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Freedom Solar Review 2024
This reputable solar installer offers high-efficiency panels and different purchase and leasing options in six states.
Some or all of the mortgage lenders featured on our site are advertising partners of NerdWallet, but this does not influence our evaluations, lender star ratings or the order in which lenders are listed on the page. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners.
How is this page expert verified?
NerdWallet's content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. It undergoes a thorough review process involving writers and editors to ensure the information is as clear and complete as possible.
Whitney Vandiver writes for NerdWallet, currently focusing on home services, and has been published in the The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, The Seattle Times and The Independent. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading with a hot latte and spending time with her family. She is based in Houston.
Tina Orem is an editor and content strategist at NerdWallet. Prior to becoming an editor and content strategist, she covered small business and taxes at NerdWallet. She has been a financial writer and editor for over 15 years, and she has a degree in finance, as well as a master's degree in journalism and a Master of Business Administration. Previously, she was a financial analyst and director of finance for several public and private companies. Tina's work has appeared in a variety of local and national media outlets.
This warranty generally covers installation work and roof penetration. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Great
Equipment warranty
This warranty generally covers defects and failure of equipment. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Good
Performance guarantee
This guarantee generally covers solar panels' production up to a certain percentage over a length of time. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Good
Key facts
Freedom Solar handles the entire solar installation process in-house from start to finish without using outside contractors, unlike competitors that rely on service networks. It installs solar panels from two main brands — REC and Mission Solar — and offers top-notch warranty coverage. Its loans start at 0% APR. It serves six states: Texas, Colorado, Florida, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Pros
Offers loan and lease options.
Has 17 years in the solar business.
Offers loans with low APRs (starting at 0%) and terms up to 25 years.
Offers excellent warranty coverage.
Customer service is easily accessible through website.
Cons
Customer reviews are good on ConsumerAffairs and SolarReviews, but low on BBB.
Workmanship warranty
This warranty generally covers installation work and roof penetration. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Great
Equipment warranty
This warranty generally covers defects and failure of equipment. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Good
Performance guarantee
This guarantee generally covers solar panels' production up to a certain percentage over a length of time. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Good
IS THIS COMPANY AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
IS THIS COMPANY AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Key facts
Freedom Solar handles the entire solar installation process in-house from start to finish without using outside contractors, unlike competitors that rely on service networks. It installs solar panels from two main brands — REC and Mission Solar — and offers top-notch warranty coverage. Its loans start at 0% APR. It serves six states: Texas, Colorado, Florida, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Pros
Offers loan and lease options.
Has 17 years in the solar business.
Offers loans with low APRs (starting at 0%) and terms up to 25 years.
Offers excellent warranty coverage.
Customer service is easily accessible through website.
Cons
Customer reviews are good on ConsumerAffairs and SolarReviews, but low on BBB.
Freedom Solar installs solar panels, inverters and storage batteries; it also designs complete residential and commercial solar power systems. The company launched in the Texas solar market in 2007, and also serves North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Florida and Colorado.
Freedom Solar does energy needs assessments, system design, permit requests and system installation. The company has full-time technicians. It installs three brands of solar panels, the Tesla Powerwall 3 Solar Battery, and single and microinverters; it also offers maintenance and repair services.
Our take on Freedom Solar
Overall
5.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
Pricing transparency
1.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
Workmanship warranty
5.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
Equipment warranty
4.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
Performance guarantee
3.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
Customer satisfaction
3.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
This snapshot shows some factors that we consider when rating a solar company and is not representative of the full evaluation process.
What we like
A few things we like about Freedom Solar include:
Multiple brands of solar panels. The company sells REC, Mission and Waaree solar panels to give customers a choice in the efficiency and cost of their systems.
Longer warranty. Freedom Solar provides warranties for its installations for 25 years, which is much longer than some competitors’ 10-year warranties.
Financing, lease and power purchase agreement options. The company allows customers to choose how they’ll pay for their systems with a variety of options and terms.
In-house installers. The company uses full-time employees to install systems instead of hiring contractors.
What we don’t like
A few things that we don’t like about Freedom Solar are:
No pricing transparency. Potential customers have to provide their contact information to get a quote, and the company’s website doesn’t provide any information about how it prices systems.
Limited roof types supported. The company only installs solar panels on three types of roofs (standing seam metal, composition shingles or clay tile), which is fewer than some of its competitors.
