Background:
A homeowner may contact support through a phone call, chat, or email requesting clarification on their production, usage, and utility bills. The following questions are common (and growing) questions from homeowners. With the introduction of the Early Access Communications initiative (where homeowners receive communication from EverBright much earlier in the process), Customer Support expects to get these questions earlier in the process as well. We’d also like to prepare agents for the in-flight tax season.
Common Homeowner Questions
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Will I receive a tax credit/refund?
Certain homeowners may be eligible for solar tax credits that can help to reduce the amount owed on federal income taxes. There could also be state or local utility credits or incentives available. You should contact your tax preparer for guidance on matters like this. You may also refer to the Department of Energy’s Homeowners Guide to Federal Tax Credits (able to share the website with the homeowner by email or chat).
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How will I receive a tax credit/refund?
If you are eligible for a federal solar tax credit, it is applied as a credit — or dollar-for-dollar reduction of what you would otherwise owe — on your annual income taxes. You should speak with your tax preparer about your eligibility and when or how it could or should be applied to your tax liability.
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When will I receive a tax credit?
If you are eligible for a federal solar tax credit, your tax preparer should be able to tell you when (what tax year or years) the credit should be applied. Generally, it’s based on when your system is installed and operational — or after what’s referred to as permission to operate (PTO). Discuss your solar tax credit eligibility with your tax preparer to learn about when or how it could or should be applied to your tax liability.
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Will I be able to pay off the balance of my system with my tax credit?
The federal solar tax credit can be worth up to 30% of the cost of your solar system, including panels, batteries and inverters). Since the credit covers just a part of the cost of your solar system, you won’t be able to pay off the balance of your system with the credit alone. However, if you are eligible for the tax credit, it may help to offset your system's overall cost.
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• Payments and Amortization of EverBright Products
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What is a (PPA) escalator?
The PPA escalator (or Power Purchase Agreement escalator) is the agreed upon annual percent increase in your monthly payment. In other words, how much your monthly charge will increase each year.
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If 0% ....
Looking at your contract, it appears that you have a 0% escalator. That means you will not have this annual increase during the length of your contract.If there’s an escalator...
Looking at your contract, it appears that you have a X% escalator. Your monthly charge will increase by that percentage on the anniversary of your first payment annually.
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Why does the PPA escalator exist? What is it for?
The PPA escalator is often a standard part of a solar financing agreement. If applicable to your agreement, the PPA escalator is the known — or fixed — annual increase that’s set up when the contract is signed. This is a bit like when your utility rate increases over time or when the cost of groceries increases each year due to inflation.
Related SOPs
• What are the default utility rate escalators and how are they determined?
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I thought my solar system was supposed to cover my energy use, why am I still getting a bill from my utility?
In addition to your agreed-up monthly statement from EverBright for your solar system, you will continue to receive a utility bill from your local provider. There could be a few different reasons for this.
While your installer may have built your system with the intention of covering your typical energy use, the system may not always cover everything you need, causing you to need to tap into your utility for power. For instance...
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Your battery is meant to help store energy so you can use it when the sun isn’t shining. Often people don’t have the storage capacity to fully support their energy needs, which can require using energy from the grid.
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I’m disappointed with my energy savings. Why am I not saving more money?
I’m sorry to hear that. There could be a few different reasons for this. Let me help you trouble shoot.
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