Compare Local Pros
Marco Roofing vs Save A Lot Solar
Alameda General Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
You're comparing a veteran roofing specialist with 45 years of experience to an established solar contractor with 14 years—this decision comes down to which service you actually need.
| Marco Roofing | Save A Lot Solar | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.9 | ★ 4.9 |
| Years Licensed | 45 years | 14 years |
| License # | 402961 | 971422 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Fremont, CA | Oakland, CA |
| Website | www.marcoroofing.com | www.savealotsolar.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Marco Roofing
Marco Roofing customers consistently emphasize thorough roof inspections, detailed estimates with no surprise costs, and efficient crews that maintain clean jobsites during multi-day projects.
Save A Lot Solar
Save A Lot Solar customers repeatedly highlight personalized consultation with the owner, appropriately sized systems without overselling, and competitive pricing on quality equipment.
Key Takeaway: Marco Roofing's feedback centers on diagnostic thoroughness and handling complications on older roofs, while Save A Lot Solar's reviews focus on educational consultation and custom system design tailored to individual energy needs.
Customer Reviews
Marco Roofing
Marco Roofing did a great job in repairing my roof which had a significant leak after a major storm. The process of getting the estimate was timely and they put a temporary fix to stop the leaf. They ...
I had my roof inspected by Chris Scoville. A detailed proposal outlining the repairs was promptly provided and the repair work was completed within a week of my approving the proposal. It was a pleas...
I am very happy with Marco roofing as they came for roof leak inspection and fixed one slipped tile for free.
Save A Lot Solar
They did my panels a few years ago and I could not be happier with the service, and the product.
Locally run, great people, skilled at designing a small system that the big players couldn’t be bothered with. On time and on budget with no surprises.
Jon and team were great to work with.
Consider Marco Roofing if...
- ✓ Your primary need is roof replacement, repair, or leak diagnosis, particularly on an older roof that may have hidden structural issues requiring experienced assessment
- ✓ You need tile roof work, including matching broken or discontinued clay tiles, which requires specialized roofing knowledge Marco has refined over 45 years
- ✓ Your project includes addressing wood rot, plywood sheathing replacement, or gutter work as part of a comprehensive roofing scope
- ✓ You're facing insurance-driven deadlines for roof replacement and need a contractor experienced with time-sensitive scheduling
Consider Save A Lot Solar if...
- ✓ Your primary need is solar panel installation, battery backup systems, or expanding an existing solar system on your property
- ✓ You want a solar contractor who personally consults on system sizing to avoid overselling capacity you don't need
- ✓ Your home presents installation challenges such as an older roof structure or strict local permitting requirements in cities like Oakland or El Cerrito
- ✓ You're comparing multiple solar quotes and want competitive pricing on quality equipment like REC panels and Enphase microinverters
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → If you need both roofing and solar: Ask Save A Lot Solar which roofing contractors they've successfully coordinated with, and ask Marco Roofing if they have experience with roof prep specifically for solar installation
- → Ask Save A Lot Solar whether your roof needs assessment or repairs before solar installation, and if so, whether they coordinate that work or require you to hire separately
- → Ask Marco Roofing about their timeline for roof work and whether scheduling could accommodate subsequent solar installation without voiding warranties
The Bottom Line
This isn't a competitive comparison—you're looking at two specialists who don't overlap in services. If you need roofing work, hire Marco Roofing and benefit from their 45 years of experience diagnosing and repairing roof issues, especially on older structures. If you need solar installation, hire Save A Lot Solar for their 14 years of solar-specific expertise and custom system design. If you need both, prioritize the roofing work first with Marco, then schedule Save A Lot Solar afterward, making sure both contractors know about the coordinated timeline so warranties and installation details align properly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No, each contractor specializes in their respective field. Marco Roofing handles roofing projects exclusively, while Save A Lot Solar focuses on solar installations. If you need both services, you'll need to hire both contractors, ideally with coordinated scheduling to ensure roof work is complete and warranties are preserved before solar installation begins.
Yes, in most cases. Solar panels typically last 25-30 years, and you don't want to remove and reinstall them mid-life if your roof needs replacement. Save A Lot Solar's reviews indicate they coordinate with roofers and assess roof condition, but you should ask Marco Roofing to thoroughly inspect your roof and provide a timeline for how long the roof will last before needing work.
It matters most if your roof is older or you're uncertain about underlying conditions. A veteran contractor is more likely to spot hidden damage, wood rot, or structural issues during inspection that a less experienced crew might miss. For straightforward replacements on newer roofs, the experience gap is less critical, but thorough inspection practices still provide value in avoiding surprise costs mid-project.
Absolutely. Mention your solar plans so Marco Roofing can ensure proper roof structure, flashing details, and materials that accommodate future solar mounting. They may also coordinate on things like roof penetration placement or reinforce areas where solar racking will attach, saving you complications when Save A Lot Solar begins their work later.
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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 10, 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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