Compare Local Pros
AAA Steiners Solar Service vs Bear Copper Electric
Sacramento Electrical Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
You're comparing a specialized solar contractor with nearly two decades of experience to an electrical contractor who can handle EV chargers and other electrical work but not full solar installations.
| AAA Steiners Solar Service | Bear Copper Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.6 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 19 years | 8 years |
| License # | 887507 | 1036857 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Sacramento, CA | Folsom, CA |
| Website | steinersolar.com | www.bearcopperelectric.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
AAA Steiners Solar Service
Customers emphasize thorough solar consultations, competitive pricing compared to larger solar companies, and responsive service including same-day troubleshooting appointments.
Bear Copper Electric
Customers consistently highlight punctuality with on-time or early arrivals, efficient project completion that exceeds speed expectations, and clear explanations during electrical installations.
Key Takeaway: AAA Steiners gets praised for solar-specific expertise and consultation depth, while Bear Copper earns recognition for execution efficiency and scheduling reliability on electrical projects—reflecting their distinct specializations rather than quality differences.
Customer Reviews
AAA Steiners Solar Service
Steiner Solar has been keeping the solar panels for my pool up and running/repaired since 2005. Since I like my pool water Caribbean temp, I really appreciate their dedication. A special shoutout to M...
We hired Steiner’s to installed both solar for our house as well for our pool. We could not be more pleased with how the whole process went. Steve was the most thorough when coming out to house. He ...
Just finished installing a PV solar system with Steiner Solar. Overall I am very happy with the communication from Steve, craftsmanship from Mike and Drew, and now being able to generate our own elect...
Bear Copper Electric
Super impressed with Josh's professional installation from Bear Copper Electric. I originally contacted 3 local electricians from the SMUD contractor network. One never replied. One sent an email and...
Quick and very professional!!! I'd recommend without reservation
It was a nice experience with them.. they gave me the multiple options before installing it and they patiently heard my expectations and installed the way want to .. I really appreciate their help and...
Consider AAA Steiners Solar Service if...
- ✓ You need a complete solar photovoltaic system installed on your home, requiring expertise in array design, inverter selection, utility interconnection, and solar incentive navigation
- ✓ You're installing or repairing solar pool heating, which requires specialized knowledge of solar thermal systems distinct from standard electrical or plumbing work
- ✓ You want a contractor who has seen solar technology evolve over 19 years and can advise on system longevity, maintenance schedules, and realistic production expectations
- ✓ You value working with someone whose entire business model centers on solar, meaning they're current on rapidly changing solar regulations, equipment warranties, and local utility requirements
Consider Bear Copper Electric if...
- ✓ You need an EV charger installed and want a contractor with demonstrated expertise in this specific electrical application, including proper circuit sizing and safety requirements
- ✓ Your project involves electrical panel upgrades, outlet additions, lighting installations, or other standard residential electrical work where solar expertise isn't relevant
- ✓ Scheduling predictability matters significantly to you, as customer feedback consistently highlights on-time arrivals and faster-than-expected project completion
- ✓ You prefer contractors known for efficiency and clear explanations of electrical work being performed, with a track record of thorough post-installation walkthroughs
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → If considering AAA Steiners for solar: Ask specifically about their experience with your roof type and any complications they've encountered with similar installations, and request examples of systems they installed 10+ years ago that are still performing well
- → If considering Bear Copper for electrical work: Ask about their familiarity with your specific electrical panel brand and whether they anticipate any utility notification requirements for the scope of work you're planning
- → For either company: Confirm warranty coverage details and who handles service calls if issues arise after installation—particularly important for solar systems with 25-year lifespans
The Bottom Line
Your decision here is straightforward: these contractors serve different needs. If you're installing solar panels or solar pool heating, AAA Steiners Solar Service is your only appropriate choice between these two—they hold the proper solar license and bring 19 years of specialized solar experience that matters for system design, utility coordination, and long-term performance. If you need electrical work like an EV charger, panel upgrade, or lighting installation, Bear Copper Electric is the right fit with their strong track record for punctuality and efficient electrical installations. Don't hire an electrical contractor for solar work or expect a solar contractor to handle complex electrical projects outside their specialty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No. Bear Copper Electric holds an electrical contractor license and specializes in electrical work like EV chargers and panel upgrades, but they are not licensed for solar photovoltaic system installations. If you need a full solar system, AAA Steiners Solar Service is the appropriate choice with their dedicated solar contractor license and 19 years of solar-specific experience.
Yes, significantly. Solar installations involve navigating utility interconnection agreements, understanding constantly evolving incentive programs, selecting compatible equipment from manufacturers that may have changed over time, and designing systems that account for roof complications. With 19 years versus 8 years in business, AAA Steiners has handled these complexities through multiple technology generations and regulatory shifts. This experience becomes especially valuable when unexpected issues arise during installation.
Bear Copper Electric demonstrates specific expertise in EV charger installations based on customer feedback patterns, and they can handle the electrical work regardless of whether you have solar. However, if your EV charging needs intersect with solar system modifications or you're considering adding solar capacity to support EV charging, AAA Steiners' combined knowledge of both systems could provide more integrated planning.
As a focused solar contractor rather than a large corporate solar installer, AAA Steiners likely operates with lower overhead while maintaining veteran-level expertise. Customers specifically compare their pricing favorably to bigger solar firms, suggesting you may get experienced solar work without the markup associated with heavily advertised national solar companies. This doesn't mean they're the cheapest option, but rather that their pricing reflects their business model rather than extensive marketing costs.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top electrical contractors in Sacramento.
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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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