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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

The accompanying interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements ("interim financial statements") include our consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations, statements of redeemable noncontrolling interests and stockholders' equity and statements of cash flows and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") from records maintained by us. We have condensed or omitted certain information and note disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP pursuant to the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") regarding interim financial reporting. As such, these interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with our 2018 audited annual consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the prospectus dated July 24, 2019 filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The interim financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary, in our opinion, to state fairly our financial position and results of operations for the reported periods. Amounts reported for interim periods may not be indicative of a full year period because of seasonal fluctuations in demand for power, timing of maintenance and other expenditures, changes in interest expense and other factors.

Our interim financial statements reflect our accounts and operations and those of our subsidiaries in which we have a controlling financial interest. In accordance with the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 810, Consolidation, we consolidate any VIE of which we are the primary beneficiary. We form VIEs with our investors in the ordinary course of business to facilitate the funding and monetization of certain attributes associated with our solar energy systems. The typical condition for a controlling financial interest ownership is holding a majority of the voting interests of an entity; however, a controlling financial interest may also exist in entities, such as VIEs, through arrangements that do not involve controlling voting interests. ASC 810 requires a variable interest holder to consolidate a VIE if that party has (a) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. We do not consolidate a VIE in which we have a majority ownership interest when we are not considered the primary beneficiary. We have considered the provisions within the contractual arrangements that grant us

power to manage and make decisions that affect the operation of our VIEs, including determining the solar energy systems contributed to the VIEs, and the installation, operation and maintenance of the solar energy systems. We consider the rights granted to the other investors under the contractual arrangements to be more protective in nature rather than participating rights. As such, we have determined we are the primary beneficiary of our VIEs and evaluate our relationships with our VIEs on an ongoing basis to ensure we continue to be the primary beneficiary. We have eliminated all intercompany accounts and transactions in consolidation.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications did not have a significant impact on our interim financial statements.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the interim financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the interim financial statements and accompanying notes. We regularly make significant estimates and assumptions including, but not limited to, (a) the collectability of accounts receivable from customers and dealers, (b) the valuation of inventory, (c) the analysis of revenue recognition for PPAs and leases, (d) the assumptions for determining the performance guarantee obligations, (e) the collectability of customer notes receivable, (f) the allocation of consideration paid in connection with accounting for business combinations, (g) the useful lives of solar energy systems and other property and equipment and the capitalization methodology of the indirect costs on those assets, (h) the valuation of the assumptions regarding asset retirement obligations ("ARO"), (i) the assumptions and estimates utilized in determining any warranty obligations, (j) the determination of valuation allowances associated with deferred tax assets, (k) the assessment of asset impairments, (l) the assumptions and estimates utilized in determining the fair value of derivative instruments, (m) the assumptions and estimates utilized in determining equity-based compensation expense, (n) the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests and (o) the discount rate used for operating and finance leases. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable—Trade. Accounts receivable—trade primarily represents trade receivables from residential customers under PPAs and leases that are generally collected in the subsequent month and recorded at net realizable value. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts to reserve for potentially uncollectible accounts receivable. We review our accounts receivable by aging category to identify customers with known disputes or collection issues. We write off accounts

receivable when we deem them uncollectible.

Inventory

Inventory primarily represents energy storage systems, photovoltaic modules, meters and other associated equipment purchased and held for use as original parts on new solar energy systems or replacement parts on existing solar energy systems. We record inventory in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets at the lower of cost and net realizable value. We remove these items from inventory using the weighted-average method and (a) expense to operations and maintenance expense when installed as a replacement part for a solar energy system or (b) capitalize to property and equipment when installed as an original part on a solar energy system. We evaluate our inventory reserves and write down the estimated value of excess and obsolete inventory based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes inputs that may be used to measure fair value as follows:


•	Level 1—Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date.


•	Level 2—Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted market prices in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.


•	Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy must be determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value

measurement. An assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and consideration of factors specific to the asset or liability. Our financial instruments include accounts receivable, notes receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, long-term debt and interest rate swaps and swaptions. The carrying values of accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate the fair values due to the fact that they are short-term in nature (Level 1). We estimate the fair value of our customer notes receivable based on interest rates currently offered under the loan program with similar maturities and terms (Level 3), though we did not elect the fair value option for this class of financial instruments. We estimate the fair value of our fixed-rate long-term debt, excluding the senior secured notes for which we selected the fair value option, based on interest rates currently offered for debt with similar maturities and terms (Level 3). We estimate the fair value of the senior secured notes based on a market approach model using Level 3 inputs that incorporates a binomial tree model and a discounted future cash flow model. We determine the fair values of the interest rate derivative transactions based on a discounted cash flow method using contractual terms of the transactions. The floating interest rate is based on observable rates consistent with the frequency of the interest cash flows (Level 2). See Note 6, Customer Notes Receivable, Note 7, Long-Term Debt and Note 8, Derivative Instruments.

