Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Fair Value of Financial Instruments The fair value of a financial instrument is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate their respective fair values due to their short-term maturities. Derivative financial instruments are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices for financial instruments with similar characteristics. The Partnership has interest rate swap agreements that economically hedge the cash flows for the term loan facility, which are not designated as cash flow hedges. Therefore, the changes in fair value are recorded in other expense in the consolidated statement of operations as these hedges are not accounted for under hedge accounting. In addition, the Predecessor entered into interest rate swap agreements, designated as cash flow hedges, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 on the outstanding and forecasted future borrowings under the Quinto Credit Facility (as defined below) to reduce the impact of changes in interest rates; unrealized gains and losses of the effective portion of derivative financial instruments were excluded from earnings and reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated balance sheets. The ineffective portion of derivatives financial instruments were included in other expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity during a period from non-owner sources. The Partnership’s comprehensive income (loss) for each period presented is comprised of (i) its net income (loss); and (ii) changes in unrealized gains or losses for the effective portion of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. Equity Method Investments The Partnership uses the equity method of accounting for equity investments where it has the ability to significantly influence the operations or financial decisions of the investee but does not own a majority interest. It considers the participating and protective rights it has as well as the legal form of the investee when evaluating whether it has the ability to exercise significant influence. Equity method investments are included in “Investment in unconsolidated affiliates” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Partnership monitors investments in equity affiliates for impairment and records reductions in carrying values if the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its fair value. An impairment charge is recorded when an impairment is deemed to be other-than-temporary. Circumstances that indicate an other-than-temporary decline include factors such as decreases in quoted market prices or declines in operations. The evaluation of an investment for potential impairment requires management to exercise significant judgment and to make certain assumptions. The use of different judgments and assumptions could result in different conclusions. During fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, no impairment losses were recorded related to the Partnership’s equity method investments. On the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Partnership classifies distributions received from unconsolidated investees accounted for under the equity method using the cumulative earnings approach. Under the cumulative earnings approach, the Partnership compares cumulative distributions received, less distributions received in the prior year that were determined to be returns of investment, to its share of cumulative equity in earnings (as adjusted for basis differences) for each unconsolidated investee on an inception-to-date basis. If the Partnership’s inception-to-date distributions are greater than its inception-to-date equity in earnings for an unconsolidated investee, the distributions up to its inception-to-date equity in earnings are considered a return on investment and are therefore classified as cash flows from operating activities, while the distributions of that unconsolidated investee in excess of its inception-to-date equity in earnings are considered to be a return of investment and are classified as cash flows from investing activities. If the Partnership’s inception-to-date distributions are less than its inception-to-date equity in earnings for an unconsolidated investee, such distributions are considered to be a return on investment and are classified as cash flows from operating activities. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Partnership considers unrestricted cash on hand and demand deposits in banks to be cash and cash equivalents; such balances approximate fair value at November 30, 2017 and November 30, 2016. Highly liquid investments with original or remaining maturities of 90 days or less at the time of purchase are considered cash equivalents. Accounts Receivable and Financing Receivable Accounts receivable: Accounts receivable are reported on the consolidated balance sheets at the outstanding invoiced amounts, adjusted for any write-offs and estimated allowance for doubtful accounts. The Partnership maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts based on the expected collectability of all accounts receivable, which takes into consideration an analysis of historical bad debts, specific customer creditworthiness and current economic trends. Qualified customers under the residential lease program are required to have a minimum “fair” FICO credit score at the time of initial contract. The Partnership believes that its concentration of credit risk is limited because of its large number of residential customers, high credit quality of the residential customer base with high average FICO credit scores at the time of initial contract, small account balances for most of these residential customers, and customer geographic diversification. As of both November 30, 2017 and November 30, 2016, less than $0.1 million allowance for doubtful accounts related to residential operating leases had been recorded. Financing receivables: Leases are classified as either operating or sales-type leases in accordance with the relevant accounting guidance. Financing receivables are generated by solar power systems leased to residential customers under sales-type leases. Financing receivables represent gross minimum lease payments to be received from customers and the systems’ estimated residual value, net of executory costs, unearned income and allowance for estimated losses. The Partnership recognizes an allowance for losses on financing receivables in an amount equal to the probable losses, net of recoveries, and base such reserves on several factors, including consideration of historical credit losses. As of both November 30, 2017 and November 30, 2016, $0.7 million had been recorded as allowance for losses on financing receivables. Property and Equipment Property and equipment, including solar power systems, are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Any energy generated by solar power systems prior to being placed into service or investment tax credit to which a Sponsor is entitled reduces the carrying value of the asset by the related amount. Residential leased solar power systems are depreciated to their estimated residual value using the straight-line method over the lease term of 20 years. Depreciation expense for utility solar power systems is computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the term of the estimated useful life or the lease on the land. The estimated useful life of a system is reassessed whenever applicable facts and circumstances indicate a change in the estimated useful life of such system has occurred. The estimated useful life of all solar power systems is 30 years and all systems are physically located in the United States. Depreciation expense for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $28.1 million, $22.8 million, and $4.3 million, respectively. