Overview
Storage attachment is permitted with LightReach deals (restrictions apply, see details below). The setup of the storage component will be verified via installation milestone submissions.
Storage will enjoy the same warranties as the rest of the solar system, including replacement (in case of malfunction), monitoring, and maintenance + labor for 25 years.
Disclaimer: This article applies to Storage included with PV systems offered by LightReach - Batteries purchased or leased outside of LightReach are not permitted and will not be funded.
| Backup | Arbitrage |
Details | Purpose: Designed to provide backup power during an outage
Customer Contract: Specifies details of the backup service that will be provided as an additional product separately from the PV system
Warranty: Fully warrantied under the LightReach Energy plan (must be on AVL to be covered by LightReach) | Purpose: Provides additional value from solar production under CA’s time-of-use rates and CA’s NEM3.0 export credit policy. By charging the battery during solar producing hours & discharging during expensive “peak” price hours - customers avoid buying kWh at the most expensive rates & minimize 'exports' of kWh to the grid (Credited a miserly 4-7c under NEM 3.0)
Customer Contract: Will specify that arbitrage battery is included as part of the value proposition for the PV system
Warranty: Fully warrantied under the LightReach Energy plan (must be on AVL to be covered by LightReach) |
Pricing |
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Markets | All markets except:
| California Only |
AVL
Storage is only warrantied under the LightReach Energy plan when present on the AVL.
For the avoidance of doubt; installing non-LightReach-AVL equipment of any kind on a LightReach installation is prohibited.
Certification & Onboarding
Partners interested in selling storage on the platform can follow a few simple steps to request access.
Please note: The enablement of storage is a process and access is not guaranteed.
LightReach will review submissions within five (5) business days.
Updates are provided via the submission ticket.
Requirements for certification:
1 | Compliance | Installer does not have any history of compliance flags related to sales or operational practices |
2 | Operational Health | Installation (M1) first time approval rate greater than 50% |
3 | Manufacturer Certifications | Valid documentation from manufacturer
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4 | Installer Confirmation Form | Sent to organization owner after review of requirements 1-3.
Completed (signed) by the organization (EPC) owner; same as the name on the LightReach contract. |
FAQ
Q1) Why is arbitrage only available in California?
We do not offer an arbitrage only battery to be sold in any other markets beyond CA, at this time. This is to protect customer economics and net value. The conditions present in the CA investor-owned-utilities under “NEM3.0” net-billing tariffs are highly unique to that market. Both the Time-of-Use rate differentials and solar “Export Credit” differentials are such that supports the increased kWh cost v. customer value models we and others have developed to support the value proposition of an arbitrage battery. These conditions are either not present or there simply is not enough net value to be gained by customers in other markets to justify the increased costs, at this time. As TOU rate plans and/or export credit solar crediting policies are adopted by additional states and utilities, this value proposition will be supported via LightReach accordingly.
Q2) My customer wants backup battery functionality in California. Can I do that?
Yes. Select 'Backup battery' when quoting.
Q3) Why is a distinct/separate monthly payment visible when I do battery backup?
When selecting backup battery, partner will first input total battery cost. From there, a battery monthly payment will be visible. This is to allow partners to see a distinct monthly premium for the backup battery service, should the customer with to view/understand it. Ultimately, that monthly cost bundles in with the PV cost for a total customer monthly payment. The breakdown is made visible purely for purposes of educating the customer.
Q4) The customer contract lists Backup as "Full Services Backup Battery?"
Technically speaking, 'backup' battery setups can be more complex and expensive than Arbitrage setups. As a result, some backup storage systems may have additional capabilities beyond simply providing backup power during an outage. This means that in some scenarios, depending on the specific device and home, partners may be able to install a Backup battery which also offers some level of time-based controls (IE arbitrage) as an additional benefit to the customer. Bear in mind, this is not mandatory/applicable to every situation. Given the variability and nuance to this situation, our contract provides higher level language
Q5) My customer wants to have a battery installed and connected to the system in a few years time. Can they do that?
No. Batteries purchased or leased outside of LightReach are not permitted. Customers who tamper with or otherwise alter their system may void their warranties of their LightReach agreement.