Sun First Solar provides the most efficient, customized energy systems in the San Francisco Bay Area. We believe in a consultative approach and are dedicated to improving the environment and our community. Our teams deliver the finest customer service from start to finish regardless of size or scope.
Sun First has helped all kinds of businesses - from small family-run companies to large corporations - produce their own energy, cut operating expenses, and achieve environmental sustainability. From design and installation through permits, approvals, rebates and financing, Sun First Solar handles Bay Area solar projects from start to finish.
Sun First Solar is proud to offer you the hands-on experience and knowledge gained from nearly three decades of innovative solar system design and installations. We love solar and welcome the opportunity to custom-design a solar system for you. Over the years we have built strong partnerships with the most innovative companies in the solar industry.
Sun First has helped all kinds of businesses - from small family-run companies to large corporations - produce their own energy, cut operating expenses, and achieve environmental sustainability. From design and installation through permits, approvals, rebates and financing, Sun First Solar handles Bay Area solar projects from start to finish.
Sun First Solar is proud to offer you the hands-on experience and knowledge gained from nearly three decades of innovative solar system design and installations. We love solar and welcome the opportunity to custom-design a solar system for you. Over the years we have built strong partnerships with the most innovative companies in the solar industry.
Services
Sun First Solar was established in Northern California in 1984. The mission was to prevent the depletion of natural resources and protect the beauty of our environment through the use of renewable energy. Over the years we have built strong partnerships with the most innovative companies in the solar industry.
It's also important to secure a low solar PG&E rate NOW before the rate increases take effect. Recently, a study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory underscored the increase in home valuation after homeowners purchased solar energy systems. Solar is a great investment! Many Sun First Solar clients make back the cost of their solar system within the first 5 - 7 years.
Sun First Solar is proud to offer new technology battery storage options that improve onsite solar efficiency. Our battery storage options include names on the cutting-edge of battery storage technology, such as Sonnen Eco and the Tesla Powerwall. When you install a solar battery as part of your home solar energy system, you can actually store the extra energy your solar panels produce back into the electricity grid.
Sun First Solar is a locally owned and operated solar energy company located in San Rafael, CA. We are solar experts and have over 32 years of experience. In addition to residential and commercial solar installations, we provide Solar Pool Heating systems. We have a fantastic experienced in-house team that is focused on providing the best Solar Pool Heating solutions.
Reduce Energy Expense - Great ROI! Electricity rates will continue to rise year after year. Thousands of solar-powered businesses will see millions of dollars in energy savings and returns on their clean energy investments. Enterprises ranging from family-run companies to some of the country's biggest corporations are producing their own energy, cutting operating expenses, and achieving environmental sustainability.
Reviews (25)
Sandy R.
Sep 29, 2021
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It was seem less start to finish.
I used them because although they did not install the first solar that I put on my roof they came to my rescue twice with the old system. My first company had gone out of business.
They were phenomenal. They handled getting a new inverter for me , installed it at no cost. I was under warranty. The next time they came out and let me know I had options. No one else would come out to help me. There customer service team is beyond wonderful. I would like to give his name but I am traveling and it is at home. They are professional, knowledgeable and honest
I used them because although they did not install the first solar that I put on my roof they came to my rescue twice with the old system. My first company had gone out of business.
They were phenomenal. They handled getting a new inverter for me , installed it at no cost. I was under warranty. The next time they came out and let me know I had options. No one else would come out to help me. There customer service team is beyond wonderful. I would like to give his name but I am traveling and it is at home. They are professional, knowledgeable and honest
Pete G.
Jan 07, 2021
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Cannot recommend Sun First Solar highly enough. From the minute we engaged them, Curtis (the salesman we dealt with) and his entire team were incredibly responsive, knowledgeable and helpful. With their help, we now have a Tesla battery to accompany our Sun Power solar panels and get us through power outages. Highly recommend them!
M. Reza Saeidi
Jan 03, 2021
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I decided to work with local company to support local businesses. This was the biggest mistake!!!
This project started July of 2019 and is still not finished. They have made mistake in designing, last minute asking me to cut tress, installing the panels wrong place under the trees, costing me over $1600 in 2019 tax credits, forgetting the finance paper work, not delivering the power the told me, and now that I am stuck with them I decided to add more panels and havent heard back in months!!!!
This project started July of 2019 and is still not finished. They have made mistake in designing, last minute asking me to cut tress, installing the panels wrong place under the trees, costing me over $1600 in 2019 tax credits, forgetting the finance paper work, not delivering the power the told me, and now that I am stuck with them I decided to add more panels and havent heard back in months!!!!
Edwin K.
Dec 09, 2020
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A responsive and responsible elite solar contractor. Friendly and helpful sales rep (Christine) and very well experienced staff and field crews (Richard, Justin, Alex ...) They installed Tesla Powerwalls solar backup system for me. Got the project done on time and on budget! Everything works as expected. Highly recommend!
