High Definition Solar vs Sol R Us
Contra Costa Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
High Definition Solar brings 16 years of licensing versus Sol R Us's 5 years, a meaningful difference for handling complex installations and long-term warranties.
| High Definition Solar | Sol R Us | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.1 | ★ 4.8 |
| Years Licensed | 16 years | 5 years |
| License # | 949189 | 1077212 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Concord, CA | Concord, CA |
| Website | highdefinitionsolar.com | solrusengineering.net |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
High Definition Solar
Customers praise High Definition Solar's no-pressure sales approach and quick installation completion, though some note service responsiveness declines on systems several years old.
Sol R Us
Sol R Us receives consistent feedback on transparent pricing details and careful workmanship, with customers specifically mentioning they compared multiple companies before choosing based on equipment quality.
Key Takeaway: High Definition Solar's pattern shows established processes with some aging customer service challenges, while Sol R Us demonstrates newer company attentiveness with less proof of long-term reliability.
Customer Reviews
High Definition Solar
Super effort to install my job on the scheduled day. The crew arrived at exactly 8:oo AM as promised and were completely finished at 2:00 pm. Everything worked! The crew was very professional. I aam ...
Quick response, took time to explain the process and were able to process everything on time. It went smoothly. Jairo was super helpful and patient!
We had HD Solar do a big install for us in Richmond California. They did a great job, very professional, and we love saving huge amounts of money of electricity now! Plus, no more power outages due to...
Sol R Us
SOL R US Electrical Engineering Review Our experience with SOL R US was excellent from start to finish. Daniel, Chris, Jessica and their in-house crew of Electricians and Roofers are all amazing peop...
I was very satisfied with this install. It's been a year with no issues. Reliable customer service and on site electrician was good. The installation team knew how to walk on our old tile roof and bro...
Very well planned system and execution. The team is open, transparent, proactive, and professional. I had about 8 different offers, and while this system was the most expensive, the cost per kw was...
Consider High Definition Solar if...
- ✓ Your roof is older or has unknown condition issues where High Definition Solar's 16 years of experience diagnosing hidden damage during installations provides meaningful risk reduction
- ✓ You value proven longevity for warranty claims, as the company has actively serviced systems for over a decade and maintains relationships with customers from 2012 installations
- ✓ You want a contractor who emphasizes right-sizing systems to actual electricity usage rather than maximizing panel counts, reducing upfront costs and equipment needs
- ✓ Your project timeline extends years ahead and you prioritize working with a veteran company that has weathered market changes and technology transitions
Consider Sol R Us if...
- ✓ You want integrated in-house crews rather than subcontractors, as Sol R Us employs their own electricians and roofers for tighter quality control when structural and electrical work overlap
- ✓ High owner involvement matters to you, with direct access to decision-makers throughout your project rather than working through layers of sales and project management
- ✓ You prioritize transparent pricing breakdowns and detailed technical comparisons, which customers specifically highlight as Sol R Us's strength during the selection process
- ✓ Your project requires coordination between electrical upgrades and solar installation, where their combined expertise handles panel upgrades and roof work simultaneously
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask High Definition Solar how they handle service requests for systems more than 5 years old, given customer feedback noting responsiveness challenges on aging installations
- → Ask Sol R Us for references from projects completed in their first two years of operation to understand how their systems have performed over time
- → Confirm with both companies what happens to warranties if they exit the solar business, and whether equipment warranties transfer directly to manufacturers
- → Ask about their specific experience with your roof type and age, requesting examples of similar projects where hidden issues were discovered and resolved
The Bottom Line
High Definition Solar is the stronger choice for most homeowners due to their 16-year track record, proven ability to service decade-old systems, and experience handling the unexpected issues that emerge during real-world installations. Their longevity provides meaningful protection for warranty claims and demonstrates they'll likely still answer the phone in 2035. Choose Sol R Us if you specifically value high owner involvement and integrated in-house crews for projects requiring tight coordination between electrical, roofing, and solar work, but understand you're accepting more risk regarding long-term business continuity. For standard residential installations on roofs with unknown condition, High Definition Solar's veteran status outweighs Sol R Us's structural advantages.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it matters significantly for non-standard situations. While both can handle straightforward installations, High Definition Solar's 16 years means they've encountered more edge cases like outdated electrical panels, unusual roof materials, and hidden structural issues that only reveal themselves when panels come off. They've also weathered equipment recalls and technology changes, which matters when you need service in year 8 of your warranty.
High Definition Solar's 16-year track record demonstrates survival through market downturns and policy changes, which reduces but doesn't eliminate risk. Sol R Us is only 5 years old and hasn't yet proven longevity, though their in-house crew model may provide more stability than companies relying on subcontractors. Ask both companies about their warranty transfer procedures and confirm your equipment warranties go directly to manufacturers.
In-house crews mean Sol R Us controls quality directly and can respond faster when roof issues emerge during installation, rather than coordinating with separate roofing subcontractors. This matters most if your roof needs simultaneous repairs or if electrical panel upgrades are required. High Definition Solar's model isn't necessarily worse, but you're relying on their subcontractor relationships for non-solar work.
The nature of the complaints differs meaningfully. High Definition Solar's communication gaps appear on older systems when customers need service years after installation, suggesting responsiveness challenges as their customer base grows. Sol R Us shows communication issues around specific upgrades and monitoring, which may reflect growing pains as a newer company. Ask both how they triage service requests and what response times you should expect after installation.
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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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