Compare Local Pros
Taylor Energy vs Michael & Sun Solar
Sonoma Electrical Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Two well-established Sonoma County solar contractors with nearly identical credentials compete on service approach rather than experience or protection.
| Taylor Energy | Michael & Sun Solar | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 13 years | 14 years |
| License # | 975545 | 967354 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Sebastopol, CA | Graton, CA |
| Website | www.taylor-energy.com | www.michaelandsunsolar.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Taylor Energy
Customers consistently praise Taylor Energy's patient educational approach and willingness to spend extended time explaining solar technology and answering questions throughout the process.
Michael & Sun Solar
Customers emphasize Michael & Sun Solar's professional team execution and efficient coordination across all project phases from design through financing and permitting.
Key Takeaway: Taylor Energy's reviews highlight the educational consultation experience while Michael & Sun Solar's feedback focuses on streamlined project execution and timely completion.
Customer Reviews
Taylor Energy
I was up against the Jan. 1 deadline after another company suddenly dropped my solar project. Taylor stepped in and they were courteous, responded to my many inquires and some got it through the perm...
Taylor Energy was excellent throughout the entire process. My solar and battery installation was complicated by my HOA’s requirements, yet each step of the process was handled with patience and thor...
We are very pleased with the quality of service we received from Taylor Energy. They were prompt, responsive and easy to work with on the installation of two solar batteries and an upgrade to our main...
Michael & Sun Solar
We were extremely satisfied with Michael & Sun Solar. They were available any time for any of our many questions, even before we signed a contract. We love our solar and battery system. It's been so m...
We recently completed our second solar installation with Michel and Sun Solar, having previously worked with them on another property. Once again, they delivered solid results. This latest project ca...
Can't recommend Michael and Sun enough! They did a fantastic job from start to finish. Very professional, fast, on top of it! They also worked seamlessly with our solar lender and made it very easy fo...
Consider Taylor Energy if...
- ✓ You want extended consultation time to understand solar technology and battery options, particularly if you're new to solar and value patient explanations over quick decisions
- ✓ Your project involves complexity such as HOA restrictions, challenging roof configurations, or site constraints requiring custom design work
- ✓ You prefer working with specific battery brands like Tesla Powerwall or Franklin and want a contractor experienced with multiple systems
- ✓ You value a detail-oriented approach with emphasis on worksite organization and cleanliness throughout installation
Consider Michael & Sun Solar if...
- ✓ You prioritize efficient project execution with emphasis on meeting timelines and coordinating smoothly across permitting, utility, and financing requirements
- ✓ You prefer working with Enphase systems for your solar and battery setup
- ✓ You value a contractor with one additional year of established market presence in Sonoma County
- ✓ You appreciate professional team interaction across all project phases rather than extensive educational consultation
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask each company about their typical project timeline from contract signing to system activation, and what factors might extend that schedule
- → If you're considering specific battery brands, ask Taylor Energy about their experience with your preferred system and ask Michael & Sun Solar which battery brands they regularly install beyond Enphase
- → Ask both companies for references from projects with similar complexity to yours, whether that involves HOA approvals, roof constraints, or panel upgrades
- → Clarify how each company handles post-installation support and system monitoring once your solar is operational
The Bottom Line
You're choosing between two equally qualified solar contractors rather than weighing risk versus savings. Both Taylor Energy and Michael & Sun Solar bring sufficient experience, proper insurance, and professional installation practices to complete your solar project successfully. Select Taylor Energy if you want patient education, multiple battery brand options, and a contractor experienced with design complexity. Choose Michael & Sun Solar if you prioritize efficient execution, work with Enphase systems, and value streamlined coordination across financing and permitting. Get detailed quotes from both, ask about your specific battery preferences, and go with whichever team you feel more comfortable working with over the multi-month project timeline.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Not significantly for standard residential solar installations. Both companies have over a decade of experience navigating California permitting, utility interconnections, and solar technology evolution. The 13 versus 14 years represents equivalent expertise for typical projects. Focus instead on which company's approach to customer interaction and battery system options aligns with your preferences.
Taylor Energy explicitly works with multiple battery brands including Tesla Powerwall and Franklin systems, giving you more choice if you have brand preferences. Michael & Sun Solar's reviews mention Enphase systems specifically. If you're committed to a particular battery brand, confirm directly which systems each contractor regularly installs and services.
Both companies receive consistent feedback for competitive pricing, with customers from each noting they provided the best value among multiple bids. Neither appears to position as premium or budget-focused. Request detailed quotes from both to compare specific pricing for your system size and equipment preferences.
Taylor Energy's customer feedback specifically emphasizes patient education and thorough explanations of solar systems and options, making them well-suited if you want extended consultation time. Michael & Sun Solar provides clear communication and knowledgeable staff, but their reviews emphasize efficient execution over extended educational sessions. Choose based on how much hand-holding you want during the decision process.
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See our ranked list of top electrical contractors in Sonoma.
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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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