Compare Local Pros
Highlight Solar vs GAF Energy
Santa Clara Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Highlight Solar offers traditional panel systems with 15 years of veteran experience, while GAF Energy specializes in integrated solar roofing but faces post-installation support challenges.
| Highlight Solar | GAF Energy | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.8 | ★ 2.5 |
| Years Licensed | 15 years | 6 years |
| License # | 960376 | 1062345 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | San Jose, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Website | www.highlightsolar.com | www.gaf.energy |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Highlight Solar
Customers consistently praise thorough consultations, responsive communication throughout all project phases, and smooth coordination from quote through final utility activation.
GAF Energy
Customers report divided experiences with professional installation work but recurring frustrations with post-installation communication, delayed responses, and lengthy system activation processes.
Key Takeaway: Highlight Solar maintains consistent responsiveness through completion while GAF Energy's service quality appears to drop significantly after installation, leaving customers struggling with activation and support.
Customer Reviews
Highlight Solar
We met with multiple solar companies and settled on Highlight due to both the great recommendations as well as our experience during the initial process. We asked a LOT of questions, then we asked mor...
Highly recommend
I can't say enough about the outstanding service we get from Highlight Solar. The team is incredible. Organized, responsive, skillful, reliable and nice! Every communication was clear from the start. ...
GAF Energy
Overall, a good experience if you go in with measured expectations. The process from signing the agreement to PTO is a long one, but the work was done professionally, and so far production is exceedin...
We are sharing a photo of the front view of our house and a close up view of the solar roof in this review. The solar roof is fully functional and looks elegant. Best of all, we had GAF Energy as th...
GAF team is great! The project manager Aidan is professional and efficient. He always answered our questions/concerns promptly. We are glad to choose GAF solar roof.
Consider Highlight Solar if...
- ✓ Your roof is in good condition and doesn't need replacement within the next 10-15 years, making traditional panel installation the cost-effective choice
- ✓ You value responsive communication throughout the entire process, from initial consultation through utility activation and beyond
- ✓ Your project timeline matters and you want to work with a company that has refined its permitting and coordination processes over 15 years
- ✓ You're considering battery backup or future system expansion, where Highlight Solar's experience with multiple project phases becomes valuable
Consider GAF Energy if...
- ✓ Your roof needs replacement now and you want to combine both projects into a single installation, avoiding the inefficiency of separate roofing and solar contractors
- ✓ You prefer the aesthetic of integrated solar shingles over traditional panel systems and are willing to navigate a more complex coordination process
- ✓ You're comfortable being proactive about following up on activation and troubleshooting rather than relying on contractor-initiated communication
- ✓ You understand that solar roofing involves more moving parts with multiple specialized teams and accept the longer timelines customers report
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask GAF Energy specifically how they handle post-installation activation and what their typical timeline is from installation completion to system operation, then request references who can speak to this phase
- → Ask GAF Energy who your primary contact will be after installation and how quickly they commit to responding to activation or troubleshooting requests
- → Ask Highlight Solar about their experience with your specific roof type and whether they foresee any complications with panel mounting or electrical integration
- → Ask both companies for a detailed timeline showing each milestone from contract signing through utility approval and system activation
The Bottom Line
For most homeowners with sound roofs, Highlight Solar is the clearer choice. Their 15 years of veteran experience, consistent pattern of responsive communication, and proven track record through every project phase provide substantially more assurance for your investment. The company's straightforward approach to traditional solar installations means fewer coordination headaches and reliable support when you need it. Choose GAF Energy only if you genuinely need roof replacement now and strongly prefer the solar shingle aesthetic—but go in with eyes open about the post-installation support challenges customers consistently report. Request detailed activation timelines and support commitments in writing, and be prepared to follow up persistently. If your roof doesn't need immediate replacement, Highlight Solar's veteran experience and service pattern make this decision straightforward.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If your roof genuinely needs replacement now, combining both projects eliminates the cost of removing and reinstalling panels later. However, if your roof has 10+ years of life remaining, paying for premature replacement to accommodate solar shingles typically doesn't make financial sense. Traditional panels from Highlight Solar can be installed on most roofs with adequate remaining lifespan, and modern mounting systems are designed to preserve roof integrity.
Six years is experienced enough for standard installations, but solar roofing involves more complexity than traditional panels—coordinating roofing contractors, solar installers, and electricians across multiple phases. Customer feedback suggests GAF Energy's coordination processes aren't fully refined, particularly in the post-installation phase. For a complex integrated project, you want veteran-level experience anticipating complications, which the feedback pattern doesn't demonstrate.
Customer feedback shows a clear pattern of communication difficulties and delayed responses during the activation and troubleshooting phase. While some customers report smooth experiences, enough people describe frustration reaching the company post-installation that you should plan to be persistent with follow-up. Get commitments in writing about response times and activation support before signing.
These companies offer fundamentally different products, making direct price comparison difficult—you're comparing traditional panels on an existing roof versus a complete roof replacement with integrated solar. Multiple Highlight Solar customers mention competitive pricing after comparing quotes, suggesting their pricing isn't premium despite veteran experience. Request detailed quotes from both to understand what you're actually comparing.
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See our ranked list of top solar contractors in Santa Clara.
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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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