Compare Local Pros
Luminalt Solar Energy Solutions vs Apollo Heating And Ventilating
San Francisco HVAC Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
You're comparing two entirely different trades: Luminalt specializes in solar energy systems while Apollo handles heating and air conditioning work.
| Luminalt Solar Energy Solutions | Apollo Heating And Ventilating | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.7 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 21 years | 5 years |
| License # | 845219 | 1075227 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Website | luminalt.com | — |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Luminalt Solar Energy Solutions
Customers consistently praise Luminalt's project communication and attention to detail on complex solar installations, with several noting long-term system performance satisfaction.
Apollo Heating And Ventilating
Apollo receives frequent mentions for responsive scheduling and knowledgeable diagnostics, with customers appreciating straightforward pricing and the absence of sales pressure.
Key Takeaway: Luminalt's feedback centers on multi-week project management for installations, while Apollo's reviews emphasize quick response times for service calls and repairs, reflecting the different nature of solar projects versus HVAC service work.
Customer Reviews
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.
Apollo Heating And Ventilating
Thank you Christ for his work today. He found a lot of water in my furnace, it looked weird and dangerous. He gave me the estimate to change the new one. However, he tried to pull it out, change the f...
They resolved my issues after speaking with 3 other companies, far superior than the competition on Yelp, highly knowledgably, no sales pitch.
I find their pricing to be very reasonable, and the technicians are excellent.
Consider Luminalt Solar Energy Solutions if...
- ✓ You're planning to install solar panels or add battery storage to reduce energy costs or achieve energy independence in your San Francisco home
- ✓ Your property presents installation challenges such as a Victorian roofline, limited roof access, or complex electrical integration requiring experienced problem-solving
- ✓ You want a contractor with two decades of experience navigating San Francisco's specific permitting requirements and utility interconnection processes
- ✓ You're investing in a long-term energy system where quality installation directly impacts 20-25 years of performance
Consider Apollo Heating And Ventilating if...
- ✓ You need furnace repair or replacement, air conditioning service, or water heater work rather than solar installation
- ✓ You value quick response times for heating emergencies, particularly important during San Francisco's cool, foggy months
- ✓ You're looking for diagnostic expertise to solve persistent HVAC problems, especially if previous contractors haven't resolved the issue
- ✓ You prefer straightforward pricing without high-pressure sales tactics for heating and cooling equipment decisions
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → If considering solar with Luminalt, ask for references from homes similar to yours in age and roof complexity, and request details on their warranty coverage for both equipment and installation labor
- → If considering HVAC work with Apollo, ask about their experience with your specific heating system brand and age, and whether they stock common parts or need to special-order components
- → For either company, confirm the timeline from initial consultation to project completion and ask what factors might extend that schedule
- → Ask each company how they handle unexpected complications discovered during the project and whether their estimates include contingency provisions
The Bottom Line
This isn't a competitive comparison because these contractors serve entirely different needs. Choose Luminalt if you're installing solar panels or battery storage systems and want a veteran specialist with 21 years navigating San Francisco's solar landscape and complex residential installations. Choose Apollo if you need heating, cooling, or water heater services and value responsive communication and diagnostic expertise. Both companies maintain proper licensing and insurance. If you're planning both solar and HVAC upgrades, you'll likely need both contractors. Focus your decision on which service you need right now, then evaluate each company against other contractors in their respective trades.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No, these are specialized trades requiring different licenses and expertise. If you're upgrading both systems, you'll need to hire both contractors separately. Some homeowners coordinate solar and HVAC upgrades together since solar can offset the electricity costs of heat pumps or electric heating systems.
The experience difference matters within the same trade, not across different trades. Luminalt's 21 years provides deep solar-specific expertise that's valuable for complex installations. Apollo's 5 years represents solid experience in HVAC work. Both have clean license records and proper insurance, which are the baseline reliability indicators.
That's a strategic question beyond the scope of comparing these contractors, but it's worth discussing with Luminalt during your solar consultation. Many San Francisco homeowners coordinate these upgrades, sometimes switching to electric heat pumps that can be powered by solar panels. You'd need Apollo or another HVAC contractor for that heating system work.
Yes, both have relevant San Francisco experience. Luminalt specifically mentions Victorian home installations in their background, indicating familiarity with challenging rooflines and structural considerations. Apollo serves the unique climate control needs of San Francisco properties where heating is particularly important. Both companies' local focus suggests they understand permitting and building code requirements specific to the city.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top hvac contractors in San Francisco.
Other San Francisco HVAC Contractors Comparisons
Luminalt Solar Energy Solutions
★ 4.7
Arch Plumbing
★ 4.9
Apollo Heating And Ventilating
★ 5.0
Arch Plumbing
★ 4.9
Luminalt Solar Energy Solutions
★ 4.7
Building Efficiency
★ 4.9
Luminalt Solar Energy Solutions
★ 4.7
Associated Heating Of San Francisco
★ 4.8
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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