Arbor Farms HOA

Solar Panels

The board has adopted the following guidelines to support the use of solar energy and to ensure uniform installation and design of solar energy systems.

In addition to conforming with all applicable codes and restrictions of the State of Michigan, Washtenaw County, and Pittsfield Township, all solar
energy systems in Arbor Farms must follow these guidelines.

General Solar Requirements

  1. A modification request must be submitted at least thirty (30) days in advance, and all plans must be pre-approved by the Arbor Farms HOA Board of Directors before installation. The modification request must include detailed plans for the solar system including proposed installation placement, mounting methods, number of panels, and location of all exterior system components.
  2. No solar systems may be installed on any homeowner property until all permits and approvals required by law have been issued.
  3. Each solar system must be maintained in good repair and working order. Any solar system damaged, destroyed, or disused must be removed or repaired within ninety (90) days after such initial damage, destruction, or disuse.
  4. Solar panels smaller than one square foot in size and directly tied to lighting, cameras, or other electronics are not subject to the guidelines set forth in this document.

Roof-Mounted Solar Guidelines

  1. Preferred location of solar panels is a rear-facing, roof-mounted array. For ranch-style houses with no rear-facing roof, the preferred location is the rear half of the side-roof. An exception for flush-mounted roof panels facing a street may be allowed if documentation is provided from the solar contractor indicating this is the only feasible location for effective solar generation.
  2. Roof-mounted arrays must be parallel to the plane of the roof and must not be greater than twelve (12) inches above the roof surface to which it is attached.
  3. Roof-mounted arrays must not extend beyond the perimeter boundary of the roof section to which it is attached and must terminate such distance from the edge of the roof as required by any applicable building and fire codes.
  4. All piping and electrical connections should be located directly under and/or within the perimeter of the panels and must be invisible from all street angles.
  5. Any frames, support brackets, or equipment installed on the roof should be matched to the color of the roof or otherwise be black.
  6. All painted surfaces must be kept in good condition and is the responsibility of the homeowner.
  7. The highest point of a roof-mounted solar panel array must be lower than the ridge of the roof where it is located.

How do I get approval?

For Solar Installations, you will need approval from the Homeowners Association as well as Pittsfield Township and possibly other agencies.
You must have an approved:

You MUST have an approved modification request BEFORE starting Construction!



Source: Arbor Farms Bylaws Article VI, Section 23

Adopted July 2023