By now you should have received an email ballot asking you to vote to approve our proposed solar power system that will replace our $800 average SDG&E bill for our common area electricity (lights, pool pumps, clubhouse, etc.). This week you will also receive a posted ballot in the mail. We are asking all Timberlane II owners to please consider this proposal, cast your vote, and return your ballot as soon as possible (by mail or scan it and email it per the instructions on the ballot). Or, if you like, send an email to timberlane2blog@gmail.com and we will bring a ballot to you at your convenience for you to vote. This is not a secret ballot election as we do with our annual board member election process.
Our HOA Board of Directors have unanimously given approval to this proposed solar system.
Here are a few FAQs about the proposed system:
-This system will replace nearly all of our annual common area electrical usage and will pay for itself in about 5-6 years. After that time, the portion of your monthly HOA fees that are used for SDG&E expenses will be reduced by about $60 per household annually, which will directly benefit all of us.
-This proposal does not increase homeowner costs at all. We will pay for this system using our existing Reserves Account funds and this “loan” will be paid back directly from the cost savings of the SDG&E bills. The Reserve Account balance will still remain high enough to cover all projected expenses during the payback period with extra money for unexpected expenses.
-All the photovoltaic panels will be flush-mounted on the clubhouse roof and will not significantly affect the aesthetics of our community.
-The HOA board received and considered multiple proposals from different solar companies and chose the proposed system based on its aesthetics, power efficiency, cost, reputation of the company, and 25 year warranty on all system components.
-Three existing eucalyptus trees on the south and west side of the clubhouse will be removed and replaced with more visually attractive trees that will not shade the clubhouse roof. These three trees will need to be removed even if the solar project is not approved because their roots are encroaching on the sidewalks and clubhouse foundation near them.
-Some owners have asked if this system will allow us to heat the swimming pool. Unfortunately, no. This system will only supply enough electricity to replace current common area electrical use. Besides, using photovoltaic solar electric heating for pools is not cost effective. A “hot water” solar system for pool heating can be considered in the future, but would require a separate owner approval process.
Our HOA Board of Directors have unanimously given approval to this proposed solar system.
Here are a few FAQs about the proposed system:
-This system will replace nearly all of our annual common area electrical usage and will pay for itself in about 5-6 years. After that time, the portion of your monthly HOA fees that are used for SDG&E expenses will be reduced by about $60 per household annually, which will directly benefit all of us.
-This proposal does not increase homeowner costs at all. We will pay for this system using our existing Reserves Account funds and this “loan” will be paid back directly from the cost savings of the SDG&E bills. The Reserve Account balance will still remain high enough to cover all projected expenses during the payback period with extra money for unexpected expenses.
-All the photovoltaic panels will be flush-mounted on the clubhouse roof and will not significantly affect the aesthetics of our community.
-The HOA board received and considered multiple proposals from different solar companies and chose the proposed system based on its aesthetics, power efficiency, cost, reputation of the company, and 25 year warranty on all system components.
-Three existing eucalyptus trees on the south and west side of the clubhouse will be removed and replaced with more visually attractive trees that will not shade the clubhouse roof. These three trees will need to be removed even if the solar project is not approved because their roots are encroaching on the sidewalks and clubhouse foundation near them.
-Some owners have asked if this system will allow us to heat the swimming pool. Unfortunately, no. This system will only supply enough electricity to replace current common area electrical use. Besides, using photovoltaic solar electric heating for pools is not cost effective. A “hot water” solar system for pool heating can be considered in the future, but would require a separate owner approval process.