What takes priority...trees or solar panels? Well, it seems that in Sunnyvale California, despite its stringent tree ordinance, solar panels win. At least that's the decision of the Santa Clara County Superior Court.
The original law was signed by former Governor Jerry Brown, and would normally affect only those trees planted after a neighbor's solar panels are installed, but in the case now being appealed, it can also apply to trees and shrubs that later grow big enough to shade the next door neighbor's solar panels.
Two big, beautiful redwoods are the trees named in this controversy, and the sad part of the situation is that both neighbors are sincere environmentalists. One owns a Prius and the other an electric car. The Libertarians might say, "Your rights end where mine begin," but in this case both parties seem to have right on their side.
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