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Element Power Systems vs Got Watts?
Contra Costa Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Element Power Systems brings 16 years of solar-focused expertise, while Got Watts offers 12 years with broader electrical services and notably stronger communication patterns.
| Element Power Systems | Got Watts? | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.1 | ★ 4.9 |
| Years Licensed | 16 years | 12 years |
| License # | 946630 | 985920 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Clayton, CA | Pleasant Hill, CA |
| Website | www.elementpowerinc.com | www.gotwatts.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Element Power Systems
Customers appreciate Element Power Systems' educational approach and installation coordination capabilities, but express concerns about responsiveness to post-installation monitoring issues.
Got Watts?
Got Watts consistently receives praise for transparent pricing, detailed communication throughout projects, professional installation quality, and responsiveness that brings customers back for additional work.
Key Takeaway: Got Watts demonstrates systematic communication and long-term customer relationships with repeat business, while Element Power Systems shows strength in upfront education but weakness in ongoing support responsiveness.
Customer Reviews
Element Power Systems
Bryan is an awesome guy to work with and have on your property... expect him and his crew to provide quality service
Element Power Systems was great to work with. I had to wait on my PV system install because the roof needed to be replaced first. They were flexible enough to coordinate with the roofers for the ins...
I can't say enough great things about Element Power Systems. Travas and his team did a top notch job. Travas took the time to teach me about the PV components and how it would work with my home. He...
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 Element Power Systems if...
- ✓ You're planning a complex solar installation on an older roof that may require structural assessment or coordination with roofing contractors, where Element Power Systems' 16 years of specialized experience could identify hidden complications.
- ✓ You value highly educational consultations where the contractor takes significant time explaining photovoltaic components and system functionality during the planning phase.
- ✓ Your project is straightforward solar installation without anticipated need for related electrical upgrades, battery additions, or future system expansions.
Consider Got Watts? if...
- ✓ You want transparent pricing with multiple system design options presented without sales pressure, allowing you to make informed decisions at your own pace.
- ✓ You're planning a solar project that may eventually include battery backup, EV charger installation, or electrical panel upgrades, benefiting from a contractor who handles all these services.
- ✓ Consistent communication throughout permitting and installation is a priority, with regular updates keeping you informed of project status.
- ✓ You value a contractor with demonstrated responsiveness over time, as evidenced by customers returning for additional projects and system expansions.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Element Power Systems specifically about their process for responding to system monitoring issues and what ongoing support looks like after installation warranty periods.
- → Ask Got Watts how their solar installation experience compares to their other electrical services, and request references specifically for solar projects similar in size to yours.
- → Ask both companies about their crew stability and whether the same team handles your project from start to finish.
- → Confirm how each company coordinates utility interconnection approvals and what their typical timeline looks like from contract to system activation.
The Bottom Line
Got Watts presents the stronger overall choice for most homeowners, despite Element Power Systems' additional years in business. Got Watts delivers transparent pricing, no-pressure proposals, exceptional communication throughout the project, and demonstrated long-term responsiveness with customers returning for additional work. Their ability to handle related electrical services means simpler coordination for future battery additions or electrical upgrades. Choose Element Power Systems if you specifically need their 16 years of solar-focused experience for a complicated installation requiring extensive roof coordination, and you're comfortable with potentially limited post-installation support. For straightforward to moderately complex projects where communication, transparency, and ongoing relationship matter, Got Watts' track record is compelling.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Element Power Systems' additional years provide deeper solar-specific expertise, particularly valuable for complex roof situations or older homes. However, Got Watts' 12 years is substantial experience, and their feedback suggests stronger operational systems for communication and project management. For straightforward installations, the experience gap matters less than responsiveness and service quality patterns.
Got Watts has clear advantages here, with documented experience installing battery backup systems and customers specifically mentioning returning for battery additions after initial solar installations. Element Power Systems focuses exclusively on solar PV, which may require coordinating with another contractor for future battery integration.
Customer feedback indicates Element Power Systems may be less responsive to monitoring issues that arise years after installation completion. If you're comfortable handling system monitoring independently or through your equipment manufacturer, this may not affect you. If you expect ongoing contractor support for troubleshooting, ask Element Power Systems directly about their service policies beyond warranty periods.
The evidence suggests no. Got Watts receives specific praise for solar installation quality, and their multi-service capability actually benefits customers who've returned for system expansions, electrical upgrades, and battery additions. Their systematic communication approach appears consistent across all project types, suggesting strong operational processes rather than diluted focus.
Looking for the Best?
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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