Compare Local Pros
AAA Steiners Solar Service vs Aztec Solar
Sacramento Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Aztec Solar brings nearly twice the industry experience (37 years vs 19 years) and handles more complex solar projects including battery backup and ground mount systems.
| AAA Steiners Solar Service | Aztec Solar | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.6 | ★ 4.2 |
| Years Licensed | 19 years | 37 years |
| License # | 887507 | 550110 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Sacramento, CA | Rancho Cordova, CA |
| Website | steinersolar.com | aztecsolar.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
AAA Steiners Solar Service
Customers emphasize direct owner involvement, quick response times for service needs, and competitive pricing alongside professional installation quality.
Aztec Solar
Customers highlight educational sales consultations, professional installation crews who answer questions thoroughly, and strong coordination with HOAs and other contractors, though some note post-installation service inconsistencies.
Key Takeaway: AAA Steiners customers interact directly with the owner throughout the process and report same-day service responses, while Aztec customers work with professional sales representatives and installation teams with more structured but occasionally slower post-installation support.
Customer Reviews
AAA Steiners Solar Service
Steiner Solar has been keeping the solar panels for my pool up and running/repaired since 2005. Since I like my pool water Caribbean temp, I really appreciate their dedication. A special shoutout to M...
We hired Steiner’s to installed both solar for our house as well for our pool. We could not be more pleased with how the whole process went. Steve was the most thorough when coming out to house. He ...
Just finished installing a PV solar system with Steiner Solar. Overall I am very happy with the communication from Steve, craftsmanship from Mike and Drew, and now being able to generate our own elect...
Aztec Solar
We purchased a home with an unheated in-ground pool in Grass Valley. Discouraged by the thought of the ridiculous cost of gas heating the water, we looked into solar options. We called Aztec Solar and...
Aztec Solar came out and installed solar panels and a battery at our house. We were really happy with the whole process, they communicated well, did what they said they would and everything seems to b...
Easy to work with and transparent about what a system can realistically output.
Consider AAA Steiners Solar Service if...
- ✓ You're installing a standard rooftop solar PV system or pool solar heater without special complications like battery storage, ground mounting, or significant electrical panel work.
- ✓ Direct owner involvement throughout your project matters to you, and you value building a relationship with the person running the business rather than working primarily with sales representatives.
- ✓ You've received quotes from larger solar companies and want competitive pricing from an established contractor who can deliver quality work at a better rate.
- ✓ Quick response times for service calls and troubleshooting are a priority, particularly if you're adding solar to a pool system that needs seasonal attention.
Consider Aztec Solar if...
- ✓ Your project involves complexity beyond basic panel installation, such as battery backup integration, ground mount systems, service panel upgrades, or coordination with ongoing roof work.
- ✓ You're dealing with HOA requirements that need careful navigation, as Aztec has demonstrated experience managing architectural review processes and covenant restrictions.
- ✓ You want a contractor whose 37-year track record means they've handled nearly every scenario that can arise in solar installation, from unusual roof configurations to utility interconnection challenges.
- ✓ Your project timeline allows for working with a larger operation that may have more scheduling structure but proven installation team professionalism.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → For AAA Steiners: How do you handle projects requiring battery backup or service panel upgrades, and do you subcontract any portions of more complex electrical work?
- → For Aztec Solar: What is your typical response time for service calls on existing systems, and who handles post-installation support versus the installation crew?
- → For both: Can you provide references from projects completed in the last year that match my specific system type and roof configuration?
- → For both: How long has your current installation crew been working together, and will the same team handle my project from start to finish?
The Bottom Line
For straightforward residential solar installations where cost matters and you value direct owner interaction, AAA Steiners' 19 years of experience is more than sufficient, and their competitive pricing and responsive service model may serve you better. If your project involves battery backup, ground mounting, significant electrical work, or HOA coordination, Aztec Solar's 37-year track record and demonstrated expertise handling complex installations makes them the stronger choice despite potentially higher costs. Both are fully insured, properly bonded veterans in the industry. The decision comes down to project complexity and whether you prioritize cost and accessibility or maximum technical depth for complicated installations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For straightforward installations on newer homes with simple roof lines and adequate electrical panels, both companies have sufficient experience to do quality work. The experience gap becomes more valuable when complications arise during installation, such as discovering outdated wiring, dealing with unusual roof penetration requirements, or navigating utility interconnection problems that only years of real-world troubleshooting prepares you to solve efficiently.
Aztec Solar explicitly lists battery backup systems in their project portfolio with customer mentions of this work, indicating established expertise in this area. AAA Steiners' project descriptions focus on standard PV and pool solar installations without specific mention of battery integration. If battery backup is part of your initial plan or future consideration, ask AAA Steiners directly about their experience with these systems before deciding.
Customer feedback specifically mentions AAA Steiners offering competitive pricing compared to larger solar companies, suggesting potential cost advantages for standard installations. However, pricing depends heavily on your specific project scope, equipment choices, and current promotions. Get detailed quotes from both companies and compare not just total price but warranty terms, equipment brands, and what's included in post-installation service.
This depends on your personal preference and project complexity. AAA Steiners' high owner involvement means direct access to decision-making authority, which can speed up adjustments and ensure consistent communication. Aztec's larger operation with professional crews may offer more scheduling flexibility and specialized team members for different aspects of complex installations. Neither approach is inherently better, but consider which matches how you prefer to manage contractor relationships.
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See our ranked list of top solar contractors in Sacramento.
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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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