Thinking About Solar Panels at Wickford Point? Here's What You Need to Know

Interest in residential solar has grown steadily as the technology has improved and costs have come down. If you're a Wickford Point homeowner considering solar panels, the good news is they aren't prohibited here. The ARB has established clear guidelines, however, and approval is required before any installation begins. Here's what you need to know before you start getting quotes.

Get ARB Approval First

As with any exterior modification, you must submit a detailed request to the ARB and receive written approval before any work starts. This applies to all solar energy devices — defined broadly to include any equipment that uses solar energy for heating, cooling, or reducing the use of other energy sources.

Visibility Is the Key Concern

The ARB's primary focus when evaluating a solar installation is its visual impact on the community. To be approved, a solar installation must meet all of the following:

• It must not be visible from the street at all.

• It must not become a focal point when viewed from a neighboring property's primary living areas, including patios, porches, and decks.

• Reflected sunlight must not adversely affect neighboring properties during any season.

In some cases, evergreen screening may help meet these requirements, subject to ARB approval.

Installation Requirements

Panels must be mounted parallel to the roof surface and may not be tilted, elevated, or extend above any ridge line or below any gutter line. Ground-level solar installations are not permitted anywhere on a building lot or in common areas. Small devices with built-in solar panels — such as landscape lighting or attic fans — may be considered by the ARB on a case-by-case basis.

Ownership and Maintenance

Any solar installation must be purchased and owned by the homeowner. Leasing roof space to a solar company that retains ownership of the panels will not be approved — so if you're considering a lease arrangement rather than an outright purchase, be aware that this is not an option at Wickford Point.

As a condition of approval, you'll also need to commit to keeping the installation properly maintained. If a solar device is inoperable for more than 120 days, the guidelines require that it be removed and the property restored to its prior condition.

The Improvement Bond

As with other construction projects, a Lot Owners Improvement Bond of $5,000 must be posted before work begins.

A Note on Solar Easements

If you're concerned that a neighbor's trees or structures might shade your panels, you can make individual arrangements with neighbors regarding access to sunlight — but no neighbor is obligated to agree to such an arrangement, and the HOA and ARB will not be involved in creating or enforcing any such agreements.

Start the Conversation Early

Solar installations involve more variables than most home improvement projects — roof orientation, panel placement, neighbor sightlines, and seasonal sun angles all come into play. The earlier you bring your plans to the ARB, the better your chances of finding an approach that works for everyone. The full Solar Energy Device Guidelines are available on this site.