Compare Local Pros
Acker Roofing vs Illuminate Solar Company
Contra Costa Roofing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
You're comparing a specialized roofing contractor to a solar installer—these companies serve entirely different needs unless you need both roof work and solar.
| Acker Roofing | Illuminate Solar Company | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.9 | ★ 4.0 |
| Years Licensed | 12 years | 16 years |
| License # | 993338 | 937645 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Concord, CA | Walnut Creek, CA |
| Website | ackerroofing.com | www.illuminatesolar.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Acker Roofing
Customers consistently praise Acker Roofing's thorough inspections, clear explanations of roof issues, and ability to handle both emergency repairs and complex full replacements while maintaining clean jobsites.
Illuminate Solar Company
Customers highlight Illuminate Solar's reliability with project timelines, direct owner communication throughout installations, and professional crew work on solar and battery systems.
Key Takeaway: Acker's feedback emphasizes diagnostic expertise and problem-solving for roofing issues, while Illuminate's reviews focus on project execution and schedule adherence for solar installations—reflecting their fundamentally different trade specializations.
Customer Reviews
Acker Roofing
They are quick to respond and have work quality they honor the work warranty no questions asked why rain or shine they come to repair
Acker Roofing did a great job of replacing our roof. They listened to my specific needs, found a good solution, and troubleshooted problem areas. They were able to fit us into their schedule and the j...
Dean and Acker came recommended to us by a State Farm insurance agent, and we can see why. Dean quickly turned around a fair quote for roofing our house. Rodigo and his partner worked diligently on ev...
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 Acker Roofing if...
- ✓ You need roofing work: leak repair, storm damage assessment, roof replacement, vent installation, dry rot remediation, or roof cleaning for insurance compliance
- ✓ Your roof has existing problems that need diagnosis before you can proceed with solar installation
- ✓ You're planning a reroof and already have solar panels that need temporary removal and reinstallation
- ✓ You need someone experienced in navigating roofing permits and coordinating with building inspections
Consider Illuminate Solar Company if...
- ✓ You need solar panel installation or battery storage systems added to your home
- ✓ Your roof is in good condition and you're focused on reducing electricity costs through solar
- ✓ You value direct owner involvement throughout the installation process
- ✓ You're looking for a veteran solar contractor with 16 years of specialized experience in photovoltaic systems
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → If planning both roof work and solar: Ask Acker Roofing which solar companies they regularly coordinate with for panel removal/reinstall, and ask Illuminate Solar which roofing contractors they trust for pre-solar roof assessments
- → If your roof age is uncertain: Ask Illuminate Solar what roof conditions would require repair before solar installation and whether they inspect roof structure as part of their process
- → Ask each company: What's your typical timeline from estimate to project completion for jobs like mine, and what factors might extend that schedule?
The Bottom Line
This isn't a competitive comparison—these contractors serve completely different needs. Call Acker Roofing if you need any roofing work: repairs, replacements, leak diagnosis, or storm damage assessment. Call Illuminate Solar if you need solar panels or battery storage installed. If you're planning both, start with Acker to ensure your roof is in suitable condition for a 25-year solar system, then proceed with Illuminate for the solar installation. Both companies are properly licensed, insured, and bonded with strong customer feedback in their respective specialties.
Get Up to 3 Free Quotes
Compare prices from licensed, verified contractors
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Illuminate Solar specializes exclusively in solar and battery systems. If your roof needs repair or replacement before solar installation, you'll need a roofing contractor like Acker Roofing to handle that work first. Many homeowners tackle both projects sequentially, and Acker's experience coordinating with solar companies suggests they understand this workflow.
Acker Roofing specializes in roofing work, not solar installation. However, their project history includes coordinating with solar companies to remove and reinstall existing panels during reroof projects. If you want both services, you'd hire Acker for the roof work and a solar specialist like Illuminate for the solar system.
If your roof is older or has existing issues, address those first—removing and reinstalling solar panels later adds significant cost. Acker Roofing can assess your roof's remaining lifespan and condition during an inspection. Solar systems typically last 25+ years, so your roof should be sound enough to match that timeline.
Start with a roofing inspection from Acker to determine your roof's condition and whether replacement is needed. Once you have a sound roof or a plan to replace it, then get solar estimates from Illuminate. Many homeowners coordinate timing so roof work is completed just before solar installation begins.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top roofing contractors in Contra Costa.
Other Contra Costa Roofing 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 March 12, 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.