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Hooked On Solar vs Mclain Hayter Electric
Placer Electrical Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
These companies serve completely different needs: Hooked On Solar is a veteran solar specialist while Mclain Hayter Electric is a newer general electrician without workers comp.
| Hooked On Solar | Mclain Hayter Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.4 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 16 years | 1 years |
| License # | 949707 | 1130095 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | — |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Rocklin, CA | Granite Bay, CA |
| Website | www.hookedonsolar.com | www.instagram.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Hooked On Solar
Customers emphasize Hooked On Solar's organizational skills with complex multi-phase projects, including smooth handling of permitting and utility coordination throughout extended timelines.
Mclain Hayter Electric
Customers highlight the owner's personal responsiveness and thorough attention to detail on individual electrical service calls and installations.
Key Takeaway: Hooked On Solar manages organized crews on specialized multi-week solar projects while Mclain Hayter Electric provides direct owner involvement on shorter-duration general electrical work.
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.
Mclain Hayter Electric
McLain goes above and beyond when it comes to making sure his clients get their needs taken care of. He got our ac up and running after an electrical issue caused us to not have ac. Thankfully he was ...
McLain helped us with ceiling fan installations. His attention to detail is remarkable and he leaves a place cleaner than when he started. He's honest and punctual. BTW he loves dogs!! You won't be d...
McLain did all the electrical for our new house build last year. He was thorough, fast, and very responsive. As an added bonus, he does an excellent job cleaning up after he's done working!
Consider Hooked On Solar if...
- ✓ You need solar panel installation, battery backup systems, or expansion of an existing solar setup—this is Hooked On Solar's exclusive focus with 16 years of specialized experience
- ✓ Your project requires navigating utility interconnection agreements, HOA approvals, or complex permitting processes where their veteran experience provides meaningful value
- ✓ You want full workers compensation coverage protecting you from liability if crew members are injured during the multi-day installation process
- ✓ You're comparing multiple solar system configurations and want a company experienced in presenting options with competitive pricing
Consider Mclain Hayter Electric if...
- ✓ You need general electrical work like troubleshooting, repairs, ceiling fan installation, or outlet additions—not solar installation
- ✓ You value high owner involvement and direct communication with the person doing the work throughout your project
- ✓ Your electrical project is straightforward enough that one year of licensure provides adequate experience for your needs
- ✓ You're willing to verify your homeowner's insurance covers contractor injuries and accept the liability risk associated with no workers comp coverage
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → For Mclain Hayter Electric: Ask directly about liability insurance coverage and confirm with your homeowner's insurance that you're protected if a worker is injured on your property
- → For Mclain Hayter Electric: Ask for references from projects completed in the past year that match your specific electrical needs
- → For either company: Clarify exactly what type of work you need and confirm they regularly perform that specific service—these companies serve different markets
The Bottom Line
These companies serve entirely different needs, so your decision should be straightforward based on your project type. If you need solar panel installation or battery systems, choose Hooked On Solar—their 16 years of specialized experience, full insurance coverage, and proven track record with complex solar permitting make them the appropriate contractor for that work. If you need general electrical repairs, troubleshooting, or installations like ceiling fans and outlets, Mclain Hayter Electric offers responsive service with high owner involvement, but you must address the workers compensation gap with your insurance agent before hiring to understand your liability exposure. Don't hire an electrical generalist for specialized solar work or expect a solar specialist to handle routine electrical repairs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
While Mclain Hayter Electric is a licensed electrical contractor, their experience is in general electrical work, not solar installations. Solar projects require specialized knowledge of solar equipment, utility interconnection procedures, permitting specific to photovoltaic systems, and coordination with programs like net metering. Hooked On Solar specializes exclusively in this work with 16 years of experience, making them the appropriate choice for solar installations.
Without workers compensation insurance on file, if an electrician is injured while working at your home, your homeowner's insurance may become the primary coverage for their medical expenses and lost wages. This creates financial risk that doesn't exist with Hooked On Solar, which carries workers comp. Before hiring Mclain Hayter Electric, contact your insurance agent to understand your coverage and consider whether the contractor will provide alternative liability protection.
For straightforward electrical work like outlet installation, ceiling fans, or basic troubleshooting, one year of licensure may be adequate, especially given the positive feedback about attention to detail and thoroughness. For more complex electrical systems, extensive rewiring, or projects requiring sophisticated problem-solving, you may want a contractor with a longer track record. Ask for references from similar projects completed in the past year.
Solar installations are complex projects involving equipment warranties, utility agreements, structural calculations, and electrical code compliance that will affect your home for 25+ years. Veteran experience means fewer costly mistakes, smoother permitting, and knowledge of how to handle complications when roof conditions or electrical panels present challenges. Customer feedback indicates Hooked On Solar offers competitive pricing despite their extensive experience, making the experience gap less of a cost tradeoff than a risk management consideration.
Looking for the Best?
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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