New Arc Mod Standard – Solar Panels

Greetings, Windsor Mews community! In accordance with recent changes to Virginia law, the Board has adopted a new set of design standards for installations of solar panels. Under the previous standards, solar panels were entirely prohibited; however, they are now an option for homeowners, pursuant to the following:

WMHOA Solar Panel Architectural Modification Guidelines

1. HOA approval shall be required for all solar panels and complete details must be submitted to the HOA as part of an architectural modification application. The HOA reserves the right to reject proposed installation designs, consistent with Virginia law.

2. Solar panels may be installed on rooftops only. Ground or pole-mounted solar panels are prohibited. Panels must be black or match roof color.

3. Solar panels must be flush to the roof whenever possible, and installation only on the rear-facing roof is strongly recommended. Elevated or front-facing panels will only be considered by the HOA in the event that flush and/or rear-facing panels would substantially increase cost or reduce generation, as evidenced by sufficient documentation from an independent solar panel design specialist who is certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners and licensed in Virginia. Panels must not break the roof ridge line or extend beyond any part of the roof.

4. All external hardware/piping/conduits must be in the rear of the home and must be safely distanced, to the greatest extent possible, from any and all common areas and neighboring property lines. Colors of the piping and conduit must match trim or siding color or the residence and be concealed wherever possible. Devices that are part of the installation (such as inverters) must be placed inside the dwelling whenever possible.

5. HOA approval of solar panels solely confirms compliance with Windsor Mews visual design standards. All owners remain fully responsible for compliance with any and all applicable local, state and federal laws, rules, regulations, or restrictions on installation and use of solar panels, including but not limited to building and electrical codes.

Feel free to email the Board (hoaboard@windsormews.org) with any questions or concerns.