Compare Local Pros
Northstar Solar vs Precise Roofing Inc
Contra Costa General Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
You're comparing a solar installer with a decade of experience to a roofing company licensed for just two years.
| Northstar Solar | Precise Roofing Inc | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.7 | ★ 4.8 |
| Years Licensed | 10 years | 2 years |
| License # | 1006316 | 1111816 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Danville, CA | Walnut Creek, CA |
| Website | www.gonorthstarsolar.com | www.preciseroofingca.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Northstar Solar
Customers consistently praise Northstar Solar's thorough consultation process, transparent communication, and efficient handling of complex permitting and utility coordination.
Precise Roofing Inc
Customers highlight Precise Roofing Inc's communication throughout projects, consistent early completion, and detail-oriented installation practices with clean work sites.
Key Takeaway: Northstar's feedback centers on managing the complexity of solar installations and system design consultations, while Precise Roofing's feedback emphasizes execution speed and installation precision for roofing projects.
Customer Reviews
Northstar Solar
I never write reviews, but NorthStar Solar truly earned it. After soliciting multiple bids, Patrick stood out right away - he took the time to do a Zoom call to understand my property and my goals ins...
I had a great experience with my solar and battery installation. The team was very knowledgeable and responsive. The whole installation was very fast from start to finish.
I had a solar system installed by Northstar Solar this past winter, and I am thoroughly impressed with their service. I obtained several bids from different companies, Northstar Solar's bid stood out ...
Precise Roofing Inc
Throughout, the roofing project was managed with caution and open communication. The process was easy and comforting, and the finished product seemed sturdy and well-built.
The entire procedure was simple and stress-free. The craftsmanship is self-evident.
The roofing, vents, and flashing were all expertly placed. The finished product truly demonstrates the attention to detail.
Consider Northstar Solar if...
- ✓ You're installing solar panels or battery storage systems and need a contractor with established expertise navigating utility approvals and permitting processes that can delay projects by weeks if mishandled.
- ✓ Your project involves coordination between solar installation and roofing work, where Northstar's experience with panel removal and reinstallation provides integrated service.
- ✓ You value competitive pricing alongside a decade-long track record, reducing the risk that the company won't be around to honor warranties.
- ✓ You prefer detailed consultations that review your energy usage patterns and provide multiple equipment options tailored to your specific consumption and budget.
Consider Precise Roofing Inc if...
- ✓ You need roofing services like repairs, replacements, shingle work, or skylight installation rather than solar-related work.
- ✓ Your project timeline is tight and you appreciate contractors who consistently finish ahead of schedule while maintaining clean work sites.
- ✓ You're dealing with insurance claims for storm damage and need a contractor experienced in coordinating with adjusters to document and repair damage.
- ✓ You have a straightforward roofing project without unusual complications where a newer contractor's attention to detail and competitive pricing outweigh the value of decades of experience.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → For Precise Roofing Inc: Ask for references from projects completed in the first year of their licensing to understand how they've handled unexpected complications, and verify that their warranty will be backed by their bonding or another mechanism if the company doesn't remain in business.
- → For both: Ask how they handle situations where initial inspections reveal additional damage or code compliance issues that weren't part of the original scope and estimate.
- → For Northstar Solar: Ask how they coordinate permitting timelines and what their average timeframe is from contract signing to system activation, including utility approval delays.
The Bottom Line
These contractors serve different needs, so your project type determines the choice. If you're installing solar panels or battery storage, Northstar Solar is the clear choice with 10 years of solar-specific expertise, established relationships for permitting and utility coordination, and competitive pricing. If you need roofing work like repairs, replacements, or storm damage restoration, Precise Roofing Inc delivers detail-oriented installation and finishes ahead of schedule, though their 2-year licensing history means you should verify references for projects similar to yours and ask specifically how they handle unexpected complications. Don't hire a solar company for roofing or a roofing company for solar.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, fundamentally. If you need solar panels installed, Precise Roofing doesn't offer that service. If you need a roof replaced, Northstar Solar doesn't specialize in roofing beyond the coordination needed for solar panel work. The only overlap is if you're planning both a roof replacement and solar installation, where you'd need to hire both contractors or choose a sequence that makes sense for your timeline and roof condition.
It depends on your roof's complexity and condition. For a straightforward shingle replacement on a simple roof structure, their track record of finishing ahead of schedule and detail-oriented work may be sufficient. However, if your roof is older, has multiple angles and transitions, or might have hidden water damage or structural issues, a more experienced contractor brings valuable diagnostic skills from having encountered more problem scenarios. Ask Precise Roofing specifically about projects similar to yours and how they handle discovering unexpected damage mid-project.
Northstar Solar offers panel removal and reinstallation coordination with roofing projects, but they're not primarily a roofing contractor. They likely coordinate with roofing specialists rather than performing extensive roof replacements themselves. If your roof needs significant work before solar installation, ask Northstar directly whether they perform that work in-house or coordinate with partners, and compare pricing versus hiring a roofing specialist separately.
The $25,000 bond provides the same legal protection for both, but longer business history matters for confidence the company will be around to honor warranties. Northstar's 10 years in business suggests operational stability and the financial foundation to stand behind their work long-term. Precise Roofing's 2 years means less track record, though their bond still protects you if they abandon a project or fail to meet contract terms within the bond's coverage limits.
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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 10, 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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