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Solar Works vs Firebrand Electric
Sonoma Electrical Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Solar Works brings three times the experience for full solar installations, while Firebrand Electric specializes in generators and electrical work.
| Solar Works | Firebrand Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.8 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 20 years | 6 years |
| License # | 878231 | 1063440 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Sebastopol, CA | Santa Rosa, CA |
| Website | www.solarworksca.com | firebrandelectric.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Solar Works
Customers consistently praise Solar Works for detailed technical explanations, responsive communication throughout projects, and long-term relationships with clients returning years later for system upgrades.
Firebrand Electric
Customers highlight Firebrand Electric's emergency availability during fire season outages, attention to detail in safety assessments, and professional approach to generator installation and repair work.
Key Takeaway: Solar Works customers emphasize educational consultation and ongoing relationships over many years, while Firebrand Electric customers focus on urgent response capability and thorough safety evaluations during crisis situations.
Customer Reviews
Solar Works
Time for an update. Solar Works just completed the 3rd large improvement to my Solar with Battery Backup system. John Matheny, Kyle, Emily, Vicki and Fernando work together constantly. The communica...
Great job! Good people. Solar works is a ‘B' corporation, in fact, the first B corporation in California! In addition, they had wonderful follow up service after completion, coming out to check on...
Solar Works' communication style was excellent. We were very pleased with how quickly Solar Works responded, met with us on site, answered all follow up questions, and informed us of all decisions. T...
Firebrand Electric
Firebrand Electric is the best, I contacted Steve about a problem with our Kohler Backup Generator System not starting up when we experienced a black out and 2 days later Cole was here to diagnose the...
Steve Rahmn and a work crew at Firebrand did a fantastic job of replacing our defective generator that backs up our off-grid PV system in western Sonoma County. Through no fault of Firebrand, the new...
Firebrand got our generator quickly up and running after it shut down during a power outage in 2020's fire season. They came out on a weekend when no one else was available. We were not one of their e...
Consider Solar Works if...
- ✓ You're installing a complete solar panel system or planning a solar-plus-battery solution where deep photovoltaic expertise matters for system sizing, component selection, and roof integration
- ✓ You value a company's ability to support your system long-term, with multiple customers returning to Solar Works after 5-10 years for upgrades and expansions
- ✓ You want detailed technical consultation to understand solar technology tradeoffs, with customers specifically noting thorough explanations of how systems work and equipment choices
- ✓ Your project involves navigating California solar incentives and permitting processes where 20 years of experience provides established relationships and process knowledge
Consider Firebrand Electric if...
- ✓ Your primary need is generator installation or backup power through traditional fuel-powered systems rather than solar technology
- ✓ You need emergency electrical service during fire season or power outages, where Firebrand Electric has demonstrated weekend and urgent response availability
- ✓ Your property requires safety assessments for fire hazards or you're working with off-grid generator systems where electrical expertise is the priority
- ✓ You're in western Sonoma County and value a contractor with established emergency response patterns in your specific area during crisis situations
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Solar Works specifically how they handle battery backup integration and whether their battery systems can provide the same emergency power capacity you're seeking
- → Ask Firebrand Electric about their experience level with solar system electrical work if your project involves any photovoltaic components beyond basic generator installation
- → Ask both companies for references from projects that match your specific scope—full solar installation versus generator system—since their core expertise differs significantly
- → Confirm estimated project timelines and warranty coverage, particularly for long-term system support and component availability
The Bottom Line
Choose the contractor whose core expertise matches your actual project. If you're installing solar panels or a solar-plus-battery system, Solar Works' 20 years of dedicated solar experience makes them the clear choice—this is what they do exclusively, with proven long-term customer support. If you need a traditional generator installed or emergency electrical service, Firebrand Electric's specialization in backup generators and emergency response is exactly what you need. Don't hire a solar company for generator work or an electrical contractor for solar installation just because both touch on backup power.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Firebrand Electric is an electrical contractor whose expertise is in generators and electrical systems, not solar panel installation. While they can handle electrical components of backup power, Solar Works specializes exclusively in photovoltaic system design and installation with 20 years of solar-specific experience. If you need a complete solar installation, Solar Works is the specialist.
It matters significantly if you're installing solar panels. Twenty years means Solar Works has navigated multiple generations of solar technology, changing incentive programs, and system integration challenges. For generator installation, Firebrand Electric's six years of electrical expertise is sufficient and more relevant to that specific work.
This depends on your backup power approach. Firebrand Electric has proven emergency response capabilities with weekend availability during outages and specializes in traditional generators that provide immediate power. Solar Works offers battery backup systems integrated with solar, which provide silent, automatic backup but require advance planning and sufficient solar charging capacity.
Yes, solar installation inherently includes electrical work, and Solar Works has been performing complete solar installations for 20 years. Their scope includes all electrical connections, permitting, and grid integration required for photovoltaic systems. This is fundamentally different from generator-focused electrical work, which is Firebrand Electric's specialty.
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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 06, 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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