Solar power installation
- Thread starter jark87
- Start date
- Jun 5, 2011
- 1,308
- Pool Size
- 25500
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Jandy Aquapure 1400
The estimate range came from a link through the government subsidy site - I think it was solarestimates.com? I could only get one actual installer to call me back - Freedom Solar. They confirmed that the range was pretty accurate. Given that, I didn’t have them come out for a detailed quote as I didn’t want to waste their time. I knew I wasn’t going to spend that much.
Freedom Solar Power | Better Business Bureau® Profile
BBB accredited since 8/24/2011. Solar Energy Design in Austin, TX. See BBB rating, reviews, complaints, & more.
Freedom Solar Power | Complaints | Better Business Bureau® Profile
View customer complaints of Freedom Solar Power, BBB helps resolve disputes with the services or products a business provides.
https://mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/coa/coaSearchBtn
https://www.tccsearch.org/BusinessLicense/SearchResults.aspx
https://countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/departments/recording/dbas/
https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch/SearchResultDetail.asp?1=EECELE00028621&2=EC
Texas law requires anyone installing, or offering to install, a solar system on a home or business to have a Texas Electrical Contractor’s License (TECL) from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
The company’s TECL must be clearly written on all proposals, contracts, invoices, and business cards. Even if the company who prepared your proposal will be subcontracting the labor, they must still be a licensed electrical contractor.
https://www.ewccv.com/cvs/search?ref=https://www.tdi.texas.gov/
Their qualifications seem to be in order.
Their prices seem high.
Have you tried to negotiate by presenting a counteroffer?
What did the proposal include?
- Jun 5, 2011
- 1,308
- Pool Size
- 25500
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Jandy Aquapure 1400
Yikes! I really wasn’t interested in Freedom Solar, as I had found 2 others with good reviews, A+ BBB rating, and in business for more than 10 years with a physical location that I could visit. Neither of those 2 would return my calls, though, but I only tried each one once. Freedom Solar contacted me, I assume based on my estimate request through solarestimate.com. Since I already had an estimated range, I was just looking to connect with somebody live to see if it was realistic.
- Jun 5, 2011
- 1,308
- Pool Size
- 25500
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Jandy Aquapure 1400
No. It wasn’t like the estimate was 10-15% from my high water mark - more like 50%. I didn’t get a detailed estimate, so I couldn’t tell you what it included, other than I know it didn’t include a battery storage system. I just tried to confirm the online estimate range and once Freedom told me that it was relatively accurate, I moved on.
Freedom Solar has been a nightmare! I made a 30K investment and my total energy bill has doubled. When they installed Wrong, their first reaction was “it was my fault. Come to find out, the installation was wrong. They sent out another technician and my overall bill is still double. When the weather was cold they said things would improve when it gets hot and they also recommended I change utility company. I did. Not that it’s hot, they are blaming it on the heat that they said would fix my problem. Now they don’t want to talk to me, only point fingers and assume. They are blaming my problems on my new AC unit which has a smart thermostat, which I run on Eco during day ( the unit is off). I called finance company and they told them that they had fixed my issues. Lies! I am 73 years old , on fixed income with a double utility bill. FPS has gotten my money and discarded me like a piece of garbage. I asked for them to send an ace technician out and they said no. They got the money and now wants to be through with me. I would love to be a part of a class action lawsuit against them for Fraud. If anyone reads this review, it’s in your best interest to stay far away from Freedom Solar Power!!!
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I can’t begin to tell you about the horrific experience I have had with Freedom Solar, to-date, we have failed 4 city inspections. After finally passing the city inspection the Utility company came out to switch the meter and again Freedom failed to have the proper equipment installed so the electric company left. With the amount of mistakes they have made it would appear that they are brand new at installing solar. Don’t believe the pitch they give you about “everyone is employed by Freedom solar so it goes smoothly”. The city caught them at my home without a licensed electrician, they don’t even have licensed people showing up. If I were you I would avoid at all costs because I this point I’m not sure if my project will ever be done.
