Compare Local Pros
Solar Savings Direct vs Clearview Electric
El Dorado General Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
You're comparing a specialized solar contractor with 16 years of experience to a responsive electrical contractor who can handle solar-related electrical work but not full solar installations.
| Solar Savings Direct | Clearview Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.8 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 16 years | 7 years |
| License # | 950064 | 1046462 |
| Workers' Comp | — | — |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Shingle Springs, CA | South Lake Tahoe, CA |
| Website | solarsavingsdirect.com | www.clearviewelectrician.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Solar Savings Direct
Solar Savings Direct customers consistently praise fast installation timelines, professional crews who complete thorough cleanup, and competitive pricing compared to larger solar companies.
Clearview Electric
Clearview Electric customers emphasize same-day emergency availability, money-saving phone troubleshooting, and detailed explanations of electrical issues with honest recommendations.
Key Takeaway: Solar Savings Direct operates with installation crews completing planned multi-day solar projects, while Clearview Electric emphasizes high owner involvement with same-day response to urgent electrical needs.
Customer Reviews
Solar Savings Direct
I love my system from SSD! The process was very expedient, only taking a few months, and my Tesla system works wonderfully! The salesman had me get 20% more solar than I needed, and that was the right...
The job was done in a timely manner with 4 men being so kind and efficient. They worked hard and got the job done faster than I would have thought possible.
I am updating my review due to the performance of the system which is far better than the Tesla unit we have in our main house - far far better - do not go with Tesla! In our main house we paid A LOT ...
Clearview Electric
Had the most amazing experience with Allen. We've been out of power for three days and he came to us through traffic and weather on a Sunday to make sure we got it back on. He was so lovely and also g...
I mistakenly hit a one star on my review of Allen at Clearview electric. I have tried to edit but failed. I found his weekend service to be excellent. Thanks Allen and I hope this clears things up. If...
Allen was very nice, knowledgeable and came quickly to assess the issue
Consider Solar Savings Direct if...
- ✓ You need a complete solar photovoltaic system installed, including design, permitting, installation, and utility interconnection that only a specialized solar contractor can provide
- ✓ Your project involves battery storage integration like Tesla Powerwall or whole-house backup systems requiring coordinated solar and storage design
- ✓ You're comparing quotes from multiple solar companies and want competitive pricing from an established veteran with 16 years of solar-specific experience
- ✓ Your property is in the Sacramento region, El Dorado foothills, or broader Northern California where Solar Savings Direct maintains established permitting relationships
Consider Clearview Electric if...
- ✓ You need electrical work like panel upgrades, circuit additions, or EV charging installation rather than a solar system itself
- ✓ You have an urgent electrical issue and value same-day or emergency response, particularly in the South Lake Tahoe area where Clearview Electric is based
- ✓ Your property is a vacation home in the Lake Tahoe region and you need an electrician familiar with coordinating service for remote property owners
- ✓ You appreciate diagnostic troubleshooting and want a contractor who will attempt to resolve issues over the phone before scheduling paid service calls
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask both companies to confirm their workers compensation status and request a certificate if coverage exists; verify with your homeowner's insurance whether contractor injuries are covered under your policy
- → If hiring Solar Savings Direct, ask for references from projects similar in size and complexity to yours, particularly if your installation involves challenging roof angles or battery storage integration
- → If hiring Clearview Electric for electrical work related to a solar project, ask specifically about their experience with solar-related electrical requirements and coordination with solar installers
- → Ask about current scheduling timelines, as Solar Savings Direct customers note permitting and scheduling delays during high-demand periods while Clearview Electric emphasizes same-day availability
The Bottom Line
This comparison only makes sense if you're confused about which type of contractor you need. For solar system installation, Solar Savings Direct is your only option between these two—they have 16 years of specialized solar experience, handle complete photovoltaic installations with battery storage, and maintain the required license classification. Clearview Electric cannot install solar systems. If you need electrical work like panel upgrades, circuit additions, or repairs, Clearview Electric's responsive service and diagnostic expertise make them well-suited for that work. Before hiring either company, verify workers compensation coverage with your homeowner's insurance to understand your liability exposure. Don't hire an electrical contractor expecting them to install your solar system, and don't hire a solar contractor for emergency electrical troubleshooting—match the specialist to your actual project need.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No. Solar Savings Direct holds the specialized solar contractor license required for photovoltaic system installation, while Clearview Electric is licensed for general electrical work. Clearview Electric can handle electrical upgrades that may be needed as part of a solar project, such as panel upgrades or circuit additions, but cannot install the solar system itself. If you need a complete solar installation, Solar Savings Direct is the appropriate choice.
It depends entirely on your project type. For solar installations, Solar Savings Direct's 16 years of specialized experience provides meaningful expertise in system sizing, battery integration, and navigating solar-specific permitting that a general electrician wouldn't encounter regularly. For standard electrical work like panel upgrades or circuit installations, Clearview Electric's 7 years provides sufficient experience, and their emphasis on responsive service may be more valuable than additional years.
If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor lacks workers compensation insurance, you could potentially be held liable for medical expenses and lost wages. Before hiring either company, contact your homeowner's insurance agent to confirm whether your policy covers contractor injuries. Some policies provide this coverage, while others exclude it. This is a legitimate concern that requires verification before work begins.
Yes, because their service focus differs geographically. Solar Savings Direct operates from Shingle Springs and primarily serves the Sacramento region, foothills, and broader Northern California with documented projects across multiple counties. Clearview Electric is based in South Lake Tahoe and focuses on that mountain community, with customers noting their familiarity with vacation properties and coordination with local utilities. Choose based on whether your property falls within their established service patterns and whether proximity matters for your project type.
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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 13, 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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