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Construction-in-Progress Project assets that are still under construction are construction-in-progress and are not depreciated until they are placed in service. Long-Lived Assets The Partnership evaluates its long-lived assets, including property and equipment, construction-in-progress and projects for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Factors considered important that could result in an impairment review of leased solar power systems include credit rating downgrades below investment grade, reports of substantial uncertainty as to ability to continue as a going concern, lease asset depreciation expense greater than associated operating revenue, decrease in the estimated residual value of the leased solar power system and inability to collect lease payments due from lessees whether through aging receivables, lease contract amendments or terminations. The impairment evaluation of leased solar power systems includes an analysis of estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets over their remaining estimated useful lives. If the estimate of future undiscounted net cash flows is insufficient to recover the carrying value of the assets over the remaining estimated useful lives, the Partnership records an impairment loss in the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds the fair value. Fair value is generally measured based on discounted cash flow analysis. With respect to solar energy projects, the Partnership considers the project commercially viable if it is anticipated to be operated for a profit once it is fully operating. The Partnership examines a number of factors to determine if the project will be profitable, including the pricing of the offtake agreement and whether there are any environmental, ecological, permitting, or regulatory conditions that have changed for the project since the start of development. Such changes could cause the cost of the project to increase. Interest Capitalization Interest incurred on funds borrowed to finance construction of projects is capitalized to construction-in-progress until the system is ready for its intended use. When no debt is specifically identified as being incurred in connection with a construction project, the Partnership capitalizes interest on amounts expended on the project at the Partnership’s weighted average cost of borrowed money. The amount of interest capitalized for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $0.2 million, $0.7 million and $6.5 million, respectively. Asset Retirement Obligations In some cases the Partnership operates certain projects under power purchase and other agreements that include a requirement for the removal of the solar power systems at the end of the term of the agreement. The Partnership accounts for such legal obligations or AROs in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires that a liability for the fair value of an ARO be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if it can be reasonably estimated with the offsetting, associated asset retirement cost capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the property and equipment. The asset retirement cost is subsequently allocated to expense using a systematic and rational method over the asset’s estimated useful life. The Partnership has accrued AROs of $15.0 million and $13.4 million as of November 30, 2017 and November 30, 2016, respectively. Contingencies The Partnership is involved in conditions, situations or circumstances in the ordinary course of business with possible loss contingencies, such as system output performance warranty and residential lease system repairs, that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. In certain circumstances, the Partnership has hired service providers to mitigate the potential risk of loss. For example, the Partnership provides system output performance warranties under residential lease agreements with homeowners. The O&M provider, currently a subsidiary of SunPower, also provides system output performance warranties to the Partnership equivalent to those offered by the Partnership to homeowners. As a result, the Partnership records liabilities in connection with these items offset by a corresponding amount in other assets as due from the O&M provider on its consolidated financial statements. As of November 30, 2017 and November 30, 2016, the Partnership recorded $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, in other current liabilities related to system output performance warranties and system repairs and a corresponding amount due from SunPower in other current assets. If some amount within a range of loss appears at the time to be a better estimate than any other amount within the range, that amount will be accrued. When no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, however, the minimum amount in the range will be accrued. The Partnership continually evaluates uncertainties associated with loss contingencies and records a charge equal to at least the minimum estimated liability for a loss contingency when both of the following conditions are met: (i) information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates that it is probable that an asset had been impaired or a liability had been incurred at the date of the financial statements; and (ii) the loss or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Revenue Recognition Operating revenues to date are comprised of revenues generated from PPAs, solar power systems leased to residential customers, lease revenue from the Maryland Solar Project and net revenue from the sale and delivery of SRECs. The Partnership is the lessor while the PPA offtaker, residential customers and an affiliate of First Solar are the lessees. Operating leases: Under long-term PPAs, revenue is generated from the sale of energy to various non-affiliated parties. Amounts are recognized as revenue based on rates stipulated in the respective PPAs when energy and any related renewable energy attributes are delivered. All PPAs, except for those associated with the Macy’s Maryland Project, are accounted for as operating leases. In addition, the Partnership also recognizes lease revenue for the Maryland Solar