What Sun Light & Power does

Sun Light & Power is a Berkeley, California-based solar energy contractor founded in 1976 by Gary Gerber that designs, installs, and services solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal (hot water) systems for residential, commercial, and non-profit customers across the Greater San Francisco Bay Area. The firm operates a design-build model with in-house engineering, NABCEP-certified installers, and 100% employee ownership via an ESOP, and is chartered as a California Benefit Corporation and certified B Corp (83% comprehensive score, recertified July 2025). Its product portfolio spans turnkey PV arrays, solar thermal collectors, solar canopies/carports, EV charging, and battery storage integrated with Tesla Powerwall, FranklinWH, Anker Solix, and SPAN products; an Amicus Solar Cooperative membership provides purchasing leverage alongside 50+ independent installers.

Revenue is generated primarily through project-based solar installation contracts (one-time), supplemented by recurring maintenance/service subscriptions, panel cleaning, and financing facilitation (loans, leases, PPAs) for residential customers. Pricing is quote-based, with each engagement starting from a free solar analysis; the firm also supports customer capture of the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit and applicable state incentives. The go-to-market is sales-led across three primary segments — residential homeowners, commercial enterprises (warehouses, hotels, offices, healthcare), and institutional/non-profit organizations (multi-family and affordable housing, places of worship, schools, government) — using direct field sales, inside sales, and website-driven lead capture with site-visit-driven proposals.

Sun Light & Power has completed over 3,000 solar projects since inception, including benchmark installations such as the 900 kW Crescent Park affordable housing array (2009), the 904 kW SFO Long-Term Parking Garage No. 2 (2019), the 680 kW Carondelet Catholic High School complex (2021), and the 936 kW Exelixis Offices project (2022). The customer base spans biotech, healthcare, education, government, hospitality, retail, food and beverage, and non-profit sectors — frequently via repeat relationships such as Eden Housing's 14+ properties. Founder Gary Gerber retired at the end of 2025 after six consecutive terms on the CALSSA board; the company is managed by COO Troy Tyler and operates from 1035 Folger Avenue, Berkeley (License #326203).

Name

Sun Light & Power

Legal name

Sun Light & Power

Website

https://sunlightandpower.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Sun Light & Power is a Berkeley, California-based, 100% employee-owned solar EPC contractor that designs, installs, and services solar PV, solar thermal, battery storage, EV charging, and solar canopy systems for residential, commercial, and non-profit customers across the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, founded in 1976.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Solar Energy Installation Services

NAICS

Solar Electric Power Generation (221114)

SIC

Electrical Work (1731)

akta.pro primary industry

Solar EPC & Construction (Utility-Scale, Rooftop, Balance of System) (EUAMABAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Solar Mounting, Racking & Trackers (Fixed-Tilt, Single/Dual-Axis, Rooftop Mounts) (EUAMABAF), Solar Financing, Leasing & Ownership Platforms (Tax Equity, PPA, Securitization) (EUAMABAJ), PV Balance of System (BOS) & Electrical Infrastructure (Inverters, Transformers, Cabling, Substations) (EUACAGAC)

Keywords

• Solar photovoltaic installation
• Solar thermal systems
• Energy storage integration
• Commercial solar contracting
• Residential solar design

Headquarters

HQ city

Berkeley

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Solar System Design and Installation: Primary revenue from designing, procuring, and installing solar PV and solar thermal systems for residential and commercial customers. This is a one-time installation revenue model with project-based pricing.
2. Maintenance and Service Plans: Ongoing maintenance services including solar panel cleaning and customer support plans for installed systems
3. Residential Solar Financing: Facilitating financing options for residential customers including solar loans and leases (PPA)

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Sun Light & Power is a design-build solar energy contractor that designs, installs, and services solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, solar thermal hot water systems, battery energy storage, EV charging, and solar canopies for residential, commercial, multi-family, and non-profit customers across the Greater San Francisco Bay Area. The company delivers turnkey project execution from site assessment and custom system design through installation, maintenance, and financing facilitation, with over 3,000 completed projects since 1976.

Product overview

Sun Light & Power is a solar energy contractor offering a unified portfolio of solar installation services. The core offering consists of residential, commercial, and non-profit solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, complemented by solar thermal (hot water) systems. The company provides integrated add-on solutions including energy storage (battery backup systems from Tesla, FranklinWH, Anker Solix, and LG), EV charging stations, and solar canopies/carports. Additional services include maintenance plans, panel cleaning, and financing assistance. The company operates as a 100% employee-owned Benefit Corporation serving the California Bay Area since 1976, with over 3,000 completed installations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Residential Solar Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and home battery backup solutions for Bay Area homeowners, providing protection against power outages, Public Safety Power Shutoffs, and rising electricity rates through custom-designed rooftop solar installations with 25-year warranty protection.
• Commercial Solar Solar PV and solar thermal systems for commercial customers including multi-family housing, affordable housing, senior housing, healthcare facilities, warehouses, hotels, and office buildings, designed to reduce operating costs, demonstrate environmental commitment, and qualify for federal tax credits.
• Non-Profit Solar Solar PV and solar thermal installations for non-profit organizations including places of worship, schools and universities, and government and municipal facilities seeking to reduce energy costs on tight budgets.
• Energy Storage Solar battery storage solutions for backup power during outages and to maximize solar energy self-consumption, integrating Tesla Powerwall, FranklinWH, Anker Solix, and LG Chem battery systems with installed PV arrays.
• Solar Canopies Solar shade structures and parking lot canopies that combine covered parking with on-site solar electricity generation, suitable for commercial lots, schools, and municipal facilities.
• EV Charging Electric vehicle charging station installation integrated with on-site solar energy systems for residential and commercial customers.
• Solar Thermal Solar hot water heating systems using solar thermal collectors such as Heliodyne Gobi flat-plate collectors and Apricus Evacuated Tubes to provide domestic hot water for residential and commercial customers.
• Customer Support and Maintenance Plans Ongoing maintenance subscriptions including solar panel cleaning, system monitoring, and customer support for installed solar PV and solar thermal systems.
• Solar Financing and Investment Tax Credits Facilitation of solar financing options including solar loans, solar leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs), plus assistance with federal Investment Tax Credit (30% ITC), accelerated depreciation, and property tax exemptions.

