Compare Local Pros
Ilum Energy Solutions vs Five Star Solar
Sacramento Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Five Star Solar's 20 years of licensing experience provides substantially more expertise than Ilum Energy Solutions' 4 years for handling complex solar installations.
| Ilum Energy Solutions | Five Star Solar | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.6 | ★ 4.9 |
| Years Licensed | 4 years | 20 years |
| License # | 1092865 | 873535 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Sacramento, CA | Elk Grove, CA |
| Website | ilumsolar.com | www.fivestarssolar.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Ilum Energy Solutions
Customers consistently praise Ilum Energy Solutions for significantly faster installation timelines compared to competitors and responsive communication throughout the project process.
Five Star Solar
Customers emphasize Five Star Solar's competitive pricing, thorough educational approach during sales, and capability in handling complex situations including HOA approvals and problem project rescues.
Key Takeaway: While both receive praise for fast installations, Five Star Solar's feedback highlights their ability to navigate complex scenarios and competitive pricing, whereas Ilum Energy Solutions is noted more for pure speed and responsive communication on standard projects.
Customer Reviews
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...
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 Ilum Energy Solutions if...
- ✓ Your project is straightforward: a standard residential roof with no HOA restrictions or unusual structural challenges that might require deep troubleshooting experience.
- ✓ You value the smart home incentives: Ilum includes Ring doorbells and Nest thermostats as part of their customer programs, adding immediate value beyond the solar installation.
- ✓ You prefer working with a smaller, growing company: the 4-year operation may provide more personalized attention during a period when they're actively building their reputation.
- ✓ Your timeline is the primary concern: Ilum's feedback emphasizes significantly faster timelines compared to competitors, which may matter if you need installation completed urgently.
Consider Five Star Solar if...
- ✓ Your installation involves complexity: older homes, HOA approval requirements, unusual roof configurations, or taking over a stalled project from another contractor all benefit from Five Star Solar's 20 years of problem-solving experience.
- ✓ Budget is a significant factor: multiple customers specifically mention selecting Five Star Solar after comparing quotes based on competitive pricing without pressure sales tactics.
- ✓ You want seasoned judgment on system sizing: two decades of experience means Five Star Solar has seen long-term performance data across different system configurations and can better predict what actually works in Sacramento's climate.
- ✓ Owner accountability matters to you: high owner involvement means direct access to decision-makers when questions or issues arise during or after installation.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Ilum Energy Solutions for references from projects involving complications or non-standard installations to understand how their 4-year team handles unexpected challenges.
- → Ask Five Star Solar about their current installation crew tenure and whether the same team that handled older successful projects is still with the company.
- → Ask both companies for detailed warranty terms and what specific support they provide 5-10 years after installation, given the long lifespan of solar systems.
- → Ask for itemized quotes that separate equipment costs from labor to understand where pricing differences actually occur between the two companies.
The Bottom Line
Five Star Solar is the stronger choice for most homeowners due to their 20 years of licensing experience, competitive pricing, and proven ability to handle complex installations and HOA approvals. The experience gap matters practically when installations encounter complications, and their high owner involvement provides direct accountability. Choose Ilum Energy Solutions if your project is straightforward, you value their smart home incentive offerings, or their faster installation timelines align with urgent needs. However, for a major investment like solar where system performance spans decades and complications can be costly, Five Star Solar's veteran expertise provides substantially more confidence in navigating challenges and delivering a properly designed system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, particularly if your project encounters complications. Five Star Solar's 20 years means they've navigated multiple generations of solar technology, inverter standards, and permitting changes, giving them deeper troubleshooting capabilities. Customer feedback confirms they've successfully handled HOA negotiations, special design requirements, and even rescued failed projects from other contractors—scenarios where experience directly prevents costly mistakes or delays.
Not necessarily for straightforward installations. Four years of licensing demonstrates they've completed hundreds of projects and maintained their license in good standing. Their customer feedback about fast installations and responsive communication is strong. However, for complex situations involving unusual roof structures, HOA approvals, or older homes with electrical complications, Five Star Solar's veteran experience provides more confidence in handling unexpected challenges.
Both maintain post-installation contact, but Five Star Solar's customer feedback specifically mentions support extending years after completion. Their 20-year track record also means they've been around long enough to actually provide multi-year support, while Ilum's 4-year history means their oldest customers are only at year four. Ask both companies directly about their warranty response times and what specific services they provide 5-10 years out.
Multiple customers specifically mention selecting Five Star Solar after comparing quotes based on competitive pricing and straightforward sales approach without pressure. This suggests consistent pricing discipline rather than occasional deals. However, Ilum offers smart home products as incentives, which adds value beyond direct price comparison. Request itemized quotes from both to compare equipment quality and labor costs separately rather than just bottom-line numbers.
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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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