Got Watts? vs High Definition Solar
Contra Costa General Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Both are experienced solar contractors with solid credentials, but Got Watts offers broader electrical services while High Definition Solar specializes in solar with roofing capabilities.
| Got Watts? | High Definition Solar | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.9 | ★ 4.1 |
| Years Licensed | 12 years | 16 years |
| License # | 985920 | 949189 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Pleasant Hill, CA | Concord, CA |
| Website | www.gotwatts.com | highdefinitionsolar.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Got Watts?
Customers consistently praise Got Watts for detailed proposals, transparent pricing, regular project updates, and professional installation crews, with many returning for diverse additional electrical projects.
High Definition Solar
High Definition Solar receives positive feedback for professional installations, right-sized system recommendations, and efficient project completion, though some customers note service responsiveness challenges years after installation.
Key Takeaway: Got Watts shows customers returning for varied electrical projects beyond solar, while High Definition Solar demonstrates deeper solar specialization with long-term system support relationships, albeit with mixed recent service feedback.
Customer Reviews
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...
High Definition Solar
Super effort to install my job on the scheduled day. The crew arrived at exactly 8:oo AM as promised and were completely finished at 2:00 pm. Everything worked! The crew was very professional. I aam ...
Quick response, took time to explain the process and were able to process everything on time. It went smoothly. Jairo was super helpful and patient!
We had HD Solar do a big install for us in Richmond California. They did a great job, very professional, and we love saving huge amounts of money of electricity now! Plus, no more power outages due to...
Consider Got Watts? if...
- ✓ You're planning multiple electrical projects beyond solar, such as panel upgrades, EV charger installation, or HVAC system replacement that benefit from a single contractor relationship
- ✓ Your roof is in good condition and doesn't require replacement or major repair work before solar installation
- ✓ You value having an electrical contractor who can handle future system expansions, battery additions, or other electrical work as your needs evolve
- ✓ You appreciate detailed project communication and regular updates throughout permitting and installation phases
Consider High Definition Solar if...
- ✓ Your roof may need replacement or significant repair work before or during solar installation, making their dual solar-roofing capability valuable
- ✓ You want a contractor with four additional years of solar-specific industry experience who has navigated multiple technology generations
- ✓ You're primarily focused on solar installation without immediate plans for broader electrical projects
- ✓ You value a company's track record of supporting systems over 10+ years, even if recent service responsiveness feedback is mixed
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → If your roof is older than 15 years, ask Got Watts how they assess roof condition and coordinate with roofers, or ask High Definition Solar about their roofing inspection process and integrated pricing
- → Ask High Definition Solar about their current service response times for systems installed more than five years ago, given customer feedback about declined responsiveness
- → Ask both companies how they size systems for your specific usage patterns and whether they recommend battery backup given recent utility reliability issues
- → Request references from projects completed in the past 18 months to understand their current crew stability and workmanship quality
The Bottom Line
Both contractors are solid choices with proper credentials and positive customer feedback. Choose High Definition Solar if your roof needs replacement or you want maximum solar-specific experience and can verify their current service responsiveness meets your expectations. Choose Got Watts if your roof is sound and you value a full-service electrical contractor who can handle solar plus other electrical projects like panel upgrades, EV chargers, or battery systems under one relationship. For a straightforward solar-only installation on a newer roof, either company will serve you well—prioritize which one provides the more detailed proposal and clearer communication during your initial consultation. Request recent references from both and make your decision based on who demonstrates better understanding of your specific property conditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Four additional years means High Definition Solar has experienced more solar technology transitions and incentive program changes, which can be valuable for troubleshooting unusual situations or maximizing current incentives. However, 12 years still represents substantial experience through multiple industry cycles. The difference matters more if you have a complex installation or aging roof that requires judgment developed over many projects.
Yes, their dual solar-roofing capability is a significant practical advantage if your roof is older than 15 years or shows signs of wear. Coordinating separate roofing and solar contractors adds complexity, potential finger-pointing if issues arise, and typically higher total costs. If your roof is in good condition with 10+ years of remaining life, this advantage becomes irrelevant.
Got Watts has clear documented experience with battery systems, EV chargers, and electrical panel upgrades as part of their regular service offerings. High Definition Solar's project list focuses primarily on solar installations without mention of these complementary systems. If you're planning integrated electrical upgrades, Got Watts' broader electrical expertise is more directly relevant.
Customer feedback shows strong initial installation experiences but some challenges with service response years after installation. This pattern is common as solar companies grow and prioritize new installations over warranty service. Ask them directly about current service staffing, typical response times for system issues, and how they handle inverter failures or performance problems for older systems.
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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 13, 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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