Compare Local Pros
Power On Solar vs Sun Light & Power
Alameda General Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Sun Light & Power's 49 years of specialized solar experience and strong service track record contrast sharply with Power On Solar's post-installation support 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 installations with clear explanations and systems performing as projected, but multiple people describe difficulty reaching the company for post-installation service and extended repair timelines.
Sun Light & Power
Customers consistently emphasize responsive communication throughout projects, thorough technical work, and professional follow-through from consultation through installation and ongoing support.
Key Takeaway: The stark contrast between Power On Solar's service responsiveness concerns and Sun Light & Power's consistent feedback about reliable communication represents the most significant difference in how these companies support customers after installation.
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 bid and have tolerance for potential service delays if issues arise after installation
- ✓ Your project is straightforward (standard roof pitch, no complications) where installation execution matters more than diagnostic expertise
- ✓ You're comfortable being proactive about following up repeatedly if you need post-installation support or repairs
Consider Sun Light & Power if...
- ✓ You want a contractor who will still be in business and responsive when you need service in 5, 10, or 15 years
- ✓ Your project involves complexity like steep roofs, custom mounting, or integration with existing systems that benefit from deep technical experience
- ✓ Responsive communication and reliable follow-up support matter to you as much as the initial installation quality
- ✓ You're adding battery backup or upgrading an existing solar system where troubleshooting expertise is critical
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Power On Solar directly how they've addressed service responsiveness concerns and what their current response time commitment is for system issues
- → Ask Sun Light & Power about typical project timelines and whether their longer experience translates to higher pricing for standard installations
- → Confirm with both companies what their warranty response process looks like and get specific examples of recent service calls they've handled
The Bottom Line
Sun Light & Power is the stronger choice for most homeowners installing solar systems. Their 49-year track record, consistent customer feedback about responsive communication and reliable support, and proven ability to service systems long-term outweigh any advantages Power On Solar might offer. The recurring pattern of customers struggling to reach Power On Solar for post-installation service is a serious concern for a 25-year investment that will inevitably require occasional support. While Power On Solar executes installations competently, solar systems are only as valuable as the service behind them. Unless Power On Solar offers a substantially lower bid and you're comfortable with service uncertainty, Sun Light & Power's combination of deep expertise and reliable follow-through makes them the safer choice for this major home investment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For the physical installation itself, both companies can competently mount panels and wire systems. The experience gap shows up in three areas: accurately diagnosing roof conditions that affect mounting, troubleshooting problems when systems underperform, and still being available for service years from now. Sun Light & Power's ability to repair systems from defunct installers demonstrates the stability advantage of their longevity. Given customer reports about Power On Solar's service responsiveness issues, the experience difference becomes practically significant.
This is a legitimate concern for a solar system you'll own for 25 years. Multiple customers specifically mentioned difficulty reaching the company for repairs and extended timelines for resolving issues like non-responsive panels. Solar systems require occasional service for inverter issues, monitoring connectivity, and component failures. If you choose Power On Solar, get explicit commitments about service response times in writing and confirm what their process is when you need help.
The data doesn't indicate pricing differences, and both companies work with similar quality equipment manufacturers. Veteran contractors sometimes charge premiums for complex projects where their expertise adds clear value, but standard residential installations are often competitively priced. Request quotes from both companies for your specific project to compare. The service reliability difference may justify modest cost differences for a decades-long investment.
Customer feedback indicates Power On Solar does execute smooth installations with systems producing as projected initially. However, even perfectly installed solar systems require occasional service for inverter replacements, monitoring issues, and component failures over 25 years. Installation quality and ongoing service support are both essential for solar—you can't trade one for the other. The pattern of service responsiveness concerns undermines the value of a good installation if you can't get help when needed.
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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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