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Eligible Sites

Freedom within the Framework: Installers may sell and install at their discretion, within the framework of our guidelines.

Andrew C - PLR Product Ops avatar
Written by Andrew C - PLR Product Ops
Updated this week

A) Overview & Installer Responsibility

Policy: Palmetto LightReach follows a "Freedom within the Framework" approach. Installers may sell and install at their discretion, within the framework of our help.palmetto.finance guidelines. This means that we do not conduct pre-installation site reviews; project review occurs only at the installation milestone. If the project has questionable eligibility, we recommend partners do not proceed.

Procedure: We review eligible residential homes through the lens of three key construction parameters. Installers are responsible for working within these eligibility parameters, as LightReach does not police physical sites at point of sale. This means that partners are responsible for ensuring all of our site eligibility guidelines are met, as NTP Milestone does not confirm site eligibility.

  1. Roofing - Type & Quality/Lifespan

  2. Home type - Home type/style & mounting structure

  3. Structural - The site will support the intended equipment

  4. Electrical - Qualifying adders, replacement conditions, prohibited panels.

Key Takeaway: Palmetto LightReach follows a "Freedom within the Framework" approach. This means that Installers are responsible adhering to our knowledge base guidelines.

B) Roofing

Click for Details on Check 1 of 3: Roofing

Roofing Type/Style

Below are eligible roof types. If a type is not approved on this list, it is not eligible. This means that common disqualified roof types, such as wood shake, tin metal, clay, etc are not eligible due to the long term maintenance and leakage risk to the customer.

Roof Type/Style

Approved Material

Pitched/Sloped Roofs Roof

  • Asphalt / Comp Shingle

  • Corrugated metal (w/ appropriate mounting)

  • Standing seam metal (w/ appropriate mounting)

  • Concrete / Cement Tile

  • Clay Tile Comp-out/Composition Backfill

    • "Comp-out" refers to the technique of removing the tiles, laying down shingles underneath, installing the solar on the roof, then placing the tile back on the roof around the array. For the avoidance of doubt, simply installing on clay title is not permitted.

Click for visual samples

Flat Roof

  • EPDM

  • Modified bitumen (aka Rolled or Bitmod)

    • Must be fully adhered & mechanically attached

  • Coated Roofs

    • Must be properly applied on eligible roof types

Ground Mount

[Ending 1/1/26]

[Ground mounts no longer be eligible from 1/1/26 due to FEOC requirements. No exceptions will be granted]

Roof Quality

Regardless of roof type, each roof must be in viable shape for solar install. It is the responsibility of the Certified Installer to ensure diligence on roof quality.

Golden Guidelines:

  • Roof should have at minimum ten (10) years remaining lifespan, and pass the below quality checks.

  • Any issues within the Proximity of the Array that may lead to a leak or performance issue should be corrected before install submission

When reviewing M1s, LightReach will err on the side of flexibility when reasonably possible. Certified Installers should err on the side of caution when dealing with questionable roofs. View our Roof Quality Supplemental details below for additional information pertaining to common rejections and quality violations.

Quality Items

To Check For

Details

General Standards

  • Material is clear of algae and moss, metal is not rusted or deteriorated, tiles aren't broken or excessively damaged.

  • Roof is clear of obvious signs of heavy age or wear and tear

  • Incorrectly installed roofing/roof type

Click for visual samples

Roofing

Code Violations

The roof must be installed according manufacturer guidelines based on product type

Example Violations Include:

  • Composite shingles installed below 2/12

  • Mod bit installed above 3/12 or below .25/12

  • Architectural shingles used as ridge gaps

  • Metal roofs without sufficient structural backing

Click for visual samples

Age Related Degradation

  • Composite shingles are not heavily worn with major granule loss, missing tabs, or hip and ridge coverings, and exposed fiberglass.

