Solar Access Program

• Power Solar 
• Windmar Home 
• Pura Energía
• Melpro
• ISO Solar

• FR-BLDM, LLC
• Home Power
• JUAPI Energy
• LightReach
• Palmetto

You will pay zero up-front costs to install your solar and battery storage systems, typically valued in the tens of thousands of dollars. You may be responsible for paying between $10-$42.50 per month, and in many cases less, to cover the maintenance of these systems, but these costs will be offset by reductions in your monthly energy bills. The monthly payment will depend on the household’s energy consumption and the size of the solar and battery system. Monthly payments may be either a flat fee or escalate by 1% annually.

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When properly maintained, solar panels and batteries operate even during power outages. 

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Solar energy is renewable and benefits the environment and health of our communities.

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 What is the Solar Access Program?

The Solar Access Program, funded through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund (PR-ERF), aims to deploy solar and battery storage systems to up to 30,000 vulnerable households in Puerto Rico at no up-front cost to homeowners. This program has been informed by the interests and needs of local Puerto Rican communities and will benefit households that are disproportionately affected by frequent and prolonged power outages. 

How will this program work if I decide to apply? 

The application, which will be completed through your local Solar Ambassador, will determine your eligibility for the program. If your application is accepted, a home inspection will be performed by a solar installer assigned to your household. If you pass the home inspection, the solar installer will discuss residential solar options that are suitable for your home. If you agree, the solar installer will proceed with the installation process. Applying to this program is non-binding, and you may opt out of the process at any time up until the actual installation at no cost to you.  

How is DOE determining a household’s income eligibility for the Solar Access Program?

A household is eligible if at least one individual is enrolled in or receives benefits from one or more of the following government assistance programs: 

• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)  
• Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP)  
• Plan de Salud Vital  
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)  
• USDA’s Section 502 Direct Loan Program  
• USDA’s Section 504 Home Repair Program  

How does DOE define “individual with an energy dependent disability”?

If you or a resident of your household relies on an electricity or battery-dependent medical device for a medical condition or disability, you may be eligible for the Solar Access program. Medical devices considered to rely on electricity-dependent or rechargeable battery-dependent medical equipment or assistive technology include, but are not limited to: 

• At-home dialysis machine
• Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine ventilator
• Bi-ventricular assistive device (BIVAD)
• Electric bed equipment in the past 13 months
• Electric cooling and/or heating devices (for individuals aged 4 and under, and 65 and older)  
• Electric scooter
• Electric wheelchair
• Enteral feeding machine
• Implanted cardiac devices that include left ventricular assistive device (LVAD)
• Intravenous (IV) infusion pump
• Medications that require refrigeration
• Oxygen concentrator equipment in the past 36 months
• Right ventricular assistive device (RVAD)
• Total artificial heart (TAH) in the past 5 years
• Suction pump

If your medical device is not listed above but you believe it fits the definition of an energy-dependent medical device, contact your local Solar Ambassador to apply for the Solar Access Program. Your eligibility will be determined once your application is submitted.

How did the Department of Energy determine the communities eligible for the Solar Access Program?

• DOE established eligibility for the Solar Access Program by determining Last Mile Communities in Puerto Rico. A Last Mile Community is a census block that (a) has a high percentage of very low-income households, and (b) experiences frequent and prolonged power outages.  Solar Ambassador organizations will perform outreach activities in Last Mile Communities to identify qualifying households for the Solar Access Program.
• Go to “Check my address' eligibility” to see if your home is eligible for a solar installation.
• NOTE: If there is no Solar Ambassador assigned to your community, but someone in your household has a qualifying medical condition or disability that depends on electricity, reach out to Movimiento para el Alcance de Vida Independiente (MAVI) at [email protected] or 787-758-7901 ext. 1003. 

Why are some neighborhoods within a municipality eligible for the Solar Access Program, but others are not?

DOE established eligibility for the Solar Access Program by determining Last Mile Communities in Puerto Rico. A Last Mile Community is a census block that (a) has a high percentage of very low-income households, and (b) experiences frequent and prolonged power outages. This means that within a single municipality, not all census blocks are eligible. Separately, very low-income single-family households where an individual with an energy dependent disability resides may qualify, regardless of geographic area.

Who are Solar Ambassadors?

DOE selected 16 community organizations across Puerto Rico to serve as Solar Ambassadors for the Solar Access Program. These organizations are assisting DOE in performing outreach to eligible households across Puerto Rico to support them in applying for residential solar systems. To start your application for a residential solar system, reach out to the Solar Ambassador serving your community. See “Find Your Solar Ambassador” above.

How were Solar Ambassadors selected?

Solar Ambassadors were selected via the Solar Ambassador Prize, a competitive prize process based on their existing ties to the community and their proposed outreach plans to connect residents with rooftop solar and battery storage. Solar Ambassadors are a very important part of the Solar Access Program because they are local to Puerto Rico and have established relationships with eligible communities.
 

