These rules apply to each residential loan type: Solar+Add-ons and Battery+Add-ons. Checking them before you submit keeps deals from stalling after the customer has already said yes.
CHECK BEFORE YOU SUBMIT | RULE | WHAT TO DO |
Property type | Manufactured or mobile homes, vacant land, agricultural properties such as farms or ranches, and new construction are not eligible for residential clean energy loans on applications submitted on or after October 8, 2026. Properties zoned or identified as agricultural properties can apply for a commercial loan instead. | Confirm the property type with the customer before you submit. If it's a farm or ranch, submit it as a commercial clean energy loan. |
Primary residence | The home must be the borrower's primary residence, and each borrower can have only one solar loan. | Confirm the customer lives there and doesn't already have another solar loan. If in doubt, primary residence is typically the address you list when filing your taxes. |
Multi-family, townhome, or condo | The homeowner must be on the application, and the property must be their primary residence, with the borrower being on the property's title. A tax return or other documents may be required. | Flag these early so occupancy documents don't hold up approval. |
Loan-to-Property Value | Loans above 50% of the property's value get additional review. | Don't present these to the customer as approved until the review is complete. |
Recent ownership change | A title transfer in the last 90 days requires additional documents. | Ask about recent ownership changes up front so the customer is prepared to provide documentation, if requested. |
Existing Solar Systems | Properties with an existing solar system are not eligible for additional solar financing through the Residential Clean Energy Loan Program, regardless of whether the existing system is paid off, financed, or leased. | Ask customers upfront whether a solar system is already installed on the property. If an existing system is present, flag the application as ineligible. Add-on systems are not permitted. |
Install timing | Financing is for new installations only, not systems already installed. | Don't start work until all steps below are done. |
Before any installation work begins, the following must be complete:
Execution of the Installation Contract by all relevant parties;
Execution of the Loan Agreement by all relevant parties;
Homeowners Association, Condo Association, Master Association, City, County or other applicable governing body's approval has been obtained, if applicable;
Statutory rescission periods related to the Installation Contract and any Loan Agreement have expired;
All Customer eligibility requirements have been met
Installation work must not begin before NTP is issued.