It’s pop-ups vs. solar panels on Shepherd Street NW in Columbia Heights, Washington Post

Residents who have been using solar panels on the rooftops of their homes in Columbia Heights, Washington D.C., are encountering an unexpected obstacle as pop-up rowhouses threaten to block their panels’ exposure to sunlight. Zoning laws in the area allow developers to add a third story to existing rowhouses, bringing them up to a height that could potentially interfere with their neighbor’s panels.

• Homeowners who have previously signed solar contracts are now considering backing out as developers purchase surrounding rowhouses.
• The city is aware of the homeowner’s complaints but there are currently no existing provisions that protect the homeowners with solar panels, as long as the pop-up under construction is within regulations.
• Homeowners are lobbying city officials for legislation that will prevent developers from building extra floors on a rowhouse if they will interfere with the neighboring home’s solar panels.

Link to Article: Washington Post