I don’t have experience with solar energy.  How will I learn about how to use a new solar and battery storage installation? 

DOE will require that solar installers provide upfront education on how to us the solar battery systems. In addition, DOE selected two nonprofits (Hispanic Federation and the Institute for Building Technology and Safety) that will also provide education, training, and support to you.  These organizations will help you with understanding system maintenance, knowing your rights, and accessing consumer protection. 

What protections will I have as a consumer?

By participating in the Solar Access Program, you will enter into an agreement with one of the selected solar companies participating in the program. To protect homeowners, these agreements are regulated by Puerto Rican law and enforced via regulatory bodies like the Department of Consumer Affairs (or “DACO”, for its Spanish acronym). 

In addition, DOE selected two nonprofits (Hispanic Federation and the Institute for Building Technology and Safety) to provide education, training, and support to you. These organizations will help homeowners with understanding system maintenance, knowing their rights, and accessing consumer protection.  DOE is also setting up robust monitoring and auditing protocols to make sure these funds are impacting the most vulnerable households, that the equipment installed will withstand hurricane-speed winds, and that the contracts to maintain these systems over the long run are fair and equitable for low-income families. Applying to this program is non-binding, and you may opt out of the process at any time up until the actual installation at no cost to you.

What can I expect in terms of the agreement between me and the solar company installing and maintaining my residential solar system? 

Please consult a high-levelSummary of the Beneficiary Agreement and Technical Requirements, provided by the Department of Energy. If your application to the Programa Acceso Solar is approved, a representative from your assigned Solar Company will carefully review all terms and conditions in the Agreement and answer all of your questions before you commit to the program.  

What is a solar lease or power purchase agreement? What does it mean that I’m not the owner of the solar system? 

For this program, a solar company will own and maintain the system on your roof. This happens via a lease agreement (where you pay a fixed fee) or a Power Purchase Agreement (where you pay for the energy you consume). Under these agreements, the solar company is responsible for routine maintenance, insurance, and major equipment replacement. While the solar generated will reduce your energy bill, you will be responsible for a small lease fee or PPA payment for ongoing maintenance.    

If I sign the Lease or Power Purchase Agreement, am I able to back out later?  

You may elect to withdraw from the program at any time before installation or solar ready repairs officially begin, at no cost to you, the homeowner.  

What happens to the Solar system if I want to move?   

Participation in this program will certainly not prevent you from being able to move to a new home. There are several options in the Agreement for purchase or transfer of the solar system. To note: the solar systems are permanently affixed to the roof and this program does not include funding to transfer the systems to a new home.  Despite being attached to a home, systems remain property of solar company unless the homeowner purchases the system following the purchase protocol in the Agreement.  

Will the Lease or Power Purchase Agreement end if I stop receiving PAN, TANF, or LIHEAP?  No, eligibility will only be verified to determine if a household can benefit from this program before installation occurs. Neither DOE nor the Solar Company will void or cause the Lease or PPA to be voided if a family stops receiving government assistance.     

Will I be able to review the full Lease or Power Purchase Agreement before committing to this program?  

Absolutely. The solar company will walk you through the entire Lease or PPA process and answer all of your questions.   

Will this program place a lien on my home? 

DOE’S Solar Access Program will absolutely not create a lien on the property of households receiving solar energy systems.

Will a new rooftop solar panel installation damage my roof?

Solar panels themselves will not inherently damage your roof, if installed correctly by a licensed solar installation company. Solar panels do add significant weight to the roof; your household’s roof condition and suitability will be assessed by the solar installer assigned to your installation. Some repairs and upgrades may be allowed through solar installers utilizing PR-ERF funding.

Who should I contact if my roof needs repairs during the life of the system?

Regardless of the cause of the repair needs, you should contact the company that performed your installation to inform them of the repair work needed and discuss how this may impact your solar system.

Who should I contact if my solar system is not working correctly? 

You should contact the company that performed your installation immediately. In addition, DOE will require that all systems be remotely monitored so that solar companies are made aware of any issue as they come up. If you cannot establish communication with the company, you may be able to contact the organization providing consumer protection support within this program. 

Do residential solar systems operate when there is no power from the electrical grid? 

Yes. For solar systems to function when there is no power from LUMA, they must have batteries. In the case of this fund, ALL installations through the Solar Access Program will have battery systems to provide energy to beneficiaries in moments when the grid is not available. 

Do solar systems work at night or on cloudy days? 

Solar systems can operate at night and on cloudy days, but they will rely on the energy stored in the batteries and that provided by the electrical grid. For solar panels to generate energy, they need direct sunlight; if sunlight does not directly reach the solar panels, it will affect energy production. 

Do I need to do anything to continue having power during a blackout? 

No, solar systems are designed to continue providing power automatically. 

Can I continue consuming energy as usual when there is no power from the electrical grid? 

While you will continue to receive energy from your solar system and batteries when the power is out, reducing energy consumption is strongly encouraged, as you could deplete the stored energy in your batteries, causing your system to shut down. Homeowners receiving residential solar through the Solar Access Program will receive education and resources on best practices for use of their systems during a blackout. 

