Founded in 2007, Freedom Solar Power is a solar installation company founded in Texas that has grown rapidly over the past decade. Freedom Solar specializes in installing the company’s solar panels, and is an authorized Tesla Powerwall solar battery installer. In addition to providing homeowners with high-quality, long-lasting solar equipment, it also offers a comprehensive 25-year warranty.
About 8% of respondents from our team’s 2023 Pollfish survey of 1,000 buyers reported choosing Freedom Solar for their solar installation.
Freedom Solar
4.2
- Average system cost: $25,000–$30,000
- Financing options: Cash or loan
- Warranties: 25-year product, performance and workmanship warranty
- Years of experience: 16
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Offers high-quality solar equipment made by brands such as SunPower and Tesla
- Provides a 25-year warranty on parts, performance and labor
- Does not subcontract its installations to third parties
Cons
- Limited equipment options compared to some competitors
- Does not offer solar leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs)
Our Thoughts on Freedom Solar
Freedom Solar has installed nearly 28 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity across the U.S., enough to provide clean energy for over 2,700 customers, since its founding. It installs SunPower’s Maxeon solar panels and various types of batteries with a competitive warranty structure, which it calls the “most complete warranty in solar.”
Freedom Solar provides grid-tied and off-grid solar systems and has expertise in installing the Tesla Powerwall battery and Kohler generators. The company also uses North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)-certified installers. On our list of the best solar companies, Freedom Solar is our pick for off-grid systems.
Freedom Solar State Availability
Freedom Solar is headquartered in Texas and has offices in five states — four in Texas, one in Virginia, and two in Colorado, North Carolina and Florida.
Alabama | Alaska |Arizona| Arkansas |California|Colorado|Connecticut| Delaware |Florida|Georgia| Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland |Massachusetts|Michigan| Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire |New Jersey| New Mexico |New York|North Carolina| North Dakota |Ohio| Oklahoma | Oregon |Pennsylvania| Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee |Texas|Utah| Vermont |Virginia| Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming
How Freedom Solar Scored in Our Methodology
Based on our methodology, Freedom Solar scored 4.3 out of 5 stars. The company scored the highest points for its cost and payment options, warranty coverage and industry experience.
Flip Card Freedom Solar Rating
MarketWatch Rating 4.2 / out of 5 stars
Rating is based off of MarketWatch Methodology Guidelines
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Rating breakdown
Cost and Payment Options Palmetto earned all points in this category for offering cash purchases, loans, leases, and PPAs. 5 / 5
Services Palmetto earned all points in this category for offering in-house battery installation, EV charger installation, energy efficiency audits and system monitoring in addition to solar installations. 5 / 5
Reputation Palmetto earned points in this area for having an over 95% BBB response rate and for being NABCEP certified, but lost points for having slightly below 4 stars on the BBB and below 4.5 stars on Google reviews. 4.25 / 5
Warranty Palmetto earned full points for offering 10+ year product and workmanship warranties as well as a 25+ year performance warranty. 5 / 5
Customer Support Palmetto gained points for having virtual consultations, mobile app and backend support, but lost points due to customer service lines being available during limited hours. 3.5 / 5
Industry Experience Palmetto earned full points for having 10+ years of industry experience 5 / 5
Sustainability Palmetto earned full points for having a sustainability statement on it’s website, an ESG Disclosure, end of life panel disposal and investing in community partnerships. 5 / 5
Freedom Solar Cost and Services Offered
Homeowners who choose Freedom Solar for their solar panel installation can expect to spend between $3.12 to $3.75 per watt of installed system capacity. For a typical 8 kilowatt (kW) system, that rate translates to a price tag of $25,000 to $30,000 before incentives. You can reference the table below for Freedom Solar’s pricing for common residential system sizes.
| System Size | Installation Cost* |
|---|---|
| 5 kW | $15,600–$18,750 |
| 6 kW | $18,720–$22,500 |
| 7 kW | $21,840–$26,250 |
| 8 kW | $25,000–$30,000 |
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*Pricing data is based on responses to our 2023 Pollfish survey of 1,000 homeowners with installed solar systems.
