Compare Local Pros
ROOF EXPRESS vs Luminalt Solar Energy Solutions
San Francisco General Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
These contractors serve completely different needs: ROOF EXPRESS handles traditional roofing work while Luminalt specializes exclusively in solar panel and battery installations.
| ROOF EXPRESS | Luminalt Solar Energy Solutions | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 4.7 |
| Years Licensed | 5 years | 21 years |
| License # | 1072766 | 845219 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Website | roof-ex.com | luminalt.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
ROOF EXPRESS
Customers consistently highlight ROOF EXPRESS's responsive scheduling, clear communication about roof conditions, and professional crews that maintain clean jobsites during roofing projects.
Luminalt Solar Energy Solutions
Luminalt customers emphasize attention to detail in solar installations, smooth project processes, and long-term system performance over years of operation.
Key Takeaway: Review themes reflect entirely different project types—ROOF EXPRESS feedback centers on jobsite management and roofing repairs, while Luminalt reviews focus on technical solar system performance and diagnostic capabilities.
Customer Reviews
ROOF EXPRESS
Prompt and courteous service at a competitive price. Great roof job and clean up. Appreciated having Habibi available throughout the process to answer questions. Provided pictures of competed roof ...
I had an excellent experience with this roofing company from start to finish. Their team was professional, knowledgeable, and very responsive throughout the entire process. They explained everything c...
Mr Habibi was excellent in dealing with customer. He did the the work fast
Luminalt Solar Energy Solutions
We had Luminalt Solar install 29 solar panels on our Victorian in Bernal Heights ten years ago. We’re thrilled with the installation and savings on our PG&E bill every month! Our service rep, Kayla,...
Pretty smooth process from start to finish. Zero surprises.
The Luminalt team was very easy to work with, and the end result is functioning perfectly.
Consider ROOF EXPRESS if...
- ✓ You need roofing work: leak repairs, shingle replacement, flat roof installation, torch-down systems, or full roof replacement
- ✓ Your roof is aging or damaged and requires structural repair or weatherproofing before any solar consideration
- ✓ You need gutter work, skylight flashing, or lightwell waterproofing addressed as part of roofing maintenance
- ✓ You want a contractor experienced in permitting and documentation for traditional roofing projects in San Francisco
Consider Luminalt Solar Energy Solutions if...
- ✓ You need solar panel installation or battery storage added to an existing, structurally sound roof
- ✓ You're planning a net positive energy project or complex solar plus battery integration
- ✓ You have a Victorian or architecturally challenging home requiring specialized solar mounting expertise
- ✓ You value a contractor with over two decades navigating San Francisco's specific solar permitting and building requirements
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → If you need both roofing and solar work, ask each contractor directly whether your roof condition is suitable for solar installation or requires repair first
- → Ask ROOF EXPRESS if they coordinate with solar installers for roof prep work, and ask Luminalt if they work with specific roofing contractors when roof repairs are needed before solar
- → Confirm with either contractor how long their warranty covers their specific work (roofing vs solar system) and what conditions might void coverage
The Bottom Line
This isn't a competitive choice—it's a question of what work your home actually needs. If your roof leaks, has missing shingles, needs replacement, or requires structural roofing repair, hire ROOF EXPRESS. If you have a sound roof and want to add solar panels or battery storage, hire Luminalt. If you're planning both, the roofing work must come first to provide a stable, long-lasting foundation for a 25+ year solar system. Don't choose based on years licensed or reputation—choose based on whether you need a roofer or a solar installer.
Get Up to 3 Free Quotes
Compare prices from licensed, verified contractors
Frequently Asked Questions
No, these contractors specialize in different systems. ROOF EXPRESS handles roofing repairs, replacements, and waterproofing but does not install solar. Luminalt installs solar panels and batteries but does not perform roofing repairs. If you need both, you'll hire them sequentially—roofing work first to ensure a sound structure, then solar installation.
Contact ROOF EXPRESS first for a roofing inspection to determine remaining roof life and structural condition. Most solar systems last 25+ years, so installing panels on a roof nearing replacement creates expensive complications. Get the roofing assessment, complete any needed repairs, then pursue solar with Luminalt on a sound foundation.
Luminalt's 21 years reflects deep solar-specific expertise—navigating evolving technology, battery integration, and San Francisco's unique solar permitting—not general construction superiority. ROOF EXPRESS's 5 years is substantial for roofing work. The experience gap matters within each specialty, but they're solving completely different problems for homeowners.
Yes, and discuss this with ROOF EXPRESS upfront. If solar is in your future plans, the roofing contractor can ensure proper decking, flashing placement, and structural support during the roof replacement to simplify later solar installation. This coordination can save money and prevent rework when you're ready for Luminalt to install panels.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top general contractors in San Francisco.
Other San Francisco General Contractors Comparisons
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.
Get in Touch
Have questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.