Changes in fair value of the senior secured notes are included in other (income) expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

Derivative Instruments

Our derivative instruments consist of interest rate swaps and swaptions that are not designated as cash flow hedges or fair value hedges under accounting guidance. We use interest rate swaps and swaptions to manage our net exposure to interest rate changes. We record the derivatives in other current assets, other assets, other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, as appropriate, in the consolidated balance sheets and the changes in fair value are recorded in interest expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations. We include unrealized gains and losses on derivatives as a non-cash reconciling item in operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. We include realized gains and losses on derivatives as a change in components of operating assets and liabilities in operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. See Note 8, Derivative Instruments.

Revenue / Deferred Revenue

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue consists of amounts for which the criteria for revenue recognition have not yet been met and includes (a) down payments and partial or full prepayments from customers, (b) differences due to the timing of energy production versus billing for certain types of PPAs and (c) payments for unfulfilled performance obligations from the loan program which will be recognized over the remaining term of the respective solar service agreements.

We recognize revenue from contracts with customers as we satisfy performance obligations at a transaction price reflecting an amount of consideration based upon an estimated rate of return. We express this rate of return as the solar rate per kWh in the customer contract. The amount of revenue we recognize does not equal customer cash payments because performance obligations are satisfied ahead of cash receipt or evenly as we provide continuous access on a stand-ready basis to the solar energy system. We reflect the differences between revenue recognition and cash payments received in accounts receivable, other assets or deferred revenue, as appropriate. Revenue allocated to remaining performance obligations represents contracted revenue we have not yet recognized and includes deferred revenue as well as amounts that will be invoiced and recognized as revenue in future periods. Contracted but not yet recognized revenue was approximately $1.1 billion as of September 30, 2019, of which we expect to recognize approximately 4% over the next 12 months. We do not expect the annual recognition to vary significantly over approximately the next 20 years as the vast majority of existing solar service agreements have at least 20 years remaining, given the average age of the fleet of solar energy systems under contract is less than three years.

PPAs. Customers purchase electricity from us under PPAs. Pursuant to ASC 606, we recognize revenue based upon the amount of electricity delivered as determined by remote monitoring equipment at solar rates specified under the PPAs. All customers must pass our credit evaluation process. The PPAs generally have a term of 25 years with an opportunity for customers to renew for up to an additional 10 years, via two 5-year renewal options.

Leases. We are the lessor under lease agreements for solar energy systems and energy storage systems, which do not meet the definition of a lease under ASC 842 and are accounted for as contracts with customers under ASC 606. We recognize revenue on a straight-line basis over the contract term as we satisfy our obligation to provide continuous access to the solar energy system. All customers must pass our credit evaluation process. The lease agreements generally have a term of 25 years with an opportunity for customers to renew for up to an additional 10 years, via two 5-year renewal options.

We have provided customers under our leases a performance guarantee that each solar energy system will achieve a certain specified minimum solar energy production output, which is a significant proportion of its expected output. The solar energy system may not achieve specified minimum solar energy production output due to natural fluctuations in the weather and equipment failures from exposure and wear and tear outside of our control, among other factors. We determine the amount of the guarantee based on a number of different factors, including: (a) the specific site information relating to the tilt of the panels, azimuth (a horizontal angle measured clockwise in degrees from a reference direction) of the panels, size of the system, and shading on site; (b) the calculated amount of available irradiance (amount of energy for a given flat surface facing a specific direction) based on historical average weather data and (c) the calculated amount of energy output of the solar energy system. While actual irradiance levels can significantly change year over year due to natural fluctuations in the weather, we expect the levels to average out over the term of a 25-year lease and to approximate the levels used in determining the amount of the performance guarantee. Generally, weather fluctuations are the most likely reason a solar energy system may not achieve a certain specified minimum solar energy production output.

If the solar energy system does not produce the guaranteed production amount, we may be required to refund a portion of the previously remitted customer payments, where the repayment is calculated as the product of (a) the shortfall production amount and (b) the dollar amount (guaranteed rate) per kWh that is fixed throughout the term of the contract. These remittances of a customer's payments, if needed, are payable in January following the end of the first three years of the solar energy system's placed in service date and then every annual period thereafter. See Note 15, Commitments and Contingencies.

