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Sunrise Solar vs Sun America Solar and Roofing Co
Sonoma Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Sun America Solar brings 36 years of licensing versus Sunrise Solar's 8 years, offering broader capabilities including roof replacement and troubleshooting existing systems.
| Sunrise Solar | Sun America Solar and Roofing Co | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 8 years | 36 years |
| License # | 1031082 | 597784 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Forestville, CA | Petaluma, CA |
| Website | www.sunrisesolarcompany.com | www.sunamericasolar.org |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Sunrise Solar
Customers consistently praise Sunrise Solar's rapid installation completion, thorough upfront documentation, and efficient handling of permits and paperwork.
Sun America Solar and Roofing Co
Customers highlight Sun America Solar's technical problem-solving abilities, responsive communication throughout projects, and expertise with specialized installations like steel roofs.
Key Takeaway: Sunrise Solar earns recognition for speed and streamlined processes, while Sun America Solar receives praise for diagnostic capabilities and handling complex scenarios other contractors decline.
Customer Reviews
Sunrise Solar
Great company. My extended family used them for three different projects. Competent and trustworthy.
Did a great job, were rapid in installing and now I have almost no electrical bill. Handled all permits and years later the system works as well as when first installed.
Kevin and his team at Sunrise Solar were amazing. The sales process was hassle free and he even provided a document on what to expect and common misconceptions of the industry. He installed the sol...
Sun America Solar and Roofing Co
Had my solar electric system installed recently, and the whole process went really well. The team handled everything professionally, from the initial quote to the final setup. The panels look great, a...
We had a system which was not producing power installed several years ago by. now closed system installer Sun Power. The team diagnosed the problem, assisted in identifying the original equipment man...
Great work done, and good attitude. The guys were very knowledgeable and friendly. Happy to answer questions and explain things. Very open communication, and able to accommodate time delays on our en...
Consider Sunrise Solar if...
- ✓ Your roof is in good condition and you need a straightforward residential or commercial solar installation without roofing complications
- ✓ Project speed is a priority and you want the system operational quickly to start reducing electricity costs
- ✓ You value detailed upfront education about the solar process and prefer thorough documentation before committing
- ✓ Sourcing equipment from US manufacturers is important to your decision
Consider Sun America Solar and Roofing Co if...
- ✓ Your roof needs replacement or repair before or during solar installation, consolidating both projects with one experienced contractor
- ✓ You have a steel roof or other specialized roofing material that requires specific expertise
- ✓ You're experiencing problems with an existing solar system and need diagnostic troubleshooting rather than new installation
- ✓ Your property presents installation challenges that benefit from 36 years of accumulated problem-solving experience
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Sun America Solar about typical project timelines since reviews emphasize their technical work but not necessarily speed
- → Ask Sunrise Solar whether they handle roof repairs if issues are discovered during installation, or if you'd need to hire a separate roofing contractor
- → If you have an unusual roof type or configuration, ask Sunrise Solar directly about their experience with similar installations
- → Ask both companies for references from projects completed in the past year that match your specific roof type and system size
The Bottom Line
For straightforward solar installations on standard roofs where speed matters, Sunrise Solar delivers efficient execution with thorough customer education and quick completion times. However, Sun America Solar's 36 years of experience makes them the stronger choice for most scenarios: if your roof needs work, if you have specialized roofing materials like steel, if installation complications are likely, or if you need diagnostic work on existing systems. Their veteran expertise provides problem-solving capability that an 8-year contractor hasn't had time to develop. Unless project speed on a simple installation is your primary concern, Sun America's broader capabilities and deep experience offer better protection against the unexpected challenges that arise in solar projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For a simple installation on a newer composite shingle roof, both companies can handle the work competently. The experience gap becomes significant if complications arise during installation, such as discovering roof damage, working with unusual roof materials, or needing system modifications. Sun America's decades of experience mean they've encountered and solved virtually every installation challenge, while Sunrise focuses on efficient execution of straightforward projects.
The data doesn't indicate steel roof capability for Sunrise Solar, while Sun America specifically receives customer praise for this specialized work. If you have a steel roof or other non-standard roofing material, ask Sunrise directly about their experience with your roof type before assuming they can accommodate it.
Sunrise Solar receives frequent customer mentions of quick installation times, indicating speed is a operational strength. Sun America's reviews emphasize thoroughness and problem-solving rather than speed, though they do complete projects on schedule. If rapid installation is your priority and your project is straightforward, Sunrise appears positioned to deliver faster turnaround.
Sun America Solar explicitly handles system diagnostics and troubleshooting for systems installed by other companies, with customer reviews confirming this capability. Sunrise Solar's profile focuses exclusively on new installations without mention of repair or diagnostic services, so they may not be equipped for troubleshooting existing systems.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top solar contractors in Sonoma.
Other Sonoma Solar Contractors Comparisons
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★ 5.0
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★ 5.0
Wedge Roofing
★ 4.8
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Taylor Energy
★ 5.0
Sun America Solar and Roofing Co
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Sun America Solar and Roofing Co
★ 5.0
Synergy Solar & Electrical Systems, Inc
★ 4.8
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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