VersaForms

Using VersaForms to Create Projects

For most use cases, PowerClerk is meant to be used by Applicants who create a PowerClerk account and log in to interact with their projects over the course of a multi-step application process. Many solar installers, for example, have PowerClerk accounts with access to a number of utility interconnection programs. They log in often to submit or take next steps on many projects.
 
However, for smaller programs such as simple rebate requests, a program designer may wish to allow a user to create a PowerClerk project without needing a PowerClerk login. Homeowners making a Transfer of Ownership request for an approved solar project frequently appreciate being able to submit that request via a form embedded on their utility’s website instead of having to create a PowerClerk account. VersaForms are the perfect solution for these use cases.
 
Any PowerClerk Form can be set up as a VersaForm by navigating to Program Design >> Forms >>, expanding the respective form and clicking the Configure Form button to enter the VersaForm configuration dialog as shown below:
 

Figure 1: Enable VersaForm option

 
VersaForms that create new projects can be presented to users in two distinct ways:

1. Embed the VersaForm in any website by copying two lines of code (e.g. for Energy Efficiency Rebate programs).
2. Link to a VersaForm from a Communication Template sent as an E-Mail.

Figure 2: VersaForm code snippet and direct link

 
Code snippets used to embed a form on a website, and a direct link, which can be sent directly to users, are shown in red text.

 

Existing Projects and VersaForms

Existing project VersaForms, the counterpart to new project VersaForms, allow for a Form to be accessed and updated via an authenticated link, without requiring the user to log in. Once a program designer has received an EmbedID for a program via PowerClerk’s Ticket System to enable VersaForms, the configuration option can be found under Program Design >> Forms >> expanding the respective Form and clicking the Configure Form button:
 

Figure 3: Existing projects and VersaForms

 
As shown in above screenshot, the Template Tag for this specific Form {form_link: <Form name>} can be embedded in a Communication Template. The recipient (e.g. a homeowner who interacts with PowerClerk only via their solar installer) is then able to click the authenticated link which allows them to submit this particular VersaForm for the existing project:
 

Figure 4: Communication Template example

 
Notably, the authenticated link can be defined to expire, and upon expiration, show a customizable expiration message. The availability (or access) may also be mapped to specific statuses in the program’s Workflow. Similarly, the Communication Template may be mapped to certain statuses so that Administrators cannot manually send the message if the link is configured to be unavailable.
 
By using a combination of a new project VersaForms and existing project VersaForms, a user’s email address can be confirmed, allowing further information to be obtained from this “qualified” email address.
 
The below screenshot shows an example existing project VersaForm, only accessible through the authenticated link:
 

Figure 5: Authenticated Link VersaForm Example

VersaForms: Custom Font-size and Font-family Parameters

Two optional customization parameters allow program designers to set the font-size and font-family for embedded VersaForms: data-font-size-px and data-font-family. These parameters need to be added to the script tag used to embed a VersaForm:

• data-font-size-px: the value of this parameter should be a number that represents the desired font size. It should not include the px part.
• data-font-family: the value of this parameter should be the name of the desired font family. It is the responsibility of the hosting page to make sure the actual font files are loaded as well.

Example:
<script type="text/javascript"
     data-font-size-px="17"
     data-font-family="sans-serif"
     src="<-- VersaForm script link -->" >
</script>

 

VersaForms: reCAPTCHA Option

reCAPTCHA for Versa Forms allows to secure anonymous form submissions. This option can be configured under Program Design >> Forms >> by expanding the respective VersaForm and clicking the Configure Form button >> option “Enable reCAPTCHA” as shown below:
 

Figure 6: reCAPTCHA option

 
This will enable the reCAPTCHA protection during submission of a VersaForm to prevent spam submissions to the VersaForm:
 

Figure 7: reCAPTCHA option

Video Guides

A full list of all Video Guides can also be found here.

FAQs

Q: I want to create a read only field to store the application fee amount, but prevent edits to this field, how can I do this?

A: The wrong way to go about this is to try and create a read-only field and assign a default value to this field. Such default values unfortunately are not saved upon form submission as read-only fields are intended for the purpose of displaying data that has been previously submitted.
The correct approach to accomplish what you are intending is to create a formula that contains the constant value, then save and enable that formula, and then connect the Formula Result element in your respective form field. This way the value for this field will be properly saved.

Q: Can I add HTML formatting to static text form fields?

A: Yes, within PowerClerk forms you can utilize a broad variety of formatting options to style your static text form elements according to your needs. Please click on this link for a list of available HTML formatting tags that you can add to static text form fields.

Q: If you have a set of fields on a form (e.g. Form 1) that are also utilized on other forms (e.g. Form 2), do we need to update the same field value on each form or just update the field on Form 1 in order reflect the same data in the same data field on Form 2?

A: You would only need to update the Data Field on Form 1 to have Form 2 reflect the same change in data. Please note that for this to work, the data field on Form 1 would need to have the same Field Name as the data field on Form 2 as shown below:

Q: How can I make a field's appearance conditional?

A: Most fields can be configured to be conditionally visible. Conditional visibility enables the administrator to specify the condition under which the field becomes visible/invisible to the applicant, and thus enables the form to adjust its requirements dynamically. Dynamic forms minimize applicant confusion by hiding fields that aren’t pertinent, thus reducing the overall length of the application, and the number of opportunities for an applicant to make a mistake.
In the example below, the administrator is specifying that the Please Describe field is only visible when the applicant selects ‘Other’ in the preceding field: “Generation Type – Prime Mover.” Naturally, if the generation type was defined in a different entry in the drop-down list, the applicant wouldn’t need to specify the generation type in a text field.

Have additional questions? Contact us to nominate your FAQ and help others find answers to your own questions concerning this feature.

Create A Support Ticket

Not finding your answer here?  Submit a question to our support team at the PowerClerk Ticket System and leverage the PowerClerk team’s expertise.