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Second Generation Roofing vs Sun America Solar and Roofing Co
Sonoma Roofing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Sun America Solar brings 36 years of dual solar and roofing expertise versus Second Generation Roofing's 26-year focus purely on traditional roofing work.
| Second Generation Roofing | Sun America Solar and Roofing Co | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.6 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 26 years | 36 years |
| License # | 768860 | 597784 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Sebastopol, CA | Petaluma, CA |
| Website | secondgenroofing.com | www.sunamericasolar.org |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Second Generation Roofing
Customers consistently praise Second Generation Roofing's transparent pre-work planning that identifies repairs before project start, efficient crew execution, and thorough cleanup that leaves properties orderly.
Sun America Solar and Roofing Co
Sun America Solar receives recognition for technical problem-solving capabilities across both solar and roofing disciplines, responsive communication, and ability to handle specialized materials like steel roofs.
Key Takeaway: Second Generation's feedback centers on systematic project management and traditional roofing execution, while Sun America's reviews emphasize broader technical troubleshooting skills and adaptability to complex or non-standard situations.
Customer Reviews
Second Generation Roofing
Good company to work with and was very quick to completion. They did a complete overhaul of our leaking chimney along with the roof. The repaired chimney looked good as new, and the exterior paint mat...
I am a licensed Realtor in Sonoma / Marin County. I have personally used Second Generation Roofing for my rental property and have referred them to many happy clients and friends. I would highly recom...
Noel and his team were prompt and professional. Great attention to detail and very transparent about anticipated repairs. They went the extra mile to make sure that their work was top quality, definit...
Sun America Solar and Roofing Co
Had my solar electric system installed recently, and the whole process went really well. The team handled everything professionally, from the initial quote to the final setup. The panels look great, a...
We had a system which was not producing power installed several years ago by. now closed system installer Sun Power. The team diagnosed the problem, assisted in identifying the original equipment man...
Great work done, and good attitude. The guys were very knowledgeable and friendly. Happy to answer questions and explain things. Very open communication, and able to accommodate time delays on our en...
Consider Second Generation Roofing if...
- ✓ You need a straightforward roof replacement or repair on a standard residential property with composition shingles and want a crew that does traditional roofing exclusively every day.
- ✓ Transparent pre-work planning matters to you, as customers consistently mention Second Generation identifying additional repairs during estimates before work begins, avoiding mid-project surprises.
- ✓ You value dedicated roofing focus over dual-capability services, preferring a contractor whose entire operation centers on roof replacements, repairs, and related exterior work like gutters.
Consider Sun America Solar and Roofing Co if...
- ✓ You have current or future solar plans, as Sun America can coordinate roof work with solar installation or ensure your new roof is solar-ready without needing separate contractors.
- ✓ Your property has a steel roof or other specialized roofing material that requires specific technical knowledge, an area where Sun America has demonstrated capability that many contractors cannot match.
- ✓ You want the deepest experience base available, as Sun America's 36 years and dual solar-roofing expertise provides broader technical problem-solving capabilities if complications arise during your project.
- ✓ You value diagnostic capabilities beyond standard roofing, as their reviews emphasize troubleshooting and technical assessment skills developed across both roofing and electrical systems.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Second Generation how they handle scheduling during peak season and what their current lead time is for projects similar to yours.
- → Ask Sun America whether your specific project will be handled by their roofing-focused crew or their solar team, and confirm their roofing crew's availability if solar work isn't involved.
- → Request references from each company for projects matching your specific roof type and scope to verify their recent performance on comparable work.
The Bottom Line
For straightforward roof replacement or repair on standard residential properties, Second Generation Roofing's 26-year dedicated focus and transparent project management make them an excellent choice with strong customer feedback on communication and execution. Choose Sun America Solar if you have current or future solar plans, own a property with specialized roofing materials like steel, or simply want the deepest available experience base—their 36 years and dual expertise provide broader technical capabilities. Both are fully credentialed veteran contractors with workers comp and bonds. Your decision hinges on whether dedicated roofing specialization or combined solar-roofing expertise better matches your specific situation and timeline.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sun America's additional 10 years of experience provides a deeper technical foundation and longer track record navigating building code changes, material evolution, and complex projects. However, Second Generation's 26 years already places them in veteran territory with extensive knowledge. The experience gap matters more if your project involves unusual complications or if you're considering future solar work that Sun America could integrate.
Sun America performs full roof replacements as a core service, not just incidental to solar work, and their reviews mention roofing projects completed independently of solar installations. Their 36-year history demonstrates sustained roofing capability. However, Second Generation's exclusive roofing focus means their crews do traditional roofing every single day without splitting attention between two specialties.
Both companies have veteran-level experience diagnosing hidden issues during tear-off. Second Generation's reviews specifically mention transparent identification of dry rot and improperly installed components before work begins. Sun America's broader technical background and additional decade of experience provides slightly deeper problem-solving capabilities if structural complications arise, though both are well-qualified for older homes.
Having Sun America handle your roof now means they'll already know your roof structure intimately when you're ready for solar, potentially streamlining future installation and ensuring roof preparation is solar-appropriate from the start. However, Second Generation can install a solar-ready roof following standard best practices, and you can hire a solar contractor later without meaningful disadvantage if that route offers better current pricing or availability.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top roofing contractors in Sonoma.
Other Sonoma Roofing Contractors Comparisons
Ridgeline Roofing Co
★ 4.8
Sun America Solar and Roofing Co
★ 5.0
Ridgeline Roofing Co
★ 4.8
Second Generation Roofing
★ 4.6
Sun America Solar and Roofing Co
★ 5.0
Northbay Roofing & Gutters Inc
★ 4.6
ARS Roofing & Gutters
★ 4.7
Sun America Solar and Roofing Co
★ 5.0
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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