Application Tips and Tricks – Provide Regular, Substantive Responses to Need Info Requests to Avoid Delays
Per Section 5.A of the Program Guidebook, an AV has a maximum of two weeks to cure deficiencies in an application. In the case of continued communication between the Program Administrator and the AV, the cure period may be extended up to two weeks from the last good faith effort to provide the required information, at the Program […]
Application Tips and Tricks – Revisit Project Applications Before Responding to “Need Info” Requests to Avoid Delays
When responding to a “Need Info” request, AVs should carefully revisit the project application before replying to ensure the answer is correct. The Program Administrator has encountered instances where vendors have provided replies with incorrect information that has led to contract inaccuracies and subsequent delays in application approval and invoicing.
Application Tips and Tricks – Avoid Delays Due to Uploading Multiple Copies
When uploading documents, AVs should avoid uploading multiple copies of the same document which can add extra processing time, as the processor must compare the documents to identify differences and verify which is most recent or relevant. The Program Administrator asks AVs upload the most recent version of the relevant document (whether it’s a plot map, Disclosure Form, etc.) and to not include outdated versions under “Additional Documents.”
Application Tips and Tricks – Comments to explain changes, relationships, and discrepancies
Adding comments to project application sections to explain changes, relationships, and discrepancies can provide helpful clarification that prevent Need Info requests. Examples include: Keep in mind that applications must still provide all necessary data in applicable fields. Overview comments cannot be used to circumvent Program or application requirements.
Application Tips and Tricks – Disclosure Form Customer Types
The Disclosure Form includes an automatic validation to confirm that the Customer Type matches the AC size. AVs may have noticed that Customer Type terminology differs slightly from the Program categories.
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 […]