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On February 12, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. (CST), I met with Sean Clough, at my newly purchased property for a quote on solar panels. I have NEVER felt so disrespected and experienced such unprofessionalism until the day I met him.
Mr. Clough showed up at the residence for our scheduled meeting. We met on the front lawn. He admired my home, which I acknowledged his compliment. He proceeded to inform me, he had done some research on the home and would like to go over the analyzed report, to determine the best solar panels for me. When I allowed Mr. Clough into the house, that was currently occupied by the seller of the property, that was knowledgeable about me having the appointment at the home. Unfortunately, he was not there; however, I was authorized to use my keys to enter the residence. I invited Mr. Clough to the breakfast nook, to discuss his analysis report. I was asked, by Mr. Clough, if I had done any research about the company and I replied, "Yes." I proceeded to share the information I discovered and requested he only share the report and any other pertinent information, e.g., cost and number of solar panels requested etc.
I shared with Mr. Clough that I did not feel comfortable being in the house without the seller being present since his belongings were still there. I requested to focus on the report and cost only, to expedite getting out of the home. Mr. Clough became very disrespectful, rude, and unprofessional, when he stood up and took a defensive stance as I remained seated. Mr. Clough was repeatedly going over the company's history and did not present any analysis conducted. I had to keep repeating how uncomfortable I felt, with the seller's possession there he was not. Mr. Clough proceeded to imply I could not afford the panels, by stating, "I am trying to save you money. It does not matter if you buy or not, because I am a W-2 employee and not a 1099-R contractor. I get paid regardless whether I make a sell or not." He became extremely upset and his voice started elevating, which made me very uneasy. I again attempted to explain my lack of comfort being in a home when the person occupying the home is not present. Mr. Clough got even more belligerent he threw his laptop into his bag and continue to tell me it was a waste of his time, if I wasn't interested in saving money. He stood at the entrance of my kitchen door and looked back and stated, "You don't want to hear my information, fine. I am leaving."
I am certain this is not the image this solar company wants to betray to new potential customers. Mr. Clough should not be allowed to conduct another solar presentation to new or any customer. His behavior is definitely not professional or inviting to even want to consider partnering with your organization, for any purpose. He needs allot of coaching and professional etiquette on customer relations.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Zero customer service and management team doesn't have a clue. They'll talk a good game, but will not follow through. Subcontractors are unreliable and management doesn't make an effort to ensure work is completed and customers are taken care of. About halfway through the problems I requested management to make an on-site visit. Of course they didn't have the courage to leave their office.
Contract in Jan 2021; 4 failed installation attempts between Mar and Aug. Kept giving them chances, but enough is enough. Canceling contract and looking for another solar company.
Updating post since it's been 3 months from cancelation. Now mid-November, and Freedom Solar has ghosted me and has not lifted a finger to settle up on damages they caused to my property. Regional Manager Nick is passing the buck saying "someone was supposed to take care of that" but will not tell me who nor will he pass the contact info. This company has gone to GARBAGE.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
I can’t begin to tell you about the horrific experience I have had with Freedom Solar, to-date, we have failed 4 city inspections. After finally passing the city inspection the Utility company came out to switch the meter and again Freedom failed to have the proper equipment installed so the electric company left. With the amount of mistakes they have made it would appear that they are brand new at installing solar. Don’t believe the pitch they give you about “everyone is employed by Freedom solar so it goes smoothly”. The city caught them at my home without a licensed electrician, they don’t even have licensed people showing up. If I were you I would avoid at all costs because I this point I’m not sure if my project will ever be done.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
On February 12, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. (CST), I met with Sean Clough, at my newly purchased property for a quote on solar panels. I have NEVER felt so disrespected and experienced such unprofessionalism until the day I met him.
