Eligibility Overview

Skylight Lending evaluates eligible residential properties based on three primary construction parameters. Certified Installers must adhere to these criteria to ensure eligibility.

  1. Roofing - Type, quality, and expected lifespan
  2. Home Type - Style, design, and mounting structure
  3. Structural - Overall structural integrity

       It is the responsibility of the Certified Installer to ensure all site eligibility requirements are met prior to installing.

 

1) Eligible Roof Types

Below is a list of eligible roof types. Roof types not included are ineligible for Skylight Lending Plans. Disqualified roofs, such as wood shake, tin metal, and clay, are excluded due to long-term maintenance needs and potential leakage risks.

 

Type of Roof

Material

Pitched Roof

  • Asphalt shingle
  • Corrugated metal
  • Standing seam metal
  • Concrete / Cement Tile
    • Comp-out/composition insert of a clay tile (re-roofing with comp shingles) "Comp-out" refers to the technique of removing the tiles, laying down shingles underneath, installing the solar on the roof, then placing the tile back on the roof around the array. This is due to the clay tile on a roof being too fragile, so Skylight Lending asks that comp ins are performed to use the surfaces

Flat Roof

  • EPDM
  • Modified bitumen
  • Rolled asphalt
Ground Mount
  • Stationary or tracking (site must still follow all other eligibility requirements)

Approved Roof Quality:

Each roof, regardless of type, must be in suitable condition for a solar installation. It is the Certified Installer's duty to assess and confirm the roof's quality before proceeding with the installation.

When reviewing M1s, Skylight Lending will prioritize flexibility whenever reasonable. However, Certified Installers should exercise caution when handling roofs that are uncertain or questionable.

Validation Item

Information

No Missing Coverage

Composite shingles should not show significant signs of wear, such as major granule loss, missing tabs, exposed fiberglass, or lack of hip and ridge coverings.

No Obvious Damage or Wear & Tear

  • Material is clear of algae and moss, metal is not rusted or deteriorated, tiles aren't broken or excessively damaged.
  • Roof is clear of obvious signs of heavy age or wear and tear
  • Incorrectly installed roofing/roof type

Uncompromised Decking

  • Decking material should not be compromised, missing, or otherwise damaged. There should be no signs of current water penetration or pooling.
  • Flat roof material does not show heavy water retention or pooling, aged patches or obstruction flashing, and surface is not wavy or showing signs of bubbling.
  • Underlayment paper for tile roofs should not be brittle, torn, or missing.
  • Roofing material should be installed directly to decking, and not installed over another roof type. Shingles should be no more than 2 layers.
 
 
 

2) Eligible Home Types/Mounting Structures:

The following are the approved mounting structures (or eligible home styles). Any structure not listed here is not qualified for Skylight Lending. Disqualified structures, including carports, condominiums, and other non-standard/custom designs like reverse tilt arrays, are excluded due to potential long-term maintenance issues and safety risks. All structures must be residential in nature.

 

Approved Type

Information

Residential, Single Family Homes

  • IE traditional detached houses

Detached Garage / Guest Suite

  • Generally approved, assuming full code compliance, structural stability, etc

Multi-Family Homes / Duplexes and Triplexes
  • The customer must own the entire property.

 
 
Mounting Structure Requirement

Azimuth Angle

  • Requirement:

    • The azimuth angle of arrays should be within ±5 degrees of the specified orientation on the plan set & proposal design.

  • Why:

    • To ensure production & plan set accuracy with respect to installation on the project site.

Tilt Angle (Pitched Roof)

  • Requirement:

    • Minimum of 5 degrees (absolute)

    • Maximum up to 45 degrees, with a flexibility margin of ±5 degrees

  • Why:

    • To attain optimal drainage and prevention of water pooling/snow accumulation on the arrays that would negatively impact production.

    • To maximize energy harvest & compensate for variations in initial design precision.

Tilt (Flat Roof)

  • Requirement:

    • Minimum of 5 degrees (absolute).

  • Why:

    • To attain optimal drainage and prevention of water pooling/snow accumulation on the arrays that would negatively impact production.

Ground Mount

  • Requirement:

    • Minimum of 5 degrees (absolute).

    • Maximum up-to 45 degrees, with a flexibility margin of ±5 degrees

  • Why:

    • To attain optimal drainage and prevention of water pooling/snow accumulation on the arrays that would negatively impact production.

    • To maximize energy harvest & compensate for variations in initial design precision



3) Eligible Home Types/Mounting Structures:

  • Roof framing should be adequate material to support solar load and uplift in regional zones

  • No structural damage: Rafters, trusses, or beams should not be severely cracked or damaged

  • No ridge sagging

  • No pest/element damage: Framing material should not show insect, thermal, or water damage

 

 

 

 

 

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