
The solar pv system is located at your primary or secondary residence in the united states or for an off site community solar project if the electricity generated is credited against and does not exceed your home s electricity consumption 4 you own the solar pv system i e you purchased it with cash or through.
These zoning laws vary throughout the state so they may not exist in.