Compare Local Pros
First Response Solar vs Michael & Sun Solar
Sonoma Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Michael & Sun Solar brings 14 years of licensed experience versus First Response Solar's 8 years, though both companies demonstrate strong customer service and technical capabilities.
| First Response Solar | Michael & Sun Solar | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 8 years | 14 years |
| License # | 1039876 | 967354 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Sebastopol, CA | Graton, CA |
| Website | www.firstresponsesolar.com | www.michaelandsunsolar.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
First Response Solar
Customers emphasize First Response Solar's thorough technical explanations, honest assessments including advising against installations when not beneficial, and ongoing support relationships that extend years beyond initial installation.
Michael & Sun Solar
Customers consistently highlight Michael & Sun Solar's professional team approach, competitive pricing that compares favorably to other bids, and comprehensive coordination of all project aspects from financing to permitting.
Key Takeaway: First Response Solar receives specific praise for willingness to recommend against solar when it doesn't make financial sense, while Michael & Sun Solar is noted for competitive pricing and team professionalism rather than individual owner relationships.
Customer Reviews
First Response Solar
We engaged the expertise of First Response Solar to troubleshoot and offer guidance regarding an inherited-leased system after purchasing our Sonoma home. Dylan and Chaz communicated regularly before ...
First Response Solar has exceptional customer care. I first used them to put on an array of solar panels four years ago and then a bank of back-up batteries last year. While we were away over the wint...
Did everything they said they would on time and on budget, not to mention being a nice couple of dudes. Excellent customer experience.
Michael & Sun Solar
We were extremely satisfied with Michael & Sun Solar. They were available any time for any of our many questions, even before we signed a contract. We love our solar and battery system. It's been so m...
We recently completed our second solar installation with Michel and Sun Solar, having previously worked with them on another property. Once again, they delivered solid results. This latest project ca...
Can't recommend Michael and Sun enough! They did a fantastic job from start to finish. Very professional, fast, on top of it! They also worked seamlessly with our solar lender and made it very easy fo...
Consider First Response Solar if...
- ✓ You want a smaller, family-owned operation where you'll work directly with the two brothers who own the company throughout your entire project
- ✓ You value a contractor willing to provide honest assessments even if it means recommending against a sale, particularly if your solar potential is marginal
- ✓ You're looking for long-term support with proactive system monitoring, as customers report ongoing relationships years after installation
- ✓ You need specialized services like panel removal and reinstallation for roofing projects or ground mount systems beyond standard rooftop installations
Consider Michael & Sun Solar if...
- ✓ You prefer a more established company with 14 years of licensed experience, providing additional assurance for complex installations or older homes
- ✓ Competitive pricing is a priority and you want to ensure you're getting market-rate quotes from an experienced contractor
- ✓ You value a professional team approach rather than relying primarily on two individuals for all aspects of your project
- ✓ You need coordination with solar financing lenders, as the company has established relationships to facilitate the purchasing process
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask both companies for references from projects completed in the past year with similar system sizes and battery backup configurations to yours
- → Request detailed warranty information covering both equipment and workmanship, and clarify who handles warranty claims if equipment manufacturers require service
- → Ask how long their current installation crews have been with the company and what ongoing training they receive on evolving solar technology
The Bottom Line
Both companies are solid choices with proper credentials, insurance, and strong customer service records. Michael & Sun Solar's 14 years of licensed experience and competitive pricing make it the safer choice for most homeowners, particularly those with complex installations or older homes. However, First Response Solar offers compelling advantages if you value a direct relationship with the two brother-owners, want particularly honest consultation about whether solar makes sense for your situation, or prioritize long-term support relationships with proactive monitoring. Get quotes from both companies and pay attention to how thoroughly they assess your specific property conditions during the consultation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For straightforward installations on newer homes with simple roof lines, both companies have sufficient experience. However, if your home has an older electrical panel, challenging roof angles, or you're adding battery backup to an existing system, Michael & Sun Solar's 14 years means they've encountered more variations and complications. That additional experience can translate to better problem-solving when unexpected issues arise during installation.
First Response Solar has a documented pattern of advising customers against solar when it won't provide sufficient value, even turning down business as a result. This suggests they'll give you an honest assessment of your solar potential. While Michael & Sun Solar also demonstrates professionalism, the specific feedback about honest assessments appears more prominently with First Response Solar.
Michael & Sun Solar receives specific mentions of competitive pricing in customer reviews, suggesting they may have pricing advantages through established vendor relationships or operational efficiency. First Response Solar doesn't have the same pricing mentions, though customers express satisfaction with value received. You should get detailed quotes from both to compare directly for your specific system size and configuration.
First Response Solar has multiple customer reports of ongoing support years after installation, including proactive monitoring and quick response to issues. This suggests a strong commitment to long-term customer relationships. Michael & Sun Solar mentions post-installation support but doesn't have the same specific feedback about multi-year service relationships. Ask both companies about their service response times and monitoring offerings for existing systems.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top solar contractors in Sonoma.
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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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