Washington State Should Legalize Balcony Solar

> The biggest difference is that Washington’s bill explicitly addresses HOAs and landlords. Utah’s bill only constrains utilities. If you’re a renter or live in a condo in Utah, your landlord or HOA can still prohibit balcony solar even though the utility can’t. Washington’s bill amends the HOA statute directly: governing documents “may not prohibit the placement or use of a portable solar generation device by an owner or resident.” Landlords face the same restriction.

This is really great to see. I understand it is an issue of freedoms, and that HOAs are technically private agreements people are entering into. But in many places, you have no choice but to buy or rent property that is subject to an HOA. That’s just where the supply is. And I think it’s a problem to be subjected to their arbitrary rules or corrupt HOA leadership.

It’s also a problem for discrimination. Many HOA rules are selectively enforced. Are you friends with the HOA president? Maybe you have the right ethnicity? Your issues may be overlooked. But if you’re not on the right side of things, maybe they will make your life hell.