Compare Local Pros
Got Watts? vs Northstar Solar
Contra Costa Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Got Watts brings broader experience with 12 years licensed and handles diverse electrical projects beyond solar, while Northstar Solar specializes specifically in solar installations with high owner involvement.
| Got Watts? | Northstar Solar | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.9 | ★ 4.7 |
| Years Licensed | 12 years | 10 years |
| License # | 985920 | 1006316 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Pleasant Hill, CA | Danville, CA |
| Website | www.gotwatts.com | www.gonorthstarsolar.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Got Watts?
Customers appreciate Got Watts' detailed proposals with multiple design options, transparent pricing without sales pressure, and professional installation crews who maintain regular communication across diverse electrical project types.
Northstar Solar
Customers value Northstar Solar's thorough video consultations analyzing energy usage, responsive communication throughout the solar-specific installation process, and efficient project completion with competitive pricing.
Key Takeaway: Got Watts customers frequently return for additional projects spanning HVAC, electrical upgrades, and system expansions, while Northstar Solar customers emphasize the depth of solar-specific consultation and energy optimization expertise.
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...
Northstar Solar
I never write reviews, but NorthStar Solar truly earned it. After soliciting multiple bids, Patrick stood out right away - he took the time to do a Zoom call to understand my property and my goals ins...
I had a great experience with my solar and battery installation. The team was very knowledgeable and responsive. The whole installation was very fast from start to finish.
I had a solar system installed by Northstar Solar this past winter, and I am thoroughly impressed with their service. I obtained several bids from different companies, Northstar Solar's bid stood out ...
Consider Got Watts? if...
- ✓ You need solar installation combined with other electrical work like panel upgrades, EV charger installation, HVAC system integration, or whole-house electrical improvements that benefit from a single contractor coordinating everything
- ✓ Your home has older electrical infrastructure that may require assessment and upgrades before or during solar installation, where Got Watts' broader electrical expertise provides added value
- ✓ You anticipate future electrical projects beyond solar and prefer establishing a relationship with one contractor who handles diverse work types
- ✓ You value a contractor with slightly more years of licensed experience navigating complex electrical code requirements and system integration challenges
Consider Northstar Solar if...
- ✓ Your project is strictly solar panel and battery installation without additional electrical work, where Northstar Solar's focused specialization delivers deep photovoltaic system expertise
- ✓ You want high owner involvement with detailed video consultations specifically analyzing your energy usage patterns and solar production optimization
- ✓ You're comparing multiple equipment configurations and battery options, benefiting from a contractor whose entire business model centers on solar system design and selection
- ✓ Your timeline is tight and you value efficient solar-specific installation processes, as reflected in customer feedback about Northstar's project completion speed
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Got Watts how they coordinate solar installations with potential panel upgrades or other electrical work, and whether bundling services provides cost advantages over separate contractors
- → Ask Northstar Solar how they handle situations requiring electrical panel upgrades or system modifications beyond the solar installation itself
- → Request references from each company for projects similar in scope to yours, particularly if your installation involves complications like older electrical systems, tile roofs, or challenging layouts
- → Clarify each company's warranty structure for equipment and installation workmanship, and how they handle service calls if issues arise after completion
The Bottom Line
Choose Got Watts if your project extends beyond solar installation to include panel upgrades, EV chargers, HVAC work, or other electrical improvements where their 12 years of diverse electrical experience and multi-service capability deliver efficiency and coordination advantages. Choose Northstar Solar if you're strictly installing solar panels and batteries, value high owner involvement with detailed energy consultations, and want a contractor whose entire business specializes in photovoltaic system optimization. Both are properly credentialed, established contractors with strong customer feedback. The decision hinges on project scope: Got Watts for comprehensive electrical needs, Northstar Solar for dedicated solar expertise. Request detailed proposals from both, ensuring Got Watts addresses any electrical upgrades your solar installation may require, and confirming Northstar Solar's approach if your home needs panel work or system modifications.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Got Watts' broader electrical background provides advantages when solar projects intersect with panel upgrades, HVAC integration, or whole-home electrical improvements. However, Northstar Solar's dedicated focus means their entire operation specializes in solar system optimization and photovoltaic equipment selection. The better choice depends on whether your project is strictly solar or involves multiple electrical systems requiring coordination.
Customer feedback mentions competitive pricing for Northstar Solar compared to other solar companies, suggesting their focused business model may deliver cost efficiency for standard solar installations. Got Watts may provide better value when bundling solar with other electrical projects under one contract. Get detailed proposals from both to compare actual costs for your specific scope.
Both companies receive positive feedback about managing permitting and utility coordination processes while keeping customers informed. Got Watts handles permits across diverse project types including solar, while Northstar Solar processes solar-specific permits as their core business activity. Either should navigate these requirements effectively for your solar installation.
For straightforward rooftop solar on newer homes with adequate electrical capacity, both contractors have sufficient experience. The additional two years becomes more relevant when installations involve complications like older electrical panels, unusual roof configurations, or integration with multiple systems where Got Watts' broader diagnostic experience provides added value.
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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