Company in US introduces affordable panels with zero upfront costs

North Carolina-based clean energy company Palmetto is shaking up the solar market with its new “LightReach” program, offering homeowners solar panel installation for no upfront cost.

The innovative business model allows customers to lease solar panels through affordable monthly payments, with Palmetto retaining ownership of the panels and handling installation, maintenance, and insurance.

The company guarantees customers will save money from day one.

“We’re guaranteeing that the customer is going to save money when they lease with us,” said Nathan Healy, Palmetto’s Vice President.

The LightReach plan includes a 90% solar production guarantee and 25-year equipment protection.

After assessing a home’s solar potential through its online platform, Palmetto customizes an energy savings proposal. Once approved, the company manages the entire process—design, permits, installation, and activation—using its network of over 600 local installers.

Backed by $1.2 billion in new funding, Palmetto has removed one of the biggest barriers to solar adoption: cost. The company reported $6.4 million in customer savings in 2024, its first full year of business under this model.

CEO Chris Kemper calls Palmetto’s mission “the Apollo project of our generation,” aimed at driving mass adoption of affordable clean energy and achieving national energy independence.

Beyond financial savings, solar adoption also reduces reliance on fossil fuels.

According to the University of Michigan, residential energy use accounted for 9.2% of US carbon pollution in 2022. Solar panels offer a clean, emission-free alternative.

Palmetto’s platform allows users to monitor real-time energy usage and production via its app, making clean energy both accessible and transparent.

With no-money-down leasing, guaranteed savings, and full-service support, Palmetto is positioning itself as a leader in democratizing access to renewable energy across the US.