Compare Local Pros
Ilum Energy Solutions vs Priority 1 Electric
Sacramento Electrical Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
You're comparing a specialized solar installer with a 33-year electrical veteran who handles general residential electrical work and emergencies.
| Ilum Energy Solutions | Priority 1 Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.6 | ★ 4.5 |
| Years Licensed | 4 years | 33 years |
| License # | 1092865 | 657852 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Sacramento, CA | Sacramento, CA |
| Website | ilumsolar.com | priority1electric.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Ilum Energy Solutions
Customers consistently praise Ilum Energy Solutions for completing solar installations significantly faster than competitors while maintaining professional workmanship and providing responsive communication throughout the project.
Priority 1 Electric
Priority 1 Electric receives repeated recognition for same-day emergency response with technicians arriving within hours even during evenings and weekends, alongside detailed problem explanations and professional conduct.
Key Takeaway: Ilum's feedback centers on planned project execution speed and thoroughness during scheduled solar installations, while Priority 1's reviews emphasize rapid emergency response and availability for urgent unplanned electrical problems.
Customer Reviews
Ilum Energy Solutions
I had solar installed at my home. So far it has been great, and service has been great. Thank you Broc!
Knowledgeable, patient, professional, great team, fully understand Solar.
Would have been a 5, but read on. Had ilum solar do a solar system on my roof and had no trouble initially, then had 1 issue with them regarding MPU (master panel upgrade). That issue resulted in th...
Priority 1 Electric
I would never go with anyone else but these guys! Very family oriented, they clean up after their work, offer senior discounts and negotiate is what they do. Extremely trustworthy with the highest qua...
Very good at hes job and very friendly and knowledgeable and helpful great energy.
I recently had Priority 1 Electric come out to fix an electrical issue in my home, and I couldn't be more impressed with the entire experience. Casey, the electrician who handled the job, was absolute...
Consider Ilum Energy Solutions if...
- ✓ You're planning a residential solar photovoltaic system installation and need a contractor who specializes specifically in solar permitting, utility coordination, and system design rather than general electrical work
- ✓ Your project involves solar system expansion or battery storage integration with existing arrays, which requires specialized knowledge of inverter configurations and energy storage systems
- ✓ You value fast installation timelines based on customer feedback noting significantly quicker completion compared to other solar companies
- ✓ You're in Sacramento County and want a local solar specialist who can handle the project from consultation through final testing and system activation
Consider Priority 1 Electric if...
- ✓ You need electrical repairs, troubleshooting, or installations for standard residential electrical work like outlets, breakers, ceiling fans, or circuit problems rather than solar installations
- ✓ You're facing an electrical emergency or urgent issue and need same-day service with after-hours availability including evenings and weekends
- ✓ You value the depth of experience that comes with 33 years of handling residential electrical systems through multiple code cycles and evolving technologies
- ✓ You anticipate needing an ongoing relationship with an electrician for future service calls, as customer feedback indicates many repeat clients who rely on Priority 1 for multiple projects over time
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → For Ilum: Ask for references from solar installations completed in the past year, particularly any projects similar in size and complexity to yours, to understand their current project quality with a four-year track record
- → For Priority 1: If considering them for any solar-related work, ask specifically about their experience with photovoltaic systems, battery storage, and utility interconnection, as their description focuses on general electrical service
- → Ask each company about warranty coverage, particularly what happens if issues arise after installation or repair and how long their workmanship guarantees extend
- → Confirm project timelines explicitly, as Ilum's feedback suggests fast solar installations while Priority 1's model emphasizes rapid emergency response rather than scheduled project speed
The Bottom Line
This comparison only makes sense if you're uncertain whether your project involves solar installation or general electrical work. If you're installing solar panels, expanding an existing system, or adding battery storage, Ilum Energy Solutions is the specialized contractor for that work, with customer feedback confirming fast timelines and professional installations despite their four years of licensing. If you need electrical repairs, troubleshooting, upgrades, or emergency service for standard residential electrical issues, Priority 1 Electric's 33 years of experience and same-day emergency availability make them the clear choice. Don't hire a solar specialist for electrical repairs or a general electrician for solar installations—match the contractor's specialization to your actual project needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
While Priority 1 Electric holds an electrical contractor license, their 33-year business focuses on residential electrical repairs, service calls, and emergency work rather than solar installations. Solar projects require specialized experience with photovoltaic system design, solar permitting processes, utility interconnection, and battery storage integration that general electrical contractors may not regularly perform. If you need solar installed, Ilum Energy Solutions specializes in this work.
For solar-specific work, four years represents meaningful experience since Ilum focuses exclusively on photovoltaic installations rather than broad electrical work. Solar technology and installation practices have remained relatively consistent during this period, and customer feedback indicates they complete projects efficiently with professional workmanship. However, if you're concerned about their track record, ask for references from recent installations similar to your project scope and verify their experience with any complex aspects like battery integration or multi-inverter systems.
The available information doesn't specify emergency response availability for Ilum Energy Solutions. Their business model focuses on scheduled solar installations and system expansions rather than emergency service calls. Before signing a contract, ask specifically about their response times for post-installation issues, warranty service procedures, and whether they provide after-hours support for system failures or problems.
You'll likely need both contractors for different aspects of the work. Ilum Energy Solutions should handle the solar photovoltaic installation, battery storage, and system integration, while Priority 1 Electric would be appropriate for any general electrical upgrades, panel work, or circuit modifications needed to support your home's broader electrical needs. Some homeowners coordinate both companies for comprehensive projects, though you should clarify any overlap areas like electrical panel upgrades to avoid confusion about scope.
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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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