Interim Standards for Energy Collection Devices
At its April 1st meeting, the Board of Trustees reviewed and approved the following interim standards for energy collection devices. The ARB understands the need to support energy alternatives while avoiding effects on adjacent properties such as glare and noise from products that may be marketed for lots larger than those in Crosspointe. Some devices at present have insufficient product information to enable the ARB to completely assess the effects of the product.
All associated piping and cabling must be located directly below each panel so as not to be outside the perimeter of the solar panel. Cable for any other roof device must be neatly and securely attached in a manner that prevents it from being draped over the roof. The color shall closely match the roof color.
These standards will be re-evaluated as technology evolves and improved products come to market. Comments from residents should be emailed to Crosspointe Management at cpadmin@verizon.net.
Energy Collection Devices
Requirements
- An application and approval are required
- Property plat showing the site orientation
- Roof plan showing exact location of the collector and all relating equipment.
- Drawing that details the mounting method of the panel/collector.
- Manufacturer’s brochures showing the proposed panel, system / collector and color of item and components.
- Verification in writing that glare resistant tempered glass cover is used in solar panels being installed.
- Sample of photovoltaic shingle in color to be used
- Company and installer guarantee that racking system/panels will withstand winds to 65 mph.
- Copy of installer/company Class A or B license current and valid in Fairfax County.
- Detailed information on any energy device as requested by ARB in order to make decisions on new products reaching the marketplace.
Standards for Energy Collection Devices
Crosspointe standards and requirements for energy devices/solar panels or cells address the following issues:
GLARE from solar panels
SAFETY of installation
PLACEMENT
INSTALLATION
GLARE: Glare resistant tempered glass cover that minimizes reflected light must be used in any solar panel install. The seller and installer must guarantee that no glare or ambient light (as addressed in the existing standards of 2004, page 28) will be produced on any adjacent or adjoining property. Any device that causes ambient light outside the homeowner’s property may be required to be removed. The BOT can impose charges for any offending device that is not removed as required.
SAFETY: The racking system for solar panels, or any collection device placed on the roof, must be certified and guaranteed by the manufacturer and installer to withstand winds up to 65 mph.
PLACEMENT:
Roof mounted solar panels are restricted to the rear roof of the home.
Solar panel collectors placed on the rear roof of the home may be raised, provided they do not extend above the roof ridgeline. The framing and piping must match the roof color. (See also Standard under Installation regarding framing and piping.) In some cases, supporting members may be required to be enclosed.
Photovoltaic shingles are approvable as solar collectors for the front (and/or rear) of the home. Photovoltaic shingles must be of a color that closely matches existing shingles.
Wind driven energy collection devices, either free standing or attached to a structure, are not permitted within Crosspointe.
Other energy devices, if approved, must be located in the rear yard within the side planes of the house and be less than 6’ in height and will require screening if visible to neighboring lots. Fencing or natural vegetation may be required.
Screening may be required on any type of installation depending on the site of the installation and view from neighboring homes or the street.
The ARB will work with property owners to accommodate the placement of devices while protecting all homeowner’s investments, curb appeal and quiet enjoyment of one’s property - per Article VI, section 3 of the Crosspointe Declaration of Covenants.
INSTALLATION:
Installers must have a verifiable Class A or B license valid in Fairfax County. All applicable County and State building codes as well as manufacturer’s instructions must be complied with.
References for companies and installers may be requested.
No do-it-yourself installations are permitted unless homeowner doing the install is a licensed, experienced contractor in this field.
Residents are prohibited from installing any Solar Energy Collection Device which in any way encroaches upon any common area or any homeowner’s individual lot.
Owners must locate the device and all associated equipment in a place and manner which shields it from view of the nearest street (s) and as much as possible from neighboring lots. The Association reserves the power to require an owner to install visual barriers, natural or otherwise, to diminish any adverse visual impact.
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