Compare Local Pros
Got Watts? vs Hci Solar
Contra Costa Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Got Watts offers broader electrical services with 12 years experience, while HCI Solar specializes exclusively in solar with 9 years and more hands-on owner involvement.
| Got Watts? | Hci Solar | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.9 | ★ 4.9 |
| Years Licensed | 12 years | 9 years |
| License # | 985920 | 1024165 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Pleasant Hill, CA | Walnut Creek, CA |
| Website | www.gotwatts.com | www.hcisolarca.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Got Watts?
Got Watts customers consistently praise transparent pricing, no-pressure sales, regular project updates, and professional installation crews who deliver neat workmanship across diverse project types.
Hci Solar
HCI Solar customers highlight responsive communication, thorough customer education about system options, efficient permitting, and hands-on owner involvement in problem-solving throughout the project lifecycle.
Key Takeaway: Got Watts operates with professional crews and moderate owner involvement across varied electrical projects, while HCI Solar features high owner engagement focused exclusively on educating customers about solar system optimization and configurations.
Customer Reviews
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...
Hci Solar
I recently worked with HCI Solar for a home solar installation and couldn't be happier. Anthony was always quick to respond and explained everything clearly. They got our permits in weeks and installe...
We had a great experience working with Anthony on optimizing the amount of both solar panels for daily use and batteries in case of a blackout. He was very responsive to our follow-up questions via te...
Amazing service! I cant recommend them enough!
Consider Got Watts? if...
- ✓ Your project extends beyond solar alone, such as combining panel installation with electrical panel upgrades, EV charger installation, HVAC work, or other electrical improvements in a single coordinated project.
- ✓ Your home has older electrical infrastructure that may require upgrades or modifications during solar installation, benefiting from Got Watts' 12 years of troubleshooting experience across diverse electrical systems.
- ✓ You value having one contractor relationship for ongoing electrical needs rather than managing separate specialists, as customers return to Got Watts for various projects over time.
- ✓ You prefer transparent multi-option proposals with professional installation crews rather than intensive owner interaction throughout the process.
Consider Hci Solar if...
- ✓ Your project is exclusively solar panels and battery storage with no additional electrical work needed, allowing you to benefit from HCI Solar's concentrated expertise in photovoltaic systems.
- ✓ You want high owner involvement and hands-on problem solving throughout your project, as HCI Solar demonstrates direct engagement when issues arise.
- ✓ Understanding solar-specific regulations and optimization strategies like NEM 3.0 is important to you, and you value extensive customer education about panel configurations and battery backup approaches.
- ✓ You prefer working with a specialist who focuses solely on solar technology rather than a contractor juggling multiple service lines.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Got Watts how they coordinate solar installations with their other electrical services and whether the same crew handles all project types or if solar has dedicated installers.
- → Ask HCI Solar how they handle situations requiring electrical work beyond solar scope, such as panel upgrades or service complications, and which local electricians they partner with.
- → Ask both companies for references from solar projects completed in the past year, specifically requesting contacts with homes similar in age and electrical configuration to yours.
- → Ask about their experience with your specific panel brand preferences and battery systems, and how they approach system sizing for both daily use and emergency backup scenarios.
The Bottom Line
For solar-only installations on newer homes where you value intensive owner involvement and solar-specific expertise, HCI Solar delivers focused specialization with detailed customer education. However, for most homeowners, Got Watts presents a stronger overall choice: their 12 years experience provides greater exposure to complex electrical scenarios, their full-service capabilities eliminate coordination headaches when projects expand beyond solar, and their transparent pricing with professional crews offers a more streamlined experience. If your project includes any electrical work beyond panels and batteries, or if your home has older infrastructure that may present complications, Got Watts' versatility and additional experience become particularly valuable. Contact Got Watts first unless you specifically want solar-only specialization with high owner interaction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this creates a practical tradeoff. Got Watts can address electrical complications during installation without bringing in another contractor, and serves as your long-term electrical resource for future projects. HCI Solar's exclusive focus means deeper expertise in solar-specific optimization, regulatory changes, and system troubleshooting, but you'll need separate contractors for non-solar electrical work. Choose based on whether your project scope extends beyond panels and batteries.
The gap matters most if your home has older electrical systems or potential hidden issues. Got Watts' additional three years means more exposure to complications like outdated panels, unusual wiring configurations, and structural challenges that can surface during installations. For straightforward installations on newer homes with modern electrical systems, both companies have sufficient experience. Ask each about their specific experience with homes built in your home's era.
Got Watts clearly handles this better as they regularly install EV chargers as part of their service mix, appearing specifically in their project list. HCI Solar focuses exclusively on solar and battery systems, so you'd either need to hire a separate electrician for the EV charger or ask if they can accommodate it as an add-on. Coordinating both through Got Watts eliminates the hassle of managing multiple contractors and ensures integrated electrical planning.
Got Watts emphasizes transparent pricing, no-pressure sales, and multiple design options delivered by professional installation crews with moderate owner involvement. HCI Solar features high owner involvement with intensive customer education, detailed system explanations, and hands-on problem solving when issues arise. If you want a streamlined professional crew experience, lean toward Got Watts. If you prefer direct owner engagement and extensive solar education throughout the process, HCI Solar matches that preference better.
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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