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California Solar vs Five Star Solar
Sacramento Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Five Star Solar brings 20 years of licensing experience compared to California Solar's three years, with proven speed and pricing advantages.
| California Solar | Five Star Solar | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 4.9 |
| Years Licensed | 3 years | 20 years |
| License # | 1103250 | 873535 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | North Highlands, CA | Elk Grove, CA |
| Website | ca-solar.com | www.fivestarssolar.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
California Solar
Customers emphasize California Solar's professional consultation process and knowledgeable staff who take time to design systems tailored to specific energy needs.
Five Star Solar
Customers consistently highlight Five Star Solar's competitive pricing, remarkably fast installation completion, and thorough communication with detailed project updates throughout the process.
Key Takeaway: Five Star Solar demonstrates operational efficiency with one-to-two-day installation timelines and ongoing customer relationships years after completion, while California Solar focuses on consultative design work without established speed benchmarks.
Customer Reviews
California Solar
Commercial solar energy provider San Bernardino CA 1. I’m impressed by the professionalism and follow-through. California Solar Integrators helped us make a smooth transition to clean energy in San ...
Will is extremely knowledgeable and will do everything in his power to make the right system work for your particular needs. Highly recommend!
Five Star Solar
The folks at Five Star Solar were professional, experienced, fast, organized, and available for questions and communication. My solar system has been working flawlessly since they installed it. I had ...
In October 2025, I saw an ad about installing solar panels. I called my company, and they filed for bankruptcy. I called other companies, and they told me that they won't finish by December deadline f...
Like so many of us that were going to do some type of solar project at some point we now had to scramble to get our solar projects completed by year end due to the abandonment of the Tax Credit. I was...
Consider California Solar if...
- ✓ You're pursuing a commercial solar project where California Solar's documented commercial experience may provide relevant expertise not clearly established with Five Star Solar's residential focus
- ✓ You value a newer company's flexibility and consultative approach over established processes, particularly if you have unique system requirements that benefit from customized attention
- ✓ You're willing to accept less track record in exchange for working with a growing contractor who may offer more personalized service during the early growth phase
Consider Five Star Solar if...
- ✓ You want the fastest installation timeline possible, as Five Star Solar consistently completes projects in one to two days compared to unspecified timelines from California Solar
- ✓ You're navigating HOA approval requirements or taking over a project from another contractor, situations where Five Star Solar has demonstrated specific problem-solving capability
- ✓ You prioritize competitive pricing and want a contractor with 20 years of experience diagnosing potential roof issues, electrical complications, or permitting problems before they delay your project
- ✓ You value high owner involvement and ongoing support, as customers report Five Star Solar maintains contact years after installation
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask California Solar for references from projects completed in the past year that match your specific situation, and inquire about their average installation timeline
- → Ask Five Star Solar about their experience with commercial projects if yours involves business property, given their clear residential focus
- → Request detailed project timelines from both companies and ask what typically causes delays in their installations
- → Verify how each company handles warranty service and system support after installation completion
The Bottom Line
Five Star Solar is the stronger choice for most residential solar projects in Sacramento County. Their 20 years of licensing experience, consistent track record of fast installations, competitive pricing, and demonstrated ability to handle complex situations like HOA approvals provide meaningful advantages over California Solar's three-year history. The veteran contractor's high owner involvement and ongoing customer support further reduce risk for a major home investment. Consider California Solar primarily if you're pursuing a commercial solar project where their documented commercial experience applies, or if you specifically value working with a smaller, growing company. For standard residential installations where speed, pricing, and deep experience matter, Five Star Solar's two-decade track record makes them the more reliable choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it matters significantly for solar installations. A 20-year track record means Five Star Solar has handled California's multiple incentive program changes, encountered countless roof conditions, and developed efficient permitting relationships that speed completion. Newer contractors can deliver quality work but lack the pattern recognition that helps veterans anticipate and prevent problems before they cause delays or added costs.
Solar equipment warranties come from manufacturers, not installers, so your panels and inverters are protected regardless. The concern is whether California Solar will still be operating in 10 years when you need service support. Five Star Solar's 20-year history suggests greater business stability, and customers report they maintain contact years after installation for ongoing questions and system adjustments.
No, their residential specialization is actually an advantage for homeowners. Five Star Solar has refined their residential process over two decades, resulting in the fast one-to-two-day installations customers consistently mention. California Solar serves both commercial and residential clients, which provides breadth but may not offer the same depth of residential-specific optimization.
Installation speed reflects operational efficiency and directly affects your inconvenience. Five Star Solar's consistent one-to-two-day completions mean less time with crews on your property and faster activation of your system. Speed also suggests the company has streamlined permitting and inspection processes. However, verify that faster timelines don't compromise workmanship quality by asking for references and checking their installation warranty terms.
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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 12, 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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