Compare Local Pros
Aztec Solar vs AA1 Developers
Sacramento Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Aztec Solar brings 37 years of solar-specific experience with workers comp coverage, while AA1 Developers offers 4 years of general contracting without workers comp insurance.
| Aztec Solar | AA1 Developers | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.2 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 37 years | 4 years |
| License # | 550110 | 1085843 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | — |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Rancho Cordova, CA | Citrus Heights, CA |
| Website | aztecsolar.com | aa1developersinc.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Aztec Solar
Customers consistently praise professional crews, educational sales approach, and coordinated project execution including HOA and utility requirements, though some note post-installation service challenges.
AA1 Developers
Customers emphasize the owner's direct involvement, sincere dedication, and responsive communication throughout projects with dependable completion.
Key Takeaway: Aztec Solar's reviews reflect organizational infrastructure handling complex coordination, while AA1 Developers' feedback centers on personal owner attention and hands-on project management.
Customer Reviews
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.
AA1 Developers
Does amazing work supper nice guy , would highly recommend to anyone that needs work done !!
He did an excellent job on the remodeling of my house.
Does good quality work
Consider Aztec Solar if...
- ✓ Your roof is older or you anticipate complications like structural reinforcement, electrical upgrades, or working around multiple roof penetrations where decades of diagnostic experience matters
- ✓ Workers compensation coverage is non-negotiable for your risk tolerance, especially for roof-mounted systems with significant fall hazards
- ✓ You need established relationships with utility companies, HOA approval processes, or battery backup integration across multiple manufacturers
- ✓ Post-installation service matters to you, as Aztec Solar has infrastructure for maintaining systems years after installation
Consider AA1 Developers if...
- ✓ You prefer working directly with the owner throughout your project and value that personal attention over larger operational infrastructure
- ✓ Your project is straightforward ground-mount solar without complex roof work or structural unknowns
- ✓ You've confirmed your homeowner's insurance provides adequate coverage for contractor injuries and accept that liability risk
- ✓ You're comfortable with a growing company that may have fewer completed projects to reference but offers competitive attentiveness
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask AA1 Developers specifically about liability insurance coverage and verify with your homeowner's policy whether you're protected if a worker is injured during installation
- → Ask AA1 Developers for references from solar projects completed in the past year, particularly any that involved unexpected complications and how they were resolved
- → Ask Aztec Solar about their typical crew size and timeline for your specific project type, given their larger operational scale
- → Ask both companies how they handle roof penetrations and what warranty they provide on waterproofing and structural integrity after installation
The Bottom Line
Aztec Solar is the stronger choice for most homeowners, particularly for roof-mounted systems or projects with any complexity. Their 37 years of solar-specific experience means they've diagnosed complications you don't know to look for yet, and their workers comp coverage eliminates a significant liability risk. The company has infrastructure for HOA coordination, utility interconnection, and post-installation service that reflects organizational maturity. Consider AA1 Developers only if you're doing straightforward ground-mount solar, have verified your liability coverage for contractor injuries, prefer direct owner involvement, and understand you're working with a company still building its project portfolio. For most Sacramento homeowners needing solar this week, Aztec Solar's combination of specialization, protection, and proven track record provides meaningfully better risk management.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Both matter, but Aztec Solar's longevity means they've installed systems across multiple technology generations and, critically, serviced aging systems to understand failure modes. They've diagnosed thousands of roof conditions and electrical panel limitations that only reveal themselves during installation. Newer companies can learn current equipment, but pattern recognition for complications comes from volume and years.
It's a significant liability concern. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor lacks workers comp, your homeowner's insurance may be pursued for medical bills, lost wages, and potentially permanent disability costs. Solar installation involves roof work with real fall risks. You should contact your insurance agent to understand your exposure before hiring any contractor without workers comp coverage.
Owner involvement can mean responsive communication and personal accountability, which AA1's reviews confirm. However, Aztec Solar's reviews specifically mention strong communication despite their size, plus they have infrastructure for complex coordination like HOA approvals and utility interconnection that a smaller operation may handle less routinely. The tradeoff depends on whether you value direct owner access over organizational depth.
AA1 Developers can certainly complete standard installations professionally, as their reviews indicate. The difference emerges when hidden issues arise—outdated electrical panels, roof structural inadequacies, or utility interconnection problems. Aztec Solar has encountered these scenarios hundreds of times and developed solutions; AA1 Developers may be problem-solving some issues for the first or tenth time. Ask AA1 specifically about complications they've handled on past projects.
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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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