Solar panels and neighbouring rights: what to do?

Questioner

My neighbor is planning to place solar panels on the roof of her shed. It is true that we share one plot and the solar panels, in addition to an extremely ugly view, can cause nuisance due to a buzzing sound and reflection of sunlight. Now it is true that solar panels are permit-free, but in this case is it also the case that your neighbors have no say? After all, it concerns one plot that is shared.

Lawyer

The main rule is that the neighbour as owner can do whatever she wants with her roof. Incidentally, some municipalities impose aesthetic requirements in this regard. You can obtain information about this from the town hall. Exception: if you are inconvenienced by the solar panels, this may be unlawful and since you can prove this, a judge may rule that the solar panels are unlawful towards you and must therefore be removed. The question is whether a judge will agree with you. It is mainly a question of how great the inconvenience is and to what extent you can prove it. On the other hand, it is a difficult risk for the neighbour to estimate. If you are no longer on speaking terms and cannot discuss things, you can send her a letter and tell her that you are starting a procedure to have panels removed if you are experiencing inconvenience. The question is whether she wants to take the risk of first purchasing new panels and then possibly having to remove them. Some people abandon the plan out of pragmatism in such cases.