Business Details
22 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Solar Energy Partner in California
Founded in 2004, Sandbar Solar & Electric has established itself as a trusted leader in renewable energy solutions across California's Central Coast. Our team of over 60 experienced professionals brings decades of combined expertise in solar design, installation, and electrical contracting for residential, commercial, and municipal clients. We distinguish ourselves through our local presence, having completed over 3,000 projects while maintaining a commitment to community engagement and sustainable practices. Our technical proficiency spans comprehensive solar system design, energy storage integration, and commercial electrical construction, supported by a proven track record of successful large-scale installations. We prioritize transparent communication, offering personalized consultations that educate clients about financing options, tax incentives, and system customization.Our dedication to quality is evidenced by our ISO-certified processes, meticulous attention to detail during installations, and ongoing maintenance support. As active participants in local environmental initiatives, we power community events through our solar trailer and contribute to regional sustainability efforts. Our 20-year operational history and investment in cutting-edge technologies like SPAN Panels and lithium-iron phosphate battery systems demonstrate our commitment to innovation. We maintain rigorous compliance with safety standards and building codes, ensuring long-term system reliability for our clients. This combination of technical excellence, community focus, and customer-centric approach has earned us recognition as one of the region's most respected solar energy providers.
Services
Residential Solar
Commercial Solar
Energy Storage
EV Charging
Electrical Construction
Battery Backup
System Maintenance
Microgrid Solutions
Solar Design
Grid Connection
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of local solar expertise serving California's Central Coast
- Over 3,000 successful solar installations completed
- Full-service provider with in-house design, installation, and maintenance
- ISO 9001-certified quality management systems
- Active community engagement through solar-powered local events
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
- C-10 Electrical Contracting License
- Class B General Building License
What people say
Excellent service
Knowledgeable team
Dramatic bill reduction
Seamless installation
Top-notch equipment
Services
Residential Solar
Our residential solar solutions transform homes into energy-independent power stations. We provide complete system design, permitting, and installation tailored to each home's unique energy needs and architectural features. Our process includes detailed energy assessments, financing guidance, and system optimization to maximize savings while maintaining aesthetic appeal. With over 20 years of local experience, we ensure minimal disruption during installation while delivering systems that typically reduce energy bills by 80-90%.
Commercial Solar
We deliver scalable solar solutions for commercial properties including rooftop arrays, ground-mounted systems, and carport installations. Our expertise spans complex commercial projects from initial design through permitting and implementation. We specialize in maximizing energy production for large facilities while ensuring compliance with business operations. Our commercial clients benefit from predictable energy costs, tax incentives, and enhanced sustainability credentials that support corporate environmental goals.
Energy Storage
Our energy storage solutions provide critical power protection during outages while optimizing solar energy utilization. We design systems using lithium-iron phosphate technology for safety and longevity, integrating with both new and existing solar installations. Our engineers create customized storage configurations that balance energy needs with budget considerations. Systems include smart monitoring capabilities and can be scaled to support partial or whole-home backup requirements.
EV Charging
We install Level 2 EV charging stations that integrate seamlessly with residential solar systems. Our solutions enable overnight vehicle charging using clean energy while maintaining grid connectivity for flexibility. We provide complete system design, electrical upgrades, and smart charging solutions that optimize energy usage patterns. Our installations support all major EV brands and include monitoring features to track charging efficiency and energy consumption.
Electrical Construction
Our electrical contracting services cover new construction and facility upgrades with specialized expertise in solar-integrated systems. We handle complex commercial projects including site development, electrical infrastructure, and control systems implementation. Our licensed electricians ensure code compliance and system reliability for both solar-specific and general electrical needs. We maintain rigorous safety standards while delivering solutions that support modern energy efficiency requirements.
People
Dave Brill
CEO
Leading Sandbar since 2007, Dave has grown the company to nearly 60 employees while managing complex projects like UCSC's solar canopy. He focuses on strategic operations and technical oversight.
Cale Garamendi
Chief Revenue Officer
Driving revenue growth across business segments, Cale specializes in customer value realization and relationship development. He brings rural community values to commercial solar leadership.
Scott Laskey
Founder and Advisor
Founded Sandbar in 2004 and established its sustainability vision. Now guiding strategic direction while maintaining connection to the company's core values and community focus.
Bryan McFarland
COO
Overseeing construction operations since 2014, Bryan combines electrician expertise with operational leadership. He focuses on cross-department collaboration and team development.
Alicia Moss
Director of Business Operations
Managing business functions since 2014, Alicia ensures operational efficiency while supporting team growth and technical development initiatives.
Questions
How do solar panels work during power outages?
Solar systems without batteries won't operate during outages for safety reasons. With our battery backup systems, essential circuits remain powered during grid failures.
What financing options are available for solar installations?
We offer solutions including the 30% federal tax credit, regional rebates, and solar loans tailored to residential and commercial needs.
Can existing solar systems be upgraded with battery storage?
Yes, our technicians can integrate battery backup systems with existing solar installations, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance.
How long does the solar installation process take?
Residential installations typically take 1-3 days, with additional time required for utility interconnection approvals (2-6 weeks).
What maintenance do solar panels require?
We recommend cleaning panels twice yearly and performing routine inspections to maintain optimal system performance and longevity.
How does net metering work with solar systems?
Net metering credits you for excess energy produced, significantly reducing your utility bill while maintaining grid connection for reliability.
