This Affiliate / Referral Partner Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by and between AEC (“Company”) and the individual or entity applying to participate in the AEC Partner Program (“Affiliate”).
By registering and participating in the program, the Affiliate agrees to the following terms.
1. Program Purpose
The AEC Partner Program allows approved individuals and businesses to refer homeowners interested in home improvement services.
Services may include but are not limited to:
• Solar and battery backup systems
• Roofing and roof repair
• HVAC installation and maintenance
• Electrical upgrades and repair
• Windows and insulation
• Other residential home efficiency improvements
Affiliates may receive referral commissions when referred customers complete projects with the Company.
2. Eligibility
To participate, Affiliates must:
• Be at least 18 years old
• Provide accurate contact and payment information
• Be approved by the Company
• Comply with all federal, state, and local laws
The Company reserves the right to accept or reject any application.
3. Independent Contractor Status
Affiliates participate as independent referral partners.
Participation does not create:
• employment
• agency
• partnership
• joint venture
Affiliates are not employees or representatives of the Company.
Affiliates may not present themselves as employees or agents of the Company.
4. Referral Tracking
Affiliates will receive a unique referral link or tracking identifier.
A referral will be considered valid when:
The customer submits information through the Affiliate’s referral link or is verified as originating from the Affiliate.
The lead enters the Company’s CRM.
The referral is verified by the Company.
The Company’s determination of referral attribution is final.
5. Commission Eligibility
Commissions are earned only when:
• a referred customer signs a contract
• the project is completed
• the Company receives payment
Typical commission ranges may include:
Solar and Battery Systems: $500 – $1,000
Roofing Projects: $100 – $300
Windows Projects: $100 – $300
HVAC Installation: $100 – $300
HVAC Repairs: $10 – $100
Electrical Services: $10 – $100
Insulation Services: $10 - $100
The Company may modify commission structures at any time to ensure mutual business integrity.
6. Payment Terms
Commissions are typically paid monthly after project completion and customer payment.
Payments may be issued through:
• PayPal
• Stripe
• ACH transfer
• other approved payment methods
Affiliates are responsible for maintaining accurate payment information.
7. Taxes
Affiliates are responsible for all tax obligations associated with commissions.
Affiliates may receive IRS Form 1099-NEC when payments exceed the applicable threshold.
8. Marketing Requirements
Affiliates must comply with:
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advertising guidelines
• California consumer protection laws
• Truth-in-advertising standards
Affiliates must disclose when they may receive compensation for referrals.
Example disclosure:
“This is a referral link. I may receive compensation if you become a customer.”
9. Prohibited Activities
Affiliates may not:
• misrepresent products or services
• guarantee savings or incentives
• impersonate Company employees
• spam or send unsolicited mass messages
• run paid advertisements using Company branding without permission
Affiliates may not negotiate pricing or contracts.
10. CSLB Compliance
Under California law, home improvement work may require a contractor license regulated by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
Affiliates are not licensed contractors unless independently licensed.
Affiliates may only provide referrals and may not:
• estimate project costs
• provide construction advice
• represent themselves as contractors
11. Fraud Prevention
The Company reserves the right to deny commissions for:
• fraudulent referrals
• duplicate referrals
• self-generated referrals designed to manipulate payouts
Fraud may result in immediate termination.
12. Termination
The Company may terminate participation at any time.
Reasons may include:
• violation of program policies
• fraudulent activity
• misrepresentation of services
13. Limitation of Liability
The Company is not liable for indirect or consequential damages resulting from participation in the program.
14. Modification of Terms
The Company may update this Agreement at any time.
Continued participation constitutes acceptance of revised terms.
15. Governing Law
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of California.
16. Acceptance
By registering, the Affiliate confirms agreement with this policy.
DOCUMENT 2
Affiliate Marketing Guidelines
These guidelines help ensure ethical promotion of AEC services.
Affiliates may promote the Company through:
• personal referrals
• social media posts
• community networking
• digital content
Acceptable promotion examples include:
• sharing referral links with homeowners
• posting informational content
• recommending consultations
Affiliates must not:
• pressure homeowners
• provide misleading claims
• guarantee energy savings
• present themselves as company representatives
All customer questions regarding pricing, installation, or technical specifications must be directed to the Company.
DOCUMENT 3
Brand Usage Policy
Affiliates may use the Company brand in limited ways.
Permitted uses include:
• sharing official marketing materials
• linking to the Company website
• describing services accurately
Prohibited uses include:
• modifying logos
• creating misleading advertisements
• registering domains containing the Company name
• impersonating Company staff
All official branding assets must be used as provided.
DOCUMENT 4
FTC Disclosure Guide
Under FTC guidelines, Affiliates must disclose compensation relationships.
Whenever an Affiliate promotes the Company online, they must clearly disclose their relationship.
Examples of acceptable disclosures:
“I may receive a referral commission if you become a customer.”
“This is an affiliate referral.”
Disclosure must be:
• clear
• visible
• understandable
It must not be hidden or misleading.
DOCUMENT 5
Referral Script Compliance Guide
Affiliates may use scripts similar to the following:
Example 1:
“Hey, I work with a company that helps homeowners explore upgrades like solar, HVAC, and roofing. If you're curious what your home qualifies for, I can send you a link.”
Example 2:
“If you’re considering home upgrades, there’s a company doing free consultations.”
Affiliates must avoid statements like:
❌ “You will save money.”
❌ “Solar will eliminate your electric bill.”
❌ “This program is government funded.”
❌ “I represent the company.”
Affiliates should always present themselves as referral partners only.
DOCUMENT 6
Referral Fee Disclosure (CSLB-Friendly)
In accordance with California law, Affiliates are compensated only for referrals.
Affiliates are not compensated for:
• negotiating contracts
• selling home improvement services
• performing contractor work
Affiliate compensation is based solely on successful referrals that lead to completed projects.
Customers may request information about referral relationships at any time.
DOCUMENT 7
Affiliate Marketing Compliance Guide
To ensure compliance with California consumer protection laws, Affiliates must follow these rules.
Affiliates must not:
• make false advertising claims
• misrepresent government incentives
• mislead homeowners about savings or program eligibility
Affiliates must direct all technical, pricing, and installation questions to the Company.
Affiliates should always position the referral as an opportunity for a consultation, not a guaranteed result.