Mr. Clough showed up at the residence for our scheduled meeting. We met on the front lawn. He admired my home, which I acknowledged his compliment. He proceeded to inform me, he had done some research on the home and would like to go over the analyzed report, to determine the best solar panels for me. When I allowed Mr. Clough into the house, that was currently occupied by the seller of the property, that was knowledgeable about me having the appointment at the home. Unfortunately, he was not there; however, I was authorized to use my keys to enter the residence. I invited Mr. Clough to the breakfast nook, to discuss his analysis report. I was asked, by Mr. Clough, if I had done any research about the company and I replied, "Yes." I proceeded to share the information I discovered and requested he only share the report and any other pertinent information, e.g., cost and number of solar panels requested etc.
I shared with Mr. Clough that I did not feel comfortable being in the house without the seller being present since his belongings were still there. I requested to focus on the report and cost only, to expedite getting out of the home. Mr. Clough became very disrespectful, rude, and unprofessional, when he stood up and took a defensive stance as I remained seated. Mr. Clough was repeatedly going over the company's history and did not present any analysis conducted. I had to keep repeating how uncomfortable I felt, with the seller's possession there he was not. Mr. Clough proceeded to imply I could not afford the panels, by stating, "I am trying to save you money. It does not matter if you buy or not, because I am a W-2 employee and not a 1099-R contractor. I get paid regardless whether I make a sell or not." He became extremely upset and his voice started elevating, which made me very uneasy. I again attempted to explain my lack of comfort being in a home when the person occupying the home is not present. Mr. Clough got even more belligerent he threw his laptop into his bag and continue to tell me it was a waste of his time, if I wasn't interested in saving money. He stood at the entrance of my kitchen door and looked back and stated, "You don't want to hear my information, fine. I am leaving."
I am certain this is not the image this solar company wants to betray to new potential customers. Mr. Clough should not be allowed to conduct another solar presentation to new or any customer. His behavior is definitely not professional or inviting to even want to consider partnering with your organization, for any purpose. He needs allot of coaching and professional etiquette on customer relations.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Zero customer service and management team doesn't have a clue. They'll talk a good game, but will not follow through. Subcontractors are unreliable and management doesn't make an effort to ensure work is completed and customers are taken care of. About halfway through the problems I requested management to make an on-site visit. Of course they didn't have the courage to leave their office.
Contract in Jan 2021; 4 failed installation attempts between Mar and Aug. Kept giving them chances, but enough is enough. Canceling contract and looking for another solar company.
Updating post since it's been 3 months from cancelation. Now mid-November, and Freedom Solar has ghosted me and has not lifted a finger to settle up on damages they caused to my property. Regional Manager Nick is passing the buck saying "someone was supposed to take care of that" but will not tell me who nor will he pass the contact info. This company has gone to GARBAGE.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
- Jun 5, 2011
- 1,308
- Pool Size
- 25500
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Jandy Aquapure 1400
Yeah, a solar installation company that’s a franchise model wouldn’t be on my list. Anyone can buy a franchise.
They have too many complaints and bad reviews.
They are a typical low quality, high price contractor who is only interested in getting paid.
They are a typical low quality, high price contractor who is only interested in getting paid.
- Jun 5, 2011
- 1,308
- Pool Size
- 25500
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Jandy Aquapure 1400
And I saw earlier today where Manchin agreed to a new plan that includes billions in new subsidies. Assuming it makes it through the Senate (big assumption), we can expect a whole new round of solar prices models.
They get a BBB A+ rating even with tons of complaints and bad reviews.
BBB is almost as big of a scam as the businesses they rate.
It seems that all you have to do for your A+ rating is pay the fees to the BBB.
The financing is the other part of the business that gets almost no scrutiny.
A $20,000.00 system is sold for $60,000.00 by the salespeople by convincing people that the monthly payment is what matters.
The finance company makes as much or more than the solar company and the solar company probably owns the finance company or they get a big kickback or commission.
BBB is almost as big of a scam as the businesses they rate.
It seems that all you have to do for your A+ rating is pay the fees to the BBB.
The financing is the other part of the business that gets almost no scrutiny.
A $20,000.00 system is sold for $60,000.00 by the salespeople by convincing people that the monthly payment is what matters.
The finance company makes as much or more than the solar company and the solar company probably owns the finance company or they get a big kickback or commission.