Project, which is subject to a solar lease agreement that expires on December 31, 2019, with an affiliate of First Solar as the lessee. Certain residential leased solar power systems are classified as operating leases; therefore, revenue associated with renting the solar power system and executory costs is recognized on a straight-line basis over the 20-year lease term. State or local rebates defined in the minimum lease payments under the lease that are deemed fixed and determinable are recorded as deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets when the lease is placed in service and amortized to revenue on a straight-line basis over the 20-year lease term. PBI Rebates representing contingent revenue are recognized upon cash receipt. Sales-type leases: For residential systems classified as sales-type leases, the NPV of the minimum lease payments, net of executory costs, was recognized as revenue when the lease was placed in service. This NPV, as well as the residual value, is recorded as financing receivables in the consolidated balance sheets. The difference between the initial net and gross amounts is amortized to revenue over the lease term using the effective interest method. Revenue representing executory costs to operate and maintain the leased solar power system is recognized on a straight-line basis over the 20-year lease term. All of the leases in the Residential Portfolio were placed into service before fiscal 2015. Accordingly, only interest revenue and related O&M revenue associated with sales-type leases was recognized in fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015. Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling interests represent the portion of net assets in consolidated subsidiaries that are not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the Partnership. The largest portion of noncontrolling interest in the Partnership relates to the Sponsors’ ownership in OpCo. In addition, the Partnership has entered into certain tax equity transactions with third-party investors under which the investors are determined to hold noncontrolling interests in entities fully consolidated by OpCo. The net assets of the shared entities are attributed to the controlling and noncontrolling interests based on the terms of the governing contractual arrangements. Therefore, for the tax equity transactions, the Partnership further determined the HLBV Method to be the appropriate method for attributing net assets to the controlling and noncontrolling interests as this method most closely mirrors the economics of the governing contractual arrangements. Under the HLBV Method, the Partnership allocates recorded income (loss) to each investor based on the change, during the reporting period, of the amount of net assets each investor is entitled to under the governing contractual arrangements in a liquidation scenario. The Partnership accounts for the portion of net assets using the HLBV Method in the consolidated entities attributable to the investors as “Redeemable noncontrolling interests” and “Noncontrolling interests” in its consolidated financial statements. Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries that are redeemable at the option of the noncontrolling interest holder are classified as “Redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries” between liabilities and equity on the consolidated balance sheets and the balance is the greater of the carrying value calculated under the HLBV Method or the redemption value. Cost of Operations Cost of operations includes O&M costs related to the operating projects as well as cost recognized on sales-type leases and is recognized when the leased solar power system is placed in service or sold. Cost recognized on sales-type leases includes initial direct costs to complete a leased solar power system, such as costs for constructing a solar power system inclusive of dealer payments, freight charges and direct lease costs. Income Taxes The Partnership accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined on the basis of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets when management cannot conclude that it is more likely than not that some portion or all deferred tax assets will be realized. On December 22, 2017, the 2017 Tax Act was signed into law, which enacted major changes to the U.S. federal income tax laws, including a permanent reduction in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate. Please read “—Note 17—Subsequent Events” for further details. The calculation of tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. The Partnership, which has elected to be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, recognizes potential liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues in the United States based on its estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. If payment of these amounts ultimately proves to be unnecessary, the reversal of the liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period in which the Partnership determines the liabilities are no longer necessary. If the estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate tax assessment, a further charge to expense would result. The Partnership accrues interest and penalties on tax contingencies, which are not considered material. The Partnership recognizes deferred tax assets to the extent that it believes these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, the Partnership considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies and results of recent operations. If the Partnership determines that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, it would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes. The Partnership records uncertain tax positions on the basis of a two-step process whereby (1) it determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Partnership recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. Business Combinations The Partnership records all assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination at fair value. The judgments made in the context of the purchase price allocation can materially impact the Partnership’s future results of operations. Accordingly, for significant acquisitions, the Partnership obtains assistance from third-party valuation specialists. The valuations calculated from estimates are based on information available at the acquisition date. The Partnership charges acquisition related transaction costs that are not part of the consideration to operating costs and expenses as they are incurred. These costs typically include financial advisory, legal and accounting fees. Solar Renewable Energy Credits The Partnership applies for and receives SRECs for power generated by certain of its solar power systems. The Partnership has entered into a sales agreement with a non-affiliated party (the “SREC Sales Agreement”) to assist it in meeting its own emissions reduction or conservation requirements. Under the terms of the SREC Sales Agreement, the contracted counterparty is obligated to purchase an annual number of SRECs from the Partnership at stipulated prices over a defined period of time. The Partnership recognizes revenue and associated costs upon delivery of the SRECs to the counterparty. Share-Based Compensation Expense The Partnership measures compensation expense for all share-based payment awards based on grant-date fair values of Class A shares, and accounts for share-based compensation expense by amortizing the fair value on a straight-line basis over the requisite vesting period. Share-based compensation expense for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively, and was included in SG&A expense. