We recently noticed at least two homes in Eastlake (one is a Parade of Homes model and was featured on KUTV) with large photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roofs. I was under the impression PV panels were not allowed by the covenants in Daybreak. Does anyone know what the rule really is? Is KL seeing the error of their ways by not allowing PV in the past?

KL signed the Green Energy Initiative (or something like that) last year with the Governor and other corporations promoting clean energy. I found it hugely hypocritical that they would do that but not allow PV on the homes in their very own model development.

So what's the "scoop", Scoop? Can you put out some feelers to see if PV will be allowed now or in the future? I would love to mount up a few panels and make most of my own electricity.

I would bet the news stations would love to do a story on how businesses are harming our environment by preventing people from going green. And not just local news...

I have been looking at some panels for my house, but I was not planning on roof mounting. If it is ok for one it is ok for all so it seems to me that we are free and clear. At the very least you would have a great argument.

Unless the parade of Homes house is just for show (look how green we are) and they will be removed once the show is over....

digging into this, should have an answer soon.

this is the responce it got on this topic:

It appears that the PV panels are allowed to be installed on homes in Daybreak if there are approved through the two entities that have Design Review Authority (Developer/Founder and the Design Review Committee). In the case of the homes that are participating in the Salt Lake Parade of Home, those homes were reviewed and approved by the Developer/ Founder. Because of the nature of the equipment the installation is limited and the location, size, and type where factors in its approval. The following text is reference to where this topic is addressed in the Daybreak Covenants:



Exhibit “D”



(d) No solar heating equipment or device is permitted outside any enclosed structure on the Unit except such devices whose installation and use is approved by the Reviewer. Notwithstanding such protection, an application for such equipment or device must be submitted for approval under Chapter 5 prior to installation and approval will be granted only if:

(i) First, such equipment or device is designed for minimal visual intrusion when installed (i.e., is located in a manner which minimizes visibility from the street or an adjacent Unit and is consistent with the Community-Wide Standard); and

(ii) Second, the equipment or device complies to the maximum extent feasible with the Design Guidelines within the confines of the applicable governmental regulations



In any event, and notwithstanding the above list of prohibited conditions, any structure, improvement, or thing proposed for construction, erection, installation, or placement on an Unit requires prior Reviewer approval in accordance with Chapter 5, unless specifically made exempt under the Design Guidelines;



Daybreak Covenants



5.2. Design Review Authority
Initially, the Founder reviews applications for proposed Improvements and determines whether they should be approved. Thereafter, the Board of Directors will appoint a Design Review Committee to review applications for proposed improvements. The Founder or the Design Review Committee is referred to as the "Reviewer." The Reviewer sets fees for reviewing applications.

(a) Founder. The Founder shall have exclusive authority to review and act upon all applications for review of proposed Improvements until the later of (i) the expiration of the Development and Sale Period, or (ii) such time as all Units planned for the property described in Exhibits "A" and "B" have been improved with dwellings for which a certificate of occupancy has been issued. The Founder may designate one or more persons to act on its behalf in reviewing any application. In reviewing and acting upon any request for approval, the Founder and its designee act solely in the Founder's interest and owe no duty to any other Person.

From time to time, the Founder may delegate any or all of its rights under this chapter to other Persons or committee, including the committee appointed pursuant to Section 5.2(b). Any such delegation shall be in writing, shall specify the scope of responsibilities delegated, and shall be subject to (i) the Founder's right to revoke such delegation at any time and reassume its prior control, and (ii) the Founder's right to veto any decision which it determines, in its discretion, to be inappropriate or inadvisable. So long as the Founder has any rights under this chapter, the jurisdiction of others shall be limited to such matters as the Founder specifically delegates.

Thanks for the research, Scoop. I just remember reading the part about "No solar heating equipment or device is permitted outside any enclosed structure on the Unit". But with the website down I couldn't go back re-read it.

But all that said, it is obvious the CC&Rs were written with a heavy slant towards appearances and less towards functionality. The south roof of my west-facing house would be visible from the street so I doubt it would ever pass a design review.

I guess this explains why the Parade of Homes house has the panels on the west facing roof rather than the south where they would be more efficient. This house faces east so the panels are on the alley side.

I know my family has bought into the whole "green living" thing after moving to our Energy Star house in Daybreak. I would be proud to live in a trendsetting neighborhood full of houses with PV solar panels.

I am just wondering what the general consensus is out there? Would it give anyone heartburn if their neighbor installed a bunch of PV panels on their roof where you could see them? And why?

Personally, I want PV panels myself! And while I also face West, I'm in the advantage that I probably could put them on the south roof and be fine since it's pretty well hidden. I've looked into Rocky Mountains deal where you can get a rebate but unfortunately it was completely filled with a waiting list. I would love for the neighborhood to all have them as well. I don't think they look that bad.. but then again, I have seen some put up that look terrible in other communities.