The Update: Credit applications can now be emailed out to customers.
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The Fine Print: The Email Credit App option allows for more flexibility to run credit from the LightReach portal.

Background:

• Connecticut's SoQ (Statement of Qualification) is a pre-existing M1 Incentive requirement.
• The SoQ is granted by all CT utilities, and signals approval to install.

The Update:

• SoQs issued on or after January 1, 2025 must list Palmetto Solar, LLC (exactly) as the system owner. No other variations of this will be accepted.
• Previously: To date, LightReach has accepted variations of any Palmetto related names (LightReach, Palmetto Solar, etc) as the system owner. This will no longer be accepted from January 1, 2025.

LightReach integrates directly with SiteCapture to streamline M1 Process.

Our new platform integration with Site Capture is fully launched

The Update:

LightReach is excited to announce its new integration with SiteCapture, a powerful solution for photo and data capture at job sites. This integration is set to revolutionize the way field teams collect, organize, and share essential milestone documentation, offering benefits that include saved time, minimized site visits, and accelerated funding approvals.

The Big Picture:

Upon being approved for SiteCapture integration, you will be able to connect SiteCapture to LightReach using a free SiteCapture Lite account to complete job closeouts, take photos, edit images, and fulfill requirements for LightReach M1 milestone deliverables.

Get Started

Effective 11/18/24: New Credit Qualifications

​The Update: Credit applications submitted using Lightreach's portal will require the last 4 digits of the social security number to be input for review.
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The Timing: Effective 11/18/24 on all new credit qualifications/applications

The Update: LightReach is now live in Virginia and Missouri.
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The Big Picture: Now active for the following utilities within the states of Virginia and Missouri.
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• Virginia: Appalachian Power Company and Dominion Virginia Power.
• Missouri: Energy Metro and Energy West.

The Fine Print: We are now activated for the major, investor-owned utilities in both states and will assess additional utility territories over the coming months.

The Update: Based on partner feedback, the first updates in a series of releases to accelerate M1 & M2 approvals are now live.

• Photo requirements cut in half
• Reduced as-built plan set requirements
• Full scope of rejection reasons in one go
• Eliminating surprises post-PTO

The Big Picture: These are the first in a series of sensible updates, designed to simplify requirements and help lead to more consistent reviews. The focus of M1 reviews will remain around production, safety, and customer experience. Partners do not need to take any immediate action; the only changes reduced requirements.

What's Next: We'll announce additional enhancements later this month, focused on eliminating surprises and ensuring consistent reviews on all submissions.

The Fine Print: Removed photo requirements below. Partners can still provide additional photos as desired-- they never hurt-- but are not required.

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1. Domestic Content

• LightReach will be participating in Domestic Content for new sales in Q4 2024
• This program will be an 'Opt-in' (not mandatory) for Certified Installers.
• Additional value will be shared w/ Opted-In installers via a higher EPC price per watt.
• LightReach will publish program details & approved equipment via news.golightreach.com in advance. Initial manufacturers include: 1) Enphase + Solaredge Inverters 2) IronRidge + Unirac Racking 3) TBA Batteries.

2. New Markets on the Horizon

• We'll be entering Virginia and Missouri in Q4.
• Installers wanting to expand into these markets should check back to news.golightreach.com for future launch timing.

3. Automated Funding Systems

• We're trialing our new and improved funding system, bringing remittance reports and funding details directly into the LightReach portal.
• Visibility will be limited to designated Installer personnel. Additional details will be provided in advance via news.golightreach.com

4. Site Capture Integration

• Our new platform integration with Site Capture is fully launching in October.
• This integration helps installers provide a curated photo set for more accurate Installation M1 deliverables, and helps to improve first time approval ratings. Launch details will be posted in advance at news.golightreach.com.

5. Upcoming Holiday Hours

• LightReach underwriting support will be open on Indigenous People's Day (10/14) from 12-8 PM EST.

6. Enhanced Proceed to PTO System

• We're releasing portal updates to streamline PTO Greenlight systems, making it easier for installers to time PTO submissions.
• Additional details and process guides will be posted in advance to news.golightreach.com.
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1. Domestic Content

• LightReach will be participating in Domestic Content for new sales in Q4 2024
• This program will be an 'Opt-in' (not mandatory) for Certified Installers.
• Additional value will be shared w/ Opted-In installers via a higher EPC price per watt.
• LightReach will publish program details & approved equipment via news.golightreach.com in advance. Initial manufacturers include: 1) Enphase + Solaredge Inverters 2) IronRidge + Unirac Racking 3) TBA Batteries.

