News > Solar that’s worth fighting for: Two Ohio families go solar in HOAs

Solar that’s worth fighting for: Two Ohio families go solar in HOAs

• Stories

May 5, 2025

• Alexandra Dresdner

Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) shouldn’t stop you from going solar. In most U.S. states, there are even policies designed to protect you from unfair HOA restrictions. Those policies are the result of hard work, often by solar advocates who joined together with neighbors and friends. This is the story of Ohioans who did just that: Steve Mastrantonio (of Akron, Ohio) and Dixie and Jerry Koenemann (of Cincinnati, Ohio). 

Steve Mastrantonio:  fighting for energy rights in the courthouse and in the legislature

Steve is a father, lawyer, and  long-time solar enthusiast. He is passionate about creating a cleaner, safer environment for his kids, and believes in taking back power from large fossil fuel utility monopolies. When he bought an electric car, he realized that going solar was a logical next step. He could be in charge of his own electricity production, and save money in the process. 

In 2019, Steve decided it was time to go solar. He requested approval from his HOA, but it was immediately dismissed. At the time, Ohio had no laws that prevented HOAs from restricting homeowners’ rights to install solar panels. HOAs could place unreasonable barriers on solar installations, or ban them outright.

Undeterred, Steve decided to file a lawsuit to declare the HOA’s interpretation of their own guidelines unenforceable. He also reached out to Solar United Neighbors (SUN) for help. Through SUN, he found out about a proposed bill that would prevent HOAs from unfairly restricting solar panels. Steve testified in favor of the bill in the state senate. SB 61 became law in 2022.

Steve’s efforts were a double win for solar: he won his lawsuit against the HOA, and SB 61 protected solar rights to homeowners in HOAs across Ohio. Now, HOAs can only place reasonable restrictions on size, location, and method of solar installation. 

Steve finally installed 17 solar panels on his house in 2023. Since then, he’s expanded to 26 panels that cover nearly 100% of his energy needs. Now, he’s installing solar panels on his law office building. After seeing the benefits for his wallet, his business, and his family, he’s even convinced three of his friends to go solar! 

Dixie & Jerry Koenemann: persisting through HOA roadblocks to go solar 

Dixie and Jerry Koenemann live in Cincinnati, Ohio, and decided to go solar in 2023. Amidst rising electricity bills, Jerry’s motivation was financial: solar would help them save money. For Dixie, she saw solar as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. 

Their solar journey got off to a rocky start. At the time, their HOA had no rules about installing solar panels. Even so, the Koenemanns asked permission from the HOA, to make sure they were doing everything by the books. The HOA replied that the panels would have to be installed on the back of the Koenemanns’ home. Their reasoning? The HOA didn’t like the way the panels looked. 

The Koenemanns weren’t happy: installing panels on the back of the house would be ineffective, since that side received little sunlight. Only panels on the front of the home would generate enough electricity to be worth the investment. 

Solar is worth fighting for. So when you find an obstacle, find your way around it.

Dixie & Jerry Koenemann

The Koenemanns didn’t give up. Through Solar United Neighbors, they connected with Steve Mastrantonio, and they joined forces. With Steve’s law expertise, they started talking about the possibility of going to court. They didn’t want to resort to a lawsuit, but they also knew that the fight to go solar would be worth it.

Luckily, they found the precedent they needed: a family in Columbus had recently beaten a HOA in court. Steve helped the Koenemanns present that case to their HOA board. It wasn’t easy, but after extensive back and forth and the establishment of new guidelines, the HOA finally approved the installation. Now, Dixie and Jerry are excited to start harnessing solar energy for their home. According to their installer, their electric bill should be $0 once their system is up and running. The Koenemanns are proud to be contributing to a sustainable energy future – and they’re saving money in the process. 

What to do if your HOA wants to restrict your right to go solar

If you’re facing barriers to going solar from your HOA, you’re not alone. Despite initial challenges with their HOAs, Jerry, Dixie, and Steve are now confident solar owners. Here’s their advice:

• Seek out your pro-solar neighbors to rally support for your installation. Steve went door-to-door in his neighborhood with his daughter to collect signatures in support of solar. Of the 30 homes they visited, 29 supported his solar project! 
• Get involved with your HOA board. You can make a positive difference by getting to know your board, and even becoming a board member yourself. 
• Know your rights as a homeowner in an HOA. 25 U.S. states have pro-solar access laws for HOAs, including Ohio, and 15 more provide limited protection for solar easements. 
• Seek out expert advice. Solar United Neighbors has a handy HOA Solar Action Guide that helps you work with your HOA to install solar on your home. 
• Don’t give up! Jerry, Dixie, and Steve’s experience shows that when solar supporters come together, they can overcome big challenges. In the Koenemanns’ words: “Solar is worth fighting for. So when you find an obstacle, find your way around it.”