Navigating the Bidding Process: How to Choose the Right Roofing, Solar, and Battery Backup Contractor
At Home Pro Roofing and Solar, based in Sunnyvale, CA, we proudly serve homeowners throughout Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Alameda Counties, including Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Los Altos, Saratoga, Palo Alto, San Jose, Cupertino, Redwood City, San Carlos, Belmont, and San Mateo.
We specialize in local roofing, solar panel systems, and battery backup installations, and we know how overwhelming it can be to sort through contractor bids for these types of major home upgrades. If you’ve been told to “get three bids and go with the one in the middle,” you’re not alone. But we’re here to show you why that approach can backfire—and how to make smarter, more confident decisions.
Not All Roofing and Solar Bids Are the Same
The biggest problem we see? Homeowners comparing bids that don’t match in terms of materials, quality, or scope.
You may get one bid for a composition roof, another for wood shake (a fire hazard in many areas), and a third for tile roofing. Prices can vary widely, but so can the durability, code compliance, and performance of each system.
We’ve seen the same issues when reviewing solar panel bids:
- One contractor quotes QCells panels (a top-tier brand),
- Another includes low-grade off-brand panels,
- And yet another skips critical details like battery storage or removal and reinstallation if your roof needs work.
And let’s not forget battery systems—installing a Tesla Powerwall 3 or Franklin battery isn't something every solar contractor can handle correctly.
Define the Scope First, Then Compare Bids
Before you collect bids, define what you're actually looking for:
- What kind of roof? (Composition? Cool Roof like GAF Timberline HDZ-RS or CertainTeed Solaris?)
- Are you adding solar? What panels? (We recommend QCells, especially through our partnership with Axia by QCells.)
- Want energy storage? (Tesla Powerwall 3 or other solar batteries?)
We once helped a homeowner comparing three roofing bids—each with completely different materials. After a consultation, they realized a cool roof composition system made the most sense, and were then able to compare bids on a fair, apples-to-apples basis.
Choosing the Right Contractor Type
Not all contractors operate the same. Here’s how they typically break down:
The Independent “Chuck in the Truck”
May be cheaper—but often lacks:
- Licensing or insurance
- Proper safety practices
- Reliable warranties
National Big-Box Installers
Plenty of advertising power, but:
- Less flexibility
- Limited local knowledge
- Risk of being passed between departments
Local, Licensed Experts (That’s Us!)
- Based in Sunnyvale
- Licensed, insured, and bonded
- Specializing in roofing, solar, and battery systems
- Certified installer for GAF, QCells, Axia by QCells, Tesla Powerwall 3, and CertainTeed Solaris
- full project management
Clear Communication Prevents Costly Mistakes
Miscommunication about what's included in a bid is one of the biggest sources of frustration. At Home Pro, we believe in transparency. Every proposal we send includes:
- Roofing system type, ventilation, and warranty
- Solar panel brand, layout, and racking system
- Details about solar panel removal and reinstallation (if needed)
- Battery backup model, storage specs, and monitoring
- Cleanup
FAQs: Roofing, Solar, and Battery Backup Projects
Q: What’s the benefit of QCells panels with Axia by QCells racking?
A: QCells panels are known for excellent performance and reliability. With Axia by QCells (our installation partner), you get a sleek, integrated system, simplified permitting, and industry-leading warranties.
Q: Is the Tesla Powerwall 3 worth it?
A: Absolutely—especially if you want to store your solar energy for nighttime use or emergency backup. It has greater capacity and power than earlier models and integrates seamlessly with most solar systems.
Q: What’s a cool roof, and do I need one?
A: Cool roofs like GAF Timberline HDZ-RS or CertainTeed Solaris reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat. This reduces energy costs and extends the life of your roof—especially beneficial here in the Bay Area.
Q: What if I already have solar and need a new roof?
A: We handle the entire process, including solar panel removal and reinstallation, roof installation, and battery setup. No need to coordinate multiple contractors—we do it all in-house.
Q: Do you serve my city?
A: If you're in Santa Clara, San Mateo, or Alameda County, chances are we’ve worked on a roof in your neighborhood! We regularly serve cities like Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, San Carlos, Belmont, Redwood City, and more.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're replacing an aging roof, upgrading to solar, or adding a backup battery system, it's one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home. Don’t leave it to chance.
Get clear on your scope, educate yourself on the materials, and partner with a licensed, experienced local contractor who can guide you from start to finish.
Schedule Your Free Roofing & Solar Consultation Today
📍 We’re your local roofing, solar, and battery backup experts
🌐 Visit us at HomeProCA.com
📞 Or call us today at (650) 304-2148
Let’s build something great for your home—starting with trust.