Skip to main content

DOE: Puerto Rico Program Overview

Start here to understand how the DOE program works, who qualifies, and who’s involved—from Palmetto to local installers.

Brian - PLR Product Ops avatar
Written by Brian - PLR Product Ops
Updated over 2 weeks ago

Program Overview

The Solar Access Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), aims to increase access to reliable and affordable energy for qualifying low-income households across Puerto Rico that are disproportionately affected by frequent and prolonged power outages.

Through this program, beneficiaries (homeowners) are eligible to receive a rooftop solar and battery storage system, typically valued in the tens of thousands of dollars, with zero upfront costs and a discounted monthly payment.

More information about the program here: Solar Access Program - DOE

Current Local Installers:

  • Juapi Energy

  • FR-BLDM

  • Home Power (Ion Leed LLC)

  • Green Energy & Fuels

LightReach Energy Plans provide the homeowner with a predictable energy savings product with no upfront costs. All Puerto Rico sales feature a PV + Storage bundle, financed and billed by LightReach.

The LightReach Predictable PPA plan provides simplicity to the homeowner by providing:

  • No down payment or upfront cash output is required

  • No system installation costs

  • No ongoing maintenance of the solar equipment other than keeping it clear of vegetation

  • Reduced energy rate in the first year

  • More control over electricity costs and less dependence on local utilities

  • Predictable monthly payments

In the LightReach Energy Plan (Lease or PPA), LightReach owns the system, and covers all warranties and maintenance. This means no cost to the homeowner to service the solar system over the life of the agreement.

Bundle Details

A

Included in Bundle

PV + Storage

B

Term & Rate

  • Term: 20 Years

  • Cost: $42.50 / month flat rate (first year).

  • Down Payment: $0

  • Escalator: 1%

  • All customers will still have a utility bill regardless of production (all grid tied).

C

Equipment

  • Panels: AVL Approved

  • Storage: Generac

  • Balance of System AVL Approved

D

Bundle Sizes

Small:

  • 3.735 kW System

  • 9kWh Battery

Medium:

  • 5.395 kW System

  • 9 kWh Battery

Large:

  • 5.395 kW System

  • 15 kWh Battery

Extra Large:

  • 6.225 kW System

  • 18 kWh Battery

E

Storage Sizing & Choosing the Right Bundle

  • There are 3 battery sizes available - 9kWh, 15kWh, 18kWh.

  • The installer will use a special calculator (“Final Quote Calculator” tab) to determine the size required to cover a percentage of the homeowner’s historical electric consumption and to make sure that the battery can power any critical electrical loads or medical devices for at least 2-3 days if the power grid is down. The installer must input information about medical devices into the calculator to appropriately size the system.
    ​
    *If the recommended size cannot fit on the roof, then proceed with the smallest system size that will physically fit (the minimum system size is 9 PV modules).
    ​

  • Nameplate rating photos. Surveyors will take photos of the nameplate ratings of relevant medical devices to aid in selecting the appropriate size battery

F

Medical Equipment and Energy Requirements

Some program beneficiaries rely on essential medical devices that require reliable energy backup.

Did this answer your question?