Question:

We live in a small town in Oregon.  Twelve months ago we installed a 16 panel solar array.  Our neighbors to the south subsequently planted three evergreen trees about 12 feet from the property line, directly south of the solar array. We are concerned that when these trees mature, they will shadow our solar panels.  Our intention is to send them a nice neighborly letter to the neighbor, so they are not blindsided when we must take action in a decade.  Is there an Oregon or U.S. precedence which supports our position?  Thanks for your kind assistance.

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Question:

If an individual runs a business out of his home and installs solar panels on his residence, can he qualify for a 1603 grant in lieu of a credit? And how many years can one carry forward a tax credit should they not be able to qualify for the grant?

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Question:

I am finding your articles on some of the technicalities of the 1603 program for renewable energies very enlightening. I work for a solar energy company and still confused by one aspect of the application process, perhaps you could shed some light? My understanding is that to file for a property “placed in service after 12/31/2010” you must demonstrate construction began in 2010.  I am currently working with a large client who is ready to sign a power purchase agreement, however we may not be able to begin doing on site-construction until early 2011.  Construction will be completed in 2011. My question is if we order solar panels from our manufacturer in 2010 specifically for the project we are filing for, does that fulfill the “safe harbor” requirement of “beginning construction”? If so, would that cost need to be at least 5% of the total project cost to qualify? Are there any other off-site options that exist to demonstrate construction beginning in 2010? I appreciate the opportunity to be able to send you an email and am thankful for your time and answer.

Best regards, Solar Contractor

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Question:

I have a solar power project using Uni-Solar thin-film peel and stick solar panels applied directly to a new TPO roof structure. I want to confirm the eligibility of the new TPO roof as a solar support structure, being the Uni-Solar product is directly applied to this roofing material. I have additional counsel who have said that the cost of the roof is eligible for the federal 30% ITC or the SB1603 U.S. Treasury Grant in Lieu of the ITC, since it is used as the structure that holds the solar panel to the roof.  Is there any language I can share with our client to verify and confirm this premise? Appreciate any references you can provide. Thanks, Tim Owens

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Question:

I recently came across this news story about a huge solar array installed in Newport Bay. Newport Beach residents say the panels on a hillside home are reflecting too much sunlight and want them moved to the roof. The owners say that the panels are staying. Stephen and Mashid Rizzone long planned on creating a fully “green” dream home and impart a legacy of environmental responsibility to their children.
Toward that end, 168 solar panels were installed in May on the back of the Rizzones’ hillside Newport Beach home, facing the northeast side of Balboa Island. And although the panels may indeed be environmentally responsible, they are also imparting a lot of glare on the island neighbors.  “I’m all for going green, and I’m not trying to stop anyone from having solar panels,” said Bob Olson, who says the porch of his Balboa Island home is now subjected to an intense glare for 2 1/2 hours a day because of the Rizzones’ solar panels. “What I don’t understand is why in the world they didn’t put the panels on the roof, where it would be more fitting with the look of the community.”  So Olson is organizing a coalition of homeowners to take action against the project, starting with a petition to have the panels moved to the Rizzones’ rooftop. If this goes to court, what form will the case take and who has the upper hand?   Signed, Squinty
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