Compare Local Pros
Cinnamon Energy Systems vs Poco Solar Energy
Santa Clara General Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Poco Solar Energy brings seven additional years of licensing history and dual expertise in both pool solar heating and photovoltaic systems, while Cinnamon Energy Systems offers smoother recent project execution.
| Cinnamon Energy Systems | Poco Solar Energy | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.8 | ★ 4.7 |
| Years Licensed | 13 years | 20 years |
| License # | 976065 | 879366 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Los Gatos, CA | Santa Clara, CA |
| Website | www.cinnamon.energy | www.pocosolar.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Cinnamon Energy Systems
Customers consistently highlight smooth installation processes, responsive communication throughout projects, and professional crews who maintain clean worksites and handle permitting efficiently.
Poco Solar Energy
Customers praise knowledgeable technicians with deep expertise in leak repair and system diagnostics, but recent feedback frequently mentions scheduling delays and communication responsiveness challenges.
Key Takeaway: Cinnamon receives consistent praise for project coordination and communication, while Poco's technical expertise is valued but recent operational execution shows communication and scheduling concerns that contrast with their long-term customer loyalty.
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...
Poco Solar Energy
Eddie showed up on time and got right to it and figured out the problem in short order. He completed the repairs in no time.
I've been a customer of Poco for over 16 years. I thought Darwin was irreplaceable, but I was wrong. Ed Is about the only person who could've replaced Darwin with his friendliness and expertise. Appre...
Poco Solar replaced my existing solar swimming pool heater. They did a very good job and I would recommend them.
Consider Cinnamon Energy Systems if...
- ✓ You're installing a standard residential solar array with battery backup like Tesla Powerwall and want a contractor known for smooth, well-coordinated project execution from design through final inspection.
- ✓ Responsive communication and reliable scheduling are priorities for you, particularly if you're coordinating the solar installation with other home projects or have time constraints.
- ✓ You're adding heat pump HVAC or mini-split systems alongside solar and prefer working with one contractor who handles the full scope of home electrification.
- ✓ You value detailed system design explanations and thorough communication throughout the permitting process, based on consistent recent feedback.
Consider Poco Solar Energy if...
- ✓ You need pool solar heating in addition to photovoltaic panels and want a contractor with specialized expertise in both thermal and electric solar systems.
- ✓ Your project involves unusual challenges where 20 years of local permitting history and troubleshooting experience provides meaningful advantage over 13 years.
- ✓ You're working with older solar equipment requiring leak repair, panel replacement, or system diagnostics, and need technicians with deep knowledge of legacy systems and various manufacturers.
- ✓ You value long-term business stability and are comfortable being proactive about follow-up communication to keep your project on schedule.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Poco Solar Energy specifically how they've addressed recent scheduling and communication concerns, and what systems are now in place to keep projects on timeline.
- → Ask Cinnamon Energy Systems for references from projects involving complex electrical panel upgrades or older homes to confirm their capabilities beyond standard installations.
- → Confirm with both contractors what their typical timeline looks like from contract signing to final utility permission to operate, and what factors might delay your specific project.
- → Ask about warranty support processes and response times for post-installation issues, given the different feedback patterns on responsiveness.
The Bottom Line
For most homeowners installing residential solar with battery backup, Cinnamon Energy Systems offers the more reliable current experience, with consistent feedback on smooth installations, responsive communication, and efficient project coordination. Their 13 years of licensing is more than sufficient for standard residential projects, and their focus on modern home electrification aligns well with typical solar-plus-storage installations. Choose Poco Solar Energy if you specifically need pool solar heating expertise alongside photovoltaic work, or if your project involves complex troubleshooting where 20 years of diverse experience provides clear advantage. However, address their recent communication and scheduling concerns directly during consultation, and be prepared to stay proactive on project follow-up to ensure timeline expectations are met.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For straightforward installations on newer homes with modern electrical systems, the difference is less significant. However, 20 years versus 13 years becomes meaningful if your home has older wiring, unusual roof configurations, or if complications arise during permitting. Poco's veteran status means more exposure to edge cases and regulatory changes, though Cinnamon's 13 years still represents substantial experience for typical residential projects.
The pattern is consistent enough in recent feedback to warrant direct conversation during your consultation. Ask specifically what's changed and what systems they've implemented to improve responsiveness. Long-term customers spanning decades suggest this may be a recent operational challenge rather than fundamental business practice, but it could affect your project timeline if not addressed.
Not directly, but it demonstrates broader solar technology knowledge that can be valuable for troubleshooting and system integration. However, Cinnamon's focus on modern residential solar with battery systems and heat pumps may be more relevant if you're planning comprehensive home electrification beyond just panels.
Cinnamon Energy Systems explicitly lists Tesla Powerwall integration as a specialty with consistent customer feedback on battery installations. Poco also handles battery installations, but Cinnamon's documented focus and positive feedback on battery backup systems suggests more concentrated experience in this specific area.
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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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