Click for visual samples

Waterproofing Issues

  • No missing materials, whether from damage, bad installation, or issues with previous PV systems

  • Substandard repairs, incompatible materials, poor sealant application, etc.

Decking or Substrate Issues

  • Decking material should not be compromised, missing, or otherwise damaged. There should be no signs of current water penetration or pooling.

  • Flat roof material does not show heavy water retention or pooling, aged patches or obstruction flashing, and surface is not wavy or showing signs of bubbling.

  • Underlayment paper for tile roofs should not be brittle, torn, or missing.

  • Roofing material should be installed directly to decking, and not installed over another roof type. Shingles should be no more than 2 layers.

Click for visual samples

C) Home Type

Click for Details on Check 2 of 3: Eligible Home Types

Eligible Home Types

Below are eligible home types (often synonymous with eligible mounting structures). This list is not exhaustive--If a structure is not present on this list, it is not eligible. All structures must be residential.

Installers are responsible for working within these eligibility parameters, as LightReach does not police physical sites at point of sale. This means that partners are responsible for ensuring all of our site eligibility guidelines are met, as NTP Milestone does not confirm site eligibility.

Type

Details

Residential, Single Family Homes

Approved

  • Normal, traditional detached houses

  • Residential meter, residential zoned, residential use

  • Installers should proceed with caution when installing outside of this core home type.

Detached Garage / Guest Suite*

Approved when Conditions are Met

  • Generally approved, assuming full code compliance, structural stability, etc.

  • These are typically robust, traditional structures --distinct from other irregular structures such as carports, pergolas, etc, which are not approved.

Duplexes / Triplexes (Sometimes referred to as Multi-Family)*

Approved when Conditions are Met

  • IE Traditional resi. detached houses which may be split into multiple units, for example an upstairs & downstairs unit.

  • The customer must own the entire property.

  • Sites that fall outside of this description, including but not limited to townhomes, condos, or other irregular structures, are not eligible.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

Approved when Conditions are Met

  • The system must be installed at the contracted property address, ensuring the installation site, utility meter number, and address all match the information provided on the utility bill and contract.

Townhomes

Not Approved. Please do not install.

Commercial/Non-Residential Buildings

Not Approved. Please do not install.

Condos/Apartments

Not Approved. Please do not install.

Carports/Pergolas

Not Approved. Please do not install.

Ground Mounts

Not Approved. Please do not install.

  • Disqualified as of 1/1/26 due to FEOC requirements

Overhang Porches

Not Approved. Please do not install.

  • These are typically lite structures with minimal/nominal construction supports

Manufactured/Mobile

Not Approved. Please do not install.

  • Will not be funded, regardless of PV install details

All other unique or irregular home types/structures

Not Approved. Please do not install.

  • Bottom Line: If not expressly approved on this article, do not install. No exceptions will be granted.

Roof Tilt and Pitch Requirements

Understanding the roof tilt and pitch guidelines is crucial for ensuring compliance with LightReach installation standards. Certified installers should ensure that roof conditions meet the specified criteria for successful project approval.

Mounting Structure

Requirement

Array Measurements

  • Requirement:

    • The tilt angle and azimuth of arrays at install should be within ±5 degrees of the measurements included on the plan set & proposal design.

  • Why:

    • To ensure production & plan set accuracy with respect to installation on the project site.

Array Tilt Angle

  • Requirement:

    • Array Tilt Angle Minimum: of 5 degrees (absolute).

    • Array Tilt Angle Maximum: up to 45 degrees, with a flexibility margin of ±5 degrees

  • Why:

    • To attain optimal drainage and prevention of water pooling/snow accumulation on the arrays that would negatively impact production.

Roof Pitch Angle

  • Requirement:

    • Upper limit of 45 degrees

    • Lower limits are based on Roof Material requirements as listed by the manufacture.

    • See "Roof Material Code Violation" section above.

  • Why:

    • To ensure the performance of roof material and solar equipment.

