Compare Local Pros
Aztec Solar vs Bear Solar
Sacramento Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Aztec Solar brings 37 years of solar experience versus Bear Solar's 9 years, with Aztec handling broader project types including pool solar systems.
| Aztec Solar | Bear Solar | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.2 | ★ 4.1 |
| Years Licensed | 37 years | 9 years |
| License # | 550110 | 1028222 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Rancho Cordova, CA | Orangevale, CA |
| Website | aztecsolar.com | www.bearsolar.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Aztec Solar
Aztec Solar customers consistently highlight responsive communication throughout projects, professional installation crews who explain work, and efficient scheduling with successful HOA and contractor coordination.
Bear Solar
Bear Solar customers emphasize detailed software presentations showing energy projections, customized system designs for specific household needs, and effective utility company coordination for rebates and approvals.
Key Takeaway: Aztec receives more consistent mentions of ongoing communication and crew interaction during installation, while Bear Solar earns recognition for upfront presentation quality and customization planning.
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.
Bear Solar
Great service. Very pleased. Appreciate the savings and their ability to individualize and accommodate to our needs.
We now have a battery backup system (2 Powerwalls) thanks to Bear Solar's diligence with the installation, approval and in dealing with the power company in order to obtain our rebate. We are very ha...
Bear Solar was recommended by a friend. I am glad I went with my friend's recommendation! My experience with Bear Solar has been outstanding from start to completion of the project. Jorge was outstand...
Consider Aztec Solar if...
- ✓ Your project involves pool solar heating in addition to or instead of photovoltaic panels, which falls squarely in Aztec's specialized experience
- ✓ You value a contractor with decades of institutional knowledge to diagnose unexpected issues during installation, particularly if your roof is older or has unusual configurations
- ✓ Strong communication throughout the installation process matters to you, as customers repeatedly mention Aztec's responsiveness and crew willingness to answer questions on-site
- ✓ You need HOA coordination or multi-contractor scheduling, areas where Aztec has demonstrated successful navigation based on customer experiences
Consider Bear Solar if...
- ✓ You want detailed software-driven projections of your system's energy capacity and savings potential before committing, which Bear Solar emphasizes in their consultation process
- ✓ Your project involves Tesla Powerwall integration specifically, an area Bear Solar explicitly highlights in their service offerings
- ✓ You prefer a contractor with a focused specialization on photovoltaic and battery systems rather than a company handling multiple solar application types
- ✓ A 9-year track record provides sufficient reassurance for your risk tolerance on a standard residential solar installation
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Aztec about their current service department capacity and average response times for post-installation support, given some customer feedback mentions challenges in this area
- → Ask Bear Solar about their warranty service process and how they handle technical issues after installation is complete
- → Request references from projects completed in the past year that match your specific system type and complexity level
- → Clarify which team members will handle your project from consultation through completion and their individual experience levels
The Bottom Line
For most residential solar projects in Sacramento County, Aztec Solar's 37-year track record provides meaningfully greater reassurance than Bear Solar's 9 years, particularly if your installation involves complications, older homes, or pool solar systems. Aztec's consistent customer feedback about communication and professional crews also addresses common homeowner concerns during installation. Bear Solar remains a solid choice for straightforward photovoltaic and battery installations, especially if their detailed software presentations and Tesla Powerwall specialization align with your priorities. However, unless Bear Solar offers a significantly better price or timeline, Aztec's experience depth makes them the safer choice for most homeowners. Get quotes from both, but weight Aztec's decades of problem-solving experience heavily in your decision.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No, longevity means they've successfully adapted through multiple technology generations from early solar thermal to modern photovoltaic and battery systems. Their current project types include contemporary solutions like battery backup and variable speed pumps. Long-operating contractors have either evolved with technology or gone out of business.
Nine years represents legitimate experience in the solar industry with hundreds of completed projects. Bear Solar handles complex integrations like Tesla Powerwall systems and manages utility coordination effectively. However, they have less institutional knowledge for troubleshooting unusual complications compared to a 37-year veteran.
It's a common industry challenge rather than a unique red flag for either company. Address this directly by asking each contractor about their service department staffing, typical response times, and warranty terms. Get commitments in writing about post-installation support timelines before signing.
Aztec's broader service range demonstrates versatility and deeper solar expertise across applications, which can help if your photovoltaic project encounters complications. However, for a straightforward rooftop photovoltaic installation without complications, Bear Solar's focused specialization is equally appropriate.
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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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