What is a Solar Finance Specialist?

What is a solar finance specialist? 

You are likely to speak with many people throughout your solar journey. When it comes to financing, you will be connected with a Sungage Solar Finance Specialist (SFS). 

You may be wondering what a Solar Finance Specialist is? At Sungage Financial, we are your go-to source for information related to the financing of your project. Homeowners who finance with Sungage have the advantage of a personalized, highly trained Solar Finance Specialist to answer questions like: When is my first payment due? What is my interest rate and term? What is the Investment Tax Credit (ITC)? 

We are assigned to your project, diligently working to ensure you have a happy, smooth, and painless financing experience. We are the fabric that helps connect you and your installer to our banking partner, NBT Bank. 

A day in the life of a solar finance specialist

Once a project is created, it’s automatically assigned to one of our Solar Finance Specialists. We’re with your project until we receive documentation showing the system is up and running (although we’re always here for questions even after this!). 

You are most likely to first encounter myself or one of my teammates during the Welcome Call. This quick phone call is for your benefit to ensure that you are clear on the terms of your solar loan while also providing you with the chance to ask any questions you may have. This is also an opportunity for your SFS to let you know if there are any additional steps needed for processing your loan. This can include completing your loan documents in your Sungage Portal or uploading additional documentation. Once the system is installed, we’ll confirm this milestone with you. Your first payment will begin 60 days after installation is confirmed. 

In addition to our assigned projects, our SFS team are also the ones answering the Sungage phone, emails, and chats. No matter who responds, you are always in good hands.

Tips to ensure a smooth loan process

There is one thing everyone can agree on when it comes to taking out a loan: We all want the process to be as smooth as possible. We have put together some tips that will set you off on the right path.

• It all starts in the beginning with your credit application. You will want to ensure all the information entered is accurate and can be proven. Make sure you enter your name exactly as it appears on your driver’s license. A misspelling of your name, an extra digit listed in your income, or the wrong address may require us to request additional documentation. 
• Defining your employment status can be more complicated as our economy expands into a world of independent contractors. As you fill out the credit application, consider how you file your taxes. Those that are employed receive a W2 while the self-employed likely receive a 1099 Form.  These forms may be required as proof of income. 
• Make sure you are listed on the property deed. We are unable to finance properties if the loan applicant does not own the home. You may include a co-applicant who is not on the deed if they live at the property.
• The time to enroll in the automatic payments option is when you are completing your loan documents. The ACH automatic payments offer you the advantage of a 0.25% discount on your interest rate. Remember, you are only able to receive this discount before the project is complete and the loan has been made.  
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  This information is provided for general informational purposes. All applications are subject to credit approval. Additional terms and conditions apply. Please refer to your loan documents for information specific to your solar loan transaction. 

Always consult a tax professional 

You should always consult with a tax professional on how you can take advantage of the tax credits which may be available. Your specific economic situation will impact your ability to use the solar Investment Tax Credit. We do have useful links for tax forms, and information in your Sungage Portal and our Tax Center Page.

Important contact information

Here is a guide of contacts for specifics about your solar system and loan. If you are unsure where to go, give us a call and we can point you in the right direction. 

One of my favorite things about being a solar finance specialist at Sungage is the sense of eagerness everyone provides when you need help. Even if we don’t have the exact answer to an issue, it only takes one message and it’s all hands-on-deck, working as a team to figure it out and provide the best customer service experience.

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