Compare Local Pros
Power On Solar vs Sun Light & Power
Alameda Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Sun Light & Power's 49 years of licensing and consistent service responsiveness contrast sharply with Power On Solar's 7 years and documented post-installation support challenges.
| 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 initial installations with thorough explanations, but consistently describe frustration with post-installation service responsiveness and extended repair timelines.
Sun Light & Power
Customers consistently praise thorough consultations, responsive communication throughout projects, professional installation execution, and effective follow-up support.
Key Takeaway: Power On Solar receives positive feedback for installations but negative feedback for service availability, while Sun Light & Power earns praise across the entire project lifecycle including ongoing support.
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 working with an extremely tight budget and Power On Solar provides a significantly lower quote that makes solar financially feasible when it otherwise wouldn't be
- ✓ Your primary concern is the installation itself and you have a newer home without complications where initial setup is straightforward
- ✓ You're comfortable being persistent with follow-up communication if service issues arise and don't mind managing contractor responsiveness yourself
Consider Sun Light & Power if...
- ✓ You want a solar company that will still exist and honor commitments 10 or 20 years from now when equipment needs service or replacement
- ✓ Responsive post-installation support matters to you, especially if you depend on solar production to offset high electricity costs
- ✓ Your project involves complexity like steep roofing, custom mounting, battery backup integration, or upgrading an existing system from another installer
- ✓ You value clear communication and realistic projections over sales pressure, particularly if you're evaluating whether solar makes financial sense for your situation
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Power On Solar specifically how they handle service calls after installation, what their typical response timeline is for system issues, and request references from customers who needed post-installation repairs
- → Ask Sun Light & Power about their pricing structure to understand the cost difference and whether their veteran experience commands a premium you're prepared to pay
- → Confirm with both companies what happens if your system needs repairs in 5, 10, or 15 years and how their warranties and service commitments are structured long-term
The Bottom Line
Sun Light & Power is the clear choice for most homeowners making this decision. Their 49 years of continuous operation, consistent praise for communication and service responsiveness, and technical breadth across installations and repairs represent substantially lower risk for a 25-year investment. Power On Solar handles installations competently, but the documented pattern of difficult post-installation service is a serious liability when you'll depend on your system daily. Consider Power On Solar only if their bid is dramatically lower and budget constraints make solar otherwise impossible—but understand you're accepting meaningful service risk. For everyone else, Sun Light & Power's veteran experience and proven support reliability justify getting their quote first.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, particularly for what happens after installation. Even straightforward projects can develop inverter issues, connectivity problems, or require manufacturer warranty claims. Sun Light & Power's nearly five decades means they have established processes for these situations and the financial stability to honor commitments. Power On Solar's service responsiveness concerns suggest installations may go smoothly but support afterward is inconsistent.
For most homeowners, yes. Solar systems require monitoring, occasional troubleshooting, and periodic maintenance over 25+ years. Multiple customers report difficulty reaching Power On Solar for repairs and extended resolution timelines. If panels stop producing or connectivity fails, delayed response directly costs you money in lost energy production and continued utility bills.
The data doesn't specify pricing, so you'll need to get quotes from both. Veteran contractors with strong service records sometimes charge more, but the premium may be justified by responsive support and technical expertise. Ask both companies for itemized proposals and factor in the value of reliable long-term service when comparing.
Employee ownership typically means workers have financial stake in the company's reputation, which often translates to better accountability and service quality. Customer feedback for Sun Light & Power specifically mentions that team members act as company ambassadors, suggesting the ownership structure creates a culture of responsibility that shows up in how they handle projects and follow-up.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top solar contractors in Alameda.
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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 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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