Is Freedom Solar the Right Choice? What You Need to Know

Ever get that feeling of excitement when you decide to make a smart home upgrade? One that promises to save you money and help the environment?

What about when that upgrade is a brand-new solar panel system?

Choosing to go solar with a company like Freedom Solar is a major decision. It’s one that should leave you feeling confident and secure. But if you’re a Freedom Solar customer, or considering becoming one, you might be wading through a mixed bag of reviews and wondering what the real story is. 🙂

With a significant financial investment on the line, it’s completely normal to feel a little uncertain.

When you’re promised a top-tier solar system with a robust warranty, that’s exactly what you should expect to receive. 

However, for some Freedom Solar customers, the experience hasn’t quite lived up to the initial promise.

Ready to get a clearer picture of Freedom Solar? This post will (hopefully) walk you through everything you need to know, from the company’s background and customer feedback to the legal options you have if things don’t go as planned. Let’s get started!

A Brief History of Freedom Solar

Founded in 2007 by Adrian Buck, Freedom Solar has deep roots in Texas, starting out with a focus on installing solar panels in the central part of the state. Over the years, it has grown significantly, expanding its residential services to other states like Florida and establishing a national presence for commercial installations. The company prides itself on being a full-service installer, managing everything from sales and design to installation with their own in-house teams.

Freedom Solar has garnered accolades for its growth and has been a master dealer of high-efficiency SunPower panels. They’ve completed thousands of installations for both homeowners and major commercial clients like Whole Foods and Office Depot.

The Customer Experience: A Look at Reviews

When you look at customer reviews for Freedom Solar, you’ll find a wide spectrum of experiences. On one hand, many customers on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Consumer Affairs praise the company for their professional sales process and quality installation. There are numerous five-star reviews that highlight a smooth and positive experience.

However, there’s another side to the story. A significant number of customers have filed complaints, leading to a mixed overall rating. These negative reviews and complaints often point to a frustrating set of recurring problems. I know I’ve personally seen how these issues can turn an exciting home investment into a source of stress!

Common Issues: What’s Going Wrong?

Despite their long history, some common themes of dissatisfaction emerge from customer complaints against Freedom Solar:

• Systems Underperforming: A frequent and serious complaint is that the solar panel systems are not generating the amount of electricity that was promised during the sales pitch. This leaves homeowners still paying a high utility bill in addition to their monthly solar loan payment.
• Customer Service and Communication Breakdowns: Many customers report extreme difficulty in getting a response from the company when problems arise. They describe long delays in getting their systems serviced and a general lack of communication, which is especially frustrating when dealing with a non-working system.
• Installation Delays and Issues: Some homeowners have experienced very long waits between signing the contract and the final activation of their system. Others have reported issues with the installation process itself, including needing to follow up multiple times to get the job completed correctly.
• Warranty and Service Disputes: A particularly contentious issue revolves around the company’s warranty. Some customers have had trouble getting Freedom Solar to honor its commitments, especially in light of the bankruptcy of SunPower, one of their key panel suppliers. This has left some consumers in a tough spot, with Freedom Solar reportedly deflecting responsibility for faulty equipment to the now-bankrupt manufacturer.

Is Freedom Solar Still in Business?

Yes, Freedom Solar is still in business. They continue to operate as a major solar installer in the states they serve. 

It’s important to note that the solar industry as a whole can be volatile, and even large, established companies can face challenges. In 2024, Freedom Solar agreed to pay $425,710 to settle allegations of improperly receiving a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. 

While the company did not admit to wrongdoing, this legal issue is a part of their recent history.

Understanding Your Warranty with Freedom Solar

Freedom Solar heavily promotes its 25-year “bumper to bumper” warranty, which covers power production, the products themselves, and their workmanship. This comprehensive warranty is a major selling point for the company. They also offer a lifetime transferable warranty on the installation itself.

However, as mentioned in customer complaints, getting service under this warranty can sometimes be a challenge. 

The bankruptcy of SunPower has complicated matters for customers with those panels, as Freedom Solar has, in some cases, argued that product defects are the responsibility of the defunct manufacturer, despite their own workmanship warranty. It is crucial for customers to carefully read their contracts to understand the exact terms and limitations of their warranty coverage.