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In January 2017, the FASB issued an update to clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions of assets or businesses. This new guidance becomes effective for the Partnership in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and is applied prospectively. The Partnership is evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In October 2016, the FASB issued an update which amends the guidance on related parties that are under common control. Specifically, this update requires that a single decision maker consider indirect interests held by related parties under common control on a proportionate basis in a manner consistent with its evaluation of indirect interests held through other related parties. That is, the single decision maker does not consider indirect interests held through related parties as equivalent to direct interests in determining whether it meets the economics criterion to be a primary beneficiary. This new guidance becomes effective for the Partnership in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In October 2016, the FASB issued an update which eliminates a prior exception and now requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory, such as property and equipment, when such transfer occurs. This new guidance becomes effective for the Partnership in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and shall be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative–effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Partnership is evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In August 2016, the FASB issued an update to the statement of cash flows guidance, which addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. One identified cash flow issue relates to distributions received from equity method investees whereby the reporting entity should make an accounting policy election to classify distributions received from equity method investees using either the cumulative earnings approach or the nature of the distribution approach. This new guidance becomes effective for the Partnership in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 and is applied retrospectively. The Partnership expects to continue to apply the cumulative earnings approach which will not have an impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In March 2016, the FASB issued an update to the equity method investments guidance, which eliminates the requirement that an entity retroactively adopt the equity method of accounting if an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership or degree of influence. The update requires that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. This new guidance becomes effective for the Partnership in the first quarter of 2018 on a prospective basis. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In February 2016, the FASB issued an update to the lease accounting guidance, which requires entities to begin recording assets and liabilities arising from substantially all leases on the balance sheet. The new guidance will also require significant additional disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows from leases. This new guidance will be effective for the Partnership in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 using a modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply. The Partnership is evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In May 2014, the FASB issued a new revenue recognition standard based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. The FASB has issued several updates to the standard which (i) clarify the application of the principal versus agent guidance, (ii) clarify the guidance relating to performance obligations and licensing and (iii) clarify assessment of the collectability criterion, presentation of sales taxes, measurement date for non-cash consideration and completed contracts at transaction. The new revenue recognition standard, amended by the updates, becomes effective for the Partnership in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and is to be applied retrospectively using one of two prescribed methods. Early adoption is permitted. While the Partnership is continuing to assess all potential impacts of the standard, it currently believes the impact on its consolidated financial statements is not material because over 90% of the Partnership’s total revenue for all periods is comprised of lease revenue, which is substantially unchanged under the new standard. Other than as described above, there has been no issued accounting guidance not yet adopted by the Partnership that it believes is material or potentially material to its consolidated financial statements.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of a financial instrument is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate their respective fair values due to their short-term maturities. Derivative financial instruments are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices for financial instruments with similar characteristics. The Partnership has interest rate swap agreements that economically hedge the cash flows for the term loan facility, which are not designated as cash flow hedges. Therefore, the changes in fair value are recorded in other expense in the consolidated statement of operations as these hedges are not accounted for under hedge accounting. In addition, the Predecessor entered into interest rate swap agreements, designated as cash flow hedges, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 on the outstanding and forecasted future borrowings under the Quinto Credit Facility (as defined below) to reduce the impact of changes in interest rates; unrealized gains and losses of the effective portion of derivative financial instruments were excluded from earnings and reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated balance sheets. The ineffective portion of derivatives financial instruments were included in other expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity during a period from non-owner sources. The Partnership’s comprehensive income (loss) for each period presented is comprised of (i) its net income (loss); and (ii) changes in unrealized gains or losses for the effective portion of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges.