MARKETWATCH GUIDES TIP
Freedom Solar’s use of premium solar components makes its systems slightly pricier than most of its competitors. On average, homeowners choosing Freedom Solar can expect to pay around $25,000 to $30,000 before incentives.
Solar Panel Brands Offered
Freedom Solar offers solar panels made by Maxeon, SunPower’s panel manufacturing subsidiary. With high efficiency, durable design and strong warranties, Maxeon solar panels are some of the best on the market.
| Panel | Efficiency | Relative Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Maxeon | 21.3%–23% | High |
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Solar Battery Installation
Freedom Solar specializes in off-grid systems and energy storage. The company offers the Tesla Powerwall and SunPower SunVault, two of the top-rated solar batteries available today.
A typical solar panel and battery system costs between $25,000 and $35,000, based on our research. If you add a solar battery to existing panels, you can expect to spend $12,000 to $22,000 for the equipment and labor. Here is an overview of the battery options available with Freedom and more specific installation costs.
| Battery | Installation Cost |
|---|---|
| Tesla Powerwall | $11,500 |
| SunPower SunVault | $16,000–$20,000 |
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Based on our analysis of Freedom Solar reviews, customers have praised the company’s knowledge of battery installation and battery codes. Additionally, our 2023 Pollfish survey of 1,000 homeowners with solar showed that 59% of respondents bought a solar battery, with an equal split between the Powerwall and SunVault.
Additional Services
In addition to solar panel installation, Freedom Solar also provides other services related to solar power, including:
- Backup generators
- Energy efficiency audits
- A mobile app
- Solar battery installation
- Solar panel maintenance and repair
- Solar panel removal and reinstallation
- System monitoring
Payment Options
One of the areas where Freedom Solar scores lower points in our ratings is its available payment options. Unlike with other companies, customers can only choose between a cash purchase and a solar loan.
Many of Freedom Solar’s competitors offer solar leases and PPAs, which allow homeowners to rent solar panels from a company at no upfront cost. However, due to the nature of the agreement, many customers will see lower cumulative savings with leases and PPAs than a cash purchase or a solar loan.
Freedom Solar Warranties
Solar warranties are an important consideration when shopping for solar power systems. A quality warranty should offer guarantees of ongoing support and can help you avoid out-of-pocket expenditures on equipment repairs or replacements.
One area where Freedom Solar excels is its solar warranty, according to our review. The company can extend one of the industry’s best panel warranties. Below is an overview of Freedom Solar’s warranty structure.
| Warranty Type | Freedom Solar Length | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Workmanship or service warranty | 25 years | 10 years |
| Product warranty | 25 years | 25 years |
| Performance warranty | 25 years | 25 years |
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Freedom Solar Installation Process
Freedom Solar includes its typical installation timeline on its website, which can help homeowners know what to expect during the process. The process itself is straightforward and similar to that of most major solar installers, based on our review. Here are the seven steps:
- Initial consultation: A solar consultant from Freedom Solar can help you understand the details of going solar, including information on net metering, the federal tax credit and local incentives. At this stage, Freedom also creates a preliminary system design based on your electrical usage history and your roof’s satellite imagery.
- Site assessment and design approval: Freedom’s site assessment team will survey your home using drones and specialized software. Based on the information obtained, the company will design your system with local zoning restrictions and other limitations in mind. It also promises to create a system that is as aesthetically pleasing as possible. You can expect this stage of the process to last two to six weeks.
- Permits and approvals: The permitting process is typically the longest and least predictable step of a solar installation. Freedom will apply for necessary permits and approvals with your city office, utility company and homeowners association (if applicable) on your behalf. This process usually takes four to six weeks. However, depending on the location and other factors, it can take longer.
- Installation: Freedom Solar will schedule an installation date once your system receives all permits and approvals. The installer’s in-house, NABCEP-certified team will arrive on the scheduled date and usually completes the installation within one to three days.
