The End of my Solar Panel

[xapplimatic]

This is not a Democrat thing. It's not a Republican thing. IT's a STUPIDITY thing... I'm a registered Republican, and I support solar power. It supports national security and ensures our domestic sovereignty from foreign oil enslavement.

[xvtsx]

For what reason don't they want you to use the panels?

[IMRROcom]

HOA sucks. Little hitlerets on in everys face.

[Ascended111111]

That's why you have to get your OWN HOUSE! screw condos!

[chupacabra312]

Condos are the suck! I would love to do something similar since on our porch we get direct sunlight most of the day!

[r2b274]

Sorry about your situation. Are you selling your panels?

[docchocobo]

HOA's are unconstitutional and you sign away your rights when you put your sig on the dotted line. a: buy a real house in a non HOA area or b: buy an acre or so somewhere and put whatever the hell you want on it. HOA's are the creeping death of the right to own your own land and use it as you please. Besides, cities are going to be crap to live in after the economy finishes melting down.

[davettalashley]

Home Free means being free to do whatever you want in your home. Sell this place, buy some land and build your own house somewhere far away from those assholes.

[davidrrrd]

you should check with your state government, i think the states usually bake up people against the condo associations where solar come in.

most states block them from blocking you!

[xXwhygodwhyXx]

not the republican way ? You get 30% off your tax credit with energy efficiency those fucking idiots don't know what they are talking about. I wish they would try to come to my condo and tell me what I can't have I would punch them the face and tell them to gtfo out my house, fucking trying to tell me what to do in my own house.

[Ascended111111]

@xXwhygodwhyXx You are a true American!! I wish everyone felt like you do. Most sheeple just sit there and let the criminal governments, be they condo associations, or other "officials" boss them around and screw them out of their sovereign rights! Good for you! Keep your nerve, and keep your freedom!

[shartne]

sell the freaking condo dude and buy your own land put a trailer or a small house on it so no one can tell you what the heck to do.

[PatriotsRepublic]

Actually, the Republican way is to DIY... condos are inherently Communist/Socialist in nature. The majority dictates to everyone what is allowable.... if your Condo Association was really republican, they'd have obeyed their own charter and if their was nothing explicit in the condo rules, they'd have had to let you keep the panels... but democracy aka collectivism votes your liberty away in spite of there being no provision in the HOA rules about solar panels or making electricity.

[cabinfevrr]

this is the start, now they're going to tell you that you can't have a cord across the lawn to charge the car, because it's unsightly or something.

[UncleBob1957]

Not yet...and I've had the electric car for over two years now. I put the cord in a crack across the sidewalk into the parking lot and it goes through an insulated hole in my sliding screen door. I DID put up the panel again all this past summer and no one said anything...until two weeks ago!...I had to take it in again.

[packagewarren]

@UncleBob1957 , way to go Bob. first they want you to help save the earth, but when they see that they're not getting anything out of it, well heck, out it goes. i knew it would get to this if enough people started going green. good luck.

[mrbuki77]

You should move. I hate those strict condo laws. You buy the interior space only. So you could put them inside you window.

[s1r9a9m9]

Did you try to put it on the inside of that window where you had it first. Just make it so it will swing out of the way so to leave the window as an exit for an emergency. you should still get good power out of it and it will be inside not out, so where can they complain. There are new laws to protect the use of solar in all areas now. Take the complant to the local government. The bylaws will not help them now. You can have your power and save the same as they can be greedy.

[jamescgale]

The Dem double standard. 1. Destroy coal, fossil fuel industries because they are destroying the enviorment and creating CO2 emmissions. 2. Destroy renewable energy because it's distasteful and "depreciating" the real estate economy. They simply can't have their cake and eat it too.

[kaduisaui]

How do you know the HOA are democrats?

[jamescgale]

That's a great question. My only answer is: How do you know their not?

But putting all that aside, it just depends on the geographical loction of the HOA. In my part of town, they are mostly Republicans considering the demographical numbers, whereas california most likely they are Democrat. Either way the HOA is good for people who want to keep their value of their house and then more, but bad for anyone who doesn't want to live in Edward Scissorhand's suburb.