Equity Method Investments

The Partnership uses the equity method of accounting for equity investments where it has the ability to significantly influence the operations or financial decisions of the investee but does not own a majority interest. It considers the participating and protective rights it has as well as the legal form of the investee when evaluating whether it has the ability to exercise significant influence. Equity method investments are included in “Investment in unconsolidated affiliates” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Partnership monitors investments in equity affiliates for impairment and records reductions in carrying values if the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its fair value. An impairment charge is recorded when an impairment is deemed to be other-than-temporary. Circumstances that indicate an other-than-temporary decline include factors such as decreases in quoted market prices or declines in operations. The evaluation of an investment for potential impairment requires management to exercise significant judgment and to make certain assumptions. The use of different judgments and assumptions could result in different conclusions. During fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, no impairment losses were recorded related to the Partnership’s equity method investments.

On the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Partnership classifies distributions received from unconsolidated investees accounted for under the equity method using the cumulative earnings approach. Under the cumulative earnings approach, the Partnership compares cumulative distributions received, less distributions received in the prior year that were determined to be returns of investment, to its share of cumulative equity in earnings (as adjusted for basis differences) for each unconsolidated investee on an inception-to-date basis. If the Partnership’s inception-to-date distributions are greater than its inception-to-date equity in earnings for an unconsolidated investee, the distributions up to its inception-to-date equity in earnings are considered a return on investment and are therefore classified as cash flows from operating activities, while the distributions of that unconsolidated investee in excess of its inception-to-date equity in earnings are considered to be a return of investment and are classified as cash flows from investing activities. If the Partnership’s inception-to-date distributions are less than its inception-to-date equity in earnings for an unconsolidated investee, such distributions are considered to be a return on investment and are classified as cash flows from operating activities.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Partnership considers unrestricted cash on hand and demand deposits in banks to be cash and cash equivalents; such balances approximate fair value at November 30, 2017 and November 30, 2016. Highly liquid investments with original or remaining maturities of 90 days or less at the time of purchase are considered cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable and Financing Receivable

Accounts receivable: Accounts receivable are reported on the consolidated balance sheets at the outstanding invoiced amounts, adjusted for any write-offs and estimated allowance for doubtful accounts. The Partnership maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts based on the expected collectability of all accounts receivable, which takes into consideration an analysis of historical bad debts, specific customer creditworthiness and current economic trends. Qualified customers under the residential lease program are required to have a minimum “fair” FICO credit score at the time of initial contract. The Partnership believes that its concentration of credit risk is limited because of its large number of residential customers, high credit quality of the residential customer base with high average FICO credit scores at the time of initial contract, small account balances for most of these residential customers, and customer geographic diversification. As of both November 30, 2017 and November 30, 2016, less than $0.1 million allowance for doubtful accounts related to residential operating leases had been recorded.

Financing receivables: Leases are classified as either operating or sales-type leases in accordance with the relevant accounting guidance. Financing receivables are generated by solar power systems leased to residential customers under sales-type leases. Financing receivables represent gross minimum lease payments to be received from customers and the systems’ estimated residual value, net of executory costs, unearned income and allowance for estimated losses.

