The Woods of Indian Run covenants have been designed to put into place procedures that will carry forward the Woods of Indian Run desire to enhance the quality of life and improve the environment. In order to ensure that property owners have the freedom to employ alternative energy solutions if desired, solar collectors may be placed on a dwelling or in the back or side yard of the property, located in such a way as not to obstruct windows of adjacent homes.
All solar panel installations must be approved by and conform to City of Dublin renewable energy equipment regulations and have a valid City of Dublin permit.
The board adopts these guidelines to promote the use of solar energy for heating and cooling and to ensure uniform installation and design of solar energy systems:
- Homeowners should first consider all existing structures and landscaping before selecting a site for any proposed solar system.
- All plans must be approved by the Board prior to installation.
- Preferred location of solar panels is either a ground-mounted array (on the side or rear of the house) or a rear-facing, roof-mounted array. Flush-mounted panels (i.e. – the plane of the array is parallel to the roof) on a roof facing a street will be allowed if documentation is provided from the solar contractor indicating this is the only feasible location for a solar array. If panels are installed on a side or rear roof, the array may be tilted or raised if a variance is granted.
- All components of the solar system should be integrated into the design of the home. The color of the solar system components should generally conform to the color of the roof shingles to the extent practical. Solar “shingles” that mimic the look of a composite shingle are acceptable but should match the color of the current roof shingles as much as is practical.
- Applications submitted to the Board should include the following:
- A diagram “drawn to scale” by the licensed contractor installing the system showing where the system will be installed;
- Photos of the roof area where the array will be mounted;
- Material to be used and/or manufacturer’s description of the system, photos and/or pictures of the system and color of the system.
- Where possible, provide photos of similar existing systems as examples.
- Piping and electrical connections will be located directly under and/or within the perimeter of the panels, when possible, and placed as inconspicuous as possible when viewed from all angles.
- The highest point of a solar panel array will be lower than the ridge of the roof where it is attached.
- All painted surfaces will be kept in good repair.
- Changes to adjacent property should not impede an existing or soon-to-be-installed solar system or interfere with any existing solar energy easement.
- A variance to certain sections of these guidelines may be granted if compliance with these guidelines would significantly increase the purchase price of the solar system or significantly decrease its performance or efficiency.
- If a homeowner seeks a variance they must provide a minimum of two bids depicting the cost of installation of the solar systems:
- One bid in compliance with these guidelines
- Second bid depicting the desired alternative location, unless the variance represents the only feasible installation location. The Board may require bids or estimates from a second contractor in order to make an informed decision.