Compare Local Pros
Save A Lot Solar vs Sun Light & Power
Alameda Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Sun Light & Power's 49 years of licensing represents three and a half times Save A Lot Solar's experience, with meaningful advantages in technical depth and repair capability.
| Save A Lot Solar | Sun Light & Power | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.9 | ★ 4.8 |
| Years Licensed | 14 years | 49 years |
| License # | 971422 | 326203 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Oakland, CA | Berkeley, CA |
| Website | www.savealotsolar.com | www.sunlightandpower.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Save A Lot Solar
Customers consistently highlight Save A Lot Solar's personalized owner involvement, competitive pricing below other quotes, and custom system design focused on appropriate sizing rather than overselling capacity.
Sun Light & Power
Customers emphasize Sun Light & Power's technical competence across complex scenarios including repairs and upgrades, with the employee-owned structure contributing to quality-focused crews and thorough project execution.
Key Takeaway: While both receive praise for communication and professionalism, Sun Light & Power's reviews reflect experience with more technically challenging situations like system troubleshooting and repairs, whereas Save A Lot Solar's feedback centers on personalized new installation experiences with cost-conscious customers.
Customer Reviews
Save A Lot Solar
They did my panels a few years ago and I could not be happier with the service, and the product.
Locally run, great people, skilled at designing a small system that the big players couldn’t be bothered with. On time and on budget with no surprises.
Jon and team were great to work with.
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 Save A Lot Solar if...
- ✓ Your project is a straightforward residential installation on a typical roof structure and you value working directly with the business owner throughout the consultation and decision process.
- ✓ Competitive pricing is a priority and you're comparing multiple quotes, as customers consistently note Save A Lot Solar's prices come in below competitors while using quality equipment like Enphase and REC panels.
- ✓ You prefer a more personalized, smaller-company experience with detailed explanations and custom system design tailored to your actual usage rather than maximum capacity.
Consider Sun Light & Power if...
- ✓ Your project involves complexity beyond standard installations, such as repairing an existing system, upgrading old equipment, troubleshooting inverter problems, or working with a challenging roof configuration.
- ✓ Long-term company stability matters to you, particularly the assurance that your installer will still be operating in 10-20 years when equipment may need service or replacement.
- ✓ You're adding battery storage to an older system or need repairs on equipment installed by a company that's no longer in business, situations where Sun Light & Power's deep technical experience provides significant advantage.
- ✓ You value the employee-owned business model where crew members have ownership stakes in quality outcomes.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Save A Lot Solar how they handle warranty claims or system repairs 10-15 years from now, and whether they service equipment they installed years ago.
- → Ask Sun Light & Power about their pricing structure relative to smaller competitors and whether their extensive experience translates to higher project costs.
- → Ask both companies for references from projects similar in complexity to yours, particularly if you're dealing with older equipment, repairs, or non-standard installations.
- → Ask about their typical crew composition and how long team members have been with the company, given the different business structures.
The Bottom Line
Sun Light & Power's 49 years of licensing and comprehensive repair capabilities make them the stronger choice for most homeowners, particularly if your project involves any complexity beyond a standard new installation, if you're adding to or repairing an existing system, or if long-term company stability is a priority. Their nearly five decades of operation provides institutional knowledge that matters when complications arise. Choose Save A Lot Solar if you're pursuing a straightforward residential installation, value competitive pricing and direct owner involvement throughout your project, and prefer a more personalized experience with a still-established contractor. Both companies are fully licensed and insured with strong customer feedback, so your decision should center on project complexity and whether you prioritize veteran-level experience or cost-conscious personalized service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For a straightforward installation on a newer home with no complications, both companies demonstrate competence to complete the work professionally. The experience gap becomes meaningful if unexpected issues arise during installation, such as discovering outdated electrical panels, hidden roof damage, or permitting complications. Sun Light & Power's decades of experience means they've likely encountered and solved your specific problem before, while Save A Lot Solar's 14 years still provides substantial problem-solving capability for typical residential scenarios.
Customer feedback specifically notes Save A Lot Solar's competitive pricing compared to other quotes, suggesting they may come in lower than larger or more established competitors. Sun Light & Power's pricing isn't directly addressed in available data, but their broader service capabilities and employee-owned structure may carry different cost considerations. This is worth asking directly during your quote process, particularly if you're comparing multiple bids.
Sun Light & Power has already demonstrated 49 years of continuous operation through multiple industry cycles, economic downturns, and the failure of countless solar companies. They currently service systems they installed decades ago and repair systems from defunct installers. Save A Lot Solar's 14 years shows stability beyond the startup phase, but statistically, a company operating for nearly half a century has proven long-term viability in ways a 14-year operation hasn't yet demonstrated.
Both companies handle battery backup installations, but Sun Light & Power's extensive repair and upgrade experience gives them an edge if your existing system is older, was installed by another company, or requires troubleshooting before integration. If your current system is relatively new and straightforward, either company can competently add battery storage. Ask both about their specific experience with your existing equipment brand and configuration.
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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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