Compare Local Pros
Power On Solar vs Sun Light & Power
Alameda Electrical Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Sun Light & Power's 49 years of licensing and consistent post-installation support contrasts sharply with Power On Solar's service responsiveness concerns.
| Power On Solar | Sun Light & Power | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 2.9 | ★ 4.8 |
| Years Licensed | 7 years | 49 years |
| License # | 1052317 | 326203 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Dublin, CA | Berkeley, CA |
| Website | poweronsolar.com | www.sunlightandpower.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Power On Solar
Customers report smooth initial installations with thorough explanations but consistently struggle with post-installation service availability and extended repair timelines.
Sun Light & Power
Customers emphasize responsive communication throughout all project phases, professional execution, and reliable follow-up support including repairs for systems from other installers.
Key Takeaway: The contrast is stark—Power On Solar's service responsiveness problems after installation directly oppose Sun Light & Power's reputation for accessible, ongoing support throughout the system lifetime.
Customer Reviews
Power On Solar
This company is Simply.The.Best. From start to finish. They care, they want to do things well, and they handle the whole process, from soup to nuts, smoothly. And they are human beings with dedicat...
Making a decision about solar is difficult and complicated. There is a lot at stake considering the system will last for decades and is not inexpensive no matter how it is funded. Power On solar was...
Made the Solar process of choosing and installing a very easy choice to use their service. All steps were explained and questions fully answered. Our system is producing as promised and savings us eac...
Sun Light & Power
I'm on my fourth project with SL&P and I have to say that they are one of the very best contracting companies I have worked with. They are very thorough and attentive to detail. The workmanship has b...
Here are my criteria for choosing a solar vendor: Long-lived company: ✅ Competitive pricing: ✅ (similar to another bid we got, and in line with local data) Good communication: ✅ (no BS, ever ...
This team is very thorough and detail oriented - as you want when having something installed on your house that is supposed to function for over 25 years. They have been around a long time and will be...
Consider Power On Solar if...
- ✓ You're prioritizing the lowest possible upfront cost and are comfortable managing service issues yourself or through other contractors if problems arise
- ✓ You have a straightforward installation on a standard roof with no complications and don't anticipate needing ongoing support
- ✓ You're willing to accept service responsiveness risks in exchange for potentially faster scheduling during the installation phase
Consider Sun Light & Power if...
- ✓ You want a contractor who will still be in business and available when your inverter fails in 10 years or panels need service in 15 years
- ✓ You're installing battery backup or considering future system additions and want a partner for long-term energy management
- ✓ You value responsive communication and accountability throughout the project and afterward, not just during the sale
- ✓ Your project involves complexity like steep roofs, custom mounting, or upgrading an existing system where deep technical experience matters
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Power On Solar directly about their service response protocols: What is your typical response time for service calls, and what warranty support do you provide if equipment fails after installation?
- → Ask Sun Light & Power about their project timeline: Given their reputation, what is the current wait time from contract signing to installation completion?
- → Request specific references from projects completed 3-5 years ago to verify ongoing support availability, especially from Power On Solar given the feedback pattern
The Bottom Line
Sun Light & Power is the clear choice for most homeowners installing solar systems. Their 49-year track record, employee ownership structure, and consistent feedback about responsive service provide substantially better protection for a 25-year investment than Power On Solar's 7-year history and documented service responsiveness problems. Solar systems require ongoing support for monitoring, maintenance, and repairs—choosing an installer is choosing a long-term service partner, not just an installation crew. Power On Solar might work if you're extremely price-sensitive and comfortable managing your own service relationships, but that's a risk most homeowners shouldn't accept for their largest home energy investment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but not primarily for the installation itself—both companies can install panels competently. The experience gap matters most for diagnosing site-specific issues, handling utility interconnection complications, and especially for being available when your system needs service in 5, 10, or 15 years. Sun Light & Power has demonstrated they'll still be operating decades from now; newer companies carry higher risk of closure.
Equipment warranties from manufacturers like SunPower and Enphase remain valid regardless of installer availability, but you'll need another contractor to perform the actual repair work, often at your expense for labor. This is exactly the situation multiple Power On Solar customers describe experiencing. Sun Light & Power specifically advertises repair services for systems installed by other companies, which may become relevant.
The data provided doesn't include pricing information for either company. However, for a 25-year investment, the cost difference matters far less than avoiding a situation where you can't get service calls returned. Ask both companies for detailed quotes and factor in the service reliability difference when comparing.
Employee ownership typically means the crew installing your system has a financial stake in the company's reputation, which can translate to better accountability and long-term thinking. Customer feedback for Sun Light & Power specifically mentions that team members act as company ambassadors, suggesting this ownership structure creates a culture of responsibility throughout the organization.
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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 13, 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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