LightReach has worked with the Connecticut Green Bank, our AVL Battery manufacturers, and key Partners to develop the LightReach Solar + Battery Storage and Backup Battery Only plan that puts our CUSTOMERS and our and PARTNERS - FIRST!
As our local Connecticut Install Partners know - Connecticut has a robust Energy Storage Solutions incentive program to support the State’s goal of deploying 1,000MW of battery storage by 2030.
After engaging with the Connecticut Green Bank, approved manufacturers, and partners - we’re moving forward with a Phase 1 strategy to enable partners to begin to originate and install battery storage in CT with discretion to either OPT-IN or OPT-OUT at Installation Package (M1) submission on each eligible project to the Energy Storage Solutions program.
Overview:
LightReach’s plan ensures incentive benefits are able to flow to both the Customer and to our valued Installation Partners.
Install Partners are eligible, but not required, to enroll and receive the ‘Enrollment’ or ‘Upfront’ incentive directly, and Customers will also benefit from the lower battery pricing Palmetto is able to offer as a result of the ‘Active’ performance incentive.
Each manufacturer’s operational and enrollment processes are slightly different, so please lean on your expertise installing approved battery systems to ensure Program compliance.
Enrolling systems into the CT Energy Storage Solutions program does require additional documentation for M1/M2 package requirements.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR INSTALL PARTNERS
Max Flexibility - Partners have the option to OPT-IN or OPT-OUT of Program enrollment for each eligible PV+ESS project or Backup Only
Partner Retains Enrollment Incentive Payment - Partners can capture the Enrollment incentive directly, but must discount the EPC cost to consumer to pass-thru the benefit.
Palmetto retains Active incentive. This requires a customer- signed Payment Beneficiary Form.
Reasonable and Simple documentation requirements - Navigating the CT Green Bank program approvals and reviews for Opt-Ins is hard enough, LightReach only needs visibility and proof of system enrollments to ensure ongoing compliance.
This is a Partner friendly approach providing choice and control over your sales and installs. Working with state program administrators to unlock incentives can introduce friction and delays to the EPC’s development and installation pipeline. Working with state program administrators to unlock incentives can introduce friction and delays to the EPC’s development and installation pipeline.
We are providing flexibility and optionality that places the decision, operational burden, and benefit on our Partners and customers to pursue, or not.
Certification & Onboarding
CT Requirements:
You must be an approved Program Contractor and Installers must submit applications to CT Green Bank and ESS Program to become eligible contractors. The Application is HERE.
Certification & Onboarding:
Partners interested in selling storage on the platform can follow a few simple steps to request access.
LightReach will review submissions within five (5) business days.
Updates are provided via the submission ticket.
Certified Install Partners, will be required to sign the CT ESS Attestation Form prior to battery pricing enablement.
This attestation lays out key terms, conditions, and responsibilities we need Partners to be aware of and accountable for when selling Palmetto Lightreach PV + battery systems or Backup Only in CT.
Lightreach M1/M2 Requirements:
Install Partners will be responsible for submitting the CT ESS Confirmation Form as part of M1 on each PV + Storage project. This M1 deliverable signals to us what the Partner’s intended path for the project.
Install Partners are to
Work with customers to confirm if the customer would like to be enrolled in the CT ESS Program.
Secure all Program required documentation and submit the application
Clear the Milestone Deliverables below
Install Partners are responsible for published Milestone Deliverables:
M1
All CT Storage Projects:
Opt-in Customers ONLY
CT ESS Customer Disclosure Form - (Customer sig required)
Reservation of Capacity (ROC) email from the Program
-Example - Reservation of Capacity
M2
Opt-in Customers ONLY
Install Partners that elect to enroll in and claim the ENROLLMENT / UPFRONT Incentive MUST DISCOUNT the battery EPC cost consistent with the upfront, Passive Dispatch incentive amount that they are entitled to.
Frequently Asked Questions
CT. Program FAQ Here - https://energystoragect.com/contractor-faq/
| Question | Answer |
1 | Are all of LightReach’s AVL approved battery products eligible under the Program? | Currently, yes. But LightReach’s AVL is constantly evolving as are the Program’s requirements and approved equipment list. Please refer to both lists periodically to ensure ongoing eligibility. |
2 | How will the Enrollment / Upfront incentive be paid out? | The CT Green Bank will be paid directly to the installer / contractor after the system receives its Confirmation of Enrollment notice. Contractors must select themselves as the Enrollment Incentive beneficiary on the application. |
3 | How will the Active / Ongoing incentive be paid out? | The Active incentive will be paid out to Palmetto directly as the system owner. |
4 | Is Palmetto LightReach approved by the CT Energy Storage Solutions Program? | Yes, Palmetto LightReach is both an approved Third-Party-Owner and approved contractor of the Program |
5 | How do we know how much of an upfront incentive amount each system and project is eligible for? | We would encourage you to use the Program’s CT ESS Residential Incentive Estimate Calculator.
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6 | Where can I see both the LightReach battery AVL and the CT ESS eligible equipment list | CT Eligible Equipment List HERE LightReach Battery AVL HERE |
7 | It looks like low-income customers are eligible for higher incentive, how are low-income customers defined? |
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8 | Customers in “Underserved Communities” are also eligible for higher incentive amount, how are “Underserved Communities” defined? | An ‘Underserved Community’ are customers that reside in an economically distressed municipality, as defined by the most recent list developed by the Connecticut DECD and included in the Programs Residential Incentive Calculator. |
9 | Can a customer enroll a system in both Energy Storage Solutions and the existing ConnectedSolutions Program? | No, as of December 2, 2023 ConnectedSolutions is no longer accepting new CT enrollments. |
10 | Manufacturer's Specific Sites |
If you’re an Authorized Install Partner representative, please reach out to your Relationship Manager or LightReach Team to request pricing and begin onboarding.