INSTALLER QUICK START GUIDE Thank you for participating in the Mass Solar Loan Program. This information packet includes: Step-by-step instructions for participating in the program Page 2 Mass Solar Loan Online Portal Guide Page 3 Application Portal Status Definitions Page 16 Required Documents Checklist Page 17 December 2017 1
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR PARTICIPATING 1. Read and review the Program Manual. The Program Manual details the specifics of the Mass Solar Loan Program and includes all relevant rules for installers, residents and lenders to participate in the program. The Program Manual is available at: www.masssolarloan.com. 2. Register to participate in the program via the Mass Solar Loan Portal. Installers that have previously received Expedited Installer status under MassCEC programs will be permitted to submit applications without restrictions. Non-expedited installers will be required to proceed through the Crawl Before You Walk steps listed in Attachment D of the Program Manual in order to participate in the program. 3. Inform potential participating residents about the Mass Solar Loan Program. Program description documents and a list of approved lenders are provided at www.masssolarloan.com. 4. Sign a turnkey solar contract, which must be contingent on the resident receiving a loan from an approved Mass Solar Loan lender. 5. Submit a Technical Application through the Mass Solar Loan Portal. If the customer will qualify for Income Based Loan Support, indicate this on the Technical Application. See the thresholds here to determine if the customer might qualify. See Installer Portal Step-by-Step Instructions below for a walkthrough guide to using the portal. 6. Once the Technical Application has been approved, a Technical Confirmation document will be sent via email. This document will also be available in the Documents tab of the application portal. The resident should present the Technical Confirmation to one or more participating lenders to apply for a Mass Solar Loan. 7. After the loan is closed and the application is in Loan Support Application Approved status, the lender will disburse 35 percent of the loan funds via a twoparty check to both the resident and the installer. 8. After all parties receive an email indicating that the Loan Support Application is approved, the installer may proceed with constructing the solar project. Once the system is interconnected to the grid, installers will upload project completion documents to the Solar Loan Portal. Detailed instructions for this step are provided in the Installer Portal Step-by-Step Instructions below. 9. After final review and approval of the project completion documents, MassCEC will inform the lender to proceed with the final disbursement of the loan amount via a two-party check. December 2017 2
MASS SOLAR LOAN ONLINE PORTAL GUIDE CREATING A TECHNICAL APPLICATION This guide shows the steps for creating Technical Applications for residents with signed Turnkey Contracts (which are contingent on getting approved for a loan). Contact MassCEC at solarloan@masscec.com if you would like to submit a Technical Application for a Community Shared Solar project. Step 1: Technical Application List Tab The first screen an installer will see after logging in is the Technical Application List page. From this page, an installer can create a new Technical Application by clicking the Add New button at the top of the page. They can also search for and modify existing applications. December 2017 3
Step 2: Installer Tab After clicking Add New you will be brought to the Installer Tab of the application. This tab includes information previously submitted as part of the registration process. If you are not using a subcontractor on the project, click Save and Next at the bottom of the page to confirm your installer information and proceed to the next tab. If you are using a Subcontractor on the project, uncheck the No Subcontractor box and click the Add New button that appears. Select a subcontractor from a pre-approved list or input information about the subcontractor if they are not on the existing list. If entering a new subcontractor, click Save within the pop-up window. Then click Save and Next at the bottom of the Installer Tab to proceed to the next step. December 2017 4
Step 3: Customer Tab Input the first name, last name, phone number and email address of the System Owner. Please ensure the customer email is accurate, as it will be used for all program communications with the customer. Select one of the three buttons indicating the system type and/or location: PV System is located on Property Participating in Community Shared Solar (CSS) Multiple PV systems being tied to a single common meter and net metered to System Owner Clicking on the appropriate button will open new fields for entering more required information about the System Owner and project site. Click Save and Next at the bottom of the page to proceed to the next tab. December 2017 5
Step 4: Site Tab In the Site Tab, enter information about the utility, the customer s meter number, utility rate code and historical electricity consumption. For new construction projects or homes that do not have a full year of historical usage, please provide a best estimate. Please note the meter number and rate code should match the information on the submitted utility bill. Additionally, select the system type and mounting method. If the system site does not have a residential rate code, you will be asked to submit information explaining why this is the case (an Assessor s card will also be required to verify that the property is residential). If the proposed system generation exceeds 125% of the historical usage entered here, the System Owner will sign on the TA Summary stating that they are aware of the oversized system and that they will not sell the excess net metering credits. After entering the information, click Save and Next in order to proceed to the Equipment Tab. December 2017 6
