SOLAR RUSH...
With the growing need in South Africa to be less reliant on the national power grid, there's a rush to get free power from the sun and instal solar power equipment.
What if you live in a sectional title complex?
All Bodies Corporate control the 'common' areas in a complex and roofs where solar panel are usually fitted form part of the common property under the Trustees' control. Permission for any installation would need to come from them.
Another difficulty is that solar panels take up a lot of space and it's unlikely that there would be enough space on the roof to cover every owners' needs.
Options include:
1. Using the roof for common property power generation only;
2. Sharing the roof space amongst the owners equally;
3. Allowing owners wanting extra space to negotiate with/pay owners not wanting solar power to use their allocated space;
4. Using extra exclusive use garden areas or common property for solar panels eg solar carports in the parking areas.
Implementing any of these options may also require a change to the Rules of the Body Corporate.
Talk to Mc Naught and Co - sectional title and property specialists - to make sure the correct steps are taken and not get embroiled in costly law disputes afterwards.
Phone 0870210123 for an appointment.