Compare Local Pros
Five Star Solar vs AA1 Developers
Sacramento Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Five Star Solar brings 20 years of solar-specific licensing and workers comp coverage versus AA1 Developers' 4 years as a general contractor without workers comp.
| Five Star Solar | AA1 Developers | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.9 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 20 years | 4 years |
| License # | 873535 | 1085843 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | — |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Elk Grove, CA | Citrus Heights, CA |
| Website | www.fivestarssolar.com | aa1developersinc.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Five Star Solar
Customers consistently praise Five Star Solar for rapid installation timelines, competitive pricing, detailed solar education during consultations, and professional crew workmanship.
AA1 Developers
Customers highlight AA1 Developers' professional communication, owner responsiveness, and dependable project completion across varied work types.
Key Takeaway: Five Star Solar's feedback emphasizes solar-specific strengths like installation speed and technical knowledge, while AA1 Developers receives praise for general professionalism without the depth of solar-focused execution details.
Customer Reviews
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...
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 Five Star Solar if...
- ✓ Your solar project involves complexities like HOA approvals, roof age concerns, or taking over an incomplete installation from another contractor, where Five Star Solar's 20 years of problem-solving experience becomes valuable.
- ✓ You want to minimize liability risk, as Five Star Solar's workers compensation coverage protects you if crew members are injured during installation on your property.
- ✓ Installation speed matters to you, since customers consistently report Five Star Solar completing projects in one to two days rather than extended timelines.
- ✓ You're considering battery backup or future system expansion, areas where Five Star Solar has documented project experience beyond basic panel installations.
Consider AA1 Developers if...
- ✓ You're planning solar installation as part of a larger home remodeling project and want a single contractor to coordinate multiple work streams, which fits AA1 Developers' general contracting scope.
- ✓ You're willing to verify your homeowner's insurance covers contractor injuries and accept the liability risk that comes with AA1 Developers' lack of workers compensation coverage.
- ✓ You prefer working with a smaller, growing business and value the owner responsiveness that AA1 Developers demonstrates, understanding the tradeoff is less specialized solar experience.
- ✓ Your project is straightforward ground-mount solar without complex roof work or system integration challenges.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask AA1 Developers specifically about liability coverage: Will they obtain workers comp for your project, and have they confirmed in writing what happens if a worker is injured? Verify with your homeowner's insurance whether you're covered for contractor injuries.
- → Ask AA1 Developers for references from solar installations completed in the past year, particularly projects similar in scope to yours, to assess their solar-specific capabilities beyond general contracting.
- → Ask Five Star Solar how they handle warranty service and what their typical response time is for post-installation issues, given their 20-year history in the area.
- → Ask both companies about their specific experience with your roof type and any permits or HOA requirements specific to your location.
The Bottom Line
For most homeowners choosing a solar contractor this week, Five Star Solar is the clearer choice. Their 20 years of solar-specific licensing, workers compensation coverage that protects you from liability, and consistent track record of one-to-two-day installations provide meaningful advantages over a 4-year-old general contractor without workers comp. The experience gap matters when problems arise—roof complications, utility interconnection issues, or system troubleshooting—situations Five Star Solar has navigated for two decades. Consider AA1 Developers only if you're bundling solar with remodeling work or if you verify your homeowner's insurance definitively covers contractor injuries and you're comfortable accepting that risk. Otherwise, Five Star Solar's specialized depth and complete insurance protection make them the more secure choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, particularly for problem-solving. Five Star Solar has handled two decades of roof types, code changes, utility interconnection requirements, and technology transitions. Customer reviews show they've successfully taken over failed projects and navigated HOA complexities. AA1 Developers has 4 years of general contracting experience, which provides less depth for diagnosing hidden roof issues or handling installation complications that may arise.
If a worker is injured installing your solar panels, you could be personally liable for their medical bills, lost wages, and legal costs if AA1 Developers lacks workers compensation coverage. Your homeowner's insurance might cover this, but it could trigger a claim and affect your rates. Before hiring AA1 Developers, contact your insurance agent to understand your exposure and get written confirmation of coverage.
Only if you're bundling solar with remodeling work. For standalone solar projects, Five Star Solar's specialization means refined installation processes, which shows in their consistent one-to-two-day completion times. AA1 Developers' broader scope means less repetition with solar-specific details like inverter placement optimization, panel layout efficiency, and troubleshooting system performance issues.
Five Star Solar's feedback emphasizes solar education specifically: explaining system design, production estimates, and technical details during consultations. AA1 Developers receives praise for general responsiveness and professionalism across different project types. If you need detailed solar technical guidance and fast installation, Five Star Solar's reviews suggest that's their strength. If you value personal attention on a smaller project portfolio, AA1 Developers demonstrates that approach.
Looking for the Best?
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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