Compare Local Pros
Got Watts? vs Illuminate Solar Company
Contra Costa General Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Illuminate Solar Company brings more years of solar-specific experience, while Got Watts offers significantly broader electrical capabilities beyond just solar.
| Got Watts? | Illuminate Solar Company | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.9 | ★ 4.0 |
| Years Licensed | 12 years | 16 years |
| License # | 985920 | 937645 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Pleasant Hill, CA | Walnut Creek, CA |
| Website | www.gotwatts.com | www.illuminatesolar.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Got Watts?
Got Watts consistently receives praise for detailed proposals with multiple design options, transparent pricing, no-pressure sales, and regular project communication throughout installation.
Illuminate Solar Company
Illuminate Solar Company customers emphasize on-time project completion, high owner involvement with direct client communication, and professional installation crew quality.
Key Takeaway: Got Watts stands out for providing multiple system design options and detailed pricing discussions, while Illuminate Solar Company differentiates through direct owner communication and solar-exclusive specialization.
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...
Illuminate Solar Company
We had a solar system and battery installed recently and it went off without any issues. Great communication from the owner. Can’t wait to send them some referrals.
Mark and his crew did a wonderful job installing my solar panels. They came to work when they said they would, finished on time. I am so happy with the panels and paying nothing for electricity includ...
Mark and his crew were honest, down to earth, communicative and did a great job.
Consider Got Watts? if...
- ✓ You're planning multiple electrical projects alongside solar installation, such as panel upgrades, EV charger installation, heat pump or HVAC work, making it more efficient to work with one contractor who handles everything
- ✓ You value detailed proposals with multiple system design options and want a no-pressure sales process that lets you compare different approaches to your solar project
- ✓ Your home may need significant electrical infrastructure upgrades to support solar, and you prefer working with a contractor experienced in both solar and comprehensive electrical work
- ✓ You anticipate future additions like battery storage, additional circuits, or electrical upgrades and want to establish a relationship with a contractor who can handle ongoing projects
Consider Illuminate Solar Company if...
- ✓ Your project is exclusively solar panels and battery storage without additional electrical work, and you want the contractor with the longest track record specifically in solar installations
- ✓ You value high owner involvement and direct communication with the business owner throughout your project rather than working primarily with project managers
- ✓ Your roof configuration is complex or you have challenging shading conditions where Illuminate's 16 years of solar-specific experience diagnosing site conditions would be particularly valuable
- ✓ You prefer working with a specialist who has focused solely on solar technology evolution over the past 16 years rather than a generalist electrical contractor
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Got Watts whether your project would require panel upgrades or other electrical work, and how they coordinate multiple services within a single project timeline and bid
- → Ask Illuminate Solar Company how they handle situations where panel upgrades or additional electrical work becomes necessary during solar installation planning
- → Ask both companies for references from projects similar to yours in complexity, particularly regarding roof type or any shading challenges you face
- → Confirm with both contractors how they handle warranty service and ongoing support, especially given that solar systems require 25-year performance commitments
The Bottom Line
If your project is exclusively solar panels and battery storage, Illuminate Solar Company's 16 years of specialized solar experience and high owner involvement make them the focused choice. However, if you need or anticipate electrical panel upgrades, EV charger installation, HVAC work, or other electrical projects—common scenarios when adding solar—Got Watts' comprehensive electrical capabilities and 12 years of proven experience make them the more practical choice. Most solar installations involve or lead to additional electrical work, which is why Got Watts' broader service range often proves more valuable despite slightly fewer years in business. Choose based on your actual project scope, not just the solar component.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For straightforward installations on uncomplicated roofs, both companies have sufficient experience. The difference becomes meaningful if you have a complex roof layout, significant shading issues, or unusual electrical infrastructure—situations where Illuminate's additional years of solar-specific problem-solving could prove valuable. However, if your project includes electrical panel upgrades or other work beyond solar, Got Watts' broader capabilities may offset the experience gap.
It can simplify future work. Got Watts handles EV chargers, battery systems, and various electrical projects, so they'd already be familiar with your installation and electrical setup. Illuminate Solar Company specializes in battery storage additions to existing solar systems but would need to refer you elsewhere for EV chargers or other electrical work. If you're planning multiple electrical upgrades over the next few years, choosing the contractor with broader capabilities upfront creates continuity.
Got Watts performs panel upgrades routinely as part of their electrical contracting work, so they can seamlessly integrate this into your solar project. Illuminate Solar Company can coordinate panel upgrades but would typically work with their preferred electrical subcontractor for this work. For projects where panel upgrades are necessary, having one contractor handle everything directly often simplifies scheduling, warranties, and accountability.
Customer feedback suggests Got Watts emphasizes providing multiple system design options and detailed cost breakdowns, with specific praise for their no-pressure sales approach. Illuminate Solar Company receives consistent feedback about strong owner communication and adherence to schedules. Both provide transparent pricing, but if you want to compare several different system configurations before deciding, Got Watts' approach to presenting options may align better with that preference.
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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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