The Headline: On March 17th, we are deploying the first step in our effort to unify the installer experience into one streamlined platform.

The Details:

• "Streamlined" Installer Support Chat: We’ve simplified chat flows with a scaled-back design. Expect fewer menus and unified support from Sunny AI and our frontline teams regardless of the program you’re working on.
• One Source of Truth: We are launching an updated Singular Knowledge Base (help.palmetto.finance). This knowledge base will cover all applicable programs*: Solar Energy Plan, Energy Backup, Comfort Plan & New Homes in one searchable location, ensuring you have the right answers at your fingertips.

*Note: These updates apply to our widely available programs. Our New Community and DOE Puerto Rico programs will remain in their current specialized Knowledge Bases.

The Fine Print: Lately, our ecosystem has expanded—more programs, more knowledge bases, and changes in the macro and micro business environment. This growth requires an increased level of support, and while growth is good, complexity can sometimes get in the way of what we do best. By removing the silos between our programs and teams, we’re making it easier for installers to scale and succeed.

The Update: New underwriting (NTP) requirements are live for all new sales from 3/1/26. We're building a platform to support our partners for the long term, and that means setting a high bar for sales and installations.

​[1 of 4] New NTP Requirement: Customer Utility Bill is now an NTP requirement for all new sales.

• Accounts with overdue utility balances will be stipulated until proof of full balance payment can be provided.
• Full bill required. No exceptions will be granted.

[2 of 4] 150% Offset Restriction: System sizes are capped at 150% of customer usage.

• Calculation determined via customer utility bill (new NTP requirement).
• Flagged accounts will be stipulated for size reduction via a change order.
• No exceptions will be granted. Our policy will evolve toward more strict offset caps based on utility requirements later in 2026.

[3 of 4] Subsidized Rate Plan Customers: Customers on LMI (Low/Middle Income) Rate Plans, such as California's CARE plan, are only accepted at our lowest rate tier.

• CARE or LMI plans identified via utility bill
• Accounts will be stipulated and can proceed only at our lowest available solar kWh rate (no escalator restrictions apply)
• No exceptions will be granted.

[4 of 4] Acceptable Docs for ACH Verification: Bank statements are no longer be accepted for ACH confirmation.

• Most customer accounts will continue to auto-verify without additional docs.
• If necessary, some customers will be prompted for a voided check to verify.
• There are no other changes to our ACH requirements or process.
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2026 ADI Documents

• NJCEP has updated their ADI documentation to the 2026 version (Required as of 2/16)
• EPC’s will need these to obtain conditional & final approvals for NJ incentives (Document links updated)

ADI Conditional Acceptance Waiver

• NJCEP ADI Program’s waiver allowed EPC’s to install projects before obtaining conditional approval which has expired on 12/31/2025.
• Since waiver has expired, we are reinstituting M1 Milestone requirement for the conditional acceptance letter to avoid running into problems with installing systems before receiving conditional approvals.
• Required as of 3/1
• Read Here

Battery Settings and Operational Modes Reminder

• California NEM 3 utilities must follow the OEM preset modes for NEM 3 (Effective 1/1/2026)
• California NEM 3 customers must have the NEM 3 eligible rate plan selected (Effective 1/1/2026).
• These M2 requirements are required for approval; incomplete or incorrect submissions will be rejected.
• More info Here

• Palmetto LightReach has partnered with Duke Energy and key partners to launch a Solar + Battery Storage plan in North Carolina,
• Install Partners benefit from flexibility and simplicity, with the ability to opt in or out on a per-project basis.
• M1 Requirements.
• More info here - North Carolina-Battery Control Program

The Headline: Solar 3.0 means higher standards & better business. We're leaning into quality this year to ensure every deal we back is built to last. These new underwriting updates are live from 2/5/26.

The Details:

1. Minimum FICO updating to 670 *
   (FL & TX: 680 FICO Credit Score)
2. Customer Payment Caps based on credit results adjusted (see table below)
3. Available Electrical Adder values realigned by market (see details below)

Updated Customer Payment Caps: Our existing credit-based payment caps are updating to:

• [670-684] $215 Cap
• [685-699] $255 Cap
• [700-724] $295 Cap
• [725 +] $500 Cap
• With new $500 customer payment cap, our previous $150K EPC value cap will sunset.

Electrical Adder Value:

• Available values will vary by market
• Value ranges from 0c (no value) in select markets to a 1.5c ceiling in others.
• No other changes to criteria or approved upgrades.

The Fine Print: Changes are applicable for all new applications from 2/5/26. *Select states may vary on select market conditions. New FICO minimum not applicable to PR Mainline.. For the avoidance of doubt, no exceptions will be made on any underwriting criteria. There are no other changes to our credit parameters or other guidelines.

The Headline: We've added a Payment Calculator to all projects, allowing users to view pricing without voiding out existing quotes.

The Details:

• New Payment Calculator tab to projects lets users preview changes to pricing.
• Users can play around with this tool to compare explore changes such as a lower rate or adding a battery.
• Available for all programs

New Market: Hawaii

• Live in key utilities 2/1/26
• HI installers must adhere to strict second system requirements when applicable.
• View more HI info here

New Utilities: Virginia

• New utilities live 2/1/26
• NOVEC, Rappahonnock, SVEC, CVEC, BARC
• View our Active Utilities list here

Coming Soon: NC Storage Expansion

• Storage Attachments to PV sales in NC available soon. Details to follow @ news.golightreach.com

The Update: Effective February 9, 2026, all projects will require a Third-Party Invoice to confirm non-FEOC compliance.

The Details:

Installers must submit a copy of their materials invoice(s), clearly identifying component SKUs, with every M1 submission under the “Project Site” section.

• Bulk invoices are acceptable when materials are ordered for multiple projects. In these cases, submit the bulk invoice, and an internal Bill of Materials that identifies the project address and specific project details. Both documents should be uploaded to the M1 milestone’s “Project Site” section.

• Our M1 Checklist Page will be updated to reflect the new requirement.

While I Have You: Please be sure to routinely check our AVL for FEOC + LightReach approved equipment.

The Headlines:

• Select Generac Inverters & Battery SKUs were added to our AVL. Admins can view our in-portal calculator for exact FEOC percentages.
• Additional guidance provided on Enphase batteries, including specific serial number details needed for eligibility.

The Background: Our initial 2026 AVL and FEOC guidance has been published. Partners may see additions to the 2026 AVL if/when manufacturers confirm compliance on certain SKUs.

The Fine Print Reminders:

• To comply with federal law, no exceptions to the 2025 AVL submission deadline of 12/31/25 will be granted. Cutoff time 11:59 PM PST.
• Ground Mounts: Ineligible from 1/1/26
• Roof Tech Racking: Ineligible from 1/1/26
• Domestic Content: Value threshold increases on 1/1/26

The Horizon: Our 2026 AVL and FEOC guidance will evolve. Partners should bookmark this newsfeed (news.golightreach.com) and the above article for future updates.
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