Latest news with #FreedomSolarPower
Bloomberg
27-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
How to Protect Your Rooftop Solar Panels From Hail Damage
As the US heads into peak hailstorm season, homeowners that have installed solar power face the prospect of chunks of ice damaging their panels. 'Those instances of damage are rare, but the more extreme weather gets with climate change, it's hard to know what the future brings,' says Lauren Martin, head of marketing at Freedom Solar Power, a Texas-based solar installer. Last year, the company was called in to repair about a dozen solar systems in Austin pummeled by baseball-sized hail. Hail caused more economic losses for solar-panel owners than any other hazard, according to the latest data available from GCube Insurance, an underwriter that insures more than 100 gigawatts of renewable energy assets worldwide. While less than 2% of the total claims the company recorded from 2018 to 2023 had to do with hail, they accounted for more than half of insured damage associated with solar projects. Hailstorms can happen in any part of the US, but they most commonly occur in the central and southern plains states, stretching from Texas to the Dakotas, a region known as 'Hail Alley.' Part of that overlaps with areas that have seen substantial growth in solar installation. Take Texas. Its residential solar adoption increased nearly 650% from 2017 to 2022, according to a report published last year by Frontier Group and Environment Texas Research and Policy Center. Here's what you need to know about protecting your rooftop solar systems from hail damage. Today, solar panels are able to withstand the impact of hailstones roughly the size of a quarter coin (1 inch in diameter) at the speed of 50 miles per hour — as long as you purchase the right products. Consider shopping for solar panels with a UL 61730 rating, says Evelyn Butler, vice president of technical services at Solar Energy Industries Association, a trade group. The rating, provided by Illinois-based safety-standard company UL Solutions, signals the panels passed hail testing, she says. Other organizations such as the International Electrotechnical Commission also issue their version of safety standards for solar panels that can operate in rough weather. As soon as you decide to install solar panels, inform your insurance company, says Jason Kaminsky, chief executive officer of kWh Analytics, a firm that specializes in risk analytics for renewable-energy projects. Many carriers will extend homeowners insurance to include the solar equipment, he says. If your panels are mounted on the ground rather than attached to the house structure, confirm with your carrier if the system is eligible for homeowners' insurance or if you need to purchase an add-on. Homeowners who get their solar panels through a lease or a Power Purchase Agreement should check with their equipment provider to clarify who will insure the solar system, Kaminsky says. Typically, the equipment provider is responsible for that.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Why You Should Reconsider DIYing Your Solar Panel Installation
You might be surprised to learn that over five million households in the United States use solar energy. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the statistics forecast a bright and sunny future for this renewable energy source that can seriously help reduce your monthly utility bills. By 2030, the number of homes with solar panels will double, and by 2050, the majority of our power grid may be solar-powered. Adding solar panels can have a major impact on your home's value, and because of their growing popularity, DIY kits are becoming more widely available. But according to Bret Biggart, CEO of Freedom Solar Power, because they come with installation, electrical, roofing, and regulatory complexities that require specialized expertise, you should probably reconsider DIYing your solar panel installation yourself. "Installing solar panels is much more complex than it looks," Biggart told House Digest during an exclusive interview. "Mistakes can cause major safety problems, cost a lot to fix, or even void your warranties and incentives." To offset the upfront expense of solar panels, which average just over $27,000 according to Angi's List, there are several federal and state tax credits, utility company rebates, and even incentives that offer payments for solar energy generated by your system. Specific eligibility criteria vary widely. DIY labor costs and grid tie-ins may not always be covered under certain programs. "It's one of those projects where experience matters, and the risks of DIYing your installation outweigh any potential savings," Biggart cautioned. "A professional installer brings expertise that protects your home, your system, and your investment." Read more: The Most Trustworthy And Reliable Appliance Brands, According To Experts There's a lot of information out there about solar panels, and not all of it is entirely reliable. Once you're in the market and begin to do your research, it won't take long to hear about some of the big scams to watch out for with solar panel installers. To avoid the risk of winding up with an unscrupulous company, you may be tempted to purchase a kit and go it alone. But during his exclusive interview with House Digest, Bret Biggart said this impulse could result in serious headaches. "The list of cons greatly outweighs any pros of DIYing a solar installation," Biggart said. Along with safety and efficiency concerns, the solar expert told us many homeowners will struggle with complex permitting processes. "If the installation doesn't meet local codes or inspection requirements, you could face fines or delays, or even be forced to remove the entire system," he explained, adding that hiring a reliable professional is the best way to ensure long-term performance and peace of mind. Potential cost savings are another reason some homeowners may consider DIYing a solar panel installation. But according to Biggart, the risks aren't actually worth it. "You might save 20 to 30% upfront, but it's important to remember the hidden costs," Biggart said. "You will still have to pay for permitting and probably hire a licensed electrician or roofer. And if anything goes wrong, repairs could get very expensive, not to mention putting your own safety at risk." So are DIY solar kits worth it or a waste of your energy? During his exclusive interview with House Digest, we asked Bret Biggart how our readers can determine if they should install solar panels themselves or seek professional help. "Homeowners should consider their own experience, their ability to pull permits, their willingness to take on liability, and how much they value their home's safety and resale value," he said. "They should also think about the complexity of the project itself." The solar expert said that the size of your system, the amount of battery storage, and any additional integrations add a degree of difficulty to the installation process. Biggart told us there's one more problem that DIYers don't realize until it's too late. "Most manufacturers require that their products be installed by certified professionals," he explained. "If you install it yourself, even if you're careful and do your research, you still run the risk of losing protection on the panels, inverter, and even your roof." Whether you hire a professional or DIY, it is extremely important to check with your roofing manufacturer before installing solar panels to make sure your system is installed according to the correct specifications. Biggart told us that professional installers, like those at Freedom Solar, will make sure your system meets both manufacturer requirements and local codes. "Professional installation isn't just the safer choice — it's the smarter investment," he advised. "You really are better off leaving it to the pros." Enjoyed this article? Get expert home tips, DIY guides, and design inspiration by signing up to the House Digest newsletter! Read the original article on House Digest.
