Freedom Solar, Inc. is an NABCEP Certified solar installer that designs, builds, and installs solar power systems and battery storage systems for residential and commercial clients throughout the Greater Bay Area counties. In addition to its full-service installation capabilities, the company offers removal and replacement of existing systems for new roof installations or major remodels.
President Rich Moore says his favorite part of the entire process is seeing how happy clients are when they realize the true benefits of their systems. “This is one of the few businesses that’s truly a win-win for everyone involved. By harnessing a limitless supply of clean, renewable energy, our customers are able to reduce the utility costs of their homes and help the environment at the same time, and that’s a very satisfying feeling.”
Freedom Solar prides itself on using the best equipment available in the solar and energy storage industries and providing the best possible service before and after the sale. “We really focus on the details, making sure our clients understand the long-term benefits of our systems and the financial stability of the vendors we use,” says Mr. Moore. “And by keeping track of the latest developments in solar technology and storage systems, we will always deliver the best-in-class product.”
“We want our clients to think of us as consultants rather than salespeople. We always put their needs first and educate them about their options so they can get the best return on their investment. We utilize our communication skills and technical expertise to provide them with exactly what they want.”
Make sure you do your homework before installing a solar power system on your property.
A solar system can be a lucrative and environmentally-friendly investment, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a “one size fits all” solution. Investing in a solar power system only makes sense if the financial return exceeds the initial expense.
One of the primary factors that will determine if your home is a good candidate for solar power is the orientation of the house itself, particularly the roof. The amount of shade your home receives from neighboring trees and other sources is something to consider—in order for the solar panels to work properly, they need plenty of exposure to sunlight. A roof with a large, uniform surface area that gets a lot of sunlight throughout the day is ideal.
Another factor to consider is the amount of electricity you use on a regular basis. If your home has energy-efficient lighting and is well insulated, your energy bills may be low enough to make the financial savings of a solar system inconsequential.
It’s good to keep these two factors in mind, but the only way to be positive that your home is a good candidate for solar is to have a professional perform a site evaluation and give you solid figures based on the findings. “You shouldn’t worry about whether your house is the right fit for solar until after the site evaluation,” confirms Bryan Whitton, vice president of operations at Freedom Solar, Inc. in Campbell. “Once a professional evaluates your home, electrical system and power consumption, you’ll have a much clearer picture of the benefits that a solar power system can offer to your specific situation.”
If you discover your home is a good candidate for solar and go through with the installation, it’s important to remember that one of the most essential aspects of maximizing your solar power production is making sure your panels are clean. The more residue there is on a panel’s face, the less that panel is able to produce. Dirty panels can result in a decrease in solar production of up to 10 percent, though it can be more in extreme cases. “Some experts recommend washing solar panels once a year, but I say twice a year,” says Mr. Whitton. “The peak production period of the year is between May and October, so that’s when you should be cleaning your panels. Don’t bother cleaning them during winter—the rain will take care of it for you.”
Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it's even more important for solar companies that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Freedom Solar, Inc., the key to achieving and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction is simple: place equal emphasis on the design and installation phases of each client's project to ensure their system meets their specific needs. "We approach every job as consultants, not salespeople," says VP of Operations Bryan Whitton. "Our training and expertise enable us to conceive designs that make sense for our clients and incorporate the most appropriate systems into their homes."
Freedom Solar has been designing, building and installing solar power systems for residential clients in San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda and San Benito Counties since 2009. In addition to its full-service installation capabilities, the company cleans solar panels, offers ongoing system monitoring and sets up solar thermal systems that transfer heat into hot water tanks.
Unlike solar companies that strive to reduce their operating costs by hiring inexperienced installation technicians, Freedom Solar maintains a staff of expert installers who are trained in cutting-edge technology and industry-best techniques. "All our installers and technicians are certified through a variety of institutions to ensure they're able to perform the best possible installations, both in terms of security and aesthetics," says Mr. Whitton. "They utilize their skills to provide our customers with exactly what they want."
Another distinguishing feature of Freedom Solar is the ongoing maintenance program it offers, which includes biannual visits to customers' properties to wash panels, replace batteries in monitoring parts, and clean filters and inverters. "Ongoing maintenance is important for ensuring every aspect of a solar system is working as efficiently as possible," says Mr. Whitton. "Most companies in this industry don't offer this type of program, but we feel it's crucial for providing the best overall service."
