Compare Local Pros
Hooked On Solar vs High West Electric
Placer Electrical Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
You're comparing a 16-year veteran solar specialist with full insurance to a 2-year general electrician without workers comp.
| Hooked On Solar | High West Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.4 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 16 years | 2 years |
| License # | 949707 | 1121457 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | — |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Rocklin, CA | Rocklin, CA |
| Website | www.hookedonsolar.com | www.highwest-electric.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Hooked On Solar
Customers emphasize Hooked On Solar's organizational skills, thorough project communication, and competence navigating utility and permitting processes, with some noting post-installation service responsiveness could improve.
High West Electric
Customers consistently praise High West Electric's responsive communication, transparent pricing discussions, and willingness to explain electrical issues thoroughly during service calls.
Key Takeaway: Hooked On Solar's feedback centers on handling complex multi-step solar projects with utilities and inspectors, while High West Electric's reviews focus on direct customer service and clear communication for straightforward electrical tasks.
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.
High West Electric
We recently had Mike come out to help with some electrical issues, and I couldn't be happier with the service. He was on time, friendly, snd well equipped. He took the time to explain what the problem...
Mike of High West Electric is incredible. He replaced the breaker box in my mobile homes wiring. Very trustworthy, great customer service and overall genuine guy and company. I'll highly recommend to ...
Mike went above and beyond to help me with my electrical needs. Communication was great and they very clearly laid out the plans and scope of the work. Very fair on price compared to other options we ...
Consider Hooked On Solar if...
- ✓ You're installing solar panels or adding battery storage, where Hooked On Solar's 16 years of utility coordination experience and permitting knowledge directly benefit project completion timelines
- ✓ You want workers compensation coverage protecting you from liability if installation crews are injured during rooftop work
- ✓ Your project involves HOA approvals or complex utility interconnection, where their established relationships and process familiarity matter
- ✓ You're considering system expansions years down the road and value working with a company that customers return to for upgrades
Consider High West Electric if...
- ✓ You need general electrical work like panel upgrades, outlet installations, or troubleshooting rather than solar installation
- ✓ Your project is small enough that the workers comp risk feels manageable and you've confirmed your homeowner's policy covers contractor injuries
- ✓ You prioritize direct owner involvement and highly responsive communication over deep experience
- ✓ You're willing to accept the limitations of a 2-year contractor in exchange for fair pricing on straightforward electrical tasks
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → For High West Electric: Ask to see proof of liability insurance and confirm explicitly what happens if a worker is injured on your property—then verify with your homeowner's insurance whether you're covered
- → For High West Electric: Ask for references from projects similar in scope to yours, particularly if your electrical work is complex or involves permitting
- → For solar projects with High West Electric: Ask specifically about their experience with utility interconnection applications and solar permitting, as this isn't mentioned in their service description
The Bottom Line
If you're installing solar panels or battery storage, Hooked On Solar is the clear choice with 16 years of specialized experience, workers comp coverage, and proven expertise handling utility coordination and permitting that High West Electric simply doesn't offer. For general electrical work like panel upgrades, outlet installations, or troubleshooting, High West Electric provides responsive service with fair pricing, but you must address the workers comp gap by verifying your homeowner's insurance covers contractor injuries. Don't hire High West Electric for solar work—they're a general electrician, not a solar specialist. The experience difference is substantial enough that project complexity should drive you toward Hooked On Solar for anything beyond basic electrical repairs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
High West Electric is a general electrical contractor, not a solar specialist. While they could theoretically handle electrical components, they don't list solar installation experience, utility coordination, or permitting expertise that solar projects require. Hooked On Solar specializes exclusively in solar with 16 years navigating these specific requirements.
If an electrician is injured on your property and the contractor lacks workers comp, your homeowner's insurance may become the primary coverage for their medical bills and lost wages. This creates direct financial liability that doesn't exist with Hooked On Solar's coverage. Confirm your insurance situation before hiring any contractor without workers comp.
For straightforward panel replacements in standard situations, 2 years can be adequate if the contractor is competent. However, older homes with unusual wiring, panels in difficult locations, or projects requiring creative problem-solving benefit from deeper experience. Ask High West Electric for references on projects specifically like yours.
Not necessarily—customers specifically mention Hooked On Solar's competitive pricing and multiple system options during quoting. Veteran contractors often have supplier relationships and process efficiency that offset experience premiums. For solar specifically, you're comparing specialized solar expertise to a general electrician, so pricing structures differ fundamentally.
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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 12, 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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