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Geothermal: Running Credit, Signing, & NTP

There are four basic steps to qualifying a homeowner and completing a new sale.

  1. Homeowner and system information is entered into the LightReach portal (via palmetto.finance)

  2. Qualifying via credit check

  3. Homeowner Web Portal Account Invite + Contract Docusign are sent

  4. Documents signed & stipulations cleared

  5. All homeowners must create an account in order to clear stipulations​
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Qualification

The Qualification milestone lays the groundwork for a successful project. They cover the basic customer and system details. Accuracy at this stage prevent delays later in the process.

Requirements Include:

  • Customer information

  • System design details

  • Completed quote

  • Credit check

Click Here for a step-by-step for running credit & sending contracts via our finance portal.

Click here for a walkthrough video for Quoting & Pricing in Palmetto Portal

1. Create the customers account

2. Ensure Customer and Property Info is correct

3. Go to the System Design tab and enter the system details

4. Ensure the System Design details and pricing are accurate + Click Save & Get Pricing

5. Run Credit: Select "Run Credit Check" and submit application

  • Last 4 digits of SSN required, full social recommended for best results. Some applications may not return a result without full social.

    • Note that ITINs (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) are not accepted in place of social and may result in an error.

  • Double check homeowner email for accuracy

  • Allow homeowner to review and affirm the disclosure

  • Run a credit check or send the credit application to the homeowner

  • Maximum credit check rate limit of 6 on all accounts

*Credit applications can be emailed to the customer directly.
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6. When ready, SEND the Contract

  • Contracts are sent to the homeowner's email via docusign

  • Docusign subject (may vary): "LightReach Lease Agreement"

  • Alternate signing option: Homeowners can sign the contract within their online account.
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7. Simultaneously, the homeowner is sent an ACCOUNT/APP Login Prompt via Email

  • All homeowners must create an account in order to clear stipulations

  • Homeowner portal link: https://home.palmetto.com/.

  • Account is accessible via web browser, mobile browser, or mobile app

  • Instant Account Setup via Email Invite. Subject Line: "Welcome to LightReach!"
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8. Homeowner clears stipulations

  • Stipulations are cleared fastest when the homeowner completes them via their account. Steps can be found in Section C of this article.
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Notice to Proceed

Notice to Proceed (NTP) is synonymous with a fully signed & executed order. It is LightReach's signal to the contractor that the contract package is fully executed, and the Installer has the go ahead to proceed with installation.

Click here for NTP Requirements

Item

Requirement

ID

All homeowners must complete identity verification. The homeowner web portal (home.palmetto.com) is the secure option to upload the ID for auto verification

  • Driver's license or other state issued ID card

  • Passport or passport card

  • Resident permit ID or green card

Click for visual

Title

All homeowners must complete title verification. Most accounts will auto verify but if necessary, homeowner may be prompted to upload title verification documents through their home.palmetto.com web portal.

Acceptable documents:

  • Original deed or deed of trust

  • Most recent tax property bill

  • Mortgage statement less than 60 days old

For Properties owned in a Trust/LLC:

  • Applicant must be a trustee/controlling member/owner.

  • Trust documents (or other official documentation) must be submitted confirming trustee/controlling member status.

Click for Visual

Customer Account

Sign Up

Homeowner accepts their home.palmetto.com web portal account invitation, where they can complete all requirements.

  • Accessible via web browser or via app download).

  • Sign Up invitation sent at same time as contract

  • Email Subject Line: "Welcome to LightReach! Activate your financing"

Click for Visual

Contract

The LightReach contract is sent to the homeowners email via DocuSign

  • Alternate signing option: Homeowners can sign the contract within their home.palmetto.com account

  • DocuSign Email Subject Line (may vary slightly by state):

    • "LightReach Lease Agreement - XYZState"

Click for Visual

Clear Facts Disclosure

(Agreement

Confirmation)

A simple, non-invasive order summary.

Homeowner 'checks' key details of their disclosure and 'signs off' on their order details. This feature helps recap key order details and reinforces the sale. Completed in a matter of seconds in their home.palmetto.com account.

  • After completion, a copy is emailed to the customer

Click for Visual

Customer Payment Method

All homeowners must complete ACH setup. The homeowner web portal powered by Plaid is the secure option to connect and verify banking information.

Click for visual

  • Direct Login — Most Common
    Search for the customer’s bank and connect through their online banking login.

  • Manual Match
    If the bank isn’t listed, select “Manual Match” and enter the routing and account numbers.

  • 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.

FAQ

1

Can the Trust/LLC sign?

No, the customer/homeowner themselves must sign (a person). For a Trust or LLC, the applicant must be a trustee, controlling member, or owner, and trust or other official documentation confirming that status must be submitted.

2

How is the homeowner's credit checked?

We check both TransUnion and Equifax at the same time, and the higher score is used.

3

Homeowner has frozen credit?

If a homeowner has frozen their credit reports, they will need to unfreeze directly with the bureau(s) before you can proceed. Once unfrozen, a new credit application can be submitted.

4

Soft credit check vs. hard credit check?

The Comfort Plan uses a soft credit check, so there is no impact to the homeowner's credit score. It also does not report as debt, so there is no downside to simply checking whether a homeowner is qualified.

5

Credit results: Applicant Not Found

This is typically associated with situations where only the last 4 digits of the SSN were used. The next step is to run with the full SSN (it is still a soft check, so there is no impact to the homeowner). In some cases the homeowner has no credit history at all and no result can be pulled.

6

Credit results: Error

  • Special characters in the application will result in an error (commas, periods, asterisks, hyphens, etc.).

  • Periods in the city name will cause an error. Acceptable: "St Petersburg" or "Saint Petersburg." Unacceptable: "St. Petersburg."

7

Co-applicants allowed?

Yes, co-applicants are permitted. See the Geothermal: Co-Applicants article for requirements.

8

Who will receive the credit application email?

The application email is sent only to the primary applicant.

9

My customer's score has improved. When can they re-apply?

Customers are free to re-apply at any time, as credit reports are updated periodically. Note that recent changes might not be reflected if a credit check is performed immediately after a credit event.

10

Will the customer receive a cancellation notice?

Cancellation notifications are emailed to the customer whenever an account that has already reached the NTP (M0) milestone is cancelled in the finance portal. The email includes the LightReach account ID number, EPC (org) name, and street address. Projects cancelled before reaching NTP (M0) will not receive a cancellation notice.

11

I see DOB, is this required?

No, DOB is optional, but it may help in providing favorable results.

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