Solar rights has been a sleeper issue that may soon walk up.

The first sign of this happening appeared in a Sydney Morning Herald report by Urban Affairs editor, Catherine Munro, on 11 July. Ms Munro reported that a new block of flats would overshadow a $15,000 installation of photovoltaic panels on the roof of a house in Lidcombe. Auburn Council approved the development of the flats just two blocks down the road.

Overshadowing would decrease the effectiveness of the solar array, reducing energy generation and the amount of energy going to the green grid, as well as the financial returns to the householder. Council has zoned the street for flat development , however Councillor George Campbell told the Herald that he wants Auburn Council to consider the overshadowing and admitted that Council's decision sets a bad precedent.

The incident highlights a deficiency in the drive to encourage householders to install photovoltaic arrays and rooftop solar water heaters. Because overshadowing would reduce the efficiency of both types of installation, householders would be forced to rely on grid electricity for a larger amount of their energy needs. The prospect of apartment development with the potential to overshadow could discourage householders from considering photovoltaic systems and solar water heating.

Ideally, state government would legislate solar rights for householders and local government ensure its zoning laws were adapted to comply. This, however, will only happen when there is enough pressure from the public and sustainability lobby groups.

Lobbying on solar rights would seem to be something achievable for the permaculture associations based in our cities. Although many associations remain garden-focused, issues such as legal rights to sunlight for household solar technologies are topics where consistent lobbying could achieve something timely. In their courses and presentations, permaculture associations promote solar hot water and solar electricity. Perhaps it is time to include a statement on the need for solar rights legislation when making presentations and when teaching.