In some areas of the U.S., people who own homes deemed “historic” are fighting local preservationists for their right to install solar panels. The reason" Panels are too ugly, according to a recent piece in The Washington Post.

The owner of a 1938 brick townhouse in Washington D.C. wanted to put solar panels on his roof, but the city’s Historic Preservation Office refused. Board member and architect Chris Landis said that he “[applauded the owner’s] greenness and desire to save the planet. And I realize that we are in crisis, politically as well as sustainably. But I just have this vision of a row of houses with solar panels on the front of them and it just — it upsets me, as somebody who’s supposed to protect the architectural fabric of the neighborhood.” This stance isn’t uncommon, and as efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change ramp up, battles like this will probably only increase. Some people may find it jarring to see solar panels on full display atop historic structures, but there isn’t always an easy way to disguise them. And, with the planet in the state it’s in — why should we"

The firm explains that: “Our first row-house project was within commuting distance to Stockholm in a city called Upplands Väsby. The project is composed of seven row houses, and they sold out in less than two weeks. It was built with passive house principles and solar panels, which make i...