The Partnership recognizes an allowance for losses on financing receivables in an amount equal to the probable losses, net of recoveries, and base such reserves on several factors, including consideration of historical credit losses. As of both November 30, 2017 and November 30, 2016, $0.7 million had been recorded as allowance for losses on financing receivables.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, including solar power systems, are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Any energy generated by solar power systems prior to being placed into service or investment tax credit to which a Sponsor is entitled reduces the carrying value of the asset by the related amount. Residential leased solar power systems are depreciated to their estimated residual value using the straight-line method over the lease term of 20 years. Depreciation expense for utility solar power systems is computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the term of the estimated useful life or the lease on the land. The estimated useful life of a system is reassessed whenever applicable facts and circumstances indicate a change in the estimated useful life of such system has occurred. The estimated useful life of all solar power systems is 30 years and all systems are physically located in the United States. Depreciation expense for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $28.1 million, $22.8 million, and $4.3 million, respectively. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

Construction-in-Progress

Project assets that are still under construction are construction-in-progress and are not depreciated until they are placed in service.

Long-Lived Assets

The Partnership evaluates its long-lived assets, including property and equipment, construction-in-progress and projects for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Factors considered important that could result in an impairment review of leased solar power systems include credit rating downgrades below investment grade, reports of substantial uncertainty as to ability to continue as a going concern, lease asset depreciation expense greater than associated operating revenue, decrease in the estimated residual value of the leased solar power system and inability to collect lease payments due from lessees whether through aging receivables, lease contract amendments or terminations. The impairment evaluation of leased solar power systems includes an analysis of estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets over their remaining estimated useful lives. If the estimate of future undiscounted net cash flows is insufficient to recover the carrying value of the assets over the remaining estimated useful lives, the Partnership records an impairment loss in the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds the fair value. Fair value is generally measured based on discounted cash flow analysis.

With respect to solar energy projects, the Partnership considers the project commercially viable if it is anticipated to be operated for a profit once it is fully operating. The Partnership examines a number of factors to determine if the project will be profitable, including the pricing of the offtake agreement and whether there are any environmental, ecological, permitting, or regulatory conditions that have changed for the project since the start of development. Such changes could cause the cost of the project to increase.

Interest Capitalization

Interest incurred on funds borrowed to finance construction of projects is capitalized to construction-in-progress until the system is ready for its intended use. When no debt is specifically identified as being incurred in connection with a construction project, the Partnership capitalizes interest on amounts expended on the project at the Partnership’s weighted average cost of borrowed money. The amount of interest capitalized for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $0.2 million, $0.7 million and $6.5 million, respectively.

Asset Retirement Obligations

In some cases the Partnership operates certain projects under power purchase and other agreements that include a requirement for the removal of the solar power systems at the end of the term of the agreement. The Partnership accounts for such legal obligations or AROs in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires that a liability for the fair value of an ARO be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if it can be reasonably estimated with the offsetting, associated asset retirement cost capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the property and equipment. The asset retirement cost is subsequently allocated to expense using a systematic and rational method over the asset’s estimated useful life. The Partnership has accrued AROs of $15.0 million and $13.4 million as of November 30, 2017 and November 30, 2016, respectively.

Contingencies

The Partnership is involved in conditions, situations or circumstances in the ordinary course of business with possible loss contingencies, such as system output performance warranty and residential lease system repairs, that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. In certain circumstances, the Partnership has hired service providers to mitigate the potential risk of loss. For example, the Partnership provides system output performance warranties under residential lease agreements with homeowners. The O&M provider, currently a subsidiary of SunPower, also provides system output performance warranties to the Partnership equivalent to those offered by the Partnership to homeowners. As a result, the Partnership records liabilities in connection with these items offset by a corresponding amount in other assets as due from the O&M provider on its consolidated financial statements. As of November 30, 2017 and November 30, 2016, the Partnership recorded $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, in other current liabilities related to system output performance warranties and system repairs and a corresponding amount due from SunPower in other current assets.

If some amount within a range of loss appears at the time to be a better estimate than any other amount within the range, that amount will be accrued. When no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, however, the minimum amount in the range will be accrued. The Partnership continually evaluates uncertainties associated with loss contingencies and records a charge equal to at least the minimum estimated liability for a loss contingency when both of the following conditions are met: (i) information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates that it is probable that an asset had been impaired or a liability had been incurred at the date of the financial statements; and (ii) the loss or range of loss can be reasonably estimated.