- Inspection: After the installation, your utility company and city office may inspect your system to ensure it complies with all safety norms. For grid-interconnected systems, the utility company may also install a bidirectional meter on your property so you can participate in net metering. Based on backlogs and other unpredictable factors, this step may also take four to six weeks.
- Activation and closeout: Once your system passes inspection, you can usually switch it on and start generating solar energy. Freedom Solar will provide you instructions on how to turn your system on and grant you access to the monitoring portal to see how it is performing. It will also schedule a closeout meeting in which its operations team answers any remaining questions you have.
- Post-installation: At this stage, your system is up and running and you can monitor production using a web-based app. Freedom Solar should continue to support you with monitoring or other system issues if needed. It will also perform any warranty-related maintenance and repairs your system may need.
What Customers Think of Freedom Solar
To determine what customers like and dislike about Freedom Solar, we read dozens of reviews on the company’s BBB profile and identified positive and negative trends. We reached out to Freedom Solar for comment on the negative reviews listed below but did not receive a response at the time of publication
What Customers Like
- Installation quality: Several Freedom customers mentioned a professional and knowledgeable installation crew. Freedom Solar uses in-house, certified technicians, which numerous customers also praised.
- Professional salespersons: Many reviewers report having a pleasant experience with Freedom Solar salespersons. Reviewers note transparent consultations and prompt responses.
- Product quality: A number of Freedom Solar reviews suggested customers chose the company because it installs SunPower’s Maxeon solar panels, some of the most respected products on the market based on our review.
- Battery installation service: Freedom Solar installs many systems in Texas, where power outages are a major concern. Reviewers often mention the peace of mind and convenience achieved after installing a solar battery with Freedom.
What Customers Don’t Like
- High loan fees: Multiple customers reported that Freedom Solar charges high fees for processing a solar loan.
- Expensive pricing: Several customers seemed unhappy with Freedom Solar’s price range, especially after comparing it to other installers offering different solar panel brands.
Compare Freedom Solar to the Competition
A comparison of Freedom Solar against competitors suggests the company does not offer as many payment options and is more expensive than other installers. Still, it offers quality warranties based on our analysis and has a long-standing reputation in the industry.
| Star Rating | 4.2 | 4.7 | 4.8 |
| System Cost | $25,000–$30,000 | $20,000–$25,000 | $24,000–$36,000 |
| Warranty Lengths | 25-year product, workmanship and performance | 25-year product, workmanship and performance | 25-year product, workmanship and performance |
| Panel Brands | Maxeon | Qcells | Maxeon |
| Financing Options | Cash purchase or loan | Cash purchase, loan or lease | Cash purchase, loan or lease |
| Services Offered | Solar panels, solar batteries, energy efficiency audits, backup generators, system monitoring and a mobile app | Solar panels, solar batteries, energy efficiency audits, system monitoring, panel cleaning, pest abatement and a mobile app | Solar panels, solar batteries, electric vehicle charger installation and system monitoring |
| Star Rating | 4.2 | 4.7 | 4.8 |
| System Cost | $25,000–$30,000 | $20,000–$25,000 | $24,000–$36,000 |
| Warranty Lengths | 25-year product, workmanship and performance | 25-year product, workmanship and performance | 25-year product, workmanship and performance |
| Panel Brands | Maxeon | Qcells | Maxeon |
| Financing Options | Cash purchase or loan | Cash purchase, loan or lease | Cash purchase, loan or lease |
| Services Offered | Solar panels, solar batteries, energy efficiency audits, backup generators, system monitoring and a mobile app | Solar panels, solar batteries, energy efficiency audits, system monitoring, panel cleaning, pest abatement and a mobile app | Solar panels, solar batteries, electric vehicle charger installation and system monitoring |
Compared to Palmetto, Freedom Solar has fewer payment options and may cost more. However, it offers the same type of products and warranties. Overall, Freedom Solar may not offer as many financing options as competitors but it certainly triumphs in a few other areas, such as installation quality and reputation.