Can I share an extension of my solar system with my neighbor to connect some of their appliances? 

No, the solar systems installed within this initiative are not designed to be shared among multiple households. This would likely affect the performance of your system, and both households could be left without power. 

How should I monitor my solar system to ensure it is working? 

It is recommended that you use the mobile applications that come with these systems to monitor their operation. Your monthly bill may also include important system performance information. This way, you can see how much energy your system is generating, how much you are consuming, and if your system is not working correctly. 

Do I need to perform any maintenance on the solar system? 

These solar systems are designed to require minimal maintenance. Operation and performance of solar systems will be the responsibility of the company that installed the system. You should prevent panels from being obstructed by tree shadows, leaves, and other items that could cover them. Educational resources will be made available to homeowners that will detail what they can do to maximize the use and lifespan of their systems. 

Will these solar systems be connected to the electrical grid? 

Yes, these systems will be interconnected with the electrical grid, although it should be noted that the system will prioritize using solar-generated energy before using the electrical grid.

How much will the rooftop solar panels and battery storage installations cost for homeowners?   

There is no up-front cost to homeowners, but they will contribute to the long-term operations and maintenance of the systems, a cost that is more than offset by the reduced energy bills. This will ensure these systems provide reliable electricity throughout their lifespan. Homeowners will make a small monthly payment for the duration of the term of the Agreement. Monthly payments will range from $10-$42.50 depending on the household’s energy consumption and the size of the solar and battery storage system. Monthly payments may be either a flat fee or escalate by 1% annually. 

What is an annual escalator?  

Depending on the solar company performing your installation, your agreement may include an annual escalator. Simply put, an annual escalator is a fixed rate at which the monthly payment increases over time to account for inflation. For some Programa Acceso Solar installations, the annual escalator is one percent (1%). This means, for example, if your monthly payment is $40 in Year 1, it would increase to $40.40 in Year 2, and so on. By the last year of the entire 20-to-25-year agreement, the monthly payment would have only increased by $9. This small annual cost increase will be more than offset by your reduced energy bills. 

Will I still pay my monthly LUMA bill? What changes can I expect to see?  

You will continue to receive a bill from LUMA and are responsible for paying the bill. Your LUMA bill may be reduced significantly but will not go to zero as there is a base connection fee of $4 per month. Your monthly LUMA bill may go up or down from month to month depending on your household’s energy consumption, which changes month by month.   

How long will my Agreement with the Solar Company last? And what happens at the end of the Agreement?   

The Agreement, be it a solar lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), will last at least 20 years. During that time, the solar company will be responsible for monitoring, insurance, providing a warranty, and making sure the system performs to standard. This includes major equipment replacement like a new battery roughly halfway through the Agreement term. In addition to these guarantees, homeowners will receive net metering benefits and resilient solar and storage that can help provide energy during grid outages.  

At the end of the Agreement, the homeowner can have the system removed by the solar company or purchase the system.  Additionally, homeowners may have the option to purchase the System at various points during the term of the Agreement.    

What happens if I miss payments or I am unable to pay?   

The homeowner is responsible for monthly payments. If the homeowner misses payments for an extended period of time, the solar company can consider the homeowner to be in “default”.  Remedies for events of default will be set forth in your Agreement. 

Do I need to pay insurance on a leased system? What happens if the system gets destroyed in a hurricane?  

The solar companies will insure the solar and battery systems. This means that if a system is damaged or is no longer functioning, it is the responsibility of the solar company to repair the system. 

What is the status of my application?  

To check the status of your application, contact the Solar Ambassador that submitted your application to Programa Acceso Solar. If your application is approved, you will receive an automated email stating your acceptance to the program, or you can contact your Ambassador to see if you have been approved.   

What are the next steps after I’ve been approved?   

If your application was accepted, a DOE-assigned solar company working with the Programa Acceso Solar will reach out via phone or email to introduce themselves and discuss next steps. After an introductory call or in-person visit, they will present you with design options and the agreement. Afterwards, the solar company will schedule a full site assessment to perform a detailed review of your home’s energy needs and solar readiness. If you pass the site assessment, the solar company will present you with final details and walk you through the installation process. As a reminder, you may elect to withdraw from the program at any time before installation officially begins, at no cost to you, the homeowner.  
  

If I’ve been rejected, is there any way I can reapply if my situation changes?  

If you were rejected on the basis of Very Low-Income status (not enrolled in PAN, TANF, and/or LIHEAP) you may re-apply to the program if you choose to enroll for the accepted benefits. If you were rejected because you do not fulfill the additional requirements, such as residence in a Last Mile Community or a member of your household having an energy-dependent disability, you may not reapply under the same conditions.   
  

If I’ve been rejected, but I believe it’s due to an error, can I ask for reconsideration?   

You may request reconsideration via the Solar Ambassador that submitted your application for the program. Please be aware that this request does not guarantee your acceptance to the program.