Ground Mount

[Ending 1/1/26]

  • [Ground mounts will no longer be eligible from 1/1/26 due to FEOC requirements]

  • Requirement:

    • Array Tilt Angle: Minimum of 5 degrees (absolute).

    • Array Tilt Angle: Maximum up-to 45 degrees, with a flexibility margin of ±5 degrees

  • Why:

    • To attain optimal drainage and prevention of water pooling/snow accumulation on the arrays that would negatively impact production.

    • To maximize energy harvest & compensate for variations in initial design precision.

Reverse Tilt Arrays

Not Approved. Please do not install.

D) Structural

Click for Details on Check 3 of 4: Structural & Site

Structural Items

to Check

Details

General Requirements

  • Roof framing should be adequate material to support solar load and uplift in regional zones

  • No structural damage: Rafters, trusses, or beams should not be severely cracked or damaged

  • No structural concerns: Ridge sagging, excessive bowing or poorly supported areas

  • No pest/element damage: Framing material should not show insect, thermal, or water damage

  • Situated on a permanent foundation: Poured slab, mortared perimeter or concrete piers.

  • Original to the Home: Presenting a similar style of construction and integration into the main portion of the home.

Extra Requirements for Accessory Structures

For Installations not located on the main home (including garages, detached structures, etc), additional requirements include:

  • Interior photos capturing the construction (rafters, purlins, etc), dimensions, and spacing. Information must line up with PE letter (see next).

  • Professional engineering letter (aka PE letter) reasonably affirming proper installation of solar components to the supporting structure and that the structure can support the weight of PV.

  • Palmetto may, at our discretion, request additional information prior to approval as necessary.

Structural Material:

  • Roof framing should be adequate material to support solar load and uplift in regional zones

  • No structural damage: Rafters, trusses, or beams should not be severely cracked or damaged

  • No ridge sagging

  • No pest/element damage: Framing material should not show insect, thermal, or water damage

Click for visual samples

Existing Solar/Multiple System Parameters

While multiple system (i.e. separate system, second system) installations are not expressly prohibited, they are typically higher risk, and as such: Installers should proceed with extreme caution and be well familiarized with the guidance outlined below to avoid project disqualification. Moreover, LightReach recommends taking additional steps outlined in our Compliance Guidelines.

Any time a customer has more than one solar system, they will fall into one of the following categories. As nuances and industry terminology tends to vary widely, LightReach has characterized each term below:

1) Add-on 🔴

Click for Add-On Details

  • Description: Additional panels tied into the same inverter & meter.

  • Example: A customer purchased a 10kW system a few years back, and wants to add a handful of panels to the existing system. This implies that the add-on panels will be intertwined with the existing system on site.

  • Not acceptable and will not be funded under any circumstance. Altering existing, unknown solar systems in any way poses significant service, warranty, and legal risks.

2) Second (2nd) Systems 🟡

Click for Second (2nd) System details

  • Disclaimer: Certified Installers are responsible for confirming utility policies for second systems. Our policy is generally geared toward enabling customers who are seeking additional electrification. However, customers with existing solar systems can often misunderstand, or be miseducated, about the implications of a 2nd system. As such, careful homeowner education is always advised. Moreover, LightReach recommends take additional steps outlined in our Compliance Guidelines to protect against any potential adverse claims.

  • Description: New system containing new inverter(s), tied to the same meter. A 2nd system, physically separate from any pre-existing solar on site, but tied to the same meter/account.

  • Example: A customer purchased a 5kW system a few years back, and wants to add a new 5kW system with LightReach due to a recent EV purchase or other usage increase reasons.

  • Acceptable only if certain conditions are met. Installer should treat second system with caution. Conditions include: [1] Located outside of California. [2] Approved by Utility. [3] Does not interfere or impact pre-existing system NEM or value proposition for the customer in any way. [4] Any code violations or installation irregularities associated with the 1st system are fully addressed by the Certified Installer, at the installer's own risk.

