Climate First Bank provides customers with a 6-month no-payment construction period to allow sufficient time for project installation and completion.. This construction window is paired with a maximum 6-month construction timeline for installers. Projects should be completed within 6 months of Installers receiving NTP (Notice to Proceed).
These timelines are critical to ensuring customer protection, regulatory compliance, and responsible funding practices.
Construction Timeline Explained
1. No-Payment Period for Customers
Customers receive up to 6 months with no loan payments, starting from the date the loan documents are signed.
This period is designed to give installers adequate time to complete the project before repayment begins.
2. Construction Window for Installers
The 6-month construction window begins on the date the Notice to Proceed (NTP) is issued.
Installers are expected to fully complete the project—including installation, inspections, and documentation—within this timeframe.
Aged Projects (Over 6 Months from NTP)
If a project is not completed within 6 months of the NTP date, it is considered an aged project. For aged projects, Climate First Bank will require additional review, documentation, and verification before any further funding decisions are made.
Required Information for Aged Projects
For any project that exceeds the 6-month construction window, installers must provide the following:
1. Explanation of Delay
A clear explanation of why the project was not completed within the 6-month timeframe
Details should be specific (e.g., permitting delays, material shortages, customer scheduling issues)
2. Current Project Status
Confirmation of whether the project is:
Not yet installed
Partially installed
Fully installed but awaiting inspection or PTO
3. Updated Timeline
Expected installation date (if not yet installed)
Expected project completion date
4. Supporting Documentation
Installers must submit documentation demonstrating progress and justification for delays, which may include:
Proof that materials have been ordered or delivered
Evidence of permitting or inspection delays
Records of customer communication (emails, scheduling confirmations, etc.)
Installation & Photo Requirements
Completed Installations
If installation has been completed, installers must submit:
Clear installation photos
Photos must include an address photo or other verifiable indicator confirming the installation is for the correct property
Roof + Solar Projects
If the project includes both roof and solar and the roof portion has not yet been funded, installers must also provide:
A roof status update
Supporting photos and/or documentation confirming roof completion or progress
Bank Rights & Installer Responsibilities
Climate First Bank retains the right to directly contact installers to request:
Project updates
Status confirmations
Documentation or photos related to construction progress
Failure to respond to these requests in a timely manner may result in:
Funding delays
Account holds
Additional compliance review
Timely, complete, and accurate responses are required to avoid disruptions.
Importance of Timely Communication
We ask that all installers respond promptly to aged project update requests. These reviews are necessary to:
Protect customers from extended construction delays
Ensure compliance with loan program requirements
Support responsible release of funds
Summary
Customers receive 6 months of no payments from loan document signing
Installers have 6 months from NTP to complete construction
Projects exceeding this window require additional documentation and review
Climate First Bank may request updates, photos, and proof of progress at any time
Failure to comply can result in funding delays or account holds