Compare Local Pros
Sol R Us vs Solar Technologies
Contra Costa Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Solar Technologies brings 17 years of solar experience versus Sol R Us's 5 years, which matters significantly when navigating complex permitting and troubleshooting problems.
| Sol R Us | Solar Technologies | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.8 | ★ 4.5 |
| Years Licensed | 5 years | 17 years |
| License # | 1077212 | 932914 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Concord, CA | San Ramon, CA |
| Website | solrusengineering.net | solartechnologies.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Sol R Us
Customers emphasize Sol R Us's transparent pricing approach and careful workmanship during installations, with notable repeat business for expansions and battery additions.
Solar Technologies
Customers highlight Solar Technologies' educational sales process and thorough handling of permitting complexities, along with established maintenance and troubleshooting services.
Key Takeaway: Sol R Us receives specific praise for pricing transparency and in-house roof work quality, while Solar Technologies is more frequently mentioned for navigating complex municipal requirements and providing ongoing post-installation support services.
Customer Reviews
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...
Solar Technologies
We're very happy with the personal attention we got from Liz at Solar Technologies. Every step of the way, from the original quote through the permitting and installation, went smoothly. Working with ...
One of the smoothest and stress free jobs I’ve ever experienced. Very knowledgeable and helpful technicians and customer service
Great company to work with. Sara was very helpful in scheduling and going over the work. Javier is an amazing guy - one man army - who can accomplish a lot of things including installation, checking, ...
Consider Sol R Us if...
- ✓ Your roof may need attention during installation, and Sol R Us's in-house roofing crew can identify and address structural issues without coordinating separate contractors, streamlining the project
- ✓ You prioritize detailed pricing transparency upfront, as customers specifically mention Sol R Us provides technical explanations rather than typical sales approaches
- ✓ You're planning future expansions or battery additions and value the pattern of customers returning to Sol R Us for additional work
- ✓ You want a smaller, high-involvement contractor where owner engagement is notably high throughout the project
Consider Solar Technologies if...
- ✓ Your project involves complex permitting situations, HOA approvals, or municipal requirements where Solar Technologies' 17 years of local experience navigating these processes provides meaningful advantage
- ✓ You want a contractor who will be around for the 25-year lifespan of your system and has already demonstrated longevity through nearly two decades of solar industry changes
- ✓ You anticipate needing ongoing maintenance services like panel cleaning, critter guards, or troubleshooting, which Solar Technologies actively provides as established service lines
- ✓ Your installation involves newer equipment technologies or complex system designs where veteran experience diagnosing problems matters significantly
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Sol R Us how they handle complex permitting situations and HOA approvals with their five years of experience, and request references from projects with similar requirements
- → Ask Solar Technologies about their typical project timelines and how they communicate during permit delays, as this appears in customer feedback as a concern
- → Ask both companies what happens if your inverter fails in year 10 or you need troubleshooting—how long have their service teams been together and what's their response time for issues?
- → Ask Sol R Us specifically about their subcontracting relationships if electrical or roofing issues exceed their in-house capabilities
The Bottom Line
Solar Technologies' 17-year track record provides meaningful advantages for most homeowners—deeper permitting knowledge, proven longevity through industry changes, and established post-installation service capabilities that matter over your system's 25-year lifespan. However, Sol R Us offers a compelling alternative if your roof condition is questionable or you value their in-house roofing/electrical integration and transparent pricing approach. For straightforward installations on newer roofs, either company has the qualifications to complete quality work. For complex permitting, older homes, or situations where veteran troubleshooting experience matters, Solar Technologies' additional 12 years in the industry is the deciding factor. Schedule consultations with both, ask about their specific experience with projects like yours, and assess which company's strengths align with your actual project requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For a simple installation on a newer roof with straightforward permitting, the gap matters less. However, Solar Technologies' 17 years means they've seen multiple equipment generations, handled evolving utility interconnection requirements, and diagnosed problems across various system types—experience that becomes critical when anything deviates from straightforward. If your project involves older roof structures, complex electrical panel upgrades, or municipal permitting challenges, that veteran knowledge provides tangible value.
Both companies handle battery additions—Sol R Us has customers specifically returning for storage expansions, and Solar Technologies lists system expansions as an established service. Sol R Us's in-house electrical crew may streamline the panel upgrade work often needed for batteries. Ask both companies about their experience with your specific battery brand and whether they'll warranty the integration with your existing system.
If your roof is older than 10 years or you're uncertain about its condition, Sol R Us's in-house roofing capability is genuinely valuable—they can address decking issues or flashing problems immediately rather than stopping work to coordinate subcontractors. If your roof is newer and in good condition, Solar Technologies' deeper solar-specific experience with permitting and equipment troubleshooting likely provides more long-term value. Consider which risk is more relevant to your specific situation.
Communication during permit delays appears to be an industry-wide challenge rather than company-specific failures, as both receive this feedback despite otherwise strong reviews. The key is setting expectations upfront—ask each company about their typical permit timelines with your specific municipality, how they communicate status updates, and who your point of contact will be during waiting periods. Their answers will tell you more than the reviews do.
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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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