Condo Media - April 2016 - 35

not require solar panels on the roofs;
and increased unit market values due to
a modern image attracting prime owners. New solar technology may be able
to deliver on these assumptions.
NEW TECHNOLOGY
Today's solar technology is not your
dad's solar equipment. In the recent
past, solar panels referred to solar
thermal panels to produce domestic
hot water. Though these systems are
still available, the real excitement these
days is PV (photovoltaic) solar panels
producing electricity. This electricity
can create many benefits, ranging from
lighting, to heating and cooling with
efficient electric mini-split heat pump
systems, to even charging electric cars.
Not only has the price for these PV
solar panels dropped rapidly over
the past few years, the methods of
maximizing their usefulness in a community environment has become more
viable. The newest technology allows
both direct and scattered sunlight to
create electricity, and by use of power
inverters, electric power can be directed into batteries or the utility grid
to sell back excess electricity. These
PV panels can be grouped into arrays
called micro-grids that can collect
electricity and distribute to a community of users.
The micro-grids can be located in a
wide range of locations, and they don't
have to be on rooftops. Instead, they
can be in empty areas around the condo
complex. For example, one of these "solar farms" can feed two buildings with
four units in each.
These types of PV solar arrays can
provide electricity to fuel common
elements, such as the clubhouse,
streetlights, and hallway light fixtures.
Unit owners could opt into becoming a
member of a solar farm and own a portion of the panel array (called a share)
or they could opt out. Those owners
who become members can then convert
their current old heating system to an
electric, ductless mini-split system producing both heating and cooling, which
adds value to their unit.

'MAINE' ISSUES
If you think Maine is too far north to
take advantage of solar power, remember the state has the same sunlight
intensity as the French Mediterranean
or Houston and is only 10 percent
less than Jacksonville, Fla. Countries
north of Maine, such as Germany and
Denmark, are racing to add PV solar
panels to supplement their wind farms
to become 100 percent independent of
fossil fuel on optimal days.
In addition to the federal tax credit
for solar power installations, Maine
allows net metering for these solar array
systems. This means unit owners or
condo communities can further reduce
their utility bill by selling back excess
electricity to the utility companies. Even
with the low current cost of fossil fuels,
the typical array still has a payback period of less than 10 years and after that
the electricity is virtually free. Considering the equipment has a useful life of 25

years, the benefits can be significant.
Solar power is a hot issue around the
country. Major polluters are fighting
solar power expansion in virtually every
state capitol. Currently, Maine's Public
Utility Commission is placing before
the legislature its recommendations
for future solar regulations. Attempts
are underway to limit these solar farm
communities to only nine members.
(Vermont's member limit is 99.)
As I said earlier, I am not suggesting
this fanciful trip through the solar
system is not without pitfalls and
obstacles. I just hope these ideas may
stimulate a few brave souls to venture
where no person has gone before and
reach for the sun.
n JACK CARR, P.E., RS, LEED-AP,
IS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT WITH
CRITERIUM-ENGINEERS IN
PORTLAND, MAINE.

Representing Condominium Associations, Homeowner
Associations and Management Companies throughout
New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts.
Providing representation in all areas of condominium
law from drafting and execution of condominium
instruments, amendments, collection of assessments to
litigation from trial through appeal.
For specific questions and to find out how we can
service your particular needs, please contact our office
and speak with one of our attorneys.

(603) 627-5997

45 Bay Street
Manchester, NH 03104

(603) 742-1052
3 Webb Place
Dover, NH 03820

(800) 828-3200

565 Turnpike Street
North Andover, MA 01845

www.fenigeranduliasz.com
Serving clients in all of NH and northern MA
April 2016

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