Revenue Recognition

Operating revenues to date are comprised of revenues generated from PPAs, solar power systems leased to residential customers, lease revenue from the Maryland Solar Project and net revenue from the sale and delivery of SRECs. The Partnership is the lessor while the PPA offtaker, residential customers and an affiliate of First Solar are the lessees.

Operating leases: Under long-term PPAs, revenue is generated from the sale of energy to various non-affiliated parties. Amounts are recognized as revenue based on rates stipulated in the respective PPAs when energy and any related renewable energy attributes are delivered. All PPAs, except for those associated with the Macy’s Maryland Project, are accounted for as operating leases. In addition, the Partnership also recognizes lease revenue for the Maryland Solar Project, which is subject to a solar lease agreement that expires on December 31, 2019, with an affiliate of First Solar as the lessee.

Certain residential leased solar power systems are classified as operating leases; therefore, revenue associated with renting the solar power system and executory costs is recognized on a straight-line basis over the 20-year lease term. State or local rebates defined in the minimum lease payments under the lease that are deemed fixed and determinable are recorded as deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets when the lease is placed in service and amortized to revenue on a straight-line basis over the 20-year lease term. PBI Rebates representing contingent revenue are recognized upon cash receipt.

Sales-type leases: For residential systems classified as sales-type leases, the NPV of the minimum lease payments, net of executory costs, was recognized as revenue when the lease was placed in service. This NPV, as well as the residual value, is recorded as financing receivables in the consolidated balance sheets. The difference between the initial net and gross amounts is amortized to revenue over the lease term using the effective interest method. Revenue representing executory costs to operate and maintain the leased solar power system is recognized on a straight-line basis over the 20-year lease term. All of the leases in the Residential Portfolio were placed into service before fiscal 2015. Accordingly, only interest revenue and related O&M revenue associated with sales-type leases was recognized in fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015.

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling interests represent the portion of net assets in consolidated subsidiaries that are not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the Partnership. The largest portion of noncontrolling interest in the Partnership relates to the Sponsors’ ownership in OpCo. In addition, the Partnership has entered into certain tax equity transactions with third-party investors under which the investors are determined to hold noncontrolling interests in entities fully consolidated by OpCo. The net assets of the shared entities are attributed to the controlling and noncontrolling interests based on the terms of the governing contractual arrangements. Therefore, for the tax equity transactions, the Partnership further determined the HLBV Method to be the appropriate method for attributing net assets to the controlling and noncontrolling interests as this method most closely mirrors the economics of the governing contractual arrangements. Under the HLBV Method, the Partnership allocates recorded income (loss) to each investor based on the change, during the reporting period, of the amount of net assets each investor is entitled to under the governing contractual arrangements in a liquidation scenario. The Partnership accounts for the portion of net assets using the HLBV Method in the consolidated entities attributable to the investors as “Redeemable noncontrolling interests” and “Noncontrolling interests” in its consolidated financial statements. Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries that are redeemable at the option of the noncontrolling interest holder are classified as “Redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries” between liabilities and equity on the consolidated balance sheets and the balance is the greater of the carrying value calculated under the HLBV Method or the redemption value.

Cost of Operations

Cost of operations includes O&M costs related to the operating projects as well as cost recognized on sales-type leases and is recognized when the leased solar power system is placed in service or sold. Cost recognized on sales-type leases includes initial direct costs to complete a leased solar power system, such as costs for constructing a solar power system inclusive of dealer payments, freight charges and direct lease costs.

Income Taxes

The Partnership accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined on the basis of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets when management cannot conclude that it is more likely than not that some portion or all deferred tax assets will be realized. On December 22, 2017, the 2017 Tax Act was signed into law, which enacted major changes to the U.S. federal income tax laws, including a permanent reduction in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate. Please read “—Note 17—Subsequent Events” for further details.

The calculation of tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. The Partnership, which has elected to be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, recognizes potential liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues in the United States based on its estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. If payment of these amounts ultimately proves to be unnecessary, the reversal of the liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period in which the Partnership determines the liabilities are no longer necessary. If the estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate tax assessment, a further charge to expense would result. The Partnership accrues interest and penalties on tax contingencies, which are not considered material.

