Palmetto Finance Newsfeed

The Headline: Our enhanced Customer Payment setup process is now live.
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What’s Changed: We’ve officially updated our ACH verification to Plaid, making it faster and easier for homeowners to connect and verify their bank accounts.

What Should Installers Know: All major banks are supported by Plaid, making it easier for homeowners to setup their ACH payment at point of sale.

1. Direct Login (Most Common)
Search for the customer’s bank and connect through their online banking login.
2. Manual Match
If the bank isn’t listed, select “Manual Match” and enter the routing and account numbers.
3. Microdeposit Verification (Last Resort)
For unsupported banks, Plaid will send a $0.01 microdeposit with a verification code. The customer enters their bank details, locates the code on their bank statement, and enters it in the portal to complete setup.

What Timing to Expect: We are rolling out the new service in phases starting 9/8. All new accounts will automatically transition within a few days.

Texas New Utility: Austin Energy

• Austin Energy is added to our active utilities starting today, 9/1/26.
• M1 Requirements Here

Texas Policy Update: New State Regulations in Effect today, 9/1/26

• [A] All sales reps must register w/ TDLR
• [B] All sales organizations must register w/ TDLR
• [C] All contracts will be countersigned by registered sales rep affirming item [C} was executed in accordance w/ state law.
• [D] Required starting on 11/1/26 All consumers age 65+ must wet sign state's DISCLOSURE, w/ copy required at M1.
• The above represents quick hits on the requirements. For a deeper dive, view details here

Colorado Policy Update: New State Requirement in Effect today 9/1/26

• Proof of a compliant Welcome Call must be submitted to Palmetto LightReach as part of Colorado's M1 Requirements
• View details here

Reminder: Georgia Power-Proof of RNR Tariff Enrollment (M1)

• GA Power systems must be enrolled on the RNR-Instantaneous Netting program. Other interconnections are not accepted.
• This means that RNR tariff limits system sizes to 10 kW AC.
• Proof of enrollment on the RNR-Instantaneous Netting Tariff is required at Installation (M1).
• View Details Here

Reminder-Illinois (M2) Milestone Requirement for Ameren Utility

• Full PTO letters need to show the subject line with the project ID include (DER-#####)
• Will be rejected at M2 if missing this info
• M2 Incentive Article

The Update: Palmetto is partnering with Recheck to provide a new option for completing your welcome calls: VoiceVerify.

The Deets: VoiceVerify is an AI-powered welcome call covering the basics of your customer's solar plan. It's straightforward and available to complete at point of sale in your customer's Palmetto account.

The Impact:

• No change in our NTP requirements today
• When an account receives a welcome call stipulation, you'll soon have the option to complete that call directly with us via home.palmetto.com
• VoiceVerify is recommended for fastest approval, and the stipulation clears automatically upon successful completion.
• Partners are still welcome to submit their own copy of a welcome call via our underwriting chat to satisfy the stipulation (just make sure it covers all our required criteria!)

The Timing: Partners will begin seeing the VoiceVerify stipulation on accounts in the coming month.

Texas New Utility: Austin Energy

• Austin Energy will be added to our active utilities starting 9/1/26

Texas Policy Update: New State Regulations in Effect from 9/1/26

• [A] All sales reps must register w/ TDLR
• [B] All sales organizations must register w/ TDLR
• [C] All consumers must be presented w/ state's BROCHURE 24 hrs before contract signing
• [D] Required starting on 11/1/26 All consumers age 65+ must wet sign state's DISCLOSURE, w/ copy required at M1.
• [E] All contracts will be countersigned by registered sales rep affirming item [C} was executed in accordance w/ state law.

The above represents quick hits on the requirements. Additional org level paperwork may be required at a later date. For a deeper dive, view details at help.palmetto.finance here.

Colorado Policy Update: New State Requirement in Effect from 9/1/26

• Formal recorded Welcome Call must be conducted w/ all consumers prior to or within (2) days of the contract signing.
• The call must feature [A] All standard criteria, plus [B} Confirmation that PV systems without backup batteries will not provide backup power & [C] Explicitly state the consumer's right to cancel without penalty within (10 days) after contract signing.

• The Update: As of 8/17/2026, projects installed with SolarEdge Home Hub Inverters must have the matching power-class SKU selected prior to M1 Milestone submission.

• The Details: Partners must select the specific SKU corresponding to the site’s set AC power rating. For example, if the AC power output is set to 7.6 kW, select the SKU USE11400H-USSKBEZ8 (7600) in the ITC/FEOC Calculator when submitting the Installation Package.

• Key Takeaway: The new SKU Requirement ensures precise monitoring and tracking of AC power output for SolarEdge Home Hub Inverters.

The Update: We're enhancing our Customer Payment Method setup process.

The Details: We are updating our ACH verification to Plaid Auth. This change improves instant verification rates and gives additional options for easily adding payment method,.

The Impact: An increased number of users will be able to link their bank account instantly, eliminating the need for a voided check.

The Timing: Updated system goes live mid September, 2026.

The Big Picture: Our policy has always prohibited second systems if they interfere with the value proposition of a customer's existing NEM. In some markets, this effectively eliminates second systems from eligibility.

The Update: We are firmly enforcing no second systems in Illinois (all utilities) from 8/3/26.

• Contract signed prior to 8/3/26: Installers can proceed w/ installation at their own risk. PLR will require an additional confirmation email from the utility confirming NEM for the property will not be disrupted.
• Contracts signed on/after 8/3/26: PLR will be enforcing a no-second-systems policy across the board in Illinois with no exceptions.

The Details: When a homeowner already has a NEM agreement, adding a second system can put their existing credits and billing setup at risk. Protecting the customer is our top priority, even if that means foregoing a new LightReach sale.

​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.