Sunbum Solar & Roofing

We decided in August of 2025 to try to join the mad rush to get solar installed before the end of the year to get the expiring 30% tax credit. Complicating things was that we wanted to replace an 18-year-old roof before getting solar. After shopping around, we found most only two vendors who could do both - roof and solar. We also looked at several roof-only and solar-only bids. SunBum's bids for both were extremely competitive, with the main risk being that they are not a huge, multi-state company and everyone is fighting for solar equipment at the end of the year. I usually DON'T go with the strictly lowest bidder, but in this case, we took that chance with SunBum, which had the most competitive bid by far. The roof went up in September with new architectural shingles. Then came the long permitting processing, the acquisition of the solar equipment (and in our case Tesla battery), and then trying to schedule installation, inspection, commissioning, then Permission to Operate from Dominion with the net metering agreement. I will say there were some challenges along the way from weather delays to a factory fire for one of the solar panel providers, to just the mad end-of-year rush that put everyone's nerves and patience to the test. Our 17 panel + Tesla Powerwall 3 install was by no means a piece of cake. A missing part from Tesla complicated the issue. But in the end, everyone kept a level head - despite frigid and wet weather - and Kevin and crews got us up and running before the holidays. The attached photo of our app shows that even on an almost 100% cloudy day, we were generating electricity which was charging our car, our battery, and our house. I am glad we got such a good deal with SunBum, but if I had one piece of advice for anyone considering solar - the basic solar panels + inverter are a really good idea - even WITHOUT the 30% credit. You will save on energy, and most systems last beyond their 25–30-year warranties. The battery (Tesla or otherwise) is a bit of vanity item that only makes sense if you REALLY want whole or partial power backup to run your fridge, AC, etc. for hours while your power is out. The economics don't make as much sense in the short term, but it does increase the value of your home. It's too bad the Federal government is taking 2 steps backwards in its support for solar - the rest of the world is moving ahead - but I would still consider this for your home, and the economics make much more sense when you can get pricing like we got from SunBum. So, we are some very tired but happy campers and look forward to our close to zero electric bills in the hot summer :-)

Kevin and Michelle, Thanks so much for the great service. You provided an estimate of projected costs, production, and consumption, and then delivered exactly what was promised to the tee. Your installation team members were professional and courteous. It was very obvious based on my interaction with your team members, they are treated with courtesy and respect. They were good stewards of your business. You had mentioned to me, the goal was to meet the expected consumption and not pay for unneeded power, and you got about as close as anyone could want or expect. Thanks again, and best of luck to your business.

I had a great experience with Sun Bum Solar and Roofing . All of my questions during the first meeting to discuss my solar needs were answered, and all of my questions after the initial meeting were addressed quickly. I didn't feel pressured to make an immediate decision, sign anything, or commit to anything right away as I've experienced with other solar system company representatives. Kevin even made recommendations on system accessories to not purchase right away to help make this project more affordable for me. Communication as to what to expect before, during, and after the installation process was frequent and simple to understand. The installation team arrived on time, and they worked seamlessly to finish the job within a day. I am looking forward to seeing what the new system can do over the next year, and want to work with Sun Bum again when I'm ready to add more panels and a battery system. Thank you to Kevin and everyone at Sun Bum Solar and Roofing for an excellent job.

I want to preface this review with the fact that I did extensive research on solar installs, worked with 2 companies before deciding on Sunbum, and am very familiar with the methods of installation including electrical. I went into this purchase informed. I have to admit though that making this large of a purchase was still difficult. Kevin spent a good amount of time replying to my questions and revising the plans as my knowledge increased and the installation grew and changed from outbuilding top to ground mount. So far, I am very happy with the solar output and the money I am saving and will be saving. Matt and his crew did an excellent job installing. They listened to the tweaks I wanted during the install and were quite receptive. The panel array looks great in our field and the inverters and electrical boxes on the house look professional. The installation passed on the first inspection. The panels have been generating power since December 2023 and have produced over 21.8MWh. I have the SolarEdge app to monitor production and use the Dominion Energy app to view weekly/monthly power usage and production. Even during short sunny days and with clouds, I am impressed. During Spring and Summer days production exceeds my usage providing a bank of power with Dominion I draw from on rainy days and at night. Part of my research was the 30% tax credit which was a major incentive to install. The warranty that comes with the install is a nice-to-have, but I realize it is only as good as Sunbum and the panel/inverter manufacturers. I hope you’re reading this Kevin. Would I do it again, absolutely. Do I recommend Sunbum, yes! If you’re even considering solar, get Kevin out there to let you know your options. My advice on any project of this size is to do your homework. Know what you want and what you expect.

I could not have asked for better customer service from starting with information, sales and the crew conducting the installation. For a good experience I highly recommend Sunbum Solar and Roofing for your solar experience.

This is a great outfit and Kevin Hall was wonderful to work with. I got tired dealing with the wild wild west cowboys of the big national companies and decided to go with Sunbum, a relatively small local firm, and I was not disappointed. Kevin sized the unit I needed at a competitive price and did not try to oversell. The installation was professional and mostly moved according to schedule, despite the overly zealous Newport News inspectors the job was done right and I couldn't be happier with the system. It's freedom not owing the power company a ton every month. I designed the system to add an EV later, and to Kevin's credit, he agreed to come back 8 months after the fact to do the car charger connection. I don't think there are many people in the business with that kind of follow up. Thank you Kevin and Sunbum. Steve Kuehl