2. Eligible Site Policy Update: Manufactured Homes

• Manufactured homes are no longer accepted as of 9/15/24.
• Manufactured homes include (but are not limited to) characteristics such as: 1) Single & double wides 2) Has a HUD plate 3) Has a metal and/or non-permanent support structure/foundation

3. Eligible Site Policy Update: Townhomes

• Townhomes are no longer accepted as of 9/15/24.

1. Update - Photo requirement article update - here

• Updated requirement for a micro inverter model photo on site - should match monitoring portal & planset.
• Updated knowledge base article & photo example document to align 1:1 with the LR portal.
• All photos are now consolidated into 5 sections.

2. Update - Monthly Production deliverable: Article here

• Providing the monthly numeric kWh screenshot for design model is required - especially for Aurora. (Not a new requirement).

3. Update - Manufactured homes & townhomes: Article here

• Starting contract date of 9/15/2024 and forward - manufactured homes & townhomes are no longer an approved eligible site for installation with LightReach.

1. Refresher - As built & Plan set revisions: Article here.

• As built changes at install will require updated plans starting 9/1/2024 for module manufacturer, model series, wattage, inverter manufacturer, model series, size, racking, etc.
• Please refer to knowledge base article linked above for details.

2. Refresher - Enphase PCS panel limit feature

• Enphase has started beta testing its panel limit feature using PCS.
• LightReach projects cannot be used in this beta. Panel limit feature can only be used after full feature release by Enphase..

3. Refresher - Split Bus & Hot Bus panel: Article here

• NEC code prohibits use of hot bus or split bus panels for interconnection.

4. Refresher - LightReach Video series on CT Installation: Article here

• Covers CT installation basics for common rejection themes based on inverter manufacturer specifications/requirements.

5. Refresher - Meter Adapter adder: Article here

• Tesla back up switch does not qualify as an approved adder for meter adapters.

6. Refresher - Tree removal indicated at M1 submission: Article here

• If tree removal is being sought, ensure design deliverables have trees marked or a document uploaded showing which trees will be removed.
• This is to confirm that existing design is configured to ignore shading from marked trees.
• Tree removal photos/proof needed at M2 under 'Conditional Approval Information' section.

Example:

7. Refresher - Roof Quality Requirements: Article here

• For roof mounted installations, roof age should have a minimum of 10 years of remaining life span. Age & condition identifiers listed in the article.
• LightReach will reject M1 submission if the If roof condition and age criteria are not met.

8. Refresher - Tesla monitoring site assignment: Article here

• Need to use 'LightReach' as company instead of 'Palmetto' that was being used earlier.

9. Refresher - Tesla inverters cannot be used for a 2nd system installation with an existing system on site.

• Tesla systems cannot determine total home consumption when a previously installed 3rd party solar system is ALSO on the home (not part of the "new" installation).

10. Refresher - Physical Layout on the monitoring portal

• Needs to be accurate to site & planset.
• Panel manufacturer/model selected on the portal also needs to be accurate to planset & install on site.

11. Refresher - Incentive Details: M1 and M2 articles for relevant submission items

• Relevant incentive documents are required in select markets.

12. Refresher: Design deliverables - Article here.

• Aurora users: M1 deliverables include monthly production kWh numerical values.
• Solo users: Ensure M1 deliverables include screenshots of irradiance map & system details on all projects under 'shade report' document type.
• Other platforms: Ensure screenshots are submitted with relevant system loss & simulation settings.

1. Domestic Content

• LightReach will be participating in Domestic Content for new sales in Q4 2024
• This program will be an 'Opt-in' (not mandatory) for Certified Installers.
• Additional value will be shared w/ Opted-In installers via a higher EPC price per watt.
• LightReach will publish program details & approved equipment via news.golightreach.com in advance. Initial manufacturers include: 1) Enphase + Solaredge Inverters 2) IronRidge + Unirac Racking 3) TBA Batteries.

2. Eligible Site Policy Update: Manufactured Homes

• Manufactured homes will no longer be accepted beginning 9/15/24.
• Effective on all new sales from 9/15/24
• Manufactured homes include (but are not limited to) characteristics such as: 1) Single & double wides 2) Has a HUD plate 3) Has a metal and/or non-permanent support structure/foundation

3. Eligible Site Policy Update: Townhomes

• Townhomes will no longer be accepted beginning 9/15/24.
• Effective on all new sales from 9/15/24