James Draheim says it better than we could: "You've got this energy just falling on your property and you're not allowed to use it because of aesthetics?"

One might wonder why anybody would object to a homeowner installing solar panels on their roof: ecologically, socially, and financially sensible, it's a great way to cut your carbon footprint and your electrical bill. Your local Homeowner's Association might take issue, however, on the grounds that the unobtrusive panels somehow detract from the aesthetics of the neighborhood. And, in fact, some have done just that, including the one Mr. Draheim is saddled with.

Fortunately, eight state governments - with more to come - side with his logic, and have prohibited HOAs and local governments from interfering with homeowners who wish to install alternative energy sources on their property. California led the pack in 2005; Illinois, Maryland, and Florida all anticipate having laws on the books by this year.

While we applaud these states, it's stunning to us that such a law is even necessary. We're flabbergasted that a HOA would even consider banning solar panels, or interfering with their installation. National legislation has come before the House twice before, but the idea has died quietly due to lack of support. It's high time that these artificial barriers to alternative energy be knocked down, and we hope to see support for those bills.