Earthlight's HOA Solar Program: Group Savings for Connecticut Communities
Earthlight Technologies • October 21, 2026
Going solar is a big decision, and it can feel like a lot to sort through on your own. For homeowners who live in a homeowners association, there is now a simpler way to explore it together. In the video above, Earthlight Technologies CEO Sam Schneider introduces Earthlight's new HOA solar program, built to help Connecticut communities access group pricing and clear, honest education about solar.
Sam recorded the video at an HOA community in Ellington, Connecticut, close to Earthlight's headquarters, where more than 15 homeowners have already gone solar with Earthlight and taken more control of their energy costs. Below, we explain how the program works, who it is designed for, and what to expect if your community is interested.
What Is the Earthlight HOA Solar Program?
The HOA solar program is a partnership between Earthlight and homeowners associations across Connecticut. When 10 or more homeowners within an HOA are interested in going solar, the community can qualify for wholesale pricing and group discounts on their systems.
The idea is straightforward. When several neighbors go solar around the same time, the planning, permitting, and scheduling work can be coordinated across the community. Earthlight passes the benefit of that efficiency back to homeowners through group pricing. As Sam describes it in the video, it is a simple program that offers strong savings for participating homeowners.
Who Can Benefit From an HOA Solar Program?
The program is designed for Connecticut neighborhoods, condominium communities, and planned developments that are managed by an HOA. It can be a good fit for:
- HOA boards that want to offer residents a vetted, local solar option
- Homeowners who have been curious about solar but want guidance before committing
- Communities where several neighbors are already asking about solar
- Residents looking for ways to reduce their dependence on rising utility costs
Every home is different, so participating in the group does not mean every homeowner must go solar. Each home is evaluated on its own roof, orientation, shading, and energy use, and each homeowner makes their own decision.
How the Program Works
Earthlight keeps the process education first. Here is what a typical path looks like:
- Reach out: An HOA board member or resident contacts Earthlight to express interest.
- Community meeting: Earthlight's team visits your community to host an informational meeting, or meets one on one with interested homeowners.
- Individual evaluations: Each interested home receives its own assessment to see whether solar makes sense and how a system could be designed.
- Group pricing: When 10 or more homeowners in the HOA participate, the community can access wholesale pricing and group discounts.
- Design and installation: Earthlight's in-house crews handle design, permitting, and installation, followed by ongoing service and support.
Why Choosing the Right Solar Company Matters
In the video, Sam stresses that it is very important to choose wisely when investing in solar. A solar system is a long-term addition to your home, and the quality of the design, equipment, installation, and ongoing support all affect how well it performs over the years.
Earthlight is a family-owned company that has served Connecticut homeowners since 2008. All design, installation, and service work is done by Earthlight employees rather than subcontractors, and the company holds NABCEP certification, BBB accreditation, and licensed Master Electricians on staff. Earthlight also operates a dedicated service department for maintenance and system monitoring after installation. You can learn more about Earthlight's team and history, or read our guide on how to choose a solar company.
HOA Rules and Solar Panels
Many HOAs have guidelines about exterior changes to homes, so it is common for homeowners to wonder how solar fits in. Working through the program as a community can make that conversation easier. The board and residents hear the same information at the same time, and questions about appearance, placement, and approvals can be addressed openly with Earthlight's team.
If your HOA has an architectural review process, Earthlight can help homeowners understand what information the board may need to review a proposed system.
Financing Options for HOA Homeowners
Group pricing is one part of the picture. Homeowners can also choose how they want to pay for their system. Earthlight offers several options, including purchasing a system outright, leasing, and power purchase agreements. Explore our solar financing options, or read what a solar power purchase agreement is to see which path may fit your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put solar panels on my house if I live in an HOA?
Yes, many homeowners in HOA communities go solar, though your association may have guidelines you need to follow first. Earthlight has already helped more than 15 homeowners in one Ellington, Connecticut HOA community go solar. Each home is evaluated on its own roof, orientation, shading, and energy use. That way you know whether solar makes sense for your property before you make any decisions or bring a proposal to your board.
Do I need HOA approval to install solar panels?
Often yes, because many HOAs require approval for exterior changes to a home. The process varies by community, so review your HOA’s rules or architectural guidelines before moving forward. Earthlight can help you understand what information your board may need, such as system placement and appearance. When neighbors explore solar together through Earthlight’s HOA program, the board and residents can hear the same information at the same time, which can make the approval conversation easier.
How do group solar discounts work for neighborhoods?
Group solar discounts lower pricing when several neighbors go solar with the same installer around the same time. Coordinating multiple homes in one community makes planning, permitting, and scheduling more efficient. Through Earthlight’s HOA program, those efficiencies are passed back to homeowners as wholesale pricing and group discounts. Each homeowner still receives their own system design and makes their own decision, so joining the group never obligates anyone to go solar.
How many homeowners need to sign up to get the HOA solar discount?
Earthlight’s HOA solar program requires 10 or more participating homeowners within an HOA to unlock wholesale pricing and group discounts. If a few neighbors are already curious about solar, that interest can grow quickly once the community learns more. A good first step is to have a board member or resident contact Earthlight. The team can then help gauge interest and set up an informational meeting for the community.
What happens at an HOA solar information meeting?
At an HOA solar meeting, Earthlight’s team visits your community to explain how solar works and answer homeowners’ questions. Topics typically include how systems are designed, what installation involves, financing options such as purchasing, leasing, or a PPA, and how the group pricing works. The meeting is education first and low pressure. Homeowners who can’t attend can schedule a one-on-one conversation with Earthlight to learn whether solar is a good fit for their home.
Bring Solar Savings to Your Connecticut Community
If you live in a Connecticut HOA and you and your neighbors are curious about solar, Earthlight's HOA program offers a simple, education first way to explore it together. Learn more about residential solar and Earthlight's work across Connecticut, then contact Earthlight or call (860) 871-9700 to ask about bringing the HOA solar program to your community.
