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Century Roof And Solar vs Solarsesame
Alameda Electrical Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Century Roof And Solar brings 30 years of licensed experience and proven roofing expertise versus Solarsesame's 2 years in business with a solar-first approach.
| Century Roof And Solar | Solarsesame | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.8 | ★ 4.9 |
| Years Licensed | 30 years | 2 years |
| License # | 721502 | 1116168 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Hayward, CA | Hayward, CA |
| Website | www.centuryroofandsolar.com | solarsesame.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Century Roof And Solar
Customers consistently praise Century's thorough diagnostic approach, detailed options explanations, and meticulous workmanship, with particular emphasis on coordinating complex multi-trade projects cleanly.
Solarsesame
Customers highlight Solarsesame's patient sales representatives, clear financing explanations, and efficient installations, with emphasis on the consultative process and helpful digital planning tools.
Key Takeaway: Century's feedback centers on discovering and solving roofing problems with veteran expertise, while Solarsesame's reviews focus on smooth sales experiences and streamlined solar installations without mention of handling complications.
Customer Reviews
Century Roof And Solar
It's good to know that there are still honest and hard working people that truly want to help their customers. The process of replacing my tile roof, gutters and insulation with Century Roof and Solar...
I contracted Century Roof and Solar to repair my roof. Tony (owner) visited my home for a consultation and was very thorough in explaining my options. It was a clear he was a man who knew his roofs. H...
Co-worker suggested Century Roof and Solar, went with the factory install. So I could transfer material and labor, to the new owner when I sell. Tony (owner) Pedro, Mark, Jose and to all the other wor...
Solarsesame
Yay! I got my roof and solar done just in time for rainy season. Super easy. Thank you Kerrie! Happy customer here. :)
Thank you so much you guys are amazing!I refer you guys 100%
I had excellent experience working with Kevin Feltis, sales rep from SolarSesame. Kevin was professional, knowledgeable, and patient in answering all my questions about going solar. He explained the s...
Consider Century Roof And Solar if...
- ✓ Your roof is older than 10 years or you're uncertain about its condition, since Century's 30 years of experience means they're more likely to identify hidden damage, dry rot, or structural issues before solar installation
- ✓ You need roofing work beyond just mounting panels—tile replacement, shingle conversion, skylight installation, ventilation upgrades, or gutter work—as their expertise extends across the full roofing scope
- ✓ Your project involves coordinating multiple trades (roofing, solar, electrical, structural) where Century's veteran track record managing complex installations reduces risk of miscommunication or sequencing errors
- ✓ You prioritize long-term warranty confidence and want a contractor with a 30-year history of honoring commitments and addressing issues that surface years after installation
Consider Solarsesame if...
- ✓ Your roof is newer (under 5 years), in confirmed good condition, and you want straightforward solar panel installation without extensive roofing modifications
- ✓ Financing structure is your primary concern and you want patient, detailed explanations of lease, PPA, and purchase options with representatives who specialize in solar economics
- ✓ You value digital tools like solar calculators and roof visualization to understand potential savings before committing, and prefer a modern, streamlined sales approach
- ✓ You're working within HOA requirements or need permitting coordination, areas where Solarsesame customers specifically mention receiving helpful assistance
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Solarsesame for references from installations completed at least 18 months ago so you can verify how they handle callbacks, warranty requests, or issues discovered after the first year
- → Ask Century about their specific solar installation volume and crew certifications, since their core expertise is roofing—confirm their solar work matches their roofing experience level
- → Ask both companies who handles roof repairs if leaks develop around panel mounting points in years 3-5, and whether that warranty work comes with additional charges
- → Ask Solarsesame how long their installation crews have worked together and how they've handled situations where unexpected roof damage was discovered during panel mounting
The Bottom Line
If your roof is older, condition uncertain, or you need anything beyond straightforward panel mounting, Century Roof And Solar's 30 years of licensed experience provides substantially more protection against costly surprises and long-term complications. Their veteran status means proven diagnostic capability and a track record of honoring warranties beyond the critical first few years. Choose Solarsesame if your roof is newer and confirmed sound, you prioritize financing flexibility and modern sales tools, and you're comfortable with a company that hasn't yet proven how they handle issues that emerge years after installation. For most homeowners investing $20,000-40,000 in equipment that sits on their roof for decades, Century's experience depth outweighs Solarsesame's consultative sales approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it matters for solar specifically because problems often don't appear immediately. Roof penetrations from mounting hardware can develop leaks 2-4 years later, and structural issues may only surface after several weather cycles. A company licensed for 2 years hasn't yet weathered the full timeline of potential complications or proven their warranty follow-through over time. Positive recent reviews show they execute installations well, but don't demonstrate how they'll handle issues that emerge in year five.
Yes, especially if your roof has any age or unknowns. Solar panels add weight, require dozens of roof penetrations, and need to be supported for 25+ years. A veteran roofer is far more likely to spot hidden dry rot, identify inadequate sheathing, or recognize tile condition issues before mounting expensive equipment. They'll also better anticipate how your specific roof type ages and where vulnerabilities typically develop. For straightforward installations on newer roofs, this advantage matters less.
Customers specifically connect Century's higher quotes to thorough evaluations, detailed warranty options, and addressing underlying roof issues other bidders missed. You're paying for diagnostic depth and three decades of problem-solving experience, not just installation labor. Whether that's worth it depends on your roof condition and risk tolerance. If multiple bidders have confirmed your roof is in excellent shape with no complications, the experience premium may not deliver proportional value.
Century Roof And Solar is the clearer choice for combined projects. Their 30 years of roofing experience is their core competency, with solar added as an integrated service. Customer feedback specifically mentions strong coordination across roofing and solar trades on complex projects. Solarsesame's primary focus is solar sales and installation with roofing as a secondary service, meaning you'd be relying on their newer, less-proven track record for the roofing portion that forms the foundation of your entire investment.
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How We Compare Contractors
License Verification
All license data is sourced from official California CSLB records and verified regularly.
Review Analysis
Customer reviews are aggregated from Google and analyzed to identify patterns in service quality.
Detailed Comparison
We analyze credentials, insurance, experience, and feedback to highlight meaningful differences.
Not all licensed contractors are created equal. While a valid license is the baseline requirement in California, contractors can vary significantly in experience, insurance coverage, and customer satisfaction.
- Experience matters: A contractor with 15+ years of experience has likely encountered and solved problems that newer contractors haven't faced yet.
- Workers' compensation protects you: If a contractor without workers' comp insurance has an employee injured on your property, you could be held liable.
- Reviews reveal patterns: Individual reviews can be misleading, but patterns across many reviews often reveal a contractor's true strengths and weaknesses.
- Bond amounts vary: A contractor's bond provides financial protection if they fail to complete work as agreed. Higher bonds offer more protection.
Taking time to compare contractors on these factors can save you from costly mistakes and help ensure your project is completed by a qualified professional.
Data Sources: License information from California CSLB. Ratings and reviews from Google. Last verified March 12, 2026.
This comparison is based on publicly available information. We recommend getting multiple quotes and verifying all credentials directly before hiring.
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