Parties and Site
Identify legal names, organizational form, and exact site address, including parcel or lot number where applicable; mismatches can invalidate site-specific obligations or title-based clauses.
A well-drafted Solar Program Agreement reduces legal and financial uncertainty, documents eligibility for rebates or tax incentives, and sets expectations for performance, maintenance, and liability. It provides evidence of consent and terms that regulators, lenders, and program administrators may require.
The Solar Program Agreement involves multiple stakeholders depending on the project type and ownership structure.
Identifying the correct signers and their authority early avoids delays in permitting, incentive claims, and interconnection.
A homeowner or property owner must sign to grant site access, accept equipment on the property, and agree to payment or crediting terms. Verify that the name matches government ID and deed records for title-related clauses.
The contractor, developer, or authorized company officer signs to accept installation responsibilities, warranty terms, and maintenance obligations. Confirm authorized signatory authority within the company before execution.
Identify legal names, organizational form, and exact site address, including parcel or lot number where applicable; mismatches can invalidate site-specific obligations or title-based clauses.
Detail equipment specifications, performance expectations, installation milestones, and acceptance tests so both parties have measurable standards for completion and commissioning.
Specify total price, payment schedule, lease or PPA pricing, net-metering or crediting method, invoicing cadence, and remedies for late payment or billing disputes.
Allocate responsibility and timelines for permits, utility interconnection applications, fees, and who pays corrective work to meet utility standards.
Describe ongoing maintenance scope, response times, warranty durations, and conditions for warranty transfer on sale or title change.
Include termination triggers, notice periods, assignment rights, and consequences for early termination, including removal or ownership of installed equipment.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Authentication Method | Email link, SMS code, or KBA as required |
| Signing Order | Sequential or parallel order per party role |
| Notifications | Set reminders, expiration, and completion emails |
| Storage Location | Choose secure cloud storage or local archive |
Ensure the file format, signer authentication, and integrations align with program or lender requirements before sending.
Keep a tamper-evident signed copy and an audit trail that shows timestamps, IP addresses, and authentication steps for program audits or lender review.
1–4 weeks depending on site survey and financing
2–8 weeks depending on local jurisdiction workload
Utility review often 2–12 weeks after submission
1–4 weeks for residential; longer for commercial
Schedule with authority having jurisdiction after installation
Agreement signed and initial payment or deposit processed.
Permits issued and interconnection application submitted to utility.
Equipment installation begins per scheduled mobilization.
Inspection passed, system energized, and billing or credits begin.
| Criteria | Solar Program Agreement | Power Purchase Agreement |
|---|---|---|
| Notarization Required | no (usually) | no (usually) |
| Typical Term | 1–25 years | 10–25 years |
| Primary Purpose | program enrollment | energy sales contract |
| Common Signers | owner | owner and offtaker |
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
A homeowner enrolls in a community program with no upfront cost and signs a 20-year PPA to buy generated energy
A retail landlord agrees to a roof-lease for solar panels with a ten-year term and revenue sharing