Reza S.
Nov 23, 2020
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I like to take the chance and update my review.
Kim contacted me and once I explained my concerns she got right on it and in few days all my concerns were addressed. This was the service I had heard and was looking forward too.
I would have changes my review to 5 start but I did still loose $1600 in tax returns.
But at this point I am happy with them and will rerun for more panels i the future.
Thank u Kim.
Kim contacted me and once I explained my concerns she got right on it and in few days all my concerns were addressed. This was the service I had heard and was looking forward too.
I would have changes my review to 5 start but I did still loose $1600 in tax returns.
But at this point I am happy with them and will rerun for more panels i the future.
Thank u Kim.
Gabriel F.
Sep 14, 2020
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We have been Sun First Solar customers since we first installed our SunPower solar system 15 years ago. Recently PG&E have been doing extensive work in our neighborhood, and raised some concerns with our older system.
Their electrician Kip provided step by step assessment, and problem solving and their service manager Tayfun was able to help recommend some great maintenance tips in order to get higher efficiency out of our older system.
We couldn't have been happier with their professionalism, willingness to provide assistance and guidance, and we look forward to installing a powerwall
Their electrician Kip provided step by step assessment, and problem solving and their service manager Tayfun was able to help recommend some great maintenance tips in order to get higher efficiency out of our older system.
We couldn't have been happier with their professionalism, willingness to provide assistance and guidance, and we look forward to installing a powerwall
Kevin B.
Jan 16, 2020
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SunFirst just completed the installation of a 10.5kW SunPower system on our Eichler in Terra Linda, and they really came through for us!
To say that we have a "complicated situation" on our roof is an understatement. A recent remodel had resulted in tons of electrical conduit, HVAC ducting and fire suppression pipes criss-crossing the nearly-flat roof. Kim and her team were able to design their way around those challenges, and executed in record time!
My experience working with their CEO, Kim, was efficient, direct and honest. The rest of her team was informative and helpful, going
To say that we have a "complicated situation" on our roof is an understatement. A recent remodel had resulted in tons of electrical conduit, HVAC ducting and fire suppression pipes criss-crossing the nearly-flat roof. Kim and her team were able to design their way around those challenges, and executed in record time!
My experience working with their CEO, Kim, was efficient, direct and honest. The rest of her team was informative and helpful, going
Greg S.
Jan 10, 2020
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I contracted with Sun First Solar to integrate a Tesla Powerwall system with my existing solar and they were great from assessment to planning to completion. They worked within my timeline, priced competitively, installed on schedule and supported my system comprehensively after installation. I highly recommend them for any major solar and/or battery backup project--great team.
Dennis S.
Dec 16, 2019
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We just completed our third project with Sun First Solar, this project the purchase and installation of a Tesla Powerwall 2. Everything was done professionally and to perfection. We were kept informed every step along the way by Elke who was personable and professional. The installation team of Richard and Justin arrived on time and completed the job in the time promised. The lead installer, Richard, ensured our every question was answered gave us his cell number in case we had questions. He was insistent that we use him if we have a question or concern. To complete the job Elke informed
Dave K.
Oct 16, 2019
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We have had our Sun First system for about 4 years now... and when PG&E killed our power last week, Sun First was ready to help out. I was able to speak directly with a tech and he helped me get my emergency daytime power working. He even came by to make sure it was all working ok. That is a special service! Thanks to Tayfun for helping is when we were without power! I highly recommend them!
Chris M.
Sep 05, 2019
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Sun First Solar recently installed a highly efficient solar panel system on the roof of our home. We are appreciative of Wyn's assistance with selecting the right type of panels to take advantage of the limited sun exposure our roof receives. Thus far, our system exceeds anticipated production and we continue to tally a surplus of KwH's. It was a pleasure to work with all the folks from Sun First Solar, particularly Wyn!
Lisa Kim Jones
Jul 18, 2019
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Dan F.
Feb 20, 2019
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I have two 12 year old Sunpower systems installed by Sun First at home and office.
They did a great job with the design, installation and permit process.
No issues, service calls or problems for the 12 years. Yay
I recently had two Tesla Powerwalls, designed , set up, wired by Kip the Sun First electrician and crew. . Beautiful work, exemplary installation. Last week we lost power for 54 hours, I had full power to the whole house with 51% battery charged by 5pm when PGE restored the grid.
Excellent and honest local company thanks to Aran Moore and his staff.
They did a great job with the design, installation and permit process.
No issues, service calls or problems for the 12 years. Yay
I recently had two Tesla Powerwalls, designed , set up, wired by Kip the Sun First electrician and crew. . Beautiful work, exemplary installation. Last week we lost power for 54 hours, I had full power to the whole house with 51% battery charged by 5pm when PGE restored the grid.
