Compare Local Pros
Taylor Energy vs Synergy Solar & Electrical Systems, Inc
Sonoma Electrical Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Both are well-established Sebastopol solar contractors with proper insurance, but Synergy brings five additional years of licensed experience to complex installations.
| Taylor Energy | Synergy Solar & Electrical Systems, Inc | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 4.8 |
| Years Licensed | 13 years | 18 years |
| License # | 975545 | 913951 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Sebastopol, CA | Sebastopol, CA |
| Website | www.taylor-energy.com | synsolar.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Taylor Energy
Taylor Energy customers emphasize the company's patient educational approach and willingness to answer questions thoroughly throughout the solar installation journey.
Synergy Solar & Electrical Systems, Inc
Synergy Solar customers highlight clear technical explanations during consultations and long-term system performance with clients returning years later for expansions.
Key Takeaway: Taylor focuses on teaching customers about solar technology as they proceed, while Synergy emphasizes efficient technical consultations and demonstrates sustained customer relationships through repeat business for system upgrades.
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...
Synergy Solar & Electrical Systems, Inc
Mike and his team installed a regular solar system for me at the start of the year and then upgraded to a backup solar system in December. I am extremely pleased with both installations and found Mike...
My husband and I have installed solar in a previous city and when relocating to our current home, installing solar was a no brainer. Our contractor recommended Synergy Solar and we’re extremely hap...
We’ve had our system a couple of months now and are extremely pleased. The Enphase equipment and system have worked wonderfully. The installation was very neat and looks very professional. Passed al...
Consider Taylor Energy if...
- ✓ You value extensive customer education and want a contractor who patiently walks you through solar concepts and battery options as you learn.
- ✓ You're considering Tesla Powerwall or Franklin battery systems specifically and want a contractor experienced with these brands.
- ✓ You appreciate personalized attention and a hands-on approach from initial consultation through follow-up support.
- ✓ You're working with a general contractor and need a solar installer willing to collaborate closely on design and project coordination.
Consider Synergy Solar & Electrical Systems, Inc if...
- ✓ Your project involves technical complexity that benefits from nearly two decades of experience navigating equipment changes and utility requirements.
- ✓ You want clear, efficient technical consultations focused on system sizing and configuration options without extensive hand-holding.
- ✓ You're considering Enphase or Sonnen systems and prefer a contractor with demonstrated experience in these brands.
- ✓ Long-term track record matters to you, with customers reporting satisfaction years after installation and returning for system expansions.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Which specific battery brands have you installed most frequently in the past two years, and what failure rates or warranty claims have you experienced?
- → Can you provide references from customers whose systems were installed at least three years ago to speak to long-term performance and service?
- → How do you handle system monitoring and support after installation, and what response times should I expect for service calls?
- → What's your typical timeline from contract signing to final inspection and utility permission to operate?
The Bottom Line
Both contractors are solid choices with proper insurance, established track records, and consistently positive customer feedback. Synergy Solar's 18 years of licensing provides a meaningful advantage for technically complex installations, older homes needing electrical upgrades, or situations where you want maximum experience navigating utility and permitting challenges. Taylor Energy excels if you value patient education throughout the process and want a contractor who emphasizes teaching you about your system. Get quotes from both, compare their equipment recommendations for your specific property, and assess which communication style fits your preferences. You can't make a wrong choice here—both have demonstrated long-term customer satisfaction and professional installation quality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For straightforward installations on newer homes with simple roof layouts, the difference is minimal—both have over a decade handling standard projects. The experience gap becomes more valuable if your property has complications like multiple roof planes, older electrical systems needing upgrades, difficult HOA requirements, or if you're adding battery storage to an existing older solar system. Synergy's 18 years means more exposure to resolving unexpected issues and working with legacy equipment.
Request itemized quotes from both that break out equipment brands, warranty terms, and what's included in project management. Both receive praise for value, but confirm whether prices include permit fees, electrical panel upgrades if needed, monitoring systems, and post-installation support. Ask each to explain their equipment recommendations specifically for your property's energy usage and roof orientation rather than focusing solely on total price.
Battery brand affects capacity, warranty terms, compatibility with your electrical panel, and whether you can add capacity later. Tesla Powerwall has strong name recognition and integration with Tesla vehicles, while Enphase offers modular systems you can expand incrementally, and Sonnen emphasizes long warranty periods. Choose your contractor partly based on which battery system best fits your needs after researching these differences, not just contractor preference.
High owner involvement typically means you'll interact directly with company principals rather than sales representatives, getting consistent communication throughout your project. For solar installations requiring custom design decisions and utility coordination, this direct access helps resolve questions quickly. Both companies demonstrate this approach based on customer feedback mentioning personalized attention and responsiveness to concerns during installation.
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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 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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