Step 5: Equipment Tab The Equipment Tab allows installers to input information about the proposed PV system. This section will generate an automated analysis that compares the proposed system output to program requirements. 1. Click the Add Inverter button to begin building the system profile. A box will open and allow you to select the quantity, manufacturer and model of the system inverter/s. After entering this information, click the Save button next to the Weighted Efficiency field. An Add Array button will then appear. 2. Click the Add Array button to create an array that will be associated with the saved inverter/s. A box will open that allows you to enter the panel manufacturer and model, as well as the number of panels and mounting/tracking method. Enter the Tilt, Azimuth, and Shading information. Please note that the Shading (%) field is the total percent of the system that is shaded. Based on the azimuth, tilt, and shading percentage, the portal will calculate the Proposed-Actual/Optimal Percentage (which must be above 70%), Click the Show Result button. Once the values populate, click Save. 3. After saving the array, you can add other arrays to the existing inverter or add other inverters with more arrays. Once completed, press the Save and Next button to advance to the next tab. December 2017 7
Step 5: Loan Tab In the Loan Tab, enter the Anticipated Project Cost and indicate if the homeowner will be applying for Income Based Loan Support (IBLS). If Yes is selected for IBLS, once the application is submitted, the portal will send a unique link to the homeowner s email that will allow them to apply for IBLS with a third-party income verifyier. Note that Income Verification also determines eligibility for the Interest Rate Buy Down and Loan Loss reserve incentives. Click the Save and Next button to advance to the Documents Tab. December 2017 8
Step 6: Documents Tab Upload the required documents into the portal. For each required document, click the upload symbol on the right hand side of the screen. Enter the required information in the dialog box and upload the appropriate document. Each Technical Application will require a Shading Analysis, an Aerial Site Photograph, and a Utility Bill. Additional documentation may be required based on the specifics of the project. Once all documents have been uploaded, simply click Save and Submit at the bottom of the page. Emails will be sent to you and your customer with instructions for e-signing the Solar Loan Program Technical Application through RightSignature. If you are having trouble receiving emails from the portal, please check your junk mail box. 4 If your customer would prefer not to use the e-signature option, check the box for Applicant opts for signing documents manually, then click Save and Submit. This will generate a document that you and your customer can print, sign, scan, and re-upload into the portal. December 2017 9
Step 7: Optional Editing Reopen TA While in TA Awaiting Signature status, the Reopen TA button can be used to make changes or corrections to the application. At the bottom of the documents tab, select Reopen TA to put the application back into TA Saved. Once in TA Saved, the application details may be edited. Once the edits are complete, select Save and Submit. Resubmission will automatically generate an updated Technical Application Summary for signature and send a new link through RightSignature. Request IBLS While in TA Clarification Requested status, the Requesting IBLS button can be used to add IBLS to an application that did not previously have this. At the bottom of the documents tab, select Requesting IBLS to put the application back into TA Saved. Once in TA Saved, you can select Yes on the loan tab for requesting IBLS (see step 5). Once this edit has been made, select Save and Submit. Resubmission will automatically generate an updated Technical Application Summary for signature and send a new link through RightSignature. Once signed, this application will move through the normal IBLS verification process. December 2017 10
PROJECT COMPLETION APPROVAL Once you have completed the project, log into the Mass Solar Loan Portal to provide the final system information. Approval of the project completion documents will be required in order for lenders to release the remaining balance of the loan funds. Step 1: Login Login to the portal and find the appropriate application in your list of customers. Clicking the edit button on the right hand side of the screen (the pencil icon) will take you to the appropriate application. Projects in the Loan Support Application Approved status are eligible to begin submitting project completion information. December 2017 11
Step 2: Site Tab On the Site Tab, enter the date in service and the initial meter read for the system. Click Save and Next to proceed to the Equipment Tab. You must fill out this tab first in order to save your information. Please edit the Site tab before uploading completion documents. Date In Service should match the date the system was authorized to turn on as indicated in the Utiltity Authorization to Interconnect/Permission to Operate email. December 2017 12
Step 3: Equipment Tab In the Equipment Tab, you will enter the final system specifications. The tab will initially display a copy of the original equipment as the installed specifications. If there were changes to the system, please update the equipment listed as installed. Changes to inverters can be made and saved on this screen. In order to adjust arrays, click the edit button (pencil icon) next to the arrays and input the appropriate information. Click the drop-down on the right side of the screen to toggle from the proposed system specs to the installed system specs screen at any time. Please note that updating the array information will require submission of an updated shading analysis. Once the installed equipment has been updated, click Save and Next. December 2017 13
Step 4: Loan Tab Input the final system cost into the Loan tab and click the Calculate button. Note that the final system cost should match what is indicated in the Final Executed Contract or Invoice documentation. Please note that the System Owner loan amount may be lower than the total contracted cost. Clink Save and Next to move to the next tab. December 2017 14
