Solar shade control: notice.
The proposed changes primarily consist of nonsubstantive adjustments to the notice requirements for property owners planning to install solar collectors. The bill allows owners to provide written notice via certified mail to adjacent property owners who may be affected by the new solar installations. This notice must be sent no more than 60 days before the installation, providing transparency and informing affected neighbors of potential impacts on their property due to the installation of solar energy systems.
Assembly Bill 2351, introduced by Assembly Member Cristina Garcia, aims to amend the existing provisions of the Solar Shade Control Act found in Section 25982.1 of the Public Resources Code. The core of the legislation addresses the impact of tree and shrub growth on solar collectors. Specifically, it prohibits property owners from allowing any tree or shrub to be planted or to grow if it could cast a shadow over solar collectors installed on adjacent properties, provided that the shadow exceeds 10 percent of the collector's absorption area. This legislation underscores the importance of maintaining access to solar energy and its benefits by preventing obstructions to solar collectors.
While AB 2351 does not introduce significant changes in policy, concerns could arise regarding the balance between property rights and community interests. The requirement for written notification may present logistical challenges for property owners who plan to develop solar energy on their homes. Furthermore, homeowners may be impacted by neighboring property owners' compliance or noncompliance with the shade control provisions, potentially leading to disputes over property aesthetics and value as it relates to solar access.