Freedom Solar is an installer that frequently used solar panels and components manufactured by SunPower. While Freedom Solar remains in business, SunPower recently went out of business, which may leave homeowners in a difficult position.

In many cases, manufacturer warranties, especially for panels, inverters, or power optimizers, are backed by the manufacturer rather than the installer. This means that if SunPower issued the warranty, and that company is no longer operating, the warranty may no longer be valid. Even if Freedom Solar installed the system, they may not be legally obligated to replace or repair components that were covered under SunPower’s warranty.

Homeowners could be left paying out of pocket for repairs, replacement parts, or performance issues.

A Powerful Tool for Financed Systems: The FTC Holder Rule

This is a vital piece of information if you financed your solar panel system. Freedom Solar works with various third-party lenders to offer financing for their systems. If your loan was arranged by Freedom Solar, you may be protected by a powerful consumer protection law called the FTC Holder Rule.

So…what is the Holder Rule?

In essence, this rule states that the lender who holds your loan is subject to the same legal claims and defenses you could assert against the seller. This means that if Freedom Solar breached their contract with you (for example, by installing a system that doesn’t produce the promised amount of energy), you may be able to make that same claim against the finance company.

This can give you significant leverage. It could mean:

• You may be able to raise legal defenses if the lender financed a fraudulent sale.
• You could hold the lender responsible for damages related to Freedom Solar’s actions.
• You might qualify for loan relief or renegotiation based on the facts of your case.

To find out who holds your loan, look at your loan agreement and any monthly statements you receive. The Holder Rule is a critical tool that we at Prevost Law Firm use to protect our clients’ rights.

What Legal Actions Can You Take if Your Solar Panels Aren’t Working?

If you are a Freedom Solar customer and you’re struggling with a system that isn’t working or producing as promised, you have legal options. You don’t have to simply accept the situation.

Here are some steps you should consider:

1. Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of every communication with Freedom Solar. Save all your contracts, emails, and any notes from phone calls. Take pictures and videos of any problems.
2. Send a Formal Notice: Write a formal letter to both Freedom Solar and your finance company detailing the issues and stating that they are in breach of your agreement.
3. File Complaints: Make your voice heard by filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau and your state’s Attorney General. This creates a public record of your dispute.
4. Seek Legal Counsel through Prevost Law Firm: It’s highly recommended to speak with an attorney who has experience in solar panel lawsuits. A consumer protection lawyer can review your contract and evidence to advise you on the best course of action, which could include filing a lawsuit.

Freedom Solar Conclusion

Freedom Solar is a long-standing company with many satisfied customers. However, the significant number of complaints regarding underperformance, poor customer service, and warranty issues should not be overlooked. Going solar is a major investment, and the company you choose should be a reliable partner for the long haul.

For homeowners who have had a negative experience with Freedom Solar, it’s important to know that you have rights and avenues for recourse. Protections like the FTC Holder Rule and state consumer laws are in place to help you.

Above all, remember that you don’t have to navigate these complex issues on your own. Getting professional legal advice can empower you to hold companies accountable and work towards a fair resolution.

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)

What should I do if my Freedom Solar system isn’t producing enough power?

First, document the underperformance by saving your utility bills and any data from your solar monitoring system. Then, contact Freedom Solar in writing to report the issue and request a service inspection under your warranty. If they are unresponsive, you should seek legal advice.

Can I get out of my contract with Freedom Solar?

Getting out of a solar contract can be difficult, but if the company has not fulfilled its contractual obligations—such as providing a properly working system—you may have legal grounds to cancel the agreement.

Who is my lender for my Freedom Solar loan?

To find your lender, review your loan agreement documents. This paperwork will name the financial institution that is providing the financing for your solar panel system.

Is it worth suing a solar company?

If you have suffered significant financial loss due to a faulty solar panel system or a breach of contract, a lawsuit may be the most effective way to recover your damages and hold the company accountable. An experienced attorney can help you assess the strength of your case.

What makes a solar company reputable?

A reputable solar company will have a long track record of positive customer reviews, be transparent in its sales and contracting process, and stand behind its warranties with responsive customer service.