[PatriotsRepublic]

@kaduisaui democrats are collectivists, and nearly all HOAs are collectivist in nature. 51% decides what's good for all 100% even if 49% disagree. Democracy = Collectivism = Communism = very bad for individual liberty. I have yet to see a true republican (as from the constitution) HOA. Now the GOP isn't actually really republican either... they just stole and ruined the name.

[Ascended111111]

@PatriotsRepublic Democracy: two wolves and a sheep deciding what's for dinner. We ARE A REPUBLIC, but don't expect the dumb sheeple to know that. Hell they can't even spell "America"!

[namniekib]

Condos are the closest thing to martial law.I wouldn't put a red cent in a condo.

[gbovino]

If you live in Illinois, the House Bill to give condo and town home owners rights over their HOA is hopefully going to be signed into effect in Nov. Hopefully.

Search HB0526 "Homeowners' Solar Rights Act"

Cheers!

[jamescgale]

This is great news.

[alliseeis123]

I think you can leave outdoor while you are at home, bring it in during the night.

Thay can't do a damn thing when it is portable

[crystalnjeff]

Thats the unfortunate reality of a HOA, or even apartment dwelling. The only thing you may be able to do is get authorization to mount it on the roof. Possibly look into moving, if having that panel is that important.

[andyb521740]

One vertically mounted panel mounted next to a brick wall will be horribly inefficient. You have an extremely small window of usable sunlight before shading destroys the efficiency While HOA can rot in hell you need to learn more about how to properly install a panel for maximum efficiency

[fusionfreq]

he had to move it, obviously he knows its not in the best position, and now he has to totally remove it and not use it at all.

[andyb521740]

It's not even worth the hassle to mount one panel correctly let alone one panel horribly. That one panel would only run a light bulb for a few hours a day.

[fusionfreq]

one bulb? really? thats very scientific considering the range available from quantom bulbs which emit 1 photon every millionth of a second to quintillion's of photons by large lighthouse systems.This video is to show how renewable production development and implementation is suffocated by so called caring councils all of which are heavily influenced/controlled by large corporations.

[andyb521740]

At that orientation the amount of usable energy is so small and for such a short period of time it's ineffective and an eye sore. I applaud the association for making him take it done. If you want to do solar get a real system professional installed, not some half assed science experiment on your front porch that becomes an political statement and an eye sore.

[fusionfreq]

"I applaud the association for making him take it done"

aaw poor you :(

[TigerKim2]

People should be encouraged to go green not prevented.  I can't believe they made you take it down. The condo board need their heads testing.

[IMPAQ79]

So, they complained about the panels, but don't complain about the hose hanging in the front? They're so whacked out. I hate HOA's and COA's.

[jrcstudios]

WOW, they complained about that?!? I almost didn't see it! Glad I live in the back woods, I guess.

[1hydrotec1]

Lets go green and stop controlling one pace!

[housechores]

Sell it, get rid of that condo.

Make sure you get sweet revenge on the Condo ass manager afterwards, but don't get caught. Condos, HOA's...don't buy them. Get yourself a real home in a non-hoa neighborhood.

[lordvelos]

i see more and more people being labels as a criminal for going GREEN and its BS! We need these alternative energy sources! If I can get away with NOT paying my hard earned cash to a utility company I will do so!

[homertalk]

Typical Liberal democratic crap. Same ones that keep people from smoking on their own property

[UncleBob1957]

That doesn't even make any sense...you must be a Republican.

[lostorfound19]

yeah far right blames the left for everything and the left is just trying to fix the shit the right caused.

did they actually say what you said in the description?

[celloprof]

No, you've got it backwards........

yeah far left blames the right for everything and the right is just trying to fix the shit the left caused.

[celloprof]

It does. Democrats who wouldn't like smoking would want to arrest you on your own propetry for something that only hurts yourself after a long period of time and they do that from a law they could have decided to make. Smoking is stipid, it's dumb, but every idiot should have the right to smoke that shit, to matter how discusting the smell is to everyone else. But if it's on your own property, who's there to even care exept for some democrat liberal communist walking or driving by?!

