Straight answers to the common ones.
The questions landlords ask most often, answered without marketing fluff. Don't see yours? Contact us.
The basics
Is this legal in my state?+
Yes — in the states we operate today. Tenant billing for onsite solar is legal and well-established; what differs is the regulatory framework. NOI handles compliance against each state's utility resale and submetering rules on a per-property basis. If we can't operate compliantly in your jurisdiction, we'll tell you up front.
Do I need to install new hardware in each unit?+
No physical hardware beyond the solar system itself. Tenant consumption is allocated via virtual net metering (VNEM) or RUBS depending on your state. No in-unit meters, no sensors, no rewiring.
How fast from signup to first income?+
Typical timeline is 45–60 days: intake call, site assessment, permitting and interconnect, install, tenant onboarding, first billing cycle. If your roof already has solar producing today, we can begin tenant billing in under a week.
Money & risk
What's the zero-upfront option?+
Our installer partners offer PPA-style financing. You pay nothing upfront and revenue begins on day one. A portion of tenant payments services the financing over 10–15 years; afterwards, you own the system outright. We'll quote financed and owned options side by side so you can pick.
What happens if a tenant doesn't pay?+
Stripe Smart Retries handle most failed ACH payments automatically. We layer a 3-step email and SMS dunning sequence on top. After 21 days you're notified and can choose how to proceed — retry, write off, or escalate. NOI never performs a service shutoff; that decision always stays with you.
What if I sell the building?+
The NOI agreement transfers cleanly to the new owner. In practice, the additional five-figure revenue line tends to lift the building's appraised value at typical multifamily cap rates — and gives you a story to tell during diligence.
Tenants & operations
What's the impact on my landlord–tenant relationship?+
Tenants on NOI typically save 15–30% versus their previous utility bill. We see retention improve, not degrade. You can co-brand the tenant portal so the saving feels like a benefit you're providing.
Do I lose any control over the system?+
No. You own the building and the agreement. NOI operates the meter and billing rail on top. You can pull a full revenue report, exception list, or tenant export at any time from your dashboard.
What does the tenant actually see?+
A simple invoice — solar usage as a clearly labeled line item alongside their existing rent or utility breakdown. One bill, one payment, one autopay. We handle support emails directly so your team isn't in the loop.