Compare Local Pros
Cinnamon Energy Systems vs Highlight Solar
Santa Clara Electrical Contractors Comparison · Updated April 2026
Two well-established solar contractors with comparable credentials, separated primarily by owner involvement level and slightly more experience at Highlight Solar.
| Cinnamon Energy Systems | Highlight Solar | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.8 | ★ 4.8 |
| Years Licensed | 13 years | 15 years ✓ |
| Workers Comp | Yes | Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Experience Tier | Established | Veteran ✓ |
| Location | Los Gatos, Santa Clara County | San Jose, Santa Clara County |
| Website | www.cinnamon.energy | www.highlightsolar.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Cinnamon Energy Systems
Customers emphasize Cinnamon's comprehensive approach with detailed technical system design, clean worksite maintenance, and efficient handling of complex permitting and utility coordination.
Highlight Solar
Customers highlight Highlight Solar's no-pressure consultations, competitive pricing, and high responsiveness throughout projects with straightforward communication that facilitates comparison shopping.
Key Takeaway: Highlight Solar's high owner involvement and emphasis on transparent pricing contrasts with Cinnamon's focus on technical detail and broader service offerings including HVAC systems.
Customer Reviews
Cinnamon Energy Systems
I started thinking about solar last year, but it was not until this year when I became serious. I talked to as many as 6 companies who serve San Jose area, and in the end, I decided to go with Cinnamo...
Cinnamon is a highly rated company and I was overall happy with the work. Sometimes communication was tricky but Consultant Michael Croft helped me navigate the process when clarification and service ...
We are quite happy with our solar power system installed by Cinnamon Energy Systems. We are fortunate enough to have south and west facing roofs and were able to work with them to install a system of...
Highlight Solar
We met with multiple solar companies and settled on Highlight due to both the great recommendations as well as our experience during the initial process. We asked a LOT of questions, then we asked mor...
Highly recommend
I can't say enough about the outstanding service we get from Highlight Solar. The team is incredible. Organized, responsive, skillful, reliable and nice! Every communication was clear from the start. ...
Consider Cinnamon Energy Systems if...
- ✓ You're planning comprehensive home electrification that includes heat pump HVAC installation or ductless mini-split systems alongside solar, allowing you to work with one contractor for multiple related projects
- ✓ You value detailed technical explanations and system engineering specifics during the design phase, with customers noting thorough walkthroughs of technical specifications
- ✓ Your project involves ground-mounted solar or complex configurations requiring extensive system design work beyond standard rooftop arrays
- ✓ You prioritize clean worksite maintenance throughout the installation process, which customers specifically mention as a consistent strength
Consider Highlight Solar if...
- ✓ You want high owner involvement and direct access to decision-makers throughout your project, rather than working primarily with project managers or sales staff
- ✓ You're comparing multiple solar quotes and appreciate a no-pressure sales approach with transparent pricing that makes comparison shopping easier
- ✓ You prefer a contractor focused exclusively on solar and battery systems rather than one handling multiple service types, potentially meaning more specialized solar expertise
- ✓ You value competitive pricing as a decision factor and want straightforward communication without technical jargon during consultations
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Cinnamon about who will be your primary point of contact throughout the project and how often the owner is directly involved in project oversight
- → Ask Highlight what their typical price range is compared to competitors they're commonly quoted against, since customers mention competitive pricing as a selection factor
- → Ask both companies for references from projects completed in the past six months in your specific neighborhood, as local permitting knowledge matters significantly
- → Ask about crew consistency and how long their current installation teams have been working together, since both companies receive praise for professional crews
The Bottom Line
Both companies are solid choices with proper licensing, insurance, and extensive experience in Santa Clara County solar installations. Choose Highlight Solar if you value high owner involvement, prefer a no-pressure sales approach, and want a contractor focused exclusively on solar systems with slightly more years in the industry. Choose Cinnamon Energy Systems if you're planning comprehensive home electrification including heat pumps or mini-splits alongside solar, value detailed technical system design explanations, or need ground-mounted solar installations. For a standard rooftop solar and battery project, get quotes from both and let the consultation experience, specific system design, and pricing guide your final decision.
Get Up to 3 Free Quotes
Compare prices from licensed, verified contractors
Frequently Asked Questions
For straightforward rooftop solar projects, the practical difference between 13 and 15 years is minimal since both are well-established contractors who have handled hundreds of installations and know local permitting inside and out. The experience gap would matter more if you had an unusually complex project like a historic home or structural concerns. The owner involvement difference at Highlight Solar is likely more significant than the experience gap for most homeowners.
If you're planning to install heat pumps or mini-splits as part of a broader electrification strategy, Cinnamon's ability to handle both projects is a genuine advantage. Working with one contractor for coordinated electrical work, permitting, and installation timeline can be simpler than managing two separate companies. However, if you only need solar panels and battery backup, this service breadth doesn't provide added value.
High owner involvement typically means the business owner is directly engaged in consultations, system design decisions, and problem-solving rather than delegating entirely to project managers. This often translates to more consistent communication, faster decision-making when issues arise, and accountability directly to someone with authority. For homeowners who value direct access to leadership, this can significantly improve the project experience.
Highlight Solar's reviews specifically mention competitive pricing and transparent communication that facilitates comparison shopping, suggesting they may be positioned more aggressively on price. However, actual pricing depends entirely on your specific system design, roof complexity, and equipment choices. Get detailed quotes from both companies and compare line-by-line rather than assuming one is automatically cheaper.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top electrical contractors in Santa Clara.
Other Santa Clara Electrical Contractors Comparisons
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 April 05, 2026.
This comparison is based on publicly available information. We recommend getting multiple quotes and verifying all credentials directly before hiring.
Get in Touch
Have questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.