Palmetto Finance Newsfeed

The Headline: As we enter the second half of 2026, we’ve made a few routine adjustments to our LightReach Channel Partner Program metrics.
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​The Fine Print:

• M1 Submission Quality: First-time approval rate numbers for Solar projects have been increased by 5% for all tiers.

• Recheck Certification: Beginning 8/1/2026, all sales reps in IL, MI, PA, & TX must have an active Recheck Certified status to conduct sales (gradual rollout to follow across all markets.)

• Percent of PTO Approved by Closure Deadline: The percentage of projects that receive PTO in a timely fashion has been increased by 1% for every tier.

Read More: Updated Channel Program overview & guidelines here.

The Update: Palmetto is backing the launch of Recheck Certified, a new industry credential built on the existing Recheck ID system. Recheck Certification will be required in Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Texas for all new sales from August 1st, 2026.

The Deets: To get Certified, reps must sign a universal code of conduct, pass an industry specific background check, and complete a sales ethics course. Most importantly, reps looking to get certified must be in good standing with Recheck.

The Impact: Certified will help financiers and installers vet high quality reps. And, it gives customers peace of mind that they're working with a Certified professional with a clean track record.

The Timing: Recheck Certified is available now through their website. Partners selling in IL, PA, and TX must be Certified starting August 1st, 2026. Additional states will be required later in 2026.

​The Program Recap: Battery storage is no longer a niche add-on. In 2023, 14% of new solar installs included a battery. By 2025, that number reached 40%. Customers are asking about it, and our program gives partners a solution.

The Highlights:

• Battery leasing means homeowners get backup power through a predictable monthly payment.
• Same Look & Feel as Solar Energy Plans - no upfront cost & long term coverage.
• Retro Opportunity - A new opportunity for yesterday's solar customers by offering them additional peace of mind with energy backup.

Enrollment: Authorized EPC admins can request program enrollment for your org via the support center chat. Click "Admin Support' to get started.

The Update: Dominion Energy has raised the residential solar capacity threshold for standby fees and demand charges from 15 kW AC to 20 kW AC. Systems under this new limit are now exempt from these additional charges.

​The Details: Dominion updated their Schedule 1 tariff on July 1, 2026. Palmetto LightReach is increasing our M1 package requirements for this utility to 20 kW AC effective immediately. This update applies to all Net New accounts and any active pipeline jobs. If you have in-progress customers who capped their designs at 15 kW AC to avoid fees, you can now safely redesign and upsell them up to the new 20 kW AC limit

​ Read More: Virginia - Dominion Energy 20 kW AC System Size Limit

​The Update: Palmetto has officially launched the Generator product! Our partnership with Generac makes reliable home backup power more accessible than ever.

Key Highlights:

• Worry-Free Coverage: The subscription includes the generator, protection, maintenance, and ongoing support - all bundled together.
• Easy to Quote & Sell: Integration with Solo coming soon, allowing contractors to quote, qualify, and complete agreements right at the kitchen table.

Want to Sell Generators?
Admin users of interested partners can enroll via support chat: Click Admin Support >>> Program Enablement to get started.

The Update: Palmetto is backing the launch of Recheck Certified, a new industry credential built on the existing Recheck ID system. Recheck Certification will be required in Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Texas for all new sales from August 1st, 2026.

The Deets: To get Certified, reps must sign a universal code of conduct, pass an industry specific background check, and complete a sales ethics course. Most importantly, reps looking to get certified must be in good standing with Recheck.

The Impact: Certified will help financiers and installers vet high quality reps. And, it gives customers peace of mind that they're working with a Certified professional with a clean track record.

The Timing: Recheck Certified is available now through their website. Partners selling in IL, PA, and TX must be Certified starting August 1st, 2026. Additional states will be required later in 2026.

Added Design Platforms: Sunbase & BuildOn HQ

• The Update: Two new design and modeling platforms are becoming available for use for all Palmetto Lightreach Partners

• The Details: Each platform only requires one deliverable for submission, a Shade Report.

• Key Takeaway: Added options for production modeling and shade reports empowers partners to use what design tool works best for their organization structure. See the partner's websites for further details.

• Sunbase
• BuildOn HQ

The Update: Palmetto LightReach has completed their 2026 Install (M1) Photo Documentation Refresh!

• Highlighted a number of OEM requirements across the M1 milestone
• Revamped photo examples to add clarity to requirements
• Addressed common points of friction observed in the review process

Updated article found here

The Fine Print: No requirements are changing and review processing is not being affected, we are looking to share details that can help prevent rejections.

The Update: New details & optionality are available for Texas solar + storage customers.

• Now Two Plan Options: Higher buyback rate for larger systems that export more energy or Lower base fee for customers who consume most of their solar production on-site.
• Deliver value: $4/kWh per month of battery capacity, no caps, credited to account.
• Deliver savings: 15% off their grid power (Energy charges) until PTO.

The How: All TX LightReach customers must enroll in or select to opt out of a plan in order to reach NTP. No hardware or home visits required:

1. See the offer within LightReach
2. Or click “View Rate Plan” once logged into home.palmetto.com
3. Sign up in minutes

For more information, contact your LightReach / Palmetto relationship manager, reach out to PalmettoEnergy@poweredbylight.com or read more on the LightReach Knowledge Base

The First Update: Energy Backup program is now live in 5 New States

• Utah, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Maine, and Rhode Island
• Click to View: Energy Backup: Active Utilities

The Second Update: SolarEdge Nexus was added to our Energy Backup AVL

• Click to View: Energy Backup AVL

SolarEdge will be hosting an upcoming training from 7/8 through 7/10 to get installers certified for the Nexus product. Partners in California can register for this event here.