3) Separate Systems 🟢

Click for Separate System details

  • Description: A separate/new system connected to a different electric meter, on a different utility account, unrelated to any existing solar systems.

  • Example: A customer has a main house with an existing solar system and meter. They also have a guest house with their own meter, and want a new LightReach system for the guest house & guest meter.

  • Acceptable, up to 3 systems per applicant. For all intents and purposes, these are simply new customers for LightReach, who may have multiple units/properties and want solar on each. Simply a new system with no connection to other system(s) owned by the applicant.

E) Electrical

Click for Details on Check 4 of 4: Electrical Conditions

Qualified Adders

All electrical adders must be directly related to facilitating the installation of PV or PV + Battery installation.

Including an electrical adder in the Quote tool will be a separate option from Batteries. When including an electrical adder to your project, you'll want to make sure to select the correct option in the Adders section:

Qualified Adder

Details

Full Service Upgrade

  • Varies widely based on conditions, type of service, AHJ & Utility

  • Conditions: Services that do not meet current code, AHJ or Utility requirements, wire sizing is not supportive of system back feed. A full service upgrade may be precipitated by a meter relocation in order to adhere to current code standards.

  • Applies to:

    • PV Systems

    • PV Systems + Battery (partial or full home back up & arbitrage)

Main Service Panel Upgrade

  • Varies widely based on conditions, type of service, AHJ & Utility

  • Conditions: MSP that do not meet current code, AHJ or Utility requirements, of a disqualified class, shows signs of failure or corrosion or is not sized to support the proposed back feed.

  • Applies to:

    • PV Systems

    • PV Systems + Battery (partial or full home back up & arbitrage)

Single/Two/Three/Four Gang Meter Upgrade

  • Largely dependent on # of meters

  • Varies widely based on conditions, type of service, AHJ & Utility

  • Conditions: Services that do not meet current code, AHJ or Utility requirements, shows signs of failure or corrosion or is not sized to support the proposed back feed.

  • Applies to:

    • PV Systems

    • PV Systems + Battery (partial or full home back up & arbitrage)

Sub Panel Insert

  • Takes the form of back up or critical loads panels

  • Inserting sub panel to avoid an MPU

  • Conditions: Existing Main panel is not suitable sized for back feed but the service is rated for the proposed back feed.

  • Applies to:

    • PV Systems

    • PV Systems + Battery (partial or full home back up & arbitrage)​

Meter Adapters*

  • *Does not apply to Tesla backup switch

  • Conditions: Can be used to avoid an MPU but subject to AHJ & Utility restrictions and approved components

  • Applies to:

    • PV Systems

    • PV Systems + Battery (partial or full home back up & arbitrage)

Replacement Conditions

Regardless of the specific brand of panel, overall conditions should also be assessed, reviewing for the following. If any one of these conditions are met, replacement is required:

  • Thermal damage

  • Double lugged circuits or feeders

  • Knob and tube wiring

  • Rusted or corroded equipment

  • Existing code violations, clearance issues, or overall safety concerns.

Prohibited Panels

When reviewing the electrical conditions of a project, the system should be designed to avoid or replace certain panel and breaker manufacturers to ensure code compliance. Certain panel manufacturers/setups, detailed below, are full-stop-prohibited for all LightReach accounts. This means that interconnection (upstream or downstream) of any DQ panel types is prohibited.

Elec Panel/Type

Status

Additional Considerations

Fuse Box

DQ type - Replace
(No interconnection upstream or downstream of this panel)

Not as reliable as circuit breakers, constant maintenance, need modification with bigger fuses due to higher demands for houses nowadays. The circuits are only rated for a specific amount of amps, so putting a larger amp fuse onto a smaller amp rated circuit is potentially dangerous.

