Gavel Insight

Understanding Solar Access Rights in Mississippi ☀️ Mississippi homeowners are increasingly turning to solar energy as a sustainable and cost-effective power source. However, disputes can arise when a neighbor obstructs your solar panels, reducing their efficiency and cutting into your energy savings. In Mississippi, solar access rights are not as clearly defined as in some other states, but property owners still have legal options if their solar panels are blocked. Checking Local Laws and Regulations 📜 Mississippi does not have a state-wide solar access law that explicitly protects homeowners from obstruction by neighbors. However, local city ordinances, homeowner association (HOA) rules, and restrictive covenants may contain relevant provisions. - Research Local Zoning Laws: Some Mississippi cities and counties regulate structures, trees, and other potential obstructions. - Check HOA Rules: If you live in an HOA-governed community, review its covenants to see if solar panel...

🌞 Understanding New Jersey's Solar Access Laws New Jersey encourages solar energy adoption, but neighbor disputes can arise if someone blocks your solar panels. While state law does not guarantee absolute solar access, homeowners have legal options when dealing with obstructions. ⚖️ Legal Rights to Solar Access in New Jersey New Jersey does not have specific state-wide solar access laws that prevent a neighbor from blocking sunlight to your solar panels. However, legal remedies may be available under property laws, local ordinances, and private agreements. 📜 Local Zoning and Ordinances - Some municipalities have solar access laws restricting structures or vegetation that block solar panels. - Check with local zoning boards or municipal offices for regulations in your area. 🏡 Homeowners' Associations (HOAs) - HOAs cannot enforce rules that unreasonably restrict solar panel installation due to New Jersey’s Solar Rights Law. - However, they may regulate placement b...

🌞 Understanding Oregon’s Solar Access Laws Oregon encourages the use of solar energy, but disputes arise when a neighbor’s trees, structures, or other obstructions block sunlight to your solar panels. While there is no universal “right to sunlight,” legal protections exist to preserve solar access in certain circumstances. ⚖️ Solar Easements in Oregon A solar easement is a voluntary agreement between property owners to preserve access to sunlight. In Oregon, these easements must be: ✔️ In writing ✔️ Filed with the county recorder ✔️ Signed by both parties If you have a recorded solar easement and your neighbor violates it by constructing an obstruction, you may have legal grounds for enforcement. 📜 Oregon’s Solar Rights Law Oregon law (ORS 215.044) allows cities and counties to regulate construction that might block solar energy devices. Certain municipalities provide homeowners with greater protections against shading caused by new structures. Check with your local plannin...