SPRINGFIELD – Clean energy alternatives are within reach for more Illinois households under a new law sponsored by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) preventing property owners’ associations from putting up unnecessary barriers to solar installation.

“Solar panels are getting sleeker, more affordable and more powerful all the time,” Johnson said. “We should encourage—not punish—homeowners who want to take advantage of this developing technology and reduce their environmental footprints.”

The law expands the Homeowners’ Energy Policy Statement Act to prevent property owners’ associations from enacting policies that outright or effectively prohibit their members from installing solar energy systems on buildings under 60 feet in height that do not have a shared roof. Previously, the act only covered buildings under 30 feet in height.

Property owners’ associations can still determine the configuration of the solar energy system on a roof, as long as the new configuration does not prohibit installation in any way or limit energy production by more than 10%.

Johnson’s initiative also shortens the timeline for property owners’ associations to respond to solar energy system installation applications or requests for policy statements, helping reduce delays for individuals looking to install solar panels on their homes.

“Greener, cleaner energy is the future,” Johnson said. “Residents should be able to make the switch without worrying about obstacles and delays.”

House Bill 644 takes effect immediately.