Application Tips and Tricks – Need Info Requests
On average, more than 1,000 Part I or Part II applications each month necessitate a Need Info request, resulting in delayed application review and approval. Need Info requests are emailed each Monday and Wednesday, and the best way to avoid additional delay is to respond to the request as quickly as possible, replying to the original Need Info email rather than creating a new message.
Application Tips and Tricks – Battery Backup
As energy storage becomes increasingly more common as an add-on to solar projects, Approved Vendors should correctly note battery backup components in Part I and Part II applications. Part I – In January 2025, a new field was added to Distributed Generation Disclosure Forms asking “Will project include a battery for energy storage? If so, what size?” […]
Application Tips and Tricks – Project Address Variance
Part I Section 6 of the DG project application includes a text field for Approved Vendors to explain variances between the Utility Account Holder and the Property Owner. AVs may now use this field to explain variances in project addresses as well. For example, the physical project location address might differ from the utility address due to street name redesignation, zip code boundary changes, township vs city address, etc. AVs should provide the […]
Application Tips and Tricks – Project Installer Change
If the project installer has changed between Part I and Part II, please review all of the installer’s contact information, qualified person, and ICC certification details before submission. Noting this change in the Part II ‘Overview Comments’ could help avoid additional Need Info requests about documentation discrepancies which can delay application review and approval.
Application Tips and Tricks – Accurate, Consistent Information on Project Applications and to GATS Registry
The Program Administrator has observed a trend in data inconsistency between Part II project application data and documentation submitted to the Generation Attribute Tracking System (“GATS”) Registry. Non-matching information will result in a Need Info request that delays application review and approval, and Approved Vendors are advised to ensure accurate, consistent information is provided on […]
Application Tips and Tricks – Select Correct Interconnecting Utility on Part I Applications and Disclosure Forms
It’s critical to select the correct interconnecting utility when completing a Part I project application. Selecting the incorrect utility will lead to a Need Info request that will delay project application review and approval. Similarly, selecting the wrong utility on the Disclosure Form will require a new signed Disclosure Form before application review can be […]
Application Tips and Tricks – Ensure Array Details Match Between Project Application and Site Maps
For Part I Small DG project applications, Approved Vendors should ensure that specific array details match between application response submissions and information provided via site maps, including information on azimuth, tilt, and number of modules. Non-matching information between application responses and site maps can lead to a Need Info request, delaying application review and approval.
Application Tips and Tricks – Proof of Property Tax Exemptions for House of Worship Required for Prevailing Wage Exemption
As noted in Section 5.F of the Program Guidebook, effective for Program Year 2025-26, in order for a house of worship to be considered exempt from Prevailing Wage, the project application must demonstrate proof of exemption from property tax pursuant to Section 15-40 of the Property Tax Code. Sales tax exemption will no longer be accepted for […]
Application Tips and Tricks – Program Administrator Updates on Available Capacity Following Project Withdrawals/Removals
The Program Administrator follows a protocol regarding the withdrawal/removal of project applications, requiring formal confirmation from the Approved Vendor including AVs who are currently suspended from the Program. As application withdrawals/removals impact available capacity and the review and approval of other project applications, Approved Vendors are understandably interested in capacity that may become available. No […]