Climate First Bank and OneEthos do not finance detach and reattach services or solar repair work.
Our loan programs are intended to finance new solar and energy storage installations.
However, add-ons to an existing solar system may be eligible for financing only if specific conditions are met, as outlined below.
Detach & Reattach and Solar Repairs (Not Eligible)
We do not finance work performed on an existing solar system that is considered maintenance, modification, or reinstallation.
This includes, but is not limited to:
Detach and reattach of existing solar panels
Temporary removal and reinstallation for roof or construction work
Repairs or troubleshooting of existing systems
Replacement of existing panels, inverters, or system components
These activities are considered repairs or modifications, not new installations, and are therefore ineligible for financing.
Add-Ons to Existing Solar Systems (Conditionally Eligible)
Add-ons or expansions to an existing solar system may be eligible for financing only if all of the following conditions are met:
The existing solar system is customer-owned
There is no existing UCC filing on the current system
The existing system is not leased and not subject to a PPA or any TPO arrangement
The add-on consists of new equipment only
The contract and cost breakdown clearly separate the new add-on scope from the existing system
If any of these conditions are not met, the project is not eligible for financing.
Ineligible Add-On Scenarios
The following scenarios are not permitted:
Add-ons to systems with an active UCC filing
Add-ons to leased systems
Add-ons to systems under a PPA or TPO
Projects that bundle repairs, detach/reattach, or replacement of existing equipment with the add-on
Projects where ownership of the existing system cannot be clearly verified
Why These Restrictions Exist
These requirements are in place because:
Our loans are structured to finance new, customer-owned assets
Existing UCC filings or third-party ownership create conflicting lien and ownership interests
Compliance and underwriting standards require clear first-position ownership and collateral
Repair and reinstallation work does not meet program eligibility criteria
Installer Responsibility
Installers are responsible for:
Verifying ownership of the existing system
Confirming there is no UCC, lease, or TPO
Ensuring contracts and invoices clearly reflect new add-on equipment only
Excluding any detach/reattach or repair scope from financed projects
Projects submitted that do not meet these requirements may result in:
Project rejection
Funding delays
Compliance review or account hold
Questions or Clarification
If you are unsure whether an add-on project is eligible, please contact Installer Support before submitting the project.