NerdWallet's Top-Tier Solar Companies
See which ones made our list of solar companies that offer high-efficiency panels for reasonable pri
Freedom Solar's services
Freedom Solar installs solar panels and complete solar systems. It offers three brands of solar panels:
Maxeon (previously by SunPower).
REC.
Mission Solar.
The company also sells the Tesla Powerwall 3 Solar Battery, which stores up to 13.5kW of power to use when your solar panels aren’t creating enough energy to power your home (such as at night or on cloudy days). It also can provide 15.4kW of continuous power without pulling power from the grid, which is a handy feature if you’re worried about power outages.
As part of complete system installations, Freedom Solar installs:
Racking to keep panels in place.
Inverters and microinverters.
Power optimizers.
Freedom Solar also provides maintenance, diagnostics, repairs and updates to solar panel systems, even if it didn’t install the equipment. The company says that technicians can usually respond to service requests within 72 hours.
Like most solar companies, Freedom Solar doesn’t publish its pricing information. Potential customers have to provide their phone numbers and email addresses to request a quote or use a tool to calculate a cost estimate.
The total cost for solar panels depends on several factors, including your equipment, payment method and loan terms if you are financing. The average residential solar system runs around $25,000 before rebates and government incentives, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.
Freedom Solar’s payment options
Customers can pay for solar equipment and installation in three ways:
Cash. You own the equipment as soon as it’s installed.
A loan. Freedom Solar partners with third-party lenders to offer solar financing. Some of its partners don’t require a down payment, and annual percentage rates (APRs) vary. Loan terms range from two to 25 years. The company told us that most of its customers finance their solar equipment.
A lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). Customers can also lease the solar equipment or sign up for a PPA, both of which require monthly payments. However, Freedom Solar owns the system and gets the tax rebates and incentives.
This company’s solar installation process takes three to six months on average, but it can take longer if there are delays with scheduling meetings, approving the design and getting permits and approval.
The company uses in-house technicians and says its installation process usually involves six steps:
Initial consultation. A consultant discusses your quote with you, including financing, net metering and rebates and incentives.
Site assessment and design approval. The company double-checks your setup to ensure the design will work as expected.
Permitting. The company gets approval and permits from any necessary parties, including your city, utility company and homeowners association.
Installation. The company installs the equipment.
Inspection. Your city and utility company inspect the installation to give final approval.
Activation and closeout. Youactivate your solar system to begin generating power, and the company schedules a closeout meeting with you.
Freedom Solar provides warranties for its installations for 25 years, which is longer than some competitors and includes a 10-year roof penetration warranty. The solar panel manufacturers provide product and performance warranties for the equipment.
Company providing the coverage
What it covers
Length of warranty
Workmanship
Freedom Solar.
Issues caused by the installation.
25 years.
Freedom Solar.
Roof leaks caused by installations that penetrate roofing.
10 years.
Product and performance
Maxeon (formerly by SunPower).
Parts and labor for the entire SunPower system; between 84.8% and 92% peak power, depending on the model, during the 25th year of use.
25 years.
Mission Solar.
Panel parts and performance up to at least 80% of initial power.
25 years.
REC.
Panel parts, labor and performance up to 92% of stated power.
25 years.
Freedom Solar availability
Freedom Solar installs solar systems in Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.
Customer reviews and experiences
NerdWallet considered customer reviews from three review websites to get a wider perspective of customer experiences. We’ve highlighted the most common themes, keeping in mind that online reviews tend to lean toward negative experiences.
SolarReviews.com: 4.2 out of 5.
ConsumerAffairs: 4.5 out of 5.
Better Business Bureau: 2.34 out of 5.
What customers like about this company
Customers mention that company representatives are knowledgeable and don’t pressure potential customers into making a decision. Positive reviews also note the company’s efficient installation process, saying systems were installed in a reasonable time frame, and note that the employees are professional during installation and after systems go live. Many customers also say that their systems are working as expected and saving them money on their electricity bills as expected.
What customers don’t like about this company
Some customers highlight delays in repairs that can go on for months, especially if there is a disagreement between equipment manufacturers on the problem’s origin. Negative reviews also say sales representatives gave customers inaccurate information about incentives and costs, leading to higher monthly payments than expected.
Customer service contact options
Like most competitors, Freedom Solar offers phone and email options for contacting customer service.
