Compare Local Pros
Hooked On Solar vs Rme Innovations
Placer Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Hooked On Solar brings 16 years of licensed experience versus RME Innovations' 5 years, a meaningful difference for navigating complex installations and utility coordination.
| Hooked On Solar | Rme Innovations | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.4 | ★ 4.3 |
| Years Licensed | 16 years | 5 years |
| License # | 949707 | 1077450 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Rocklin, CA | Roseville, CA |
| Website | www.hookedonsolar.com | www.rmeinnovations.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Hooked On Solar
Customers emphasize Hooked On Solar's competence navigating bureaucratic processes like permitting, HOA approvals, and utility coordination, with organized crews maintaining clean worksites throughout projects.
Rme Innovations
Customers consistently praise RME Innovations for thorough consultations that educate homeowners about options, with professional installation crews completing work on schedule.
Key Takeaway: Hooked On Solar receives specific recognition for handling the administrative complexities of solar installation, while RME Innovations earns praise for customer education and design personalization, though both face some post-installation support concerns with RME's being more frequently reported.
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.
Rme Innovations
We can’t say enough about our outstanding experience with RME. Get delivered as promised throughout the new PV install on our house. Special shout out to the install team who provided a professiona...
RME Innovations Solar, They took the time to explain all my options clearly and answered all my questions patiently. The installation process quick & seamless, causing no disruption to my daily activi...
Outstanding service from start to finish! RME Innovations provided clear options and tailored a solar solution that fit my needs perfectly. The installation was completed on schedule, and the crew was...
Consider Hooked On Solar if...
- ✓ Your home has potential complications like older roofing, HOA restrictions, or complex utility interconnection requirements where established relationships with local authorities matter
- ✓ You're planning a system expansion or unusual configuration like ground-mount systems where pattern recognition from hundreds of past projects reduces risk
- ✓ Post-installation support and long-term service availability concern you, given evidence of customers returning for upgrades years later
- ✓ You value competitive pricing with multiple system options, as customers specifically mention quote flexibility
Consider Rme Innovations if...
- ✓ You prioritize thorough upfront consultation and personalized system design, where customers consistently report feeling educated about their options
- ✓ Your project is straightforward with standard roof conditions and no HOA complications where 5 years experience provides adequate expertise
- ✓ On-time completion is your primary concern, as customers frequently mention schedule adherence
- ✓ You're comfortable being proactive about follow-up if post-installation questions arise, given mixed feedback on accessibility after project completion
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask RME Innovations specifically about their process for utility activation and paperwork submission, and request a timeline with accountability milestones given reported delays
- → Ask both companies for references from projects completed 2-3 years ago to assess post-installation support responsiveness
- → If your project involves HOA approval or unusual configurations, ask RME Innovations how many similar projects they've completed and request specific examples
The Bottom Line
For most homeowners, Hooked On Solar's 16 years of licensed experience provides meaningful advantages in handling the complications that routinely arise in solar installations—permitting challenges, utility coordination, HOA approvals, and unexpected structural issues. Their track record of customers returning for expansions years later suggests reliable long-term support. RME Innovations offers a solid alternative if thorough consultation and personalized design are your highest priorities and your project is straightforward, but be prepared to stay proactive about utility activation follow-up. If your home has any complicating factors—older roof, HOA restrictions, complex electrical panel situations—Hooked On Solar's veteran experience substantially reduces your risk of delays and complications.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it matters beyond basic installation competency. Solar projects involve navigating utility interconnection agreements, local permitting quirks, and building code interpretations that vary by jurisdiction. Hooked On Solar's 16 years means established relationships with Placer County inspectors and utility representatives, which customers report translates to smoother approvals. When unexpected issues arise—rotted roof decking, panel capacity upgrades, or utility pushback—pattern recognition from hundreds of past projects significantly reduces problem-solving time.
Utility activation delays can add weeks or months to when your system generates power, even after installation is complete. While your panels may be on the roof, you cannot use them until the utility grants permission to operate. Some RME customers report challenges with this phase, whereas Hooked On Solar receives specific praise for utility coordination. Ask RME directly about their average time-to-activation and what happens if delays occur beyond projected timelines.
The concern level differs meaningfully. Hooked On Solar has a smaller number of customers reporting service responsiveness issues, while evidence shows customers returning years later for expansions, suggesting accessible long-term support. RME Innovations has more consistent reports of difficulty reaching the company after installation, particularly for permit and activation questions. If you anticipate needing guidance during the utility activation phase or future system support, this pattern warrants direct questions about their post-installation communication protocol.
If your priority is feeling educated and involved in system design decisions, RME's consultation approach receives consistently strong feedback and represents a genuine strength. However, personalized design matters most when you have unique energy usage patterns or specific equipment preferences. For standard residential installations where experience navigating complications matters more than customization, Hooked On Solar's veteran status provides more practical value. Consider which aspect—design personalization or execution reliability—matters more for your specific situation.
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See our ranked list of top solar 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 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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