Overview
This policy is for LightReach Energy Plan projects where Palmetto owned equipment encroaches upon property owned by an entity other than Palmetto’s customer (e.g. HOA, builder, community, etc.) and identifies the requirements for a to allow for the installation and servicing of such equipment.
All projects where the customer doesn’t own all of the roof and property will require a Solar Equipment Easement and are subject to additional deliverables PRIOR to installation and as part of the (M1) Installation Milestone.
Solar Easement Usage
What is a Solar Equipment Easement?
A Solar Equipment Easement is a permanent or long-term recorded legal agreement that grants Palmetto, as the equipment owner, the right to install, operate, access, maintain, repair, and replace solar energy equipment on or across a property.
Solar Equipment Easements are intended to support the ongoing operation of solar systems after construction is complete and remain in effect for the life of the equipment or as otherwise defined in the recorded agreement.
This easement is distinct from a Solar Builder Easement, which is temporary and construction-only.
When is a Solar Equipment Easement Required?
A Solar Equipment Easement is required for any project where solar equipment or ongoing access:
Extends beyond the boundaries of the individual home or project parcel
Is located on shared, common, or non-owner-controlled property
Requires long-term access across another parcel for maintenance or repairs
Serves multiple homes or structures
Is governed by an HOA, master developer, or shared ownership structure
New construction projects must evaluate easement needs during early design and development. If solar infrastructure will remain on or rely upon property not exclusively owned by the system host, a Solar Equipment Easement is mandatory
Palmetto Requirements
To accommodate the use of Solar Equipment Easements and to accommodate shared space projects Palmetto LightReach requires an initial upload and review of ALL Easement docs PRIOR to (M1) Installation Submission: failure to do will result in funding friction and possible rejection.
Initial Upload
Prior to commencing the installation of a project that requires the use of a Solar Equipment Easement please upload all Easements for Palmetto Legal Review using THIS INTAKE FORM.
Ensure that ALL Fields are completed as part of the upload process.
Partner Organization Name
Date of Easement Contract Execution
Build Partner Name
Name of Community/Locality covered by the Easement
Name of Subdivisions covered by the Easement
A single form must be completed for EACH Builder Community
(M1) Submission Requirements
In addition to the initial review of EACH Project that requires the use of a Solar Equipment Easement requires a copy of the appropriate Easement to be uploaded as part of the (M1) Submission in the PROJECT SITE section of the accounts page.
Policy Enforcement
Projects that require a Solar Equipment Easement but do not have one in place at time of submission are ineligible for funding and will be rejected pending the completion of the Palmetto Solar Easement Form or upload of the Builder copy of the Solar Equipment Easement.
Solar Equipment Easement Requirements
Timing
Solar Equipment Easements must be executed and recorded prior to system activation.
For new construction communities, easements should be recorded before home sales whenever possible so they automatically transfer to future owners.
Projects may not proceed to activation without confirmation that required easements are in place.
Involved Parties
The following parties must execute the Solar Equipment Easement, as applicable:
Property owner(s) of the burdened land
Solar provider or system owner
Homebuilder or developer (if executed prior to individual lot sales)
Homeowners’ association or master developer (for common areas)
All parties with a legal interest in the affected property must consent.
Partner Responsibilities
Partners are responsible for:
Identifying whether a Solar Equipment Easement is required for each project
Flagging shared infrastructure, common-area equipment, or cross-lot access early
Coordinating with legal, title, and development teams to secure easements
Ensuring easements are properly recorded and disclosed
Failure to identify or secure a required Solar Equipment Easement may result in project delays, inability to activate systems, or compliance risk.