Business Journals
06-05-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Dallas businesses at a solar crossroads: How tariffs, rising costs and Freedom Solar Power are shaping the future
As Dallas pushes forward on the path to cleaner, more sustainable energy, local businesses are facing an important choice. Recent federal tariffs on imported solar components are creating new challenges — raising costs and tightening supply chains. But even in this complex environment, Freedom Solar Power, one of Texas's top solar installers, is stepping up with smart solutions tailored for the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) region. How tariffs are shaking up the solar market In 2024, the U.S. government rolled out steep tariffs on solar imports from Southeast Asia — specifically Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. These countries supply more than 75% of the solar modules used in the U.S., so the impact has been immediate and significant. Some tariffs have jumped to over 3,500%, making many imported products practically unsellable. While the goal is to boost U.S. manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, the short-term result has been a spike in solar panel costs — up to 30% higher in some cases. That's putting pressure on solar developers and potential customers alike, threatening to slow down the momentum toward renewable energy. Freedom Solar's response: Planning ahead, staying competitive Despite these headwinds, Freedom Solar Power is growing its presence in the Dallas area, serving cities like McKinney, Carrollton, Flower Mound and Denton. The key to their continued success? Preparation. By securing inventory before the tariffs hit — thanks to strong relationships with suppliers — Freedom has been able to lock in better pricing for their customers. That kind of foresight gives them a competitive edge that few others can match. Their approach goes beyond just pricing. Freedom offers efficient, reliable solar technology backed by world-class service. And as one of the largest Tesla Powerwall installers in Texas, they also provide energy storage solutions that keep the lights on during outages — a must-have in a state known for extreme weather and grid instability. Big savings and a greener tomorrow Installing solar in Texas is more affordable than many people think. Freedom Solar customers can start with payments as low as $99 per month and save an average of $28,000 over the life of their systems. On top of that, the environmental benefits — like reducing your carbon footprint — are a win for both your bottom line and the planet. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is also helping offset the rising costs caused by tariffs. New tax incentives and credits for solar equipment can significantly lower the financial barrier for businesses and homeowners alike. Freedom Solar helps customers navigate these incentives to get the most value from their investment. Why now is the time to make the switch With the solar landscape changing fast, businesses and homeowners that act now can lock in lower prices before further shifts in policy or supply drive costs even higher. Freedom Solar Power is ready to guide DFW residents through every step of the process, offering proven expertise and customized solar solutions. Freedom Solar Power's strategic work in the Dallas area shows that, even in challenging times, there are smart ways forward. For those ready to take control of their energy future, reduce long-term costs and make a positive impact, now's the time to make solar part of your story. Start your solar journey today with a free consultation at and take $1,000 when you make the switch.
Business Journals
06-05-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Houston's solar surge: How tariffs, rising costs and Freedom Solar Power are shaping the future of energy
Houston is at a turning point in its energy journey. As the city looks to more sustainable power sources, solar energy is stepping into the spotlight. Leading that charge is Freedom Solar Power, a top solar installer based in Texas, now expanding rapidly across Houston's residential and commercial markets. But the path forward isn't without challenges — especially with new federal tariffs shaking up the solar industry. Tariffs are changing the game In 2024, the U.S. government imposed steep tariffs on solar components imported from Southeast Asia — countries like Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, which supply more than 75% of America's solar panels. Some of these new tariffs are as high as 3,521%, dramatically increasing the cost of solar modules and raising project costs by up to 30%. The goal of these tariffs is to boost U.S. manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign supply chains. However, the immediate impact has been a sharp rise in prices, creating hurdles for both solar companies and customers looking to make the switch. Freedom solar power's smart response Even with these industry headwinds, Freedom Solar Power is gaining momentum in Houston. Since opening its local office, the company has completed major installations for organizations like ABC Home and Commercial Services and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. To stay ahead of the tariffs, Freedom Solar Power secured inventory at pre-tariff prices by leveraging long-standing supplier relationships. This foresight allows them to offer lower rates to customers in the short term — an advantage many competitors can't match. Their strategy centers on delivering high-quality, customized solar systems that meet the diverse needs of Houston residents and businesses. As Texas' largest installer of Tesla Powerwall batteries, Freedom also offers dependable energy storage solutions — an essential benefit in a region prone to hurricanes and grid outages. The financial and environmental payoff The numbers speak for themselves. Take Freedom's project at Stainless Structurals in Conroe, Texas: over 4,000 solar panels were installed across 118,000 square feet, offsetting 78% of the facility's electricity use and saving an estimated $4.8 million over 25 years. Across Texas, Freedom Solar customers save an average of $28,000 in electricity costs over the life of their systems. With financing options that start as low as $99 per month, going solar is more accessible than many people think. And thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), customers can tap into tax credits that help offset higher equipment costs caused by tariffs. These incentives make solar an even smarter investment in the long run. Take control of your energy future In a rapidly changing energy market, adaptability and customer focus are key. Freedom Solar Power is showing how solar providers can lead by anticipating challenges, securing strong supplier deals and making clean energy both affordable and dependable. Partnering with a proven provider like Freedom Solar Power can put you on the path to energy independence, long-term savings and a cleaner environment. As Houston moves toward a more sustainable future, those who lead today will power tomorrow.
