At Palmetto, we understand that going solar with LightReach is a big decision, and you want to see clear results. Below, we’ll explain why you may not be noticing a large difference just yet—and why you’re still on track to benefit over the long term.
1. Seasonality and Weather Variations
Solar energy production naturally fluctuates throughout the year. In the colder months, there are fewer daylight hours and the sun’s angle is lower. Snow, clouds, and other weather-related factors can further reduce production. Learn more here.
It’s also possible your home’s energy consumption is higher in winter—especially if you use electric heating—making your bill seem higher even though your panels are working as expected.
Rest assured: As the days get longer and sunnier, your system is likely to produce more energy, helping you see a greater impact on your monthly bill. This seasonal change is part of why we look at yearly performance rather than month-to-month or quarter-to-quarter snapshots.
2. Full-Year Performance vs. Short-Term Results
We model out solar production based on a full 12-month cycle. While 90 days can be a good initial benchmark, it doesn’t paint the complete picture of your system’s annual performance. Solar generation peaks during sunnier seasons and may dip in the winter. Over the course of a full year, these ups and downs typically balance out to meet your expected production levels.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your monitoring portal (if you have one) for daily or monthly production data. This can help you see how your system is performing throughout each season.
3. Our 90% Energy Guarantee
Your peace of mind is important to us. That’s why we stand behind our systems with a 90% production guarantee. Learn more here. If your solar panels don’t produce at least 90% of the energy we estimated over the course of the year, we’ll make it right. This assurance is designed to protect you from any significant shortfall in your expected solar output.
What does this mean for you?
If, after 36 months, your system hasn’t produced the energy it was projected to, we’ll take steps to correct it.
You won’t be left without support or solutions, even if production falls short for reasons beyond your control (e.g., less-than-expected sunlight).
Next Steps & Additional Tips
Monitor Your Energy Consumption: It’s common for households to use more electricity during certain times of the year. Make sure to compare your bills not just to previous months, but to the same month in prior years.
Review System Monitoring: If available, regularly check your solar production data. Seeing real-time or monthly outputs can help you understand seasonality’s impact and reassure you that your system is working properly.
Contact Our Support Team: If you have any questions about your production or your billing, you can call us at 855-339-1831, or chat with us by clicking the help widget in our mobile app, your online portal, or by visiting help.palmetto.com. We’re here to help you optimize your system and understand your energy usage.
We’re Here to Help
We appreciate your trust in Palmetto and are committed to making sure your solar journey with LightReach is successful. If you have any further concerns or would like a personalized review of your system’s performance, please don’t hesitate to contact our support team. We’re always here to answer your questions and ensure you’re getting the most out of your solar investment.