[celloprof]

...no matter, not, to matter... anyways------ Sorry Unclebob1957, but only Democrats care about such things as "that solar panel is ugly, get rid of it!" which is obviously what they thought, your democrat neighbors or your democrat manager didn't like it and told you to hide it. It's funny how you democrats always eat your own, but blame republicans, LOL!

[jamescgale]

I've been preaching it for years. You hit the nail right on.

[celloprof]

Now it's going to be the same with obama, but 1,000 times worse.

[TheBuilderguy1]

@UncleBob1957 you must be a democrat.....

[Ascended111111]

@homertalk Yeah, you should be able to grow and smoke weed on your own property! LOL!!! But it is true....who are they to tell you that you can't GROW A PLANT?????? huh??

[JakesOnline]

Get out of that place... Not green friendly. Maybe you can put it on the roof, how could they complain about that?

[technogearhead]

corporate america are republicans.

[tomintroy]

You spent $1200 to make 300 watts a day? That's 3 cents worth of electricity per day or $11 per year. When you consider the cost of money (interest lost) and life of the panels (20 years if lucky!!!), Your paying $130 per year for $11 worth of juice.

[einsteinsdad]

I am now using a wind turbine to charge my electric car at work. And it has nothing to do with money for why I use alternative energy. It is the thrill of creating and using my OWN power, something that I don't have to depend on BIG oil companies or the power companies to provide for me. If it was solely money, I wouldn;t do any of it for the reasons you covered.

[gillimaster]

sell your downstais condo for one upstairs and put it on the balcony, maybe make it look like a table

[toxicfrost123]

man that sucks... cool setup.

[jeffnp27]

Florida law REQUIRES all HOAs to permit, without restriction, any solar collection devices.  Windmills are not protected,but your solar collectors are protected under Florida law. Too bad you're not in Florida.

[jvolstad]

Don't you just love HOA's. NOT!

I don't think the single panel looks all that bad.

[tkemmere]

Hi, I don't know what a 'condo' is, but what difference does it make?! No human being in the world can tell anybody to take a solar panel down. How redicoulous can it get?!

[doricebaty]

All the ranters will be the first to cry when they lose their electricity. Too bad but that is the govt even the little pinhead condo assoc. Those of you out there thinking it is a toy don't realize that there is innovation in the works and will eventually provide exponential benefits

[cuzdixiesaid]

I have heard that "They" can't make you take them down anywhere in the uS. Check on that okay, cuz this is a shame.

[coffius]

it's stupid. an aesthetic thing...

The companies make a call to the government, ask them to create stupid laws, and make sure they will continue making money and destroying the planet.

supercorps are everywhere, and they only want power and money.

[mousepotato64]

Oh go whine about the republicans to your mommy. I just showed that the expence of a solar panel in Wisconsin only generates enough power to pay for itself in 58 years. Crybaby. They are toys not energy.

[russelg000]

That's assuming that electricity from the utility company will stay the same price throughout your lifetime.

It's definitely a risk to go solar but some people are willing to take that risk because they feel good about their investment and $10,000 dollars don't mean as much to them as much as helping the environment.

[bradmacaroon]

So if they can't see it, it is ok to have? Why couldn't you fashion some "shades" for the inside of your condo out of the panels. If they were inside the building, what difference. Some condos don't allow satellite dishes, so the owners have them inside the house; they use lucite windows and plastic screening to allow the window use. OK good luck.

[smartstuff2buy]

hey make them fine you then take them to court, get real , take up for your rights duh!

[mysterymeatgrinder]

I live in a condo right now. Not being allowed to use solar panels is not because they don't want you making your own electricity (well, not here). It is a pure aesthetic issue. Quite stupid really, but the condo board does not want anything installed that will detract from the original appearance of the outside property and buildings.

I'm guessing this is a similar case.