| Company | Star Rating | Avg Cost /watt* | Efficiency | Panel Warranties | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Provider You Are Viewing
| 4.2 | $3.12 to $3.75 | 21.3%–23% | 25-year product, workmanship and performance | GET QUOTE |
| 4.7 | $0.70 – $1.10 | 18.9% – 21.4% | 25 product and 30 year power | GET QUOTE |
4.3 | $0.90 – $2+ | 19% – 21% | 25 year product and power | GET QUOTE | |
| 4.0 | $0.80 – $1.10 | 19% – 20% | 12-25 product and 25 year power | GET QUOTE |
3.7 | $0.60 – $1 | 18.5% – 22% | 12-25 product and 25 year performance | GET QUOTE | |
3.5 | $0.70 – $0.80 | 18% – 16% | 25 year product and power | GET QUOTE | |
| 4.8 | $1.50 – $3+ | 20.9% – 22.8% | 25 year product and power | GET QUOTE |
| Company | Star Rating | Avg Cost /watt* | Efficiency | Panel Warranties | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Provider You Are Viewing
| 4.2 | $3.12 to $3.75 | 21.3%–23% | 25-year product, workmanship and performance | GET QUOTE |
| 4.7 | $0.70 – $1.10 | 18.9% – 21.4% | 25 product and 30 year power | GET QUOTE |
4.3 | $0.90 – $2+ | 19% – 21% | 25 year product and power | GET QUOTE | |
| 4.0 | $0.80 – $1.10 | 19% – 20% | 12-25 product and 25 year power | GET QUOTE |
3.7 | $0.60 – $1 | 18.5% – 22% | 12-25 product and 25 year performance | GET QUOTE | |
3.5 | $0.70 – $0.80 | 18% – 16% | 25 year product and power | GET QUOTE | |
| 4.8 | $1.50 – $3+ | 20.9% – 22.8% | 25 year product and power | GET QUOTE |
No results were found.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freedom Solar
Freedom Solar is among our picks for the best solar companies in the nation. It has more than 16 years of industry experience and offers high-quality solar equipment with leading warranties.
Freedom Solar was founded in 2007. It started in Texas and has expanded its operations to five states.
Over 10,000 solar companies operate in the U.S., according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. While no single company is the best, some of the most well-known installers in the country include Sunrun, Freedom Solar and Momentum.
Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Solar Companies
We closely evaluate solar installation companies with a focus on the factors most important to homeowners like you. We based our solar company methodology on input from multiple homeowner surveys, discussions with industry experts and research into the renewable energy market. Our review process involves assessing each company on the following criteria, which we then use to calculate a rating out of 5 stars.
- Cost and payment options (20 points): Cost is one of the most important factors when installing a solar energy system. Solar providers that offer cash purchases and in-house loan financing earn full points in this category. Companies also receive bonus points for offering solar panel leasing or power purchase agreements (PPAs).
- Services (20 points): In addition to solar installations, companies offering backup battery and electric vehicle charger installations, energy efficiency audits and system monitoring earn the most points in this category. Companies can also receive points for completing installations in-house, as opposed to using third-party contractors.
- Reputation (20 points): To assess the reputation of each company, we consider Google star ratings, Better Business Bureau (BBB) scores and reviews, and NABCEP certification status. We also look at customer complaint rates on sites like the BBB and weigh how the company responds.
- Warranty (15 points): We verify that each company offers workmanship, product and performance warranties on all of its solar installs. A provider earns more points for extending warranties that meet or exceed industry standards, including 10 years for system workmanship and products and 25 years for panel performance.
- Customer Support (10 points): Solar companies that offer virtual consultations, a mobile app, 24/7 customer support and high customer satisfaction with backend support earn the most points in this category.
- Industry Experience (10 points): Providers with 10 or more years of experience in the solar installation industry earn a perfect score in this category.
- Sustainability (5 points):To measure sustainability, we assess each company based on whether it shares a detailed sustainability statement or ESG disclosures on its website. We also conduct research to see if companies offer end-of-life panel disposal programs or have eco-friendly community partnerships.
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at [email protected].
