Freedom Pro Solar Panel-SECO Program
 

I am looking for feedback from folks who have participated in the solar panel project that SECO and Freedom Pro are hawking here in TV.

Specifically I am interested in hearing from people who have actually had the solar panels installed, and are living with the system.

I am also interested in hearing from those who have heard the entire spiel of how the program works, and what specific issues they had with the program that steered them away from participating.

I would prefer NOT to hear general opinions of solar panels, solar energy, etc. I would like to keep the discussion specific to this particular program, SECO-Freedom Pro as it is being marketed to us here in TV,
and from people who have taken the time to hear the full program, have made an informed decision specific to the program, positively or negatively.

Does SECO promote or endorse this program or is Freedom using SECO’s name in order to sound more legitimate?

Freedom’s website mentions SECO.

SECO’s website does not mention Freedom as far as I can tell.

Very good question, and I'm trying to figure that out as well.

The format is this so far: someone knocks on your door and starts talking, rather quickly, about our new bi-directional meters, and it immediately becomes unclear exactly who he represents, and I suspect that's intentional.

This person is not "selling" anything in the sense that he's not offering any paperwork or contracts or pressing you into signing any agreements BUT, he is pressuring you into giving him some available appointments times SHOULD we get a call back from the company (I assume that's Freedom Pro), which may or may not happen depending upon whether they think they can produce enough energy from our specific location.

From what I could gather, all we get from letting them fill our roof with panels is some offer to lock in a lower rate. It didn't sound to me like we own any of the juice they produce. That goes back via the bi-directional meter, to SECO, and Freedom gets that money. We just get a slightly better rate on the juice we use.

That's what I think. I haven't seen any paperwork, and I am expecting a call back, but I'm not sure I want to even spend the time.

Will this company install solar panels on a house that does not have SECO Electric? SECO is not the only power company in The Villages.

One question I have never been able to get an answer to is, "when you have a roof leak, who will repair it"? I doubt that a roofer will touch a house that has solar panels.

I don’t think seco would go door to door here.

Ask for an EXACT copy of the contract, then look very carefully at it specifically look for the possibility of a lien against your house, the length of the contract, the ability to cancel the contract, etc. Some of the local (Orlando) television stations have done investigations on these types of programs, they may have contacts to help reviewing the legal aspects. Check with Seniors vs crime and the BBB for complaints against the company. Call SECO and specifically ask about their involvement in this program, if SECO claims no involvement, RUN away from this.

Call SECO and confirm they are involved. I suspect they are NOT...

Ironically, NOT a lot of solar installed in TV. You would think that the Sunshine state would be loaded with solar, but it’s not. That alone speaks volume.
I looked into solar. But my electric bill doesn’t justify it. Not to mention all the nuances that must be dealt with over the years. I don’t want a lot of potential headache. Especially years down the road. IMO, solar installed Fla should be installed in the ground, not on a roof.

There is the solar flower, officially a smartflower which is cosmetically nice, very efficient, and don't have to worry about roofing issues since it is ground based. I am sure TV would never allow it though.
The Solar Flower You Need to Experience — SmartFlower

Exactly my experience when a young man rang our doorbell to explain solar. Very nice and cordial young man.

Run Forrest, Run!

That looks a lot like the huge satellite dish I used to have in my backyard back in the late 1970s

The last thing I want is holes in my roof.

SECO is not hawking this product. If that guy told you that he’s twisting the facts (lying)

A friend had them installed on the roof, the wind from one of our hurricanes got under it, and lifted his roof up, causing major damage .
I would not want them here in Florida.

If we're going to have to suffer the 'replace the roof every 10 years' insurance scam, why would I even consider adding to that cost & complexity by introducing solar panels into the mix.

Hi! We have SECO and installed Solar a couple of years ago. Unless something has changed, SECO does not specifically endorse or have a deal with any solar company. So I would run from anyone representing their company as doing such. Its dishonest. SECO has a department that works with you to get your system approved and connected to their grid (no matter what solar company you use) but in full transparency, they tried to talk us out of solar altogether - less money in their pocket. They are not supportive in general, let alone partner with anyone. We are very happy we got solar, but SECO is not a solar friendly company at all with respect to the installation or their billing/metering practices. Happy to answer any additional questions if you want to have an offline conversation.

Freedom Pro
 

Do yourself a favor and tell them a HARD NO! then go research them on BBB site--and check out the comments.

I'm not sure they could complain - Florida has some very strong pro-solar rules - I don't think they can even stop you having an outside washing line (or airer).

If it were in your rear garden then it would just look like a sculpture.

I listen to the speil and read through their contract. They tell you that this is a lease for 25 years. What they don't tell you is it automatically renews. Also what they said was warranted is different than what is in the contract. I read contracts for a living and I backed out of.the agreement.

Thank you for the input. I'm not surprised.

We weren't planning on signing up but I thought since they are hawking their product heavily around here, a discussion would be useful.

Was thinking further on this subject and I could easily foresee a situation where the company that owns the equipment on theroof decides that messing around with it is no longer the best way to make money and leaves the owner with the problem of dealing with getting rid of failing panels, and a rooftop full of useless hardware.

Like the TV satellite dishes you see stuck on houses, but on a grander scale. What a nightmare.

I’m interested in why you are happy you got solar?

I would love to know what "nuances" must be dealt with? I have had solar panels for 3 years and I have never had any "nuances" They just set up there on the roof creating electricity.

Never get solar through leases etc. Pay for them when installed.

I wouldn't lease them or buy them.

Exactly. Why take a chance of roof damage, insurability issues, for such minor ROI?

I like the solar flower idea, but it is still quite large, and for the average Villages house footprint, not especially practical.

The best use of solar in Florida would be to preheat water before it feeds into your water heater, reducing the amount of gas/electricity needed to heat it to the desired temp.

Funny how that isn't subsidized/promoted. I guess it doesn't fit the green agenda, or the enrichment of the CCP via cheap solar panels.