Compare Local Pros
Solar Works vs Synergy Solar & Electrical Systems, Inc
Sonoma Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Two highly experienced, well-established Sebastopol solar contractors with nearly identical qualifications but different service emphases.
| Solar Works | Synergy Solar & Electrical Systems, Inc | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.8 | ★ 4.8 |
| Years Licensed | 20 years | 18 years |
| License # | 878231 | 913951 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Sebastopol, CA | Sebastopol, CA |
| Website | www.solarworksca.com | synsolar.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Solar Works
Solar Works customers consistently emphasize the educational value of consultations with detailed system explanations and the company's responsive accessibility over many years.
Synergy Solar & Electrical Systems, Inc
Synergy Solar customers highlight competitive pricing combined with professional execution, technical battery storage knowledge, and direct owner involvement.
Key Takeaway: While both receive praise for communication and long-term relationships, Synergy customers specifically mention value pricing while Solar Works customers focus more on the thoroughness of explanations and community connection.
Customer Reviews
Solar Works
Time for an update. Solar Works just completed the 3rd large improvement to my Solar with Battery Backup system. John Matheny, Kyle, Emily, Vicki and Fernando work together constantly. The communica...
Great job! Good people. Solar works is a ‘B' corporation, in fact, the first B corporation in California! In addition, they had wonderful follow up service after completion, coming out to check on...
Solar Works' communication style was excellent. We were very pleased with how quickly Solar Works responded, met with us on site, answered all follow up questions, and informed us of all decisions. T...
Synergy Solar & Electrical Systems, Inc
Mike and his team installed a regular solar system for me at the start of the year and then upgraded to a backup solar system in December. I am extremely pleased with both installations and found Mike...
My husband and I have installed solar in a previous city and when relocating to our current home, installing solar was a no brainer. Our contractor recommended Synergy Solar and we’re extremely hap...
We’ve had our system a couple of months now and are extremely pleased. The Enphase equipment and system have worked wonderfully. The installation was very neat and looks very professional. Passed al...
Consider Solar Works if...
- ✓ You value working with California's first B Corporation solar installer and want assurance that environmental and social standards extend beyond the solar panels themselves into business practices
- ✓ Detailed explanations and educational consultation matter significantly to you, particularly if this is your first solar installation and you want to deeply understand the technology
- ✓ Long-term local accessibility is important, with emphasis on a company's community roots and availability for future service needs
Consider Synergy Solar & Electrical Systems, Inc if...
- ✓ Competitive pricing is a priority alongside proven quality, as multiple customers specifically mention getting good value for professional work
- ✓ High owner involvement appeals to you, suggesting direct accountability and hands-on project oversight
- ✓ You're focused on technical battery storage configurations and want a team customers describe as particularly knowledgeable about complex energy storage options
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask each company for their current pricing on a comparable system design to directly compare the value proposition
- → Request references from customers who had installations done 5-10 years ago to verify long-term system performance and company responsiveness
- → Ask about their specific experience with your roof type and any structural considerations for your property
- → Inquire about warranty coverage, ongoing monitoring services, and typical response time for post-installation issues
The Bottom Line
You're choosing between two exceptionally qualified solar contractors with virtually identical credentials and proven track records. Solar Works offers the distinction of B Corp certification and customers emphasize their educational approach and long-term accessibility. Synergy Solar provides high owner involvement with customers specifically noting competitive pricing. Neither represents a compromise on experience, licensing, or insurance protection. Get detailed quotes from both, ask about their warranty and service terms, and choose based on which consultation feels more aligned with your priorities—whether that's Solar Works' values-driven approach or Synergy Solar's value-pricing positioning. You can't make a wrong choice here based on qualifications alone.
Get Up to 3 Free Quotes
Compare prices from licensed, verified contractors
Frequently Asked Questions
Not meaningfully for standard installations. Both have been operating since the early-to-mid 2000s and have completed hundreds of projects through multiple technology generations. At 18 and 20 years respectively, both have encountered virtually every installation scenario and complication you're likely to face.
B Corp certification requires verified performance on social and environmental standards, worker treatment, and community engagement—it's not just about the solar panels. Practically, this may matter if you value supporting businesses with audited commitments beyond basic service delivery. It doesn't directly change installation quality but reflects broader company values.
Multiple Synergy customers specifically mentioned competitive pricing alongside quality work, suggesting real value positioning. However, solar pricing varies significantly based on system size, equipment selection, and site complexity. Request detailed quotes from both companies with identical specifications to make a direct comparison for your specific project.
Both handle battery storage extensively and customers return to both for battery upgrades years after initial installations. Synergy customers specifically highlight technical explanations of battery configurations, while Solar Works customers emphasize thorough component explanations. Both work with quality equipment brands, so ask each about their recommended battery solution for your specific backup needs and usage patterns.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top solar contractors in Sonoma.
Other Sonoma Solar Contractors Comparisons
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.
Get in Touch
Have questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.