Solar electrical work needs a C-10 contractor.
Solar work involves both solar contractors and electrical contractors. Here's where the lines are, when you need a dedicated electrical contractor, and how to choose one.
By Steven Lockhart · Reviewed by Alex Towery, C-10 #989290
Updated 2026-06-16
Pure solar contractors (panel installation, inverter mounting, rooftop work) are valuable for the solar-specific scope. Electrical contractors (panel upgrades, interconnection, battery integration, sub-panels, smart panel integration) are valuable for the home's electrical infrastructure. Most Marin solar projects benefit from coordinating both: solar contractor for the roof-side work, electrical contractor for any panel upgrades or significant interconnection scope. C-10 license required for all electrical work in California.
01The split between solar and electrical contractors.
A typical Marin solar installation involves: structural assessment and racking design (solar contractor), array installation and panel mounting (solar contractor), DC and AC wiring from array (solar contractor or their electrician), inverter installation (solar contractor), interconnection at main panel (electrical contractor or solar contractor's electrician), any panel upgrades or sub-panels (electrical contractor), battery integration if applicable (battery installer + electrical contractor for panel-side work). The roof-side scope is solar contractor territory; the panel-side scope often involves dedicated electrical contractor.
Some solar contractors have in-house C-10 licensed electricians and handle full scope themselves. Others subcontract panel work to dedicated electrical contractors. Either model works fine for the homeowner — what matters is that licensed C-10 electricians perform all electrical work, permits are pulled and inspections passed, and the panel-side work integrates cleanly with the solar contractor's array work. For Marin homeowners planning solar + battery, the electrical scope is meaningful enough that dedicated coordination usually improves outcomes.
02When to hire a dedicated electrical contractor.
Panel upgrade is needed before solar
If your panel needs upgrade (100A to 200A, Federal Pacific replacement, capacity limits), dedicated electrical contractor is the right choice. The panel upgrade is meaningful scope ($3,500-$6,000) that benefits from focused expertise.
Battery + essential loads sub-panel scope
Solar + battery involves essential loads sub-panel, circuit migration, and panel-side coordination that goes beyond standard solar interconnection. Dedicated electrical contractor with battery experience handles this scope well.
Smart panel or whole-home automation integration
Adding Span/Lumin smart panel, whole-home surge protection, structured cabling for automation alongside solar — these go well beyond typical solar contractor scope and benefit from dedicated electrical expertise.
03How to evaluate an electrical contractor for solar work.
Look for documented solar interconnection experience (50+ projects coordinated with solar contractors, not just panel work in isolation), familiarity with NEC 690 (Solar PV Systems) and NEC 705 (Interconnected Power Sources), comfort with PG&E interconnection process and timelines, ability to coordinate with major solar contractors operating in Marin, and battery integration experience if your project includes storage. C-10 license is the baseline; solar-specific experience differentiates qualified from less-qualified contractors.
At Towery Electric, Alex Towery (C-10 #989290) and Steven Lockhart have coordinated electrical scope on 150+ Marin solar and solar+battery projects since 2020. We work cleanly with the major Marin solar contractors, handle panel upgrades and battery integration as our standard scope, and pull permits/inspect proactively. We're not a solar installer — we don't install panels — but we handle every aspect of the electrical infrastructure that solar systems interconnect with.
Common questions.
Can my solar contractor handle all the electrical?
Often yes — solar contractors with in-house C-10 electricians handle panel work, interconnection, battery integration, and related scope. The capability varies by solar contractor. For straightforward projects (modest solar, modern panel, no battery), one-contractor approach works cleanly. For complex projects (panel upgrade, battery, smart panel, multiple systems), dedicated electrical contractor coordination often improves outcomes.
Does using two contractors add cost?
Modestly — typically 5-15% over single-contractor scope. The cost increment comes from coordination overhead and any slight duplication in site visits. The benefit comes from dedicated expertise on the panel side, often resulting in better long-term electrical infrastructure decisions. For Marin solar + battery projects above ~$30,000 total, the split-contractor model often delivers favorable value.
Who pulls the permits if I use two contractors?
Each contractor pulls permits for their scope. Solar contractor pulls the solar permit; we pull the electrical permit for panel upgrade and battery-side work. Permits are separate but coordinate through the jurisdiction. Both contractors schedule inspections; sometimes inspections combine when timing aligns. Most Marin jurisdictions handle multi-contractor projects routinely.
How do I find a qualified solar electrical contractor?
Look for C-10 license verification at CSLB, solar interconnection portfolio (ask for specific projects and battery experience), familiarity with NEC 690/705, references from solar contractors operating in your area, and proper insurance/bonding. Towery Electric (C-10 #989290) handles solar electrical scope across Marin including Mill Valley, San Rafael, Novato, Tiburon, and surrounding areas.
How do you handle pricing — flat fee or hourly?
Both, depending on scope. Routine service calls and predictable scope (panel replacement, EV charger install, transfer switch install, fixture replacement) are flat-fee quoted up front. Diagnostic visits and emergency scope are hourly because we don't know what we'll find. Either way, you get a written quote before work starts on anything significant, and we don't proceed beyond the quote without your sign-off.
How quickly can you schedule?
Depends on scope and season. Emergency dispatch: same-day across Marin County (1-3 hours business hours, 1-4 hours after-hours). Same-day standard service: 3-6 hours from call when capacity allows; otherwise next business day. Scheduled service work: 1-3 weeks typical. Larger projects requiring permits and PG&E coordination: 4-12 weeks depending on scope. We're upfront about timeline at the quote stage.
What warranty do you offer on work?
Our standard residential warranty: 2 years on labor, manufacturer warranty on parts (varies by product — typically 1-10 years). Major installs (panels, generators, EV chargers) often have longer manufacturer warranties (5-10 years). If there's an issue with our work in the warranty period, we come back and fix it at no cost. We also stand behind work past warranty — repeat customers and referrals matter more than a transactional fix.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. California State License Board C-10 Electrical Contractor #989290, in good standing. Carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance as required by California law. Bondable on projects requiring it. Happy to provide proof of insurance to clients or property managers on request. License lookup: cslb.ca.gov.
Talk to a licensed electrician in Marin.
Family-run, C-10 #989290, 20+ years in the trade. Honest scoping, fair pricing, work that lasts.