Federal Pacific/Stab-Lok

DQ type - Replace
(No interconnection upstream or downstream of this panel)

High rate of breaker failure, breakers often fail to trip, leading to overheated wiring that can lead to house fires.

Pushmatic/Bulldog

DQ type - Replace
(No interconnection upstream or downstream of this panel)

Obsolete, difficult to maintain. Circuit breakers fail to trip. Arching of the contacts within the breaker which causes them to weld together. All these concerns are considered to be potential shock and fire hazards.

Zinsco / GTE Sylvania

DQ type - Replace
(No interconnection upstream or downstream of this panel)

Obsolete. Circuit breakers fail to trip - failure rate much higher than what is considered an acceptable margin of safety. Potential fire hazard.

60A Meter Button/Can

Upgrade

Old houses with 60A service likely to hav a 60A meter. Is not typically enough for modern electrical usage. Typically not approved by most AHJs or utilities.

60A Service

Upgrade

Old houses with 60A service are not typically enough for modern electrical usage. Not approved by most AHJs or utilities.

Challenger Panels

See right

Supply side/Line side tap is OK.

Backfeed breaker interconnections shall be done using a non-challenger breaker.
​
The biggest concern for Challengers breakers were their issue with overheating. In turn, that can cause many other issues, like fusing and/or melting, corrosion, or actual fires. Occasionally they don’t trip at all, or just may take too long to trip.

Split Bus & Hot Bus Panels

AHJ Discretion

Not compliant for interconnection per NEC - but will be allowed if AHJ deems the panel is OK.

F) FAQ

A

Golf course homes

  • Golf course homes are acceptable, but, damage caused by golf balls does not qualify for (no cost) panel replacement or production guarantee.

  • This means that if a panel is damaged by a golf ball, LightReach can fix the damage/replace the panel at cost. Any lost production is not covered by the production guarantee.

C

Active Utilities

Link to "Active Utilities" to cross reference open utilities.

D

Ground Mounts

[Ending 1/1/26]

[Ground mounts will no longer be eligible from 1/1/26 due to FEOC requirements]

Ground mounts installations are acceptable however, must meet all other site eligibility requirements.

  • Customer must own the whole property

  • Home cannot be manufactured/mobile

  • Must use AVL listed manufacturer's racking solution.

  • etc

Stamped engineering letter is required. Should include wind/snow structural load calculations, embedment depths and/or footing dimensions and match installed racking structure.

E

Manufactured Homes? Mobile Homes?

Manufactured homes, mobile homes, double wides or other non-traditional standalone single family houses are not permitted and will not be funded, regardless of PV installation type.

Characteristics of manufactured/mobile homes include but are not limited to:

  • Single & double wides

  • Have HUD plates

  • Has a metal and/or non-permanent support structure/foundation.

View "Manufactured Homes Policy" article.

F

Townhomes?

See Partner Success Metrics Section C Expansion Program Requirements

Townhomes are not permitted and will not be funded, regardless of townhome site specifics.

G

Pergolas? Carports? Custom structures? Condos?

Disqualified mounting structures, such as carports, condos, or other irregular/custom structures (includes add on porches that are not part of the original structure), are not eligible due to the long term maintenance and safety risk to the customer.

H

Commercial?

Agricultural? Businesses?

LightReach approves only residential structures. It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure site eligibility.

Home must be residential meter, residential zoned, and residential use. Installers are advised to avoid homes which fall outside of a standard residential scope.

Homes which are partial use, or otherwise not solely residential use, must still prove the same residential requirements as above. For example:

  • A customer owns a duplex. They live upstairs and run a small business/shop out of the first floor. So long as the solar system is attached to a residence, with a residential meter/interconnection, the account can generally be approved.

  • In contrast, a customer who owns a commercial shop/business and has a break room with a couch upstairs would not be approved.

I

Do we enforce or check HOA status?

  • HOA is an installers responsibility and if there are issues that emerge from bypassing that local approval the installer is liable.

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