Compare Local Pros
Taylor Energy vs Sun America Solar and Roofing Co
Sonoma Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Sun America Solar brings 36 years of licensed experience compared to Taylor Energy's 13 years, providing significantly deeper technical expertise for complex installations and problem-solving.
| Taylor Energy | Sun America Solar and Roofing Co | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 13 years | 36 years |
| License # | 975545 | 597784 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Sebastopol, CA | Petaluma, CA |
| Website | www.taylor-energy.com | www.sunamericasolar.org |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Taylor Energy
Taylor Energy customers consistently highlight patient education, thorough explanations of solar options, and competitive pricing with personalized attention throughout the installation process.
Sun America Solar and Roofing Co
Sun America Solar customers emphasize technical problem-solving capabilities, specialized expertise with challenging roof types like steel, and successful diagnostic work on existing systems.
Key Takeaway: Taylor Energy focuses on educational customer service and value pricing for new installations, while Sun America Solar differentiates through deep technical expertise for complex installations and troubleshooting capabilities.
Customer Reviews
Taylor Energy
I was up against the Jan. 1 deadline after another company suddenly dropped my solar project. Taylor stepped in and they were courteous, responded to my many inquires and some got it through the perm...
Taylor Energy was excellent throughout the entire process. My solar and battery installation was complicated by my HOA’s requirements, yet each step of the process was handled with patience and thor...
We are very pleased with the quality of service we received from Taylor Energy. They were prompt, responsive and easy to work with on the installation of two solar batteries and an upgrade to our main...
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 Taylor Energy if...
- ✓ Your solar installation is straightforward without complex roofing challenges, and you value competitive pricing with personalized attention throughout the process.
- ✓ You're new to solar technology and want a contractor who emphasizes patient education and thorough explanations about system options, particularly battery backup choices like Tesla Powerwall or Franklin batteries.
- ✓ You're working with a general contractor on new construction or major renovation and need a solar company willing to collaborate closely on design and project coordination.
- ✓ Your project involves HOA requirements or custom design needs where responsive communication and flexibility matter as much as technical expertise.
Consider Sun America Solar and Roofing Co if...
- ✓ Your roof is steel, tile, or another specialized material that many solar contractors cannot accommodate, requiring proven expertise with challenging installations.
- ✓ You have an existing solar system that's underperforming or experiencing issues and need diagnostic troubleshooting from a contractor with deep technical knowledge.
- ✓ Your property has structural complexities, older construction, or potential hidden issues where 36 years of field experience provides meaningful risk reduction.
- ✓ You're planning a roof replacement alongside solar installation and want a single contractor who can handle both with veteran-level expertise in integrating the two systems properly.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Taylor Energy for references from projects with similar complexity to yours, particularly if your installation involves challenging roof access or unusual configurations.
- → Ask Sun America Solar about their current pricing structure compared to newer competitors and whether their veteran experience translates to premium pricing.
- → If you have an older home, ask both contractors about their experience identifying and addressing structural issues during solar installations on properties built before modern standards.
- → Ask about warranty support and how long their current installation crews have been with the company, since crew continuity matters for long-term service.
The Bottom Line
For straightforward residential solar installations where customer education, responsive communication, and competitive pricing are priorities, Taylor Energy delivers solid value with 13 years of proven experience. However, if your project involves challenging roof materials like steel, requires diagnostic troubleshooting of existing systems, or presents structural complexities where deep technical expertise matters, Sun America Solar's 36 years of field experience provides substantially greater problem-solving capability. The choice depends on your project's complexity: simpler installations favor Taylor Energy's personalized approach and pricing, while technically demanding projects justify Sun America Solar's veteran-level expertise. Request quotes from both and discuss your specific roof type and site conditions to determine which contractor's experience level matches your actual needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For a straightforward installation on a newer home with composition shingle roofing and no complications, Taylor Energy's 13 years provides ample expertise at potentially better pricing. However, if your roof is older, made of challenging materials like steel or tile, or your home has structural unknowns, Sun America Solar's 36 years means they've likely encountered and solved similar issues hundreds of times. Experience depth becomes crucial when unexpected problems arise mid-project.
Yes, Sun America Solar specifically offers diagnostic and troubleshooting services for existing systems, which customers mention in reviews. This capability typically requires extensive technical knowledge across different equipment brands and installation methods accumulated over decades. Taylor Energy focuses primarily on new installations and system upgrades rather than diagnostic work on other companies' installations.
Taylor Energy receives specific feedback about competitive pricing and providing the best value among multiple bids, suggesting they may price more aggressively than veteran competitors. Sun America Solar's pricing isn't directly mentioned in reviews, which is common for highly experienced contractors who may charge premium rates. Request detailed quotes from both to compare pricing against the experience and capabilities you're actually paying for.
Sun America Solar has proven, documented expertise with steel roofing installations that customers specifically mention in reviews, indicating this is a specialty capability. Taylor Energy's description and reviews don't mention steel roof experience, though they do note working with various roofing types. Ask Taylor Energy directly about steel roof installations and request references from similar projects before making your decision.
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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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