Step 5: Documents Tab Upload any other required documentation in the Documents Tab and click the Save & Submit button in the lower right-hand corner of the page. If you or the customer cannot sign electronically, be sure to click the manual signature box at the bottom of the page. This will allow you to download the completion summary and subsequently upload the fully signed version. If the completion summary is signed by all parties electronically, the document will be automatically submitted to the portal for MassCEC review. Once the project completion documentation has been reviewed and is approved, the MassCEC will notify the lender to disburse the remaining loan amount. December 2017 15
At Technical Application APPLICATION PORTAL STATUS DEFINITIONS TA Saved: Application has been started and saved, but not submitted or sent for signature. TA Awaiting Signature: The application has been filled out and the Application Summary and Participant s Agreement has been sent for signature. Once E-signed by all parties, the application will automatically move forward. If the customer has opted to sign manually the application will stay in this status until the manually signed agreement is uploaded in the documents tab. While in this status edits can be made to the application by clicking Reopen TA at the bottom of the documents tab, which will move the application back to TA Saved. TA Income Verification Requested: The application has been signed, and is requesting IBLS. An email is sent to the customer containing a unique link to create an account with InClime to begin the income verification process. TA Under Review: The application is in MassCEC s queue awaiting review. If requested, the income verification process has been completed, and all parties have signed the application summary. TA Clarification Requested: The application has been reviewed, and corrections or additional information are needed before approval. Details on what information is needed can be found in the comments section within the portal, or in the original Clarification Requested email. TA Completed: The application has been reviewed and approved. When the application moves into this status, the Technical Confirmation is sent to the customer and installer via email. The customer can now move forward with closing a loan. Please note the Technical Confirmation PDF may also be found within the portal on the Documents tab. TA Forfeited: The application has been cancelled. The application cannot be reopened from this status. At Project Completion Project Completion Started: Project completion process has been started and saved, but not submitted or sent for signature. Project Completion Awaiting Signature: The project completion materials have been filled out and the Completion Summary has been sent for signature. Once E-signed by all parties, the application will automatically move forward. If the customer has opted to sign manually the application will stay in this status until the manually signed agreement is uploaded in the documents tab. Project Completion Under Review or Resubmitted: The application is in MassCEC s queue awaiting review. Project Completion Clarification Requested: The application has been reviewed, and corrections or additional information are needed before approval. Details on what information is needed can be found in the comments section within the portal, or in the original Clarification Request email. Project Completion Approved: The application has been reviewed and approved. When the application moves into this status, a confirmation email is sent to the customer, installer, and lender. The lender can now disperse the remaining loan amount. December 2017 16
At Technical Application REQUIRED DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST Complete Technical Applications for each project must include all of the following: Signed and completed Technical Application: An application will not be accepted if signatures are missing. By signing the application, all parties agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Program as described in this Program Manual and the Participant s Agreement (Attachment E). Shading Analysis: A copy of the shading analysis is required at the time of application to ensure the system will meet the 70% of optimal output requirement outlined in the Minimum Technical Requirements. Solmetric SunEye, Solar Pathfinder, Wiley ASSET software, Aurora if LIDAR imagery is available, or other MassCEC approved shading analyses will be accepted. Aerial Site Photograph: At least one (1) aerial image of the System Owner s property that will be the subject of the project from Microsoft Virtual Earth, Google Earth or other similar source must be provided. This aerial image must clearly identify the applicable building(s) or project site. System Owner/Member-System Owner Electric Bill: Clearly displaying service delivery address, residential rate code, and meter number. Applications seeking IBLS must indicate this on the Technical Application, and ensure the Income Verification Application has been properly submitted with the income verification consultant. Town Assessor s card (required depending on project site): To verify that the site is residential if the installer indicates that the System Owner s electric bill does not have a residential rate code. System owner attestation to oversized system and intent not to sell credits (required depending on project specifications): If applicant intends to size a system in access of 125% of the annual load for purposes of future use, the applicant must submit a signed affidavit from the system owner. Additional Documentation for Non-Expedited Installers. Documentation related to projects on Shared Meters, Condominiums, or Townhomes at MassCEC s discretion. Documentation related to CSS projects required at MassCEC s discretion. December 2017 17
At Project Completion Signed and Completed Project Completion Summary. Confirmation and attestation that all project details as entered in the application portal are accurate to the best knowledge of all parties. Authorization to Interconnect from the Utility. Installation Photos. Photos of the Installed Array to confirm the panel location and count. Final Executed Turnkey Contract or Invoice. Clearly indicating the final project cost for the system, which should be in agreement with the final cost as entered in the application. Updated Shading Analysis (if any changes to the system were made). Additional Documentation based on project specifics at MassCEC s discretion. December 2017 18