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Element Power Systems vs Got Watts?
Contra Costa Electrical Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Element Power Systems brings deeper solar-specific experience with 16 years focused on PV systems, while Got Watts offers broader electrical capabilities with stronger project communication patterns.
| Element Power Systems | Got Watts? | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.1 | ★ 4.9 |
| Years Licensed | 16 years | 12 years |
| License # | 946630 | 985920 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Clayton, CA | Pleasant Hill, CA |
| Website | www.elementpowerinc.com | www.gotwatts.com |
Key Differences
The review patterns show a meaningful split in execution. Got Watts consistently earns praise for transparent pricing, detailed proposals, regular project updates, and professional installation crews who complete work on or ahead of schedule. Customers frequently return for additional projects. Element Power Systems receives positive feedback for educational consultations and installation quality, but multiple customers specifically mention concerns about post-installation support and responsiveness to monitoring issues years later. For a homeowner evaluating long-term service relationships, this support difference matters significantly.
What Customers Say
Element Power Systems
Customers appreciate Element Power Systems' educational approach and installation quality but express specific concerns about post-installation support responsiveness when equipment issues arise years later.
Got Watts?
Got Watts consistently receives praise for transparent pricing, regular communication throughout projects, professional installation crews, and customers returning for additional work including battery systems and electrical upgrades.
Key Takeaway: While both companies deliver quality installations, Got Watts shows a clear pattern of ongoing customer relationships and responsive support, whereas Element Power Systems has notable gaps in long-term service responsiveness that multiple customers specifically mentioned.
Customer Reviews
Element Power Systems
Bryan is an awesome guy to work with and have on your property... expect him and his crew to provide quality service
Element Power Systems was great to work with. I had to wait on my PV system install because the roof needed to be replaced first. They were flexible enough to coordinate with the roofers for the ins...
I can't say enough great things about Element Power Systems. Travas and his team did a top notch job. Travas took the time to teach me about the PV components and how it would work with my home. He...
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 Element Power Systems if...
- ✓ You're installing solar on an older home where roof condition assessment and coordination with roofing work is critical, and you want a contractor with maximum experience navigating those complications
- ✓ Your project is straightforward solar-only installation without additional electrical upgrades, and you value specialized photovoltaic expertise over broad service capabilities
- ✓ You prioritize the educational approach during consultation and want someone focused exclusively on solar system design rather than juggling multiple service lines
- ✓ You plan to handle any future expansions or equipment issues through your own vendor research rather than relying on the original installer for ongoing support
Consider Got Watts? if...
- ✓ Your solar project includes battery backup, EV charger installation, electrical panel upgrades, or HVAC work that you want handled by one contractor under coordinated permits
- ✓ Transparent pricing, detailed proposals, and regular project communication throughout planning and installation are high priorities for you
- ✓ You value a contractor with strong feedback about meeting timelines and want someone customers consistently return to for additional work
- ✓ Long-term responsiveness matters to you, and you want a contractor with a track record of supporting customers on future additions and system expansions years after the initial installation
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Element Power Systems specifically about their post-installation support process, response timeframes for monitoring issues, and whether they offer service agreements for ongoing system maintenance
- → Ask Got Watts how their experience installing solar as part of broader electrical work compares to Element Power Systems' solar-focused specialization, particularly for complex roof coordination scenarios
- → Confirm with both contractors whether they'll be your point of contact for warranty issues with specific equipment manufacturers or if you'll need to coordinate directly
- → Ask both companies for references from projects completed 3-5 years ago and whether those customers have needed support since installation
The Bottom Line
For straightforward solar installations where you value specialized photovoltaic expertise and educational consultation, Element Power Systems' 16 years of focused experience provides an advantage—but address their post-installation support concerns directly before signing. For most homeowners, especially those wanting battery backup, EV chargers, or electrical upgrades alongside solar, Got Watts offers better value through their transparent pricing, strong project communication, consistent timeline performance, and track record of supporting customers on future additions. The customer feedback patterns clearly favor Got Watts for the complete project experience and long-term relationship. If you're choosing solar-only installation and can verify improved support processes, Element Power Systems remains viable. Otherwise, Got Watts is the stronger choice for both immediate project execution and years-later responsiveness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For straightforward installations on newer roofs, the difference is modest. However, if your roof is older, has multiple planes, or requires assessment for structural capacity, those extra four years mean Element Power Systems has encountered more edge cases and potential complications. The specialization focus also means their crews do solar installations daily rather than alternating between solar and other electrical work.
Yes, significantly. Got Watts handles these additions routinely and customers specifically mention returning for battery systems, EV chargers, and panel upgrades after initial solar installations. Element Power Systems coordinates with other trades but focuses on solar PV. If you're likely to want integrated electrical upgrades within a few years, Got Watts offers a simpler path with an established relationship.
It's worth addressing directly. Multiple customers specifically mentioned responsiveness issues with monitoring equipment problems years after installation, which suggests a pattern rather than isolated incidents. Ask Element Power Systems what their current support process looks like, typical response times, and whether they've made changes to address these concerns. This matters because solar systems require 20-25 years of operation.
Their 12 years includes substantial solar installation experience alongside other electrical work, so they're not generalists dabbling in solar. The question is whether you need maximum depth for complex scenarios versus solid solar competence combined with versatility for related upgrades. For most residential installations, their solar experience is sufficient, but ask about their approach to roof coordination if that's a concern for your property.
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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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