15 lightyears: A Business Born from Motherhood and Responsibility
“Take the time to check in with yourself. Know what success looks like for you, give yourself space to listen, and then move forward with intention.”
— Lisa Pearcy, Founder & CEO, 15 lightyears
A Business Born from Motherhood and Responsibility
Lisa Pearcy did not start a company because she wanted to be an entrepreneur. She started one because she became a parent.
While working in HVAC sales, Lisa became acutely aware of how much energy buildings consume in Florida often accounting for nearly 70 percent of a household electric bill. As her children grew, so did her sense of responsibility for the world she would leave them. Energy efficiency became more than a professional interest; it became personal. She immersed herself in sustainability, serving on boards, working closely with developers, and advocating for greener building practices. Over time, she noticed a disconnect. Many companies talked about sustainability, but few were willing to do the hard, thoughtful work required to truly make an impact. Lisa thought she could do it better if she partnered with the right technical experts. That conviction led to the creation of 15 Lightyears; a company grounded equally in passion, education, and people.
Energy First, Solar Second
From the beginning, 15 lightyears took a different approach. Rather than leading with solar installations, the company focused on building science understanding how energy moves through a structure and how to reduce demand before generating power. The team evaluates everything from insulation and windows to lighting, HVAC systems, water use, and occupant behavior. By reducing consumption first, clients often need significantly less solar capacity, resulting in better economics and long-term performance. This philosophy gave 15 lightyears a distinct edge. Municipalities, school districts, and developers recognized the value of education over overselling. The company became known not just as a service provider, but as a trusted resource one that helped clients make informed, sustainable decisions.
Education as a Competitive Advantage
Education sits at the core of everything 15 lightyears does. Lisa believes real change happens when people understand why decisions matter, not just what to buy. That mindset resonated strongly with school systems and municipalities. Long before completing their first school solar project, the team was already teaching children about energy, sustainability, and conservation. The work extended beyond buildings and into communities, helping shape future generations of energy-conscious leaders. By prioritizing long-term relationships over short-term transactions, 15 lightyears built trust that competitors often struggled to match.
A Team Built on Values, Not Volume
Today, 15 lightyears employs a diverse workforce that blends technical expertise with hands-on field experience. From engineers and sustainability consultants to boots-on-the-ground technicians, the company operates with a true “melting pot” of talent.
Growth has been intentionally measured. After experiencing the growing pains common to scaling organizations, Lisa shifted focus toward hiring more slowly and selectively. Core values now guide every hiring decision, ensuring that as the company grows, its culture remains intact.
All employees are W-2, a rarity in the industry. That structure fosters accountability, consistency, and pride in workmanship qualities clients notice immediately.
Strategic, Sustainable Growth
Rather than chasing rapid expansion, 15 lightyears prioritizes health and sustainability as a business. The company focuses on deepening its presence in existing markets before expanding geographically.
Strong relationships with national builders, including long-standing partnerships that span more than a decade, provide a foundation for future growth into neighboring states such as Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas. When expansion happens, it will be intentional led by local expertise and trusted relationships rather than speed.
Financially, the company has reached approximately $10 million in annual revenue and is targeting $15 million through disciplined, three-year growth plans. Revenue matters, but it has never been the sole focus. Employee satisfaction, retention, and profitability are equally important measures of success.
Resilience Through Change
Like many in renewable energy, 15 lightyears has navigated shifting policies, changing tax incentives, and evolving Energy Star requirements. Rather than retreat, the company has adapted expanding offerings in battery storage, carports, floating solar, and resilience-focused solutions.
Lisa emphasizes that clients do not need to share her passion for sustainability. They simply need solutions that make sense for their bottom line. Every decision that moves the needle toward efficiency and resilience creates impact, regardless of motivation.
That adaptability proved critical during COVID. The company avoided layoffs entirely, finding creative ways to keep employees working and supported. Conservative cash management and strong relationships allowed 15 lightyears to weather uncertainty without compromising its people.
A Culture of Community and Care
15 lightyears operates with a small business feel despite its size. The team gathers for annual celebrations, volunteers together, and remains deeply connected to the communities it serves.
The company’s nonprofit arm, the 15 lightyears Foundation, channels revenue and profit back into the community. Initiatives include paying utility bills for families during the holidays, replacing inefficient air-conditioning units for renters in underserved communities, and providing portable solar-powered generators to households vulnerable to power outages.
One moment remains etched in Lisa’s memory: meeting a teenager who had lived in Central Florida for nearly 18 years but had never seen the beach. That experience reinforced her belief that impact extends far beyond buildings it is about expanding opportunity, dignity, and quality of life.
Why Florida Matters
Florida holds a special place in Lisa’s heart. A UCF graduate and lifelong Central Floridian, she has built deep roots across the region working with NASA, Universal Studios, the City of Orlando, and major builders shaping the state’s future. Once one of the hardest places to do solar, Florida is now one of the nation’s most dynamic renewable energy markets. Lisa saw that potential early, betting against conventional wisdom and building a company ready for the moment when the market caught up. As 15 lightyears grows into other states, Florida will always remain its foundation.
What the GrowFL Recognition Represents
Being named a GrowFL Company to Watch is meaningful not just as a milestone, but as validation of the company’s values-driven approach. The recognition reflects a decade of thoughtful growth, community investment, and a refusal to sacrifice people or purpose for scale. For Lisa, the honor belongs to the team; those who show up every day committed to impact, education, and doing the work the right way.
Advice for Entrepreneurs
Lisa’s advice begins with stillness. Take time to reflect. Define what success means to you, not to others. Create space to listen to your instincts, especially when things feel overwhelming. Entrepreneurship requires action, but it also requires awareness. When leaders slow down long enough to align intention with action, better decisions follow. Success, Lisa believes, is not just about growth; it is about freedom, family, and gratitude for the life being built along the way.
About GrowFL’s Programs
GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch (FLCTW)
The Florida Companies to Watch program, hosted annually by GrowFL, celebrates top second-stage companies across the state for their impressive growth and entrepreneurial success. This prestigious program recognizes 50 standout businesses each year, chosen from hundreds of nominees. Honorees are celebrated for their innovation, economic impact on Florida’s economy, and the ability to scale effectively. Through FLCTW, GrowFL not only acknowledges these companies’ achievements but also brings them into a spotlight that enhances their visibility in the marketplace. The event offers an extraordinary opportunity for networking, sharing best practices, and gaining exposure to potential investors and partners, making it a cornerstone for fostering business growth and recognition within Florida’s vibrant business community.
