§ 2-119. Covenants restricting installation of solar collector systems.

   (a) Definitions. --

   (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

   (2) "Restriction on use" includes any covenant, restriction, or condition contained in:

      (i) A deed;

      (ii) A declaration;

      (iii) A contract;

      (iv) The bylaws or rules of a condominium or homeowners association;

      (v) A security instrument; or

      (vi) Any other instrument affecting:

         1. The transfer or sale of real property; or

         2. Any other interest in real property.

   (3) "Solar collector system" means a solar collector or other solar energy device, the primary purpose of which is to provide for the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for electricity generation, space heating, space cooling, or water heating.

   (4) "Solar easement" means an interest in land that:

      (i) Is conveyed or assigned in perpetuity; and

      (ii) Limits the use of the land to preserve the receipt of sunlight across the land for the use of a property owner's solar collector system.

(b) In general. --

   (1) A restriction on use regarding land use may not impose or act to impose unreasonable limitations on the installation of a solar collector system on the roof or exterior walls of improvements, provided that the property owner owns or has the right to exclusive use of the roof or exterior walls.

   (2) For purposes of paragraph (1) of this subsection, an unreasonable limitation includes a limitation that:

      (i) Significantly increases the cost of the solar collector system; or

      (ii) Significantly decreases the efficiency of the solar collector system.

(c) Written instruments creating solar easements. --

   (1) A property owner who has installed or intends to install a solar collector system may negotiate to obtain a solar easement in writing.

   (2) Any written instrument creating a solar easement shall include:

      (i) A description of the dimensions of the solar easement expressed in measurable terms, including vertical or horizontal angles measured in degrees or the hours of the day on specified dates when direct sunlight to a specified surface of a solar collector system may not be obstructed;

      (ii) The restrictions place on vegetation, structures, and other objects that would impair the passage of sunlight through the solar easement; and

      (iii) The terms under which the solar easement may be revised or terminated.

   (3) A written instrument creating a solar easement shall be recorded in the land records of the county where the property is located.

(d) Exceptions. -- This section does not apply to a restriction on use on historic property that is listed in, or determinied by the Director of the Maryland Historical Trust to be eligible for inclusion in, the Maryland Register of Historic Properties.

HISTORY: 1980, ch. 381; 1982, ch. 17, § 7; 1991, ch. 55, § 1; 2008, ch. 138.