"Hey, Your Tree Is Shading My Solar Panels": California's Solar Shade Control Act

Abstract

This paper explores laws adopted in the United States at the state level to ensure that a property owner has access to direct sunlight. In particular, it focuses on laws designed to prohibit vegetation on adjacent properties from shading solar energy equipment, such as photovoltaics or solar water heating collectors. The paper compares the laws adopted by states and focuses on California's Solar Shade Control Act as a model for other states. It provides a detailed analysis of the provisions of the Act and a review of cases brought under it.