Compare Local Pros
AAA Steiners Solar Service vs Ilum Energy Solutions
Sacramento Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
AAA Steiners brings 19 years of solar experience versus Ilum's 4 years, a meaningful difference when navigating complex installations and long-term system performance.
| AAA Steiners Solar Service | Ilum Energy Solutions | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.6 | ★ 4.6 |
| Years Licensed | 19 years | 4 years |
| License # | 887507 | 1092865 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Sacramento, CA | Sacramento, CA |
| Website | steinersolar.com | ilumsolar.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
AAA Steiners Solar Service
Customers emphasize thorough consultations with direct owner involvement, responsive service callbacks, and competitive pricing compared to larger solar companies.
Ilum Energy Solutions
Customers consistently highlight remarkably fast installation timelines, professional communication throughout permitting, and successful battery storage integration projects.
Key Takeaway: AAA Steiners builds long-term service relationships with repeat customers over years, while Ilum focuses on quick project turnarounds and modern battery technology expertise.
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...
Ilum Energy Solutions
I had solar installed at my home. So far it has been great, and service has been great. Thank you Broc!
Knowledgeable, patient, professional, great team, fully understand Solar.
Would have been a 5, but read on. Had ilum solar do a solar system on my roof and had no trouble initially, then had 1 issue with them regarding MPU (master panel upgrade). That issue resulted in th...
Consider AAA Steiners Solar Service if...
- ✓ Your roof is older or may have hidden structural issues that require experienced diagnosis before panel installation
- ✓ You value direct owner involvement throughout the sales, consultation, and service process
- ✓ You're comparing quotes from large solar companies and want competitive pricing from an established local contractor
- ✓ You need ongoing maintenance or repair work and prefer a company with nearly two decades of local presence for long-term accountability
Consider Ilum Energy Solutions if...
- ✓ Your timeline is tight and you need installation completed quickly without sacrificing workmanship quality
- ✓ You're specifically interested in battery storage integration or expanding an existing solar system
- ✓ You prefer a company that's built its reputation during the current generation of solar and battery technology
- ✓ Clear communication throughout permitting and inspection processes is your top priority
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask AAA Steiners how they approach projects involving battery storage systems, since Ilum shows more explicit battery integration experience in recent work
- → Ask Ilum for references from projects completed in their first year of operation and how their installation crews have evolved over 4 years
- → Ask both companies about their typical installation timelines and what could cause delays specific to your property
- → Ask about warranty service procedures and how each company handles system issues that arise 5-10 years after installation
The Bottom Line
If you're hiring a solar contractor this week, AAA Steiners Solar Service is the lower-risk choice for most homeowners. Their 19 years of experience provides meaningful protection against complications, their owner-involved model ensures accountability, and their competitive pricing makes the veteran experience accessible. Choose Ilum Energy Solutions if your timeline is urgent and you need fast installation, or if battery storage integration is central to your project and you value a company that's grown up with current battery technology. For complex properties, older roofs, or homeowners who prioritize long-term local presence for warranty service, AAA Steiners' nearly two decades of operations offer clearer peace of mind.
Get Up to 3 Free Quotes
Compare prices from licensed, verified contractors
Frequently Asked Questions
For a simple installation on a new roof with no complications, both contractors can handle the work professionally. However, experience becomes critical when your project encounters the unexpected: discovering roof repairs needed before panels go up, navigating utility interconnection delays, or troubleshooting system performance issues. AAA Steiners has nearly two decades of problem-solving experience that younger contractors simply haven't accumulated yet.
Customer feedback specifically highlights Ilum's fast installation timelines as a standout feature, which may reflect their focused business model and streamlined processes. AAA Steiners emphasizes thorough consultations and owner involvement, which could mean a more deliberate pace. Fast isn't always better if it means less consultation time, but if you're comparing similar project scopes, ask both companies directly about their typical timelines and what drives the difference.
Ilum shows explicit experience with battery storage installations and system expansions in customer feedback, suggesting this is a current focus area. AAA Steiners has 19 years of solar experience but less visible battery work in recent reviews. If battery integration is your primary need, Ilum may have more current expertise, though AAA Steiners' overall experience shouldn't be discounted for complex electrical work.
Customers consistently mention direct interaction with the business owner during consultations and sales at AAA Steiners, which typically means more accountability and continuity throughout your project. This can be valuable for custom requests or addressing concerns, but may also mean less standardized processes compared to a growing company building operational systems. Ask specifically who you'll communicate with during different project phases at both companies.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top solar contractors in Sacramento.
Other Sacramento Solar Contractors Comparisons
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 12, 2026.
This comparison is based on publicly available information. We recommend getting multiple quotes and verifying all credentials directly before hiring.
Get in Touch
Have questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.