This warranty generally covers installation work and roof penetration. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Good
Equipment warranty
This warranty generally covers defects and failure of equipment. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Poor
Performance guarantee
This guarantee generally covers solar panels' production up to a certain percentage over a length of time. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Poor
Key facts
Sunrun offers solar leases with as little as $0 down. Although we prefer loans and cash purchases because they give you ownership of the system and the ability to qualify for tax credits, the leasing option has lower upfront costs than some options and includes maintenance, which could make it a more appealing choice for some. Sunrun’s solid warranty coverage also makes it a good pick.
Pros
Installs various panel brands with high-efficiency ratings.
Offers loan and lease options.
Has 17 years in the solar business.
Offers good warranty coverage.
Customer service is easily accessible through website.
Cons
Loans are available through LoanPal and Mosaic but rates and terms aren’t disclosed upfront.
Customer reviews vary widely across review sites, ranging from below average to good.
Workmanship warranty
This warranty generally covers installation work and roof penetration. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Good
Equipment warranty
This warranty generally covers defects and failure of equipment. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Poor
Performance guarantee
This guarantee generally covers solar panels' production up to a certain percentage over a length of time. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Poor
IS THIS COMPANY AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
IS THIS COMPANY AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Key facts
Sunrun offers solar leases with as little as $0 down. Although we prefer loans and cash purchases because they give you ownership of the system and the ability to qualify for tax credits, the leasing option has lower upfront costs than some options and includes maintenance, which could make it a more appealing choice for some. Sunrun’s solid warranty coverage also makes it a good pick.
Pros
Installs various panel brands with high-efficiency ratings.
Offers loan and lease options.
Has 17 years in the solar business.
Offers good warranty coverage.
Customer service is easily accessible through website.
Cons
Loans are available through LoanPal and Mosaic but rates and terms aren’t disclosed upfront.
Customer reviews vary widely across review sites, ranging from below average to good.
This warranty generally covers installation work and roof penetration. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Good
Equipment warranty
This warranty generally covers defects and failure of equipment. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Good
Performance guarantee
This guarantee generally covers solar panels' production up to a certain percentage over a length of time. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Good
Key facts
Momentum installs solar panels and Enphase batteries for backup storage. The company offers PPAs, leases and financing options throughout 12 states, but option availability depends on the customer’s state. Leases come with a 25-year workmanship warranty; purchased systems only get a 10-year workmanship warranty.
Pros
Installs batteries with solar panels for energy storage solutions.
Offers financing, lease and PPA payment options.
Cons
Warranty for purchased systems is shorter compared to warranty that comes with leases.
Only available in 12 states.
Doesn’t disclose its financing terms upfront.
Doesn’t give quotes online.
Workmanship warranty
This warranty generally covers installation work and roof penetration. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Good
Equipment warranty
This warranty generally covers defects and failure of equipment. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Good
Performance guarantee
This guarantee generally covers solar panels' production up to a certain percentage over a length of time. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Good
IS THIS COMPANY AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
IS THIS COMPANY AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Key facts
Momentum installs solar panels and Enphase batteries for backup storage. The company offers PPAs, leases and financing options throughout 12 states, but option availability depends on the customer’s state. Leases come with a 25-year workmanship warranty; purchased systems only get a 10-year workmanship warranty.
Pros
Installs batteries with solar panels for energy storage solutions.
Offers financing, lease and PPA payment options.
Cons
Warranty for purchased systems is shorter compared to warranty that comes with leases.
This warranty generally covers installation work and roof penetration. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Poor
Equipment warranty
This warranty generally covers defects and failure of equipment. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Great
Performance guarantee
This guarantee generally covers solar panels' production up to a certain percentage over a length of time. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Good
Key facts
Tesla Solar offers a streamlined solution with its own products, including panels, inverters and its Powerwall battery for storage. Systems come with a 25-year warranty, which is on the higher end of industry warranties. Customers can finance with Tesla, but the company doesn’t publish its loan terms. Its website offers an interactive tool so customers can customize their systems for more accurate solar panel quotes.
Pros
Has a streamlined system with its own panels and battery so everything integrates.
Offers loan and lease options.
Provides a good workmanship warranty coverage.
Cons
No variety in panel brand or type.
Roof penetration warranty doesn’t cover damage to your home caused by a leak.
Doesn’t disclose financing terms upfront.
Average or below average customer satisfaction.
