This is a key misconception. Their SOP is to put the newest batch into an ultra-low orbit for testing. Any that fail should passively deorbit in a few months

This is a key misconception. Their SOP is to put the newest batch into an ultra-low orbit for testing. Any that fail should passively deorbit in a few months due to the increased atmospheric density. To minimize drag during this process, they deploy the solar panels parallel to the ground. Once testing is over, the panels reorient to hide behind the darkened satellite body, and then the satellites use their internal ion thrusters to boost to their final operational orbit. The dawn and dusk flaring people see are these early satellites with horizontal reflective solar panels.