A letter to the Meriwether Architectural Review Committee and the Board of Directors of the Meriwether HOA:

To Whom It May Concern:

I am very disappointed about the disapproval of my solar system.  The entire goal of my proposed solar system is to have the least footprint possible and blend in with the rest of the community. Not only have I selected the most efficient and best looking solar panels available, I also insisted on choosing a system that will be mounted very low to the roof and that will only show minimal gaps between the panels. The all black face and frame of the panels I have chosen will blend nicely with the black asphalt shingles.

Visible impact will also be minimized since the proposed panels will be facing the “alley” where all garages are. There will be only a few places where one will be able to see the panels, therefore keeping the overall look of our community and buildings uniform.

Furthermore I of course will be liable for any costs created by this system, including the removal of the panels at time of roofing replacement or in the very unlikely event of a roof leak caused by my system. Also please note that (as per law required) the install has to be warranted by the installer for ten years. I have chosen Sunwize as my installer due to the excellent reputation and nationwide presence of this company.

My home will be powered entirely by my solar panels making the right step towards a greener environment and community.

I do what I can to reduce my impact on our environment, I have ultra low flow shower heads, recycle where I can, practically never use my AC and drive the greenest car on earth to mention only a few. I am not here to convince anyone else to conserve or live “greener” but I am strongly asking you to allow me to do what I can to make our environment healthy for generations to come!

Luckily there is a law in place to help me with that. Please find attached Civil Code 714 and AB 1892.

Please pay specifically close attention to following sections:

714. (a) Any covenant, restriction, or condition …. That effectively prohibits or restricts the installation or use of solar energy systems is void and unenforceable.

AB 1892 Common interest developments… Existing law provides that any covenant, restriction, or condition …. That effectively prohibits or restricts the installation or use of solar energy systems is void and unenforceable… this bill would apply to the above provisions regarding unenforceability of prohibitions….of solar energy systems, in addition, to the governing documents of a common interest development.

714. (f) any entity…that willfully violates this section shall be liable….and shall pay a civil penalty to the applicant… not to exceed $1000.-

Further more Meriwether bylaws specifically allow the install of solar system in section 2.17

Please be aware that I have no interest in creating any costs to our HOA or community. I have no interest in creating any friction in our community, nor do I want to upset any homeowner. I have very high interest in living in a friendly and clean environment. I appreciate the rules and regulations in effect to ensure the above. However I have great interest in conserving energy resources in any way possible to ensure that our next generation growing up still has a place to live and enjoy!

If you are still think it is necessary to be heard at the next open board meeting I will be more than happy to present my case and explain existing laws in place. However if you believe there is no need for any further discussion of my case please let me know of the approval as soon as you can so that I can proceed in creating a greener environment.

Thank you

Sincerely,