Kristal Needham’s path to founding Freedom Solar Energy began in 2009, during a turbulent time for both the housing and pool industry. Solar pool heating, however, had already been a staple for over 40 years, providing owners with an effective, energy-efficient way to heat their pools. Needham saw this niche as the perfect opportunity to make her mark, especially as government rebates and incentives helped raise awareness about solar energy’s potential.