A) Closed Trial Overview
This article is available exclusively to pre-selected partners in a closed trial program. Please do not share this link with any unauthorized personnel. Installers who have not been pre-selected for this trial program will not be eligible for townhome approval under any circumstances.
Due to the increased risks associated with installing solar on shared properties like Townhomes (which include townhouses and row houses), these projects are subject to additional scrutiny. This means additional restrictions and stricter requirements for project approval.
Please review this document carefully to ensure that both your Sales and Operational teams fully understand these requirements.
Freedom within the Framework: Installers may sell and install at their discretion, within the framework of our help.palmetto.finance guidelines. Any deviation or violation of these standards will result in immediate ineligibility for funding, with no exceptions, regardless of the project's current stage.
B) Program Prerequisites
Before selling Townhome projects, complete the following steps:
1 | Review this policy article: Ensure any relevant personnel in your organization review this policy article in full. |
2 | Attend a Training Session: An authorized person(s) must attend a trial program Training Session. This will ensure full understanding of the current program and limitations. |
3 | Sign and Return Attestation: Company owner or authorized leadership representative must sign the below Townhomes Attestation. |
C) Site & Design Requirements
To minimize risk and liability on shared structures, these additional restrictions apply to Palmetto LightReach systems installed on Townhomes.
Site and Design Requirements:
Ownership | The contract holder must own the entire vertical portion of the structure where equipment will be installed. This includes the roof directly above their unit and any exclusive exterior walls.
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Equipment Location | All Palmetto LightReach equipment (PV & Battery Systems) must be located exclusively on the contract holder's property. No exceptions will be granted. |
System Consolidation | System components must be consolidated to sections of the home that are clearly defined or easily identifiable as belonging to the contract holder. Rooftop features (e.g., firewalls, distinct roof sections) can help define these areas. |
Conduit Path | A clear and actionable conduit path must exist from the PV array’s location to the connection point, without encroaching on any property not owned by the contract holder. This path must be structurally sound and meet all applicable code requirements. |
Access | Best practice installation methods shall be followed so as to not curtail or prevent owner access to attic spaces or other access areas or prevent adjacent property owners from access to their property. |
Equipment Setback | Where possible, employ an equipment setback of 12 inches from designated property lines when deploying Palmetto LightReach PV & Battery Systems equipment to site. If this setback is not feasible, submit documentation detailing why a set back could not be utilized. |
D) M1 Milestone Deliverables
Please ensure that the additional M1 Milestone Deliverables are included in the Installation submission package. Failure to provide all relevant information will result in rejections.
Disclaimer:
Conditional approvals will not be granted on missing Townhome deliverables.
Design Deliverables:
Plansets: Plansets should clearly indicate the positioning of Palmetto LightReach PV & Battery Systems on site, utilizing clearly delineated edges or roof top features that confirm placement on the contract holder's property.
Property Lines: Property Lines are indicated or marked up on plansets.
Measurements: Provide measurements from structure features (e.g., eaves, ridges, firewalls) to provide context of Palmetto LightReach PV & Battery Systems placement, aligning with planset measurements.
Site Photos:
Pullback Photos (Context): Provide pullback photos of the intended installation area that can be used to provide context of equipment positioning relative to the property boundaries.
Additional Photos: Palmetto may, in its sole discretion, request more photographs prior to project approval if further assurance that proper procedures were followed, is needed.
Rooftop Photos:
PV Array Context: Pullbacks of the PV Array location should provide clear context of its relation to the boundaries of the Contract Holder property.
Delineated Sections: If there are clearly delineated roof sections, pullback photos are sufficient to show property boundaries.
Non-Delineated Sections: If roof sections are not clearly delineated, provide measurements off of rooftop features, eaves, rakes, penetrations, etc., to align with planset measurements and confirm placement within property boundaries.
Electrical Photos:
Conduit Context: Pullback photos of installed conduit should provide clear context of its relation to the boundaries of the Contract Holder’s property.
System Context: Pullback photos of Palmetto LightReach PV & Battery Systems should provide clear context of their relation to the boundaries of the Contract Holder’s property.
E) Sales Considerations
It's crucial to set accurate expectations with homeowners for Townhome projects, as communication and accurate expectation setting on equipment positioning are important.
Setting Expectations with the Homeowner:
Any information or expectations provided to the customer at this stage are contingent upon the system design and its ability to meet the following eligibility requirements for Palmetto LightReach funding:
Sufficient Space: There must be enough space to house all Palmetto LightReach PV & Battery Systems entirely within the boundaries of the Contract Holder property.
Service Panel Location: The Service Panel location must be within the boundaries of the Contract Holder’s property.
Design Limitations: The contract holder should be made aware that there may be design, installation, and potentially production limitations due to their limited roof size and property boundaries.
These requirements, if not met, would disqualify this property and result in project cancellation.
Aesthetic Considerations:
If these qualifications are met, the application of solar upon this residence would possibly be subject to certain limitations to avoid shared spaces and property. This could result in:
Panel Placement: Solar panels may be placed in more prominent or visible areas on the roof.
Conduit Visibility: Conduit runs may be more noticeable on the exterior walls of the residence.
Equipment Placement: Placement of electrical equipment may be restricted to avoid shared locations or encroachment on property lines.
The placement of this equipment may impact the restrictions set by Homeowners Associations (HOAs). Certified Installers and Contract Holders are responsible for ensuring that any Palmetto LightReach PV & Battery Systems design meets applicable HOA requirements and restrictions.