A Reuters article, “Japan solar power dream alluring for investors”, explores the idea of feed-in tariffs to move solar energy forward in Japan and away from nuclear energy. “California Moves to Avoid Europe’s Perils in Encouraging Green Power” from Solar Climate News reviews the renewable auction mechanism for supporting solar energy in the U.S. Technology in solar energy is moving forward, the cost of solar panels is decreasing, and policies guiding the financial support for solar energy are evolving. In the mainstream, photovoltaic cells are commonplace on street lights and landscaping lights. People are becoming more aware of the benefits surrounding solar energy, and are taking steps to make it part of their homes.
Unfortunately, people nationwide are running into some problems with bringing solar energy to their homes and neighborhoods. In Georgia, there have been two major news stories about HOAs denying residents the right to put solar panels on their homes. On August 12, cbsatlanta.com reported on a Marc Rhodes from Duluth who wasn’t given a fair chance to vote on whether or not he would be able to put solar panels on his roof. Despite the fact that he is a member of his HOA’s board, the HOA told him that they unanimously voted against solar panels. The second incident inspired David Dobs of Cumming to write “Georgia HOA denies couple their solar dream” , start a Facebook page, and begin an on-line petition to educate people on the injustice that is being done by HOAs on those who are just looking to save money on electricity and clean up their environment.
It is discouraging to see that HOAs across the US are denying homeowners the right to install solar panels on their own homes. This backwards way of thinking is slowing down progress towards cleaning up our air and water. Never mind talk about global warming and climate change. It is clear that the classic and tangible issues of air and water pollution are still a problem. A part of the solution would be to cease the burning of coal to produce electricity.
Hurricane Irene gave us another scare in regards to a possible repeat of Japan’s tsunamis and earthquakes. What would it take for people to realize the advantages of solar energy? Millions of people lost power for days. Flooded basements due to failed sump pumps and rotten food plague most residents who lost power, but could that have been avoided with solar power and batteries to store that captured energy?
There is a Native American proverb that says, “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” Are HOAs brave enough to allow residents to take advantage of solar energy? I commend HOAs that actually do allow their residents to install solar panels. They are showing initiative by investing in cleaner air, cleaner water, and healthier people.