The Partnership recognizes deferred tax assets to the extent that it believes these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, the Partnership considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies and results of recent operations. If the Partnership determines that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, it would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

The Partnership records uncertain tax positions on the basis of a two-step process whereby (1) it determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Partnership recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.

Business Combinations

The Partnership records all assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination at fair value. The judgments made in the context of the purchase price allocation can materially impact the Partnership’s future results of operations. Accordingly, for significant acquisitions, the Partnership obtains assistance from third-party valuation specialists. The valuations calculated from estimates are based on information available at the acquisition date. The Partnership charges acquisition related transaction costs that are not part of the consideration to operating costs and expenses as they are incurred. These costs typically include financial advisory, legal and accounting fees.

Solar Renewable Energy Credits

The Partnership applies for and receives SRECs for power generated by certain of its solar power systems. The Partnership has entered into a sales agreement with a non-affiliated party (the “SREC Sales Agreement”) to assist it in meeting its own emissions reduction or conservation requirements. Under the terms of the SREC Sales Agreement, the contracted counterparty is obligated to purchase an annual number of SRECs from the Partnership at stipulated prices over a defined period of time. The Partnership recognizes revenue and associated costs upon delivery of the SRECs to the counterparty.

Share-Based Compensation Expense

The Partnership measures compensation expense for all share-based payment awards based on grant-date fair values of Class A shares, and accounts for share-based compensation expense by amortizing the fair value on a straight-line basis over the requisite vesting period. Share-based compensation expense for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively, and was included in SG&A expense.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In January 2017, the FASB issued an update to clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions of assets or businesses. This new guidance becomes effective for the Partnership in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and is applied prospectively. The Partnership is evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In October 2016, the FASB issued an update which amends the guidance on related parties that are under common control. Specifically, this update requires that a single decision maker consider indirect interests held by related parties under common control on a proportionate basis in a manner consistent with its evaluation of indirect interests held through other related parties. That is, the single decision maker does not consider indirect interests held through related parties as equivalent to direct interests in determining whether it meets the economics criterion to be a primary beneficiary. This new guidance becomes effective for the Partnership in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In October 2016, the FASB issued an update which eliminates a prior exception and now requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory, such as property and equipment, when such transfer occurs. This new guidance becomes effective for the Partnership in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and shall be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative–effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Partnership is evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In August 2016, the FASB issued an update to the statement of cash flows guidance, which addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. One identified cash flow issue relates to distributions received from equity method investees whereby the reporting entity should make an accounting policy election to classify distributions received from equity method investees using either the cumulative earnings approach or the nature of the distribution approach. This new guidance becomes effective for the Partnership in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 and is applied retrospectively. The Partnership expects to continue to apply the cumulative earnings approach which will not have an impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In March 2016, the FASB issued an update to the equity method investments guidance, which eliminates the requirement that an entity retroactively adopt the equity method of accounting if an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership or degree of influence. The update requires that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. This new guidance becomes effective for the Partnership in the first quarter of 2018 on a prospective basis. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued an update to the lease accounting guidance, which requires entities to begin recording assets and liabilities arising from substantially all leases on the balance sheet. The new guidance will also require significant additional disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows from leases. This new guidance will be effective for the Partnership in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 using a modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply. The Partnership is evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In May 2014, the FASB issued a new revenue recognition standard based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. The FASB has issued several updates to the standard which (i) clarify the application of the principal versus agent guidance, (ii) clarify the guidance relating to performance obligations and licensing and (iii) clarify assessment of the collectability criterion, presentation of sales taxes, measurement date for non-cash consideration and completed contracts at transaction. The new revenue recognition standard, amended by the updates, becomes effective for the Partnership in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and is to be applied retrospectively using one of two prescribed methods. Early adoption is permitted. While the Partnership is continuing to assess all potential impacts of the standard, it currently believes the impact on its consolidated financial statements is not material because over 90% of the Partnership’s total revenue for all periods is comprised of lease revenue, which is substantially unchanged under the new standard.

Other than as described above, there has been no issued accounting guidance not yet adopted by the Partnership that it believes is material or potentially material to its consolidated financial statements.