Antonio Commends Passage of Bill to Allow Solar Panels in Condominiums

Today, state Senator Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) announced the Senate's passage of Substitute Senate Bill 61, her bill to strengthen a number of consumer protection provisions for condominium owners and makes changes to the law regarding solar panel installation in condo properties and planned communities. “In Ohio, solar energy is one of the fastest growing sectors, providing increased employment opportunities and supporting local supply chains,” Antonio said. “Homes with solar power systems are more attractive to many potential buyers as well, leading to increased property values and bolstering community growth. Substitute Senate Bill 61 strikes a balance between preserving the character of planned communities while enabling Ohioans to make clean, renewable energy choices on their properties.” The legislation, which is joint-sponsored by Louis W. Blessing, III (R-Colerain Township), will prohibit homeowners associations (HOA) from blocking an individual’s ability to install solar panels, as long as the HOA does not own or maintain the roof or exterior walls where the panels will be placed. Sub. S. B. 61 also includes a number of provisions to boost consumer protections, clean up cumbersome language and increase overall efficiency in communication between associations and their members. Sub. S. B. 61 had no opponents and passed unanimously out of the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee. The Senate unanimously passed similar legislation during the 133rd General Assembly. Sub. S. B. 61 now heads to the Ohio House of Representatives for committee referral.