Compare Local Pros
Bear Solar vs Modernize Power
Sacramento Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Modernize Power offers broader project capabilities and stronger customer feedback patterns, while Bear Solar focuses exclusively on solar installations.
| Bear Solar | Modernize Power | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.1 | ★ 4.8 |
| Years Licensed | 9 years | 10 years |
| License # | 1028222 | 1007601 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Orangevale, CA | Folsom, CA |
| Website | www.bearsolar.com | www.modernizepower.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Bear Solar
Bear Solar receives recognition for detailed presentation software and customized system designs, but multiple customers specifically note concerns about post-installation support and communication responsiveness on service matters.
Modernize Power
Modernize Power consistently receives praise for professional installation teams, on-time project completion, detailed technical explanations, competitive pricing, and smooth coordination across complex multi-trade projects throughout entire project lifecycles.
Key Takeaway: The most significant contrast is in post-installation support, where Bear Solar has noted communication concerns while Modernize Power receives consistent feedback about professionalism and follow-through from initial consultation through final completion and beyond.
Customer Reviews
Bear Solar
Great service. Very pleased. Appreciate the savings and their ability to individualize and accommodate to our needs.
We now have a battery backup system (2 Powerwalls) thanks to Bear Solar's diligence with the installation, approval and in dealing with the power company in order to obtain our rebate. We are very ha...
Bear Solar was recommended by a friend. I am glad I went with my friend's recommendation! My experience with Bear Solar has been outstanding from start to completion of the project. Jorge was outstand...
Modernize Power
Eric from Modernize Power did a fantastic job during the sales process, ensuring we got the right system for our needs. Our new solar and battery system is in the early days, but we produce what we ne...
Modernize Power installed a whole home battery backup system and I couldn't be happier. The entire process went smoothly and quick. All the employees we're very nice and extremely professional. I wou...
Had Solar, whole house fan and Generac generator installed by this company! From the top down with Eric Caldwell to all of the staff, I am blown away by the precision, process and people they have! Th...
Consider Bear Solar if...
- ✓ You want a contractor exclusively focused on solar energy systems without multi-trade distractions, potentially offering deeper specialization in solar-specific consultation and energy modeling software.
- ✓ Bear Solar's detailed presentation approach with specialized software appeals to you for understanding energy capacity projections before committing to installation.
- ✓ You're comfortable being proactive about post-installation service needs and don't anticipate requiring significant follow-up support or communication after project completion.
Consider Modernize Power if...
- ✓ You need a contractor who can handle multiple aspects of your home upgrade beyond solar, such as combining solar installation with electrical panel upgrades, generator installation, or roofing work in a single coordinated project.
- ✓ Post-installation support and responsive communication matter significantly to you, especially for warranty issues or system troubleshooting after the installation crew leaves.
- ✓ You value consistent feedback about on-time project completion and professional conduct throughout the entire project lifecycle, not just the sales presentation phase.
- ✓ You're considering a Generac whole house generator alongside or instead of battery backup systems, requiring specialized generator expertise.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Bear Solar specifically how they handle post-installation service requests and what their typical response timeframe is for troubleshooting or warranty concerns.
- → Ask Modernize Power how they coordinate multi-trade projects if you're considering solar alongside other home upgrades, and whether the same project manager handles all aspects.
- → Request references from solar projects completed 1-2 years ago to speak with customers about their long-term support experience with either company.
- → Ask both companies about their battery backup expertise beyond Tesla Powerwall, particularly if you're comparing battery systems versus whole house generators for backup power needs.
The Bottom Line
For most homeowners, Modernize Power represents the stronger choice based on consistent customer feedback about professional execution, on-time completion, and responsive communication throughout the project lifecycle, including post-installation support. The company's 10-year track record, high owner involvement, and ability to coordinate multiple trades provides flexibility whether you need just solar or a comprehensive home energy upgrade. Choose Bear Solar only if their specialized solar presentation software and energy modeling capabilities outweigh the noted concerns about post-installation communication, and you're confident being proactive about service needs. If long-term support responsiveness matters to you for a 20-25 year solar investment, the customer feedback patterns clearly favor Modernize Power's execution consistency.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Both companies demonstrate technical competency with solar installations, battery integration, and utility coordination based on customer feedback. Modernize Power handles solar alongside other trades but has 10 years of experience and receives consistent praise for technical explanations and professional installation teams. The practical difference appears in post-installation support rather than installation expertise, where Bear Solar has noted concerns while Modernize Power's feedback emphasizes follow-through.
Multiple customers specifically mention concerns about Bear Solar's post-installation support and communication responsiveness on service matters, which is a tangible issue for solar systems that require 20-25 years of performance. Solar installations need occasional troubleshooting, monitoring adjustments, and warranty support over their lifespan. If responsive service matters to you, ask Bear Solar directly about their service protocols and request references who can speak to their post-installation experience.
Yes, if post-installation support and communication responsiveness are priorities for you. Modernize Power receives consistent feedback about professionalism throughout entire project lifecycles and on-time completion, while Bear Solar has specific concerns noted about post-installation communication. The one-year licensing difference is minimal, and both carry proper insurance and bonding. Modernize Power's multi-trade capability also provides flexibility if you later decide to add electrical panel upgrades or generator systems.
Bear Solar specializes in battery backup systems including Tesla Powerwall integration for solar energy storage. Modernize Power offers both battery backup and specialized Generac whole house generator systems, providing more options if you're comparing backup power approaches. If you're certain about battery backup tied to solar production, both have experience. If you're considering a generator that runs on natural gas or propane for longer outage duration, Modernize Power has specific Generac expertise.
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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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