Solar & Battery Regulation & Incentive Programs

Renewable Energy Rights

Program Overview


Category:
Regulatory Policy
Program Type:
Solar/Wind Access Policy
Implementing Sector:
State
State:
Vermont
Eligible Storage Technologies:
Solar - Passive, Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Solar Photovoltaics, Wind (All), Wind (Small)
Applicable Sectors:
Commercial, Industrial, Residential
Last Updated:
06/01/2020

Summary

Vermont law forbids ordinances, bylaws, deed restrictions, covenants, declarations, or similar binding agreements from prohibiting (or having the effect of prohibiting) the use of solar collectors, clotheslines, or "other energy devices based on renewable resources." 

A homeowner may be subject to certain restrictions regarding the location of the solar collectors on the roof (orientation to the south or within 45 degrees east or west of due south) as long as those restrictions do not impact the effectiveness of the solar collectors. However, municipal bylaws may not, to any extent, regulate the installation, operation, and maintenance of a solar water heating, solar space heating, or solar photovoltaic (PV) device on a flat roof (i.e., a roof with a slope of less than or equal to 5 degrees).

The renewable energy access law does not apply to patio railings in condominiums, cooperatives, or apartments.


Authorities

NameEnacted DateEffective DateExpired Date
27 V.S.A. § 54405/27/200905/27/2009
24 V.S.A. § 2291a05/27/200905/27/2009
24 V.S.A. § 4413 (g)05/27/200905/27/2009