Solar Renewable Energy Certificates. Each solar renewable energy certificate ("SREC") represents one MWh (1,000 kWh) generated by a solar energy system. SRECs can be sold with or without the actual electricity associated with the renewable-based generation source. We account for the SRECs we generate from our solar energy systems as governmental incentives with no costs incurred to obtain them and do not consider those SRECs output of the underlying solar energy systems. We classify these SRECs as inventory held until sold and delivered to third parties. As we did not incur costs to obtain these governmental incentives, the inventory carrying value for the SRECs was $0 as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. We enter into economic hedges related to expected production of SRECs through forward contracts. The contracts require us to physically deliver the SRECs upon settlement. We recognize the related revenue under ASC 606 upon satisfaction of the performance obligation to transfer the SRECs to the stated counterparty. Payments are typically received within one month of transferring the SREC to the customer. The costs related to the sales of SRECs are limited to broker fees (included in cost of revenue—other), which are only paid in connection with certain transactions.

Loans. See discussion of loan revenue in the "Loans" section below.

Other Revenue. Other revenue includes certain state incentives, revenue from the direct sale of energy storage systems to customers and sales of service plans. We recognize revenue from state incentives in the periods in which they are incurred.

We recognize revenue from the direct sale of energy storage systems in the period in which the storage components are placed in service. Service plans are available to customers whose solar energy system was not originally sold by Sunnova. We recognize revenue from service plan contracts over the life of the contract, which is typically five years.

Loans

We offer a loan program, under which the customer finances the purchase of a solar energy system through a solar service agreement, typically for a term of 25 years. We recognize cash payments received from customers on a monthly basis under our loan program (a) as revenue under ASC 606, to the extent attributable to payments for operations and maintenance services we provide, which we recognize as a stand-ready obligation on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract; (b) as interest income, to the extent attributable to earned interest on the contract; and (c) as a reduction of a note receivable included in current and long-term assets, to the extent attributable to a return of principal on the contract.

To qualify for the loan program, a customer must pass our credit evaluation process, which requires the customer to have a minimum FICO score of 650 to 695 depending on certain circumstances, and we secure the loans with the solar energy systems financed. In determining the allowance for uncollectible notes receivable, we identify customers with known disputes or collection issues and consider our historical level of credit losses and current economic trends that might impact the level of future credit losses. We write off customer notes receivable when they are deemed uncollectible. In addition, there were no customer notes receivable not accruing interest and an insignificant amount of past due customer notes receivable as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. See Note 6, Customer Notes Receivable

Equity-Based Compensation

We account for equity-based compensation, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense related to the fair value of equity-based compensation awards. Equity-based compensation expense includes the compensation cost for all share-based awards granted to employees, consultants and members of our board of directors (our "Board") based on the grant date fair value estimate. This also applies to awards modified, repurchased, or canceled during the periods

reported. We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to measure the fair value of stock options at the measurement date. We use the closing price of our common stock on the grant date to measure the fair value of restricted stock units at the measurement date. We account for forfeitures as they occur. Equity-based compensation expense is included in general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

New Accounting Guidance

New accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standard setting bodies and are adopted as of the specified effective date.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses, which will require entities to use a forward-looking expected loss approach instead of the incurred loss approach in effect today when estimating the allowance for credit losses. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods in 2020. In 2018 and 2019, the FASB issued the following ASUs related to ASU 2016-13: ASU No. 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses, and ASU 2019-05, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses: Targeted Transition Relief. The supplemental ASUs must be adopted simultaneously with ASU 2016-13. We have not yet determined the potential impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement: Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods in 2020. We have not yet determined the potential impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract, which requires certain implementation costs to be capitalized. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods in 2020. We have not yet determined the potential impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments, to clarify and address implementation issues around the new standards related to credit losses, hedging and recognizing and measuring financial instruments. Amendments in this ASU related to credit losses and hedging have the same effective dates as the respective standards unless an entity has already adopted the standards, in which case the amendments are effective for annual and interim reporting periods in 2020. Amendments in this ASU related to recognizing and measuring financial instruments are effective for annual and interim reporting periods in 2020. We have not yet determined the potential impact of this ASU on our financial statements and related disclosures.

In July 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-07, Codification Updates to SEC Sections, to reflect the recently adopted amendments to the SEC final rules that were done to modernize and simplify certain reporting requirements for public companies, investment advisers and investment companies. This ASU is effective upon issuance and did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.