Workmanship warranty
This warranty generally covers installation work and roof penetration. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Poor
Equipment warranty
This warranty generally covers defects and failure of equipment. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Great
Performance guarantee
This guarantee generally covers solar panels' production up to a certain percentage over a length of time. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Good
IS THIS COMPANY AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
IS THIS COMPANY AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Key facts
Tesla Solar offers a streamlined solution with its own products, including panels, inverters and its Powerwall battery for storage. Systems come with a 25-year warranty, which is on the higher end of industry warranties. Customers can finance with Tesla, but the company doesn’t publish its loan terms. Its website offers an interactive tool so customers can customize their systems for more accurate solar panel quotes.
Pros
Has a streamlined system with its own panels and battery so everything integrates.
Offers loan and lease options.
Provides a good workmanship warranty coverage.
Cons
No variety in panel brand or type.
Roof penetration warranty doesn’t cover damage to your home caused by a leak.
This warranty generally covers installation work and roof penetration. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Good
Equipment warranty
This warranty generally covers defects and failure of equipment. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Good
Performance guarantee
This guarantee generally covers solar panels' production up to a certain percentage over a length of time. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Good
Key facts
Palmetto offers a strong track record and more transparency around financing than most installers. It also offers some loans with no origination fees.
Pros
Installs various panel brands with high efficiency ratings.
Offers loan and lease options.
Has 14 years in the solar business.
Offers loans with relatively low APRs and terms up to 25 years; some options have no origination fees.
Offers good warranty coverage.
Customer service is easily accessible through website.
Cons
Customer reviews are just slightly above average across review sites; could be better.
Only available in 12 states.
Doesn’t disclose its financing terms upfront.
Doesn’t give quotes online.
Workmanship warranty
This warranty generally covers installation work and roof penetration. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Good
Equipment warranty
This warranty generally covers defects and failure of equipment. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Good
Performance guarantee
This guarantee generally covers solar panels' production up to a certain percentage over a length of time. NerdWallet rated it on a 5-star scale, then assigned "great," "good" and "poor" descriptions based on the ratings.
Good
IS THIS COMPANY AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
IS THIS COMPANY AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Key facts
Palmetto offers a strong track record and more transparency around financing than most installers. It also offers some loans with no origination fees.
Pros
Installs various panel brands with high efficiency ratings.
Offers loan and lease options.
Has 14 years in the solar business.
Offers loans with relatively low APRs and terms up to 25 years; some options have no origination fees.
Offers good warranty coverage.
Customer service is easily accessible through website.
Cons
Customer reviews are just slightly above average across review sites; could be better.
Only available in 12 states.
Doesn’t disclose its financing terms upfront.
Doesn’t give quotes online.
Can I get financing for a solar panel system?
In addition to tax incentives and rebates, there are options available. Many solar installers offer financing, but you may also be able to finance your solar investment through a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC). These options may have lower interest rates than financing with an installer, future opportunities for refinancing and possible tax benefits.
Home equity loans and HELOCs are ways to borrow against the value of your home, converting equity into cash. With a home equity loan, you receive a lump-sum payment and then pay it back at a fixed interest rate over an agreed period of time, typically from five to 30 years. HELOCs are more akin to a credit card, something you use as needed. You’ll usually have 10 years to draw from the line of credit, during which time you only have to pay interest, and after that you pay both the principal and interest. HELOC interest rates typically are variable, meaning your monthly payment could rise or fall over time. And with each of these options, you're using your home as collateral.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
5.0
/5
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
Another option is a solar loan. Many banks, credit unions and online lenders offer these to fund solar panels and installation, with amounts typically from $1,000 to $100,000, and annual percentage rates ranging from 6% to 36%. They function like a personal loan: you receive a lump sum and repay it in equal monthly installments over a set period, typically two to seven years. And unlike with home equity financing, there is no collateral required for a solar loan. This means your home or solar panels aren’t at risk if you miss payments, but you may have to pay late fees.
So, yes, you likely can get financing. If you go this route, compare interest rates, terms and fees with any financing package that a solar provider may offer you to ensure you get the best deal.
How we review solar companies
NerdWallet's Home Services team evaluated solar panel installers across several factors, including financing terms, responsiveness to repair requests, customer satisfaction ratings, number of years in solar, pricing transparency, warranty coverage and customer service options. Because costs can vary by location, it's best to get quotes from multiple companies before making a decision. Read more about how NerdWallet rates solar panel installers.