Quantifiable outcome

• 22,614 lbs of carbon dioxide offset annually per 10kW solar array (equivalent to 8.4 acres of carbon sequestered, 24,423 miles driven, 11,018 lbs coal burned)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers22 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners)coreTechnology or IntegrationThree team members hold NABCEP certifications: Thaddeus Nadelson (NABCEP PV Installation Professional), Greg Seelhorst (NABCEP PV Installation Professional), and Aatish Hake (NABCEP Associate Photovoltaic Certification). NABCEP certification represents the gold standard for solar installation professionals.
• QCELLScoreTechnology or IntegrationAxia by QCELLS Authorized Sales Partner. Qcells solar panels feature Q.ANTUM technology with up to 22.5% efficiency and extreme weather durability.
• TeslacoreTechnology or IntegrationTesla Powerwall Certified Installer. Offers Tesla Powerwall 3 battery for backup power during outages, chargeable from solar PV or utility grid.
• SolarEdgecoreTechnology or IntegrationSolarEdge Technologies Inc. provides power optimizer, solar inverter and monitoring systems. Company recommends SolarEdge products as reliable, dependable, and state-of-the-art.
• SPANcoreTechnology or IntegrationSPAN Authorized Installer. SPAN smart home electrical panels allow circuit control and power routing from phone.
• FranklinWHcoreTechnology or IntegrationFranklinWH Solar Battery Certified Installer. Offers Franklin Home Power (FHP) battery for homeowners seeking safe, reliable, high-performance home energy storage.
• Anker SolixcoreTechnology or IntegrationOffers Anker SOLIX X1 Energy Storage System - modular home energy storage with scalable capacity from 5kWh to 180kWh, IP65-rated, 10-year warranty.
• EnphasecoreTechnology or IntegrationEnphase Certified Installer. Enphase provides microinverter technology for solar systems.
• Benefit Corporations for GoodcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerB Corp certification body that provides third-party verification of company's social and environmental performance. Recertified July 10, 2025 with 83% comprehensive score.
• Amicus Solar CooperativecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMember-owned purchasing cooperative of over 50 independent solar companies. Provides cost savings and camaraderie of large organization membership for medium-sized company.
• California Solar + Storage Association (CALSSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCALSSA member since 1970s. Founder Gary Gerber is past President and serves on board for sixth consecutive term. Association advocates for solar in Sacramento and California.
• East Bay Housing Organizations (EBHO)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to help community maximize access to clean solar power, particularly for affordable housing sector.
• National Center for Employee OwnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation as an employee-owned company, providing resources and credibility for ESOP structure.
• Solar Rights AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvocacy organization protecting homeowners' right to choose solar energy against utility industry lobbying.
• Women in Cleantech & SustainabilityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of over 16,000 professionals committed to advancing women in green economy with mentorship and professional development opportunities.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• REC Solar: California-based commercial and residential solar EPC contractor serving similar customer verticals (commercial, government, education, affordable housing). Comparable in scope (design-build solar installations), geographic focus, and target market to Sun Light & Power.
• Baker Home Energy: Southern California residential and commercial solar EPC with a similar full-service design-build-operate model. Comparable in business model (direct-to-customer solar installation, battery storage integration) and employee-friendly brand positioning.
• Renova Energy: California-based solar EPC with a strong employee-ownership/culture brand and residential-plus-commercial mix, similar to Sun Light & Power's ESOP positioning. Operates in adjacent California markets with comparable product offering (PV + storage + roofing).
• Solar Optimum: Southern California solar and battery storage installer serving residential and commercial customers. Direct competitor in the California regional solar EPC market with overlapping energy storage OEM partnerships (Tesla Powerwall, Enphase).
• Semper Solaris: California-based solar and roofing contractor offering residential and commercial solar with similar battery storage and roofing-integrated offerings. Competes in the same regional California market with comparable customer segments and product mix.

Broad incumbents

• Sunrun: Largest U.S. residential solar installer with national scale, captive financing, and significant California market presence. Overlaps with Sun Light & Power on residential solar but operates at much larger scale with subscription/lease-focused business model.
• Tesla Energy: National residential and commercial solar installer (formerly SolarCity) with vertically integrated hardware (Solar Roof, Powerwall) and aggressive pricing. Competes with Sun Light & Power for Bay Area residential and commercial customers at massive scale.
• SunPower: National residential and commercial solar installer with strong California roots. Competes across all of Sun Light & Power's verticals with broader geographic reach and panel-manufacturing heritage.
• Freedom Forever: Large U.S. residential solar installer with national footprint and significant California operations. Competes for residential and small commercial projects in the Bay Area with scale-driven cost advantages.

Others

• Amicus Solar Cooperative: Member-owned purchasing cooperative of 50+ independent solar companies of which Sun Light & Power is a member. Not a competitor but an enabling peer that provides procurement leverage, peer benchmarking, and shared services that shape Sun Light & Power's operating economics.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/pages/Sun-Light-Power/119675658118322?ref=hl
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/407124
• Instagraminstagram.com/sunlightandpower
• Xx.com/Sun_Light_Power

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sun Light & Power