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Hooked On Solar vs Crux Electric
Placer Electrical Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
This comparison requires clarification: Hooked On Solar specializes exclusively in solar installations, while Crux Electric handles traditional electrical work but not solar systems.
| Hooked On Solar | Crux Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.4 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 16 years | 9 years |
| License # | 949707 | 1026883 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Rocklin, CA | Roseville, CA |
| Website | www.hookedonsolar.com | cruxelectric.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Hooked On Solar
Customers consistently note Hooked On Solar's organizational skills with permitting and utility coordination, with installation crews maintaining clean worksites and providing regular project communication.
Crux Electric
Reviews emphasize Crux Electric's owner-involved approach with strong technical problem-solving, professional crew conduct, and willingness to address additional minor issues without charging extra.
Key Takeaway: Hooked On Solar receives feedback focused on project management through complex solar permitting processes, while Crux Electric earns praise for hands-on diagnostic expertise and going beyond contracted scope on electrical troubleshooting.
Customer Reviews
Hooked On Solar
I would recommend Hooked on Solar. I know they were really busy this fall and they worked hard to get us installed before the end of the year, even with some unexpected hurdles (that they had no contr...
We were very pleased with our experience working with Hooked On Solar to get our solar project completed. From our initial contact and all the way through the project everyone we spoke with was knowle...
Solid company. The staff were communicative and helpful. Did everything they said they would. I'd use them again.
Crux Electric
I hired Crux on several occasions, once for my electrical panel and another time to update all my interior lighting switches. The crew was professional, they worked fast and I was very happy with how ...
Their team did great work installing the electrical and new sub panel for my workshop! Highly recommend for future projects! They even supplied the scissor lift and took care of delivery and pickup
The service techs with Crux Electric did a great job. I had a variety if niggling issues with our new older home we purchased. "Past electricians and DYI issues" and the guys were able to handle anyth...
Consider Hooked On Solar if...
- ✓ You're installing a solar panel system, adding battery backup like Tesla Powerwall or Franklin batteries, or expanding an existing solar installation
- ✓ You need a contractor experienced with California utility interconnection processes, net metering setup, and HOA approval procedures specific to solar projects
- ✓ You're considering ground-mount systems or complex roof installations requiring specialized solar knowledge accumulated over 16 years
- ✓ You value a company focused exclusively on solar technology rather than general electrical work
Consider Crux Electric if...
- ✓ You need electrical panel upgrades, subpanel installations for workshops, lighting system retrofits, or general electrical troubleshooting without any solar component
- ✓ You prefer high owner involvement with direct technical expertise during diagnosis and installation
- ✓ Your project involves older home electrical systems requiring problem-solving skills and the ability to correct previous work
- ✓ You want a contractor who brings specialized equipment like scissor lifts and handles logistics beyond basic installation
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → If your project involves both solar installation and electrical upgrades, ask Hooked On Solar what electrical work they handle in-house versus what requires a separate electrical contractor
- → Ask Crux Electric directly whether they install solar systems or only handle the electrical components, as their description doesn't list solar as a service offering
- → If considering Hooked On Solar, ask about their post-installation service responsiveness, as some reviews note challenges in this area
- → If considering Crux Electric for any solar-related work, confirm their specific experience with solar installations and battery systems
The Bottom Line
You're almost certainly not choosing between these two companies for the same project. If you're installing solar panels or battery storage, Hooked On Solar is your option with 16 years of specialized solar experience, established relationships with utilities, and a track record handling California's permitting requirements. If you need electrical panel upgrades, lighting work, or electrical troubleshooting without solar involvement, Crux Electric offers experienced service with strong owner involvement and problem-solving capabilities. The only scenario requiring both would be a solar installation needing extensive electrical work beyond standard panel integration—in which case you might hire Hooked On Solar for solar and coordinate with Crux Electric for separate electrical upgrades, or confirm what electrical work Hooked On Solar handles in-house.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Nothing in Crux Electric's description or project history indicates they install solar systems. They handle traditional electrical work like panel replacements and lighting, but solar installation requires specialized licensing, equipment, and experience with utility interconnection that general electrical contractors typically don't maintain. You'll need to contact them directly to confirm, but their focus appears to be conventional electrical projects.
Only if you're comparing them for the same type of work, which is unlikely given their different specialties. Hooked On Solar's 16 years matters significantly for solar projects where permitting complexity, utility coordination, and system design experience directly affect project success. Crux Electric's 9 years provides substantial experience for electrical work, particularly evident in their ability to diagnose and correct problems in older homes.
Their description mentions electrical panel replacements when needed as part of solar projects, suggesting they handle this work in-house. However, you should confirm directly what electrical work they include versus what might require coordination with a separate electrical contractor. Many solar installers partner with or subcontract electrical work beyond their solar-specific scope.
This question can't be answered because they serve different markets. Hooked On Solar's reviews mention competitive pricing for solar installations with multiple system options during quoting. Crux Electric's reviews highlight value through owner involvement and addressing minor issues without extra charges. You're comparing solar installation pricing to electrical service pricing, which operate in completely different cost structures.
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See our ranked list of top electrical contractors in Placer.
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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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