Compare Local Pros
Diablo Solar Services vs Got Watts?
Contra Costa Electrical Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Diablo Solar's 42 years of specialized solar expertise dwarfs Got Watts' 12 years as a multi-trade electrical contractor.
| Diablo Solar Services | Got Watts? | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.2 | ★ 4.9 |
| Years Licensed | 42 years | 12 years |
| License # | 454228 | 985920 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Martinez, CA | Pleasant Hill, CA |
| Website | diablosolar.com | www.gotwatts.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Diablo Solar Services
Customers emphasize long-term service relationships, technical expertise across system types, and a repair-focused approach that saves money over pushing replacements.
Got Watts?
Customers consistently praise transparent pricing, detailed multi-option proposals, regular project communication, and professional installation crews with attention to workmanship details.
Key Takeaway: Diablo Solar builds decade-long customer relationships through technical depth and service reliability, while Got Watts earns satisfaction through systematic project management and transparent sales processes for discrete installations.
Customer Reviews
Diablo Solar Services
Mike and his team are incredible, and I don't say that lightly. From my own personal experience working with both solar and pool service companies, Diablo Solar is an easy one for me to recommend. The...
Diablo saved me from another solar company that tried to pressure me into a more expensive program for repair of my solar panel. Diablo saved me thousands of dollars with expert advice and a staff tha...
Unlike many of their competitors, Diablo were willing to expand and existing solar system, and were able to maximally exploit existing equipment to cut the total cost. They did not try to oversell, co...
Got Watts?
Got watts is incredible. Dont hesitate. Eric is so professional and experienced. They are meticulous about safety and quality and were on time had all the parts and even dealt with permits!!! They com...
Got Watts continues to do amazing work for us. They're prompt, attentive, and do high quality work. We originally had them install a large solar array and a couple of batteries for us. We recently had...
I reached out to GotWatts about adding solar panels to my home. They gave me several solid options and clearly explained efficiency, ROI, and cost. Their transparency was refreshing, and their pricing...
Consider Diablo Solar Services if...
- ✓ Your project involves pool solar heating systems, where Diablo Solar maintains specialized expertise that's increasingly uncommon among general solar contractors
- ✓ You need to expand or repair an existing solar system installed years ago, where their 42 years of experience means familiarity with legacy equipment and integration challenges
- ✓ Your home has complex roof geometry or you're coordinating solar panel removal for roof replacement, situations where decades of field experience diagnosing complications becomes critical
- ✓ You value a repair-first approach over replacement sales, as customers specifically note Diablo Solar's willingness to fix systems rather than push new installations
Consider Got Watts? if...
- ✓ You're planning a straightforward new solar installation with possible battery backup on a standard roof, where Got Watts' detailed proposal process and transparent pricing provide clarity upfront
- ✓ You prefer regular project updates and structured communication throughout permitting and installation, areas where customers consistently praise Got Watts' systematic approach
- ✓ You anticipate bundling solar with related electrical work like panel upgrades, EV charger installation, or HVAC systems, leveraging their multi-trade capabilities in one contract
- ✓ You want a no-pressure sales process with multiple design options to compare, which aligns with Got Watts' documented customer experience approach
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Diablo Solar about their scheduling availability during your preferred timeframe, as reviews note challenges booking during busy seasons
- → Ask Got Watts for references on solar projects of similar age and complexity to yours, particularly if you have an older home or existing system, to understand how their 12 years translates to your specific situation
- → Ask both companies how they handle warranty claims on equipment and workmanship years after installation, given their different operational approaches
- → Ask about the specific technicians or crew who would handle your project and their individual experience levels with solar systems like yours
The Bottom Line
Diablo Solar Services is the stronger choice for most solar projects where technical expertise and long-term reliability matter. Their 42 years of specialized solar experience—particularly valuable for system troubleshooting, expansions, roof coordination, and pool solar work—represents depth that Got Watts cannot match despite being a competent electrical contractor. Choose Got Watts if you're doing a straightforward new installation on a standard home and you prioritize transparent pricing, detailed proposals, and structured project updates over deep solar specialization. If you need someone who's seen every possible solar complication over four decades, especially for older homes or complex projects, Diablo Solar's experience justifies overlooking Got Watts' more polished communication systems. For specialized pool solar work, Diablo Solar is effectively your only legitimate option between these two.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For a straightforward installation on a newer home with simple roof lines, the gap matters less—both companies have successfully completed many such projects. However, Diablo Solar's decades of experience become significant when inspectors flag unexpected issues, when roof structure questions arise, or when troubleshooting post-installation performance. Their experience means they've encountered and solved problems Got Watts' team may be seeing for the first time.
While Got Watts holds an electrical contractor license that may permit pool solar work, their reviews and project history emphasize photovoltaic systems and related electrical projects. Pool solar heating involves different technology, plumbing integration, and seasonal maintenance expertise that Diablo Solar has refined over 42 years. Ask Got Watts directly about their pool solar experience and request specific references before proceeding.
Both companies install battery backup systems, but the answer depends on your existing setup. If you have an older solar installation, Diablo Solar's experience with legacy systems and integration challenges provides an edge. For newer systems where the battery addition is straightforward, Got Watts' systematic project management and transparent pricing may offer a smoother customer experience. Ask each company about compatibility with your specific existing equipment.
Long-term customer relationships reflect trust in technical expertise and consistent service delivery over time. Diablo Solar's customers value knowledgeable technicians who remember their systems and provide repair-focused solutions. Got Watts' strengths lie in structured project communication and detailed proposals for new installations—different priorities that appeal to different customer preferences. Consider whether you prioritize technical depth for ongoing service or systematic communication for a one-time installation project.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top electrical contractors in Contra Costa.
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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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