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Diablo Solar Services vs Got Watts?
Contra Costa Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Diablo Solar Services brings 42 years of specialized solar experience versus Got Watts' 12 years as a broader electrical contractor.
| Diablo Solar Services | Got Watts? | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.2 | ★ 4.9 |
| Years Licensed | 42 years | 12 years |
| License # | 454228 | 985920 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Martinez, CA | Pleasant Hill, CA |
| Website | diablosolar.com | www.gotwatts.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Diablo Solar Services
Customers emphasize technical knowledge, willingness to repair rather than replace, and long-term service relationships spanning decades, though some note scheduling challenges during busy periods.
Got Watts?
Customers consistently highlight transparent pricing, detailed proposal processes with multiple options, and strong project communication with regular updates through permitting and installation phases.
Key Takeaway: Diablo Solar customers value deep technical expertise and cost-saving repair advice, while Got Watts customers prioritize clear project management, upfront pricing transparency, and a no-pressure sales experience.
Customer Reviews
Diablo Solar Services
Mike and his team are incredible, and I don't say that lightly. From my own personal experience working with both solar and pool service companies, Diablo Solar is an easy one for me to recommend. The...
Diablo saved me from another solar company that tried to pressure me into a more expensive program for repair of my solar panel. Diablo saved me thousands of dollars with expert advice and a staff tha...
Unlike many of their competitors, Diablo were willing to expand and existing solar system, and were able to maximally exploit existing equipment to cut the total cost. They did not try to oversell, co...
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...
Consider Diablo Solar Services if...
- ✓ You have a pool solar heating system or want to add one alongside photovoltaic panels, where Diablo Solar's specialized expertise is rare in the market
- ✓ Your project involves an older solar installation needing diagnosis or repair rather than replacement, benefiting from their four decades of troubleshooting experience
- ✓ You need coordination for panel removal during roof replacement, a service they've refined through years of customer relationships
- ✓ You value long-term technical depth over sales process polish and can work around potential busy-season scheduling delays
Consider Got Watts? if...
- ✓ Your solar project involves multiple electrical upgrades like panel replacements, EV charger installation, or battery systems that benefit from unified electrical contractor coordination
- ✓ You want a detailed proposal process with multiple design options and transparent pricing laid out upfront before committing
- ✓ Project management communication is a priority, with regular updates through permitting, utility coordination, and installation phases
- ✓ You're a first-time solar buyer who values a no-pressure sales approach and clear explanations of system design options
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Diablo Solar about their current scheduling timeline and how they manage communication during peak solar season to address feedback about seasonal delays
- → Ask Got Watts how many solar installations they complete annually and request references specifically for solar projects comparable in size to yours
- → If you have pool solar or plan to add it, ask Got Watts about their specific experience with pool solar systems versus photovoltaic-only installations
- → Ask both companies how they handle warranty service and who will perform future maintenance as your system ages
The Bottom Line
Choose Diablo Solar Services if your project involves pool solar systems, requires diagnosis of an existing solar installation, or benefits from their 42 years of specialized troubleshooting experience navigating complex solar scenarios. Their depth in solar-specific technology is genuine and rare. Choose Got Watts if you want a straightforward photovoltaic installation with transparent pricing, detailed proposals, and strong project communication, especially when combining solar with other electrical work like panel upgrades or EV chargers under one contract. For standard residential solar installations without unique complications, Got Watts' project management approach and no-pressure sales process may provide a smoother experience despite less solar-specific history.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your project complexity. If you have pool solar, an aging system needing diagnosis, or anticipate roof work requiring panel removal, Diablo Solar's specialized depth is genuinely valuable. For straightforward photovoltaic installations combined with electrical upgrades like panel replacements or EV chargers, Got Watts' ability to coordinate everything under one electrical contractor may be more efficient.
Got Watts appears better suited for first-time buyers based on customer feedback about their detailed proposal process, transparent pricing, and no-pressure sales approach. Their regular project updates through permitting and installation also provide reassurance for homeowners new to solar. Diablo Solar's strength is technical problem-solving rather than hand-holding through the initial decision process.
Got Watts has 12 years of solar installation experience and handles battery systems, expansions, and electrical integration competently. However, for unusual system behaviors, pool solar troubleshooting, or repairs on older installations, Diablo Solar's four decades of focused experience provides diagnostic depth that a general electrical contractor typically doesn't develop. Ask Got Watts directly about their experience with your specific scenario.
Some customers noted scheduling difficulties during busy seasons, which is common for specialized contractors with limited crews. If you're flexible on timing, this shouldn't be a dealbreaker given their technical expertise. If you need installation within a specific window or value predictable scheduling, Got Watts' feedback suggests more consistent project timeline management and communication throughout the process.
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See our ranked list of top solar contractors in Contra Costa.
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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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