[greenmountainsolar]

republicans? i had no idea they ran the condo's associations up there..hmm.?

that light above your panels could be switched off and save more than you are making. i feel bad about your situation, but the blame for your troubles is insurance rates and lawyers for the most part.

look me up if you want to get more solar gear, i havent paid a cent for energy for 10 yrs. greenmountainsolar dot com ... good luck- chris

[Nichen]

It´s a fuckin conspiracy guys and has always been that way. Let the utility companies suffer...because it´s time we make our own electricity don´t you think

[AmericanFabricator]

Easy there.....the utility companies are willing to purchase the power you generate yourself using solar. So much for conspiracy in this case.

[UncleBob1957]

But the condo association didn't want to see it. I now have it lying on top of the railing of the porch generating enough to keep my deep cycle batteries trickle-charged.

[chersthoughts]

Hi, I fluked upon your video seeking knowledge about solar energy. I am interested in alternative energy but what your video made me realize...I NEVER want to purchase a condo. That kind of thinking is really too controlled and shallow. Is there any way to sell your condo and purchase a house where you can put up as many solar panels as you want , even maybe a wind mill?

My real question is... Do you know what the best solar panels are and where to get them?

Cher

[einsteinsdad]

Hello, CHER...are you the singer? haha...just kidding. Thanks for replying to my video. I don't own the condo and I'm in the market to buy a house to solve my problems. I also have an electric car and I set up a wind turbine at work to charge it! What is your a/s/l? I guess I know your s - female, right? Take care...All my best, Bob.

[chersthoughts]

Hi Bob, No, I can't sing! lol. I am a hypnotherapist in Niagara Falls, Canada.

I am looking to buy a building to set up a wellness center and want to put in solar and wind power. Since you have already done this, I thought that you might know which companies have better units. I am trying to keep the cost down but at the same time purchase a unit that will work well and stand up to the elements.

Cher

[chersthoughts]

Hi Bob, I did not see your last message, thank you. I will check out the site.

Your car looks great. How far can you go on one charge? Where did you get your car?

I tried to reply from the last message but it said there was an error and would not let me send it so I had to post it here.

Cher

[Ascended111111]

@AmericanFabricator Baloney. They are willing NOW....just see what they would do if EVERYONE started using solar panels!!! They would find some way to screw the people and make it impossible to use them...it IS a conspiracy, you just can't see the ugly head of the dragon in this case....yet.

[packagewarren]

@AmericanFabricator , not really, for you to sell your energy to them, you have to buy or lease their equipment. it's not under your typical electric meter, it's a special one for solar energy among other equipment.

[Americo1974]

I totally agree, it is like the electric car.

[crabman06]

Good video footage. Your condo is out of tune with the future and is trying to stay in some Dark Age for whatever reason. Since green is the word now the association should consider changing the policy and aim for alternate fuels. Many communities are changing quickly and efficiently worlwide!

[sumguijim]

It is not uncommon for Condo's, and subdivisions to enforce regulations which say that you cannot erect Solar Panels, Windmills, or even a Hybrid Solar & Wind Clothes Dryer, more commonly known as a Clothesline. Perhaps they own Stock in the Utility Companies!

[stuartmoffatDOTcom]

hi bob, im from scotland, and I cant believe they are telling you that you cant make your own energy, It realy is a good example of our "true freedom", If I was told I wasnt allowed solar panels I would stick them on my roof where they cant see them. power to the people and all that :)

[REnergyEngineer28]

You should trim your hedges. Minimal shading massively decreases module power output.

[MartMart]

Why did they make you take them down? surely your not breaking any laws in using them?

[UncleBob1957]

I actually still have it up, but on top of the railing you see in the video. It sticks out about a foot, but others have things on their railings, so I think I'm OK. Only problem is it only makes about 100-125 watts and only for a few hours late in the day.

[dickersondevon]

where did you get your panels from, and what did they cost

[UncleBob1957]

Hi, Devon...my name is Bob. I live in New Jersey, USA and if you want more info on the solar panel, email me at 'professor_hadley' and that is at yahoo. I got the solar panels from The Alternative Energy Store. Go to Google and you'll find it. They were under $600 each. There are two in that video attached with an RV-mount 990017.