Compare Local Pros
Northstar Solar vs Sol R Us
Contra Costa Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Northstar Solar brings twice the licensing experience (10 years vs 5), which matters for navigating complex permitting and utility coordination issues.
| Northstar Solar | Sol R Us | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.7 | ★ 4.8 |
| Years Licensed | 10 years | 5 years |
| License # | 1006316 | 1077212 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Danville, CA | Concord, CA |
| Website | www.gonorthstarsolar.com | solrusengineering.net |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Northstar Solar
Customers consistently praise Northstar Solar's thorough consultation process, transparent communication throughout projects, and seamless management of permitting and utility coordination.
Sol R Us
Customers highlight Sol R Us's transparent pricing without sales pressure, careful attention to roof work quality, and technical knowledge, though some note communication challenges with upgrades and monitoring.
Key Takeaway: Northstar receives stronger feedback for project communication and process management, while Sol R Us stands out for technical transparency and verified craftsmanship quality on structural work.
Customer Reviews
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 ...
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 Northstar Solar if...
- ✓ Your home has potential complications like older electrical systems, HOA restrictions, or unusual roof configurations where a decade of problem-solving experience becomes valuable
- ✓ You prioritize a contractor with extensive experience navigating utility approval processes and permitting requirements in Contra Costa County
- ✓ You want detailed video consultations to review energy usage patterns and system options before committing
- ✓ Consistent communication throughout the project matters more to you than having all trades directly in-house
Consider Sol R Us if...
- ✓ Your project requires both electrical upgrades and roofing work, and you prefer one crew handling all components without subcontractor coordination
- ✓ You're comparing multiple solar companies and want transparent technical details and pricing without sales pressure
- ✓ You plan to expand your system or add battery storage later and want a contractor you've already worked with
- ✓ You value having electricians and roofers employed directly by the same company for accountability on structural work
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Sol R Us about their communication protocols for system monitoring notifications and upgrade coordination, given customer feedback noting occasional challenges in these areas
- → Ask Northstar Solar which brands of panels and batteries they currently recommend and whether equipment is in stock or requires ordering
- → Ask both contractors for references from projects similar to yours in age of home and complexity, particularly if your project involves panel upgrades or roof complications
- → Ask how each company handles warranty claims and ongoing service needs after installation is complete
The Bottom Line
Northstar Solar is the stronger choice for most homeowners, particularly those with older homes or projects requiring extensive permitting coordination. Their 10 years of licensing history means they've encountered more installation complications and utility coordination issues, and customer feedback consistently highlights their seamless handling of these processes. Choose Sol R Us if your project specifically benefits from having electricians and roofers directly employed by the same company, such as installations requiring significant electrical upgrades or roof repairs. Both are competent, insured contractors, but Northstar's additional five years of experience provides more reassurance for complex projects or situations where problems need creative solutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your project complexity. If you have a straightforward installation on a newer home, Sol R Us's integrated crews handle everything efficiently. If your home presents challenges like outdated electrical, complex permitting situations, or unusual configurations, Northstar's decade of experience encountering and solving these issues becomes more valuable. For most standard residential installations, both have sufficient expertise.
You get single-point accountability when electrical and roofing work happens under one company rather than coordinating subcontractors. If issues arise during installation requiring additional roof repairs or panel upgrades, Sol R Us can address them immediately without waiting for another company to schedule. This typically means faster project completion and clearer responsibility if problems occur later.
Some customers noted issues with communication specifically around system monitoring and certain upgrades, not with the core installation work. Ask Sol R Us directly about their process for handling post-installation communications and system monitoring setup. This appears to be a process issue rather than a technical competency concern, and knowing their current protocols will help you decide if it's adequately addressed.
Sol R Us has a specific advantage here since their in-house roofers can directly assess and address roof issues during panel removal, eliminating coordination with separate roofing contractors. Both companies successfully complete these projects, but Sol R Us's integrated approach streamlines the process when roofing work is involved. If you're only removing panels for another contractor to replace your roof, both handle the solar work equally well.
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 08, 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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