Compare Local Pros
Cinnamon Energy Systems vs Poco Solar Energy
Santa Clara Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Poco Solar Energy brings seven additional years of experience and specializes in pool solar heating, while Cinnamon Energy Systems focuses on modern battery integration and heat pump installations.
| Cinnamon Energy Systems | Poco Solar Energy | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.8 | ★ 4.7 |
| Years Licensed | 13 years | 20 years |
| License # | 976065 | 879366 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Los Gatos, CA | Santa Clara, CA |
| Website | www.cinnamon.energy | www.pocosolar.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Cinnamon Energy Systems
Customers consistently praise smooth installation coordination, responsive communication throughout permitting and inspection phases, and professional crew work with clean worksite maintenance.
Poco Solar Energy
Long-term customers emphasize technician knowledge and system durability over decades, while recent feedback highlights scheduling delays and communication responsiveness challenges.
Key Takeaway: Cinnamon receives consistent praise for project communication and timeline management, while Poco's recent customers report the opposite despite acknowledging quality technical work and competitive pricing.
Customer Reviews
Cinnamon Energy Systems
I started thinking about solar last year, but it was not until this year when I became serious. I talked to as many as 6 companies who serve San Jose area, and in the end, I decided to go with Cinnamo...
Cinnamon is a highly rated company and I was overall happy with the work. Sometimes communication was tricky but Consultant Michael Croft helped me navigate the process when clarification and service ...
We are quite happy with our solar power system installed by Cinnamon Energy Systems. We are fortunate enough to have south and west facing roofs and were able to work with them to install a system of...
Poco Solar Energy
Eddie showed up on time and got right to it and figured out the problem in short order. He completed the repairs in no time.
I've been a customer of Poco for over 16 years. I thought Darwin was irreplaceable, but I was wrong. Ed Is about the only person who could've replaced Darwin with his friendliness and expertise. Appre...
Poco Solar replaced my existing solar swimming pool heater. They did a very good job and I would recommend them.
Consider Cinnamon Energy Systems if...
- ✓ You're installing a new residential solar system with battery backup or Tesla Powerwall integration, where Cinnamon's specialized focus and smooth permitting coordination will benefit complex utility interconnection requirements.
- ✓ Communication responsiveness and project timeline predictability are priorities, as customer feedback consistently highlights their thorough updates throughout installation and inspection phases.
- ✓ Your project includes heat pump HVAC or mini-split installation alongside solar, allowing you to work with one contractor for integrated home electrification rather than coordinating multiple trades.
- ✓ You value a clean, efficient installation process with professional crew work and want a contractor with strong local permitting relationships in Santa Clara County.
Consider Poco Solar Energy if...
- ✓ You need pool solar heating installation, repair, or maintenance, where Poco's 20 years of thermal solar expertise provides diagnostic capability that generalist solar contractors lack.
- ✓ You have an existing older solar system requiring leak repair, panel replacement, or troubleshooting, benefiting from their two decades of experience with various manufacturers and system types.
- ✓ You're willing to be proactive about communication and scheduling follow-up in exchange for working with a veteran contractor whose long-term customers report systems lasting 15-30 years.
- ✓ You're comparing competitive pricing and want transparent cost explanations, which customers mention as a positive aspect of Poco's approach.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Poco Solar Energy specifically about their current scheduling timeline and how they'll keep you updated throughout the project, given recent feedback about communication delays.
- → Ask Cinnamon Energy Systems for references from battery backup installations similar to your planned system, particularly regarding utility coordination and inspection timelines.
- → If considering Poco for pool solar work, ask about their warranty support for both thermal and photovoltaic systems and how maintenance is handled over the long term.
- → Ask both companies about their crew stability and whether the same team will handle your entire installation from start to finish.
The Bottom Line
Choose Cinnamon Energy Systems if you're installing a new residential solar system, especially with battery backup, heat pump HVAC, or need predictable communication and timeline management. Their 13 years provides adequate experience for handling complications while their consistent feedback about responsive project coordination and smooth permitting makes them the safer choice for homeowners who value reliability and updates. Choose Poco Solar Energy if you need pool solar heating work, have an existing system requiring repair or maintenance, or want a veteran contractor with two decades of troubleshooting experience—but go in prepared to be proactive about scheduling communication. For standard new photovoltaic installations without pool solar components, Cinnamon's project management track record outweighs Poco's additional years of experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For straightforward installations, both have sufficient experience. The 20-year history becomes more valuable if you're dealing with an older existing system, need pool solar work, or want a contractor who's seen multiple generations of equipment and can diagnose unusual issues. For new installations with modern battery integration, Cinnamon's 13 years is entirely adequate and their focus on current technology may be more relevant.
Multiple recent customers specifically cite scheduling delays and communication responsiveness challenges, which is a pattern worth taking seriously when planning your timeline. Long-term customers remain satisfied, suggesting quality work, but you should directly address project communication protocols and scheduling commitments during your consultation. If you need predictable timelines, this is a legitimate concern that favors Cinnamon's track record of smooth project coordination.
Poco Solar Energy is the clear choice for combined photovoltaic and pool solar projects, as they specialize in both thermal and electric solar systems. Cinnamon Energy Systems focuses on photovoltaic panels and battery systems without mentioned pool solar experience. Having one contractor handle both aspects means better coordination and a single point of responsibility for warranty and maintenance.
Cinnamon Energy Systems explicitly specializes in battery backup systems including Tesla Powerwall integration, with customers mentioning these installations in feedback. Poco Solar Energy does battery installations but doesn't emphasize this as a specialty focus. For projects where battery storage is a primary component rather than an add-on, Cinnamon's demonstrated experience with utility coordination and system integration gives them an edge.
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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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