If you’re planning to put solar panels on your roof, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is: who’s going to install them?
There’s no shortage of advice out there about choosing a reputable solar installer. But one of the most important factors that a lot of people overlook is choosing a solar installer that’s also a licensed electrician.
Here’s why that matters.
1. Safety
Installing a home solar energy system isn’t just about mounting panels to your roof. It involves complex electrical work that ties directly into your home’s electrical panel and interacts with your meter and the utility grid. If that work isn’t handled properly, you could run into serious safety issues that put your equipment and your home at risk.
2. Code Compliance
To install grid-tied solar panels in Washington, you need to comply with electrical codes, local building codes, and utility requirements. If you don’t, your permits won’t be approved, and you won’t be able to connect to the grid or obtain your Permission to Operate (PTO), which is the go-ahead to turn your solar system on.
As the solar division of Frederickson Electric, Cascadia Solar brings over 50 years of electrical experience to every solar installation we complete. We know the code and utility requirements for Jefferson, Kitsap, and Clallam Counties inside and out and will handle the entire permitting process for you. This means less headache for you, and everything will be done right.
3. Easy Integration with Generators & EV Chargers
If you’re planning to install a backup generator or an EV charger along with your solar panels, working with a solar installer who’s also a licensed electrician makes the process much simpler.
Many solar-only companies won’t touch generators or wall chargers. But a solar team with full electrical expertise like Cascadia Solar can integrate everything seamlessly, without the need to bring in multiple contractors, saving you time, hassle, and money.
4. Less Risk of Maintenance Issues & Repairs
When solar systems are installed without proper electrical know-how, issues often don’t show up right away. But over time, things like loose wiring, overloaded circuits, or poorly installed breakers can lead to performance problems or even safety concerns that require expensive repairs.
Choosing a solar installer that’s also a licensed electrician reduces those risks. At Cascadia Solar, a licensed electrician is involved in every solar installation, so you can rest assured that your system is being installed correctly. If problems do arise, we provide lifetime monitoring to catch issues fast and will come out to make repairs right away.
Get Started with Your Local Solar & Electrical Experts
If you’re thinking about installing solar panels, hiring a solar company that’s also a licensed electrician is one of the best decisions you can make.
It’s easy to check if a contractor is licensed, and we always encourage folks to use the Washington L&I contractor look-up tool to make sure they’re hiring someone reliable.
Want to take a look at our record? As a division of Frederickson Electric, we have over 50 years of electrical experience under our belt, and you can verify our license here.