Excellent and honest local company thanks to Aran Moore and his staff.
Toni F.
Jan 17, 2019
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We have just completed our solar panel installation with Sun First Solar. From start (the sales rep, Wyn) to finish (the installation mgr, Julio) the people at Sun First Solar were responsive to every question and made certain we understood the process and design of the system for our home. The job was completed quickly and efficiently to our satisfaction. In addition to solar panels, Sun First handled the installation of a new electrical sub-panel and an electric car charging station in our garage. The entire installation crew was polite and professional. A special shout-out to Howard for
Zion T.
Jan 10, 2019
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Excellent service. I hired this company from a referral. I never herd of them before. Dave was very responsive, knowledgeable, kind and accommodating. We just installed a new roof and I was concerned about drilling holes into the new roof. Dave was here on site all day working through the install. He explained how he will install the panels and what materials he will use. I can't say enough good things about this company. This company is an example of excellent service.
Annie H.
Nov 02, 2018
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I can't believe the amazing service we got from WYN in San Rafael, Sun First Solar! He went far beyond the call of duty to get solar for us. He is an exceptional human being with detailed knowledge and passion for making this world a better place with solar. His heart is in it and he will make the process fun and stress Free! Call WYN today, you won't be disappointed!!!
Stephen S.
Sep 19, 2018
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I had my solar installed 3 years ago by Solar City which has since gone out of business. When I called SunPower who monitors my system and ran tests on the system but couldn't fix it remotely. SunPower referred me to Sun First who installs and works SunPower systems. I talked with Tayfun who spent 30 minutes with me on the phone. He told me how to shut down the system, reboot the system and told me how to check the system to make sure it is working properly. Tayfun stayed on the phone with me while I did this. What can I say, I am not even their customer and they spend 30 minutes with
Steve F.
Aug 15, 2018
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Horrible, they ruined 6 roofs and were unable to follow directions nor willing to correct their mistake. Hired Sun First to place a large array on our commercial office condo. Their low skilled workers put panels on every owners building except for ours. Try explaining to six different building owners and the building association why you punctured holes in every roof except your own. They took no blame or were unwilling to correct the mistake they made and tried even turning our own building association on us! We had to hire a different solar contractor to relocate the panels and a commercial roofer
Marin Bobster
Jul 10, 2018
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Ondina Hatvany
Aug 22, 2017
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Sun First do top quality work and provide excellent customer service. They do everything needed to get solar panels on your home including the permitting process which can be a headache. Although we had some delays in our project Sun First compensated us by not charging for extra work that needed to be done. Their main engineer Kipp is amazing- very knowledgeable, great attention to detail and goes out of his way to explain things and make sure you're happy.
Matthew Haran
Jul 29, 2017
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Klek G.
Mar 29, 2016
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Sun Power did step up and pay the additional cost of the local electrician so the issues with my installation were resolved that way. However, I never received any follow up from Sun First. Again, their crew was awesome but obviously overworked. I hope they and future customers receive better support from the staff at the main office.
Jeremy L.
Mar 08, 2016
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I hired them to do a roof-top solar installation and the process started out great. Their estimator was straightforward and we quickly came to terms on what few negotiable items there are on a solar installation. And then I heard nothing for months. And then they were ready to go; and oh, by the way, here are the drawings that we forgot to discuss with you and the conduit routes that we didn't really think about, etc, etc,
I still don't have a functional monitoring system. I am still paying PG&E every month for electricity. I am still doubting why I chose this company.
Repeated
I still don't have a functional monitoring system. I am still paying PG&E every month for electricity. I am still doubting why I chose this company.
Repeated
Ravi K.
Oct 23, 2014
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I cannot rate the service that I've received to date with Sun First Solar highly enough, and if I could give them six stars, I would.
I am a very detail oriented person and have very high standards. I can honestly say that I spoke to 9 providers before selecting Sun First. There's a lot of margin built into the solar panel industry, and Sun First came highly recommended from a friend of mine. Sun First was able to offer the most competitive price while not compromising on quality. I'm also very happy to support a local business in Marin County.
From selecting Sun First as my solar
I am a very detail oriented person and have very high standards. I can honestly say that I spoke to 9 providers before selecting Sun First. There's a lot of margin built into the solar panel industry, and Sun First came highly recommended from a friend of mine. Sun First was able to offer the most competitive price while not compromising on quality. I'm also very happy to support a local business in Marin County.
From selecting Sun First as my solar
D. L.
Sep 08, 2014
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They installed our solar electric panels 4.5 years ago. Our monthly power bill has been $0 since then. Everything is still working well. Whenever I have questions, they got answers. AND... we hired them to install our solar pool system. That was 2 years ago. No leak. A+. I would do biz with Sun First again.
Sorry, it took me a long time to write this review.
Sorry, it took me a long time to write this review.
