Sunlight Financial Solar Project Milestone Updates Reference Guide
Below you'll find everything you need to know about Sunlight's solar project updates to reduce risk and enhance transparency and accountability.
Table of Contents
What are the solar project updates?
- Enhanced documentation requirements for achieving the PTO (M2) milestone, effective June 21, 2023
- New requirements for the final design, effective July 19, 2023
- Updated documentation requirements for the substantial completion, install (M1) milestone, effective September 20, 2023
Why is Sunlight implementing these milestone changes?
At Sunlight Financial, we are dedicated to fostering excellence within the solar industry and maintaining the highest standards of quality. Our commitment extends to our installation partners and homeowners, as we strive to mitigate risks and ensure their satisfaction. To uphold these principles and support the continued growth and longevity of the solar industry, we are implementing solar project optimizations aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability.
What are the new requirements for the PTO (M2) milestone?
Effective June 21, 2023, the following documents will be accepted to demonstrate interconnection.
- PTO letter of approval, OR
- Email from the utility stating meter set, energized, commissioned, completed or countersigned utility application, interconnected, or finalized, OR
- PDF of the homeowners' recent bill indicating credit for solar. Please ensure the customer address is included, OR
- Utility portal (PowerClerk) screenshot
What are the new requirements for Final Design and Proof of Permit?
Effective July 19, 2023, all deals must include an approved final design document and proof of permit.
Final Design Requirements (must include all items below)
- Project address
- Make/model of inverter and module
- System layout
- System size
Proof of Permit Requirements (must include one (1) of the following)
- Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) stamp on the final design, OR
- A copy of the permit, OR
- A permit attestation form – ONLY if the jurisdiction does not require a permit
In cases where the jurisdiction does not require a permit, partners can conveniently find the attestation form in Orange® on the customer details page where final design files are uploaded. Please see the example screenshot below:
To view an example of the attestation form, please click here.
What are the new requirements for substantial completions, install (M1)?
Effective September 13, 2023, Sunlight will implement changes to our acceptable criteria for obtaining the substantial completion, install (M1) milestone.
Sunlight has established a 3-level system to categorize partners based on their financial soundness and business practices. The levels determine the required documentation for substantial completion, install (M1) verification.
Level 1 Requirements
Register the inverter via the monitoring portal, grant full access to monitoring@sunlightfinancial.com, and upload a screenshot of the confirmation page to Orange®.
OR
Upload the following photos:
- Photo(s) showing each full array on the roof and all installed panels
- Photo(s) showing inverter(s) or envoy/combiner for microinverters
- Photo(s) showing battery, critical load panel, and EV charger, if applicable
Level 2 Requirements
Register the inverter via the monitoring portal, grant full access to monitoring@sunlightfinancial.com, and upload a screenshot of the confirmation page to Orange®.
OR
Upload the following photos:
- Photo(s) showing each full array on the roof and all installed panels
- Photo(s) showing inverter(s) or envoy/combiner for microinverters
- Photo(s) showing POI (point of interconnection) to the main service panel or utility meter
- Photo(s) showing battery, critical load panel, and EV charger, if applicable
Level 3 Requirements
Register the inverter via the monitoring portal, grant full access to monitoring@sunlightfinancial.com, and upload a screenshot of the confirmation page to Orange®.
OR
Upload the following photos:
- Photo(s) showing each full array on the roof and all installed panels including compass and tilt meter
- Photo(s) showing all equipment (Pull back 10 ft. view) – generator(s), inverter(s) (or photo of envoy/combiner for microinverters), AC disconnects, utility meter, and production meter (if applicable) with placards visible
- Photo(s) showing POI (point of interconnection) to the main service panel or utility meter
- Photo(s) showing inverter nameplate (or photo of envoy/combiner for microinverters) with visible serial number
- External photo(s) showing utility meter, placard, and full meter number
- Photo(s) showing battery, critical load panel, and EV charger, if applicable
How are partners categorized in Sunlight's 3-level system?
Level 1 Partners:
Partners in this category have been identified as financially sound and exhibiting sound business practices at a high level.
Level 2 Partners:
Partners in this category meet certain criteria set by Sunlight, and they are required to provide additional documentation compared to level 1.
Level 3 Partners:
Partners in this category have specific documentation requirements and must provide the most comprehensive set of documents.
How can partners improve their level of categorization?
While we cannot divulge all the specific risk criteria, we can share a few guiding principles to help you focus on areas of improvement.
- Maintain Financial Stability: Consistently demonstrating strong financial health will contribute positively to your position within our levels.
- Exceptional Business Practices: Upholding high standards of business practices relating to operations, sales, customer relationships, and compliance with laws and the financing program agreement with Sunlight will reflect your dedication to mutual success. For example, timely deliverables, quality assurance, fair business practices, exceptional service, customer-centric approach, etc.
- Customer Satisfaction: Providing excellent service and ensuring customer satisfaction will enhance your reputation and partnership with Sunlight.
Are there examples of ideal photos to submit to Sunlight?
Documentation requirements are determined by partner installers’ level within Sunlight Financial’s 3-level system. Presented below are illustrative photo submissions that align with Sunlight’s standards.
How can partners provide Sunlight full access to monitoring portals?
Click the links below for step-by-step instructions for providing Sunlight full access to your monitoring portal. Is your monitoring portal not listed? Let us know, and we'll work to provide instructions.
Who can partners contact with additional questions or further clarification?
If you have any additional questions or require further clarification, please reach out to your Sunlight Financial Relationship Manager or Account Manager.