|
Article Courtesy of WINK
NEWS
By Rachel Cox-Rosen
Published September 14, 2021
|
WATCH VIDEO |
|
Frank Zhou remembers Hurricane Irma well.
He wants to be ready for the next time Southwest Florida takes a direct hit and
wants to install a whole solar roof.
|
“It was miserable,
especially with kids. We have two kids and you cannot cook,
no AC at night,” Zhou said. “With a solar roof, you can have
all the power you need!”
But there’s a catch. His Island Walk Community Home Owner’s
Association said no. In a rejection letter, the board said
it’s got a problem with the color, tile, and shingles for
the roof.
“I thought it’s really backward,” Zhou said. “I mean this is
the future if you look at the statistics, studies, all that
stuff. People are going to have maybe 90% electric cars in
20 years.” Zhou
said he believes the board is breaking the law. |
|
|
There is a statute that prevents HOA’s from flat out denying homeowners from
putting up solar collectors or other energy devices based on renewable
resources.
Attorney Mark Adamcyzk said Zhou has a case but it’s not a slam dunk.
“It’s a balancing act with the HOA’s right to protect the overall appearance
of the community,” Adamcyzk said. “If someone, in general, wants to put up
solar collectors within a location on the roof that allows them to operate
with reasonable efficiency, the HOA cannot outright say no.”
Zhou said he plans to sue.
The Island Walk HOA Board president said he hopes to talk to Zhou and come
to a compromise.
|
