Harnessing the power of the sun isn’t new, but it’s becoming more common—even critical—as a warming planet causes more frequent catastrophic storms and natural disasters that threaten the traditional power grid. Combine that with the ever-rising costs of energy delivered through PG&E, and having a solar setup becomes more attractive. Even if you don’t have an electric car, the advantages of solar can be significant.
With all the ads for solar solutions on the market, it’s important to understand the ethos of each company you may be considering. Sandbar Solar & Electric is a Santa Cruz-based team of trusted solar experts who can assess your needs, then design, install and maintain your custom system. Sandbar provides a single source, end-to-end solution, with no middlemen, no subcontractors and no handoffs.
Since its founding in 2004 by CEO Scott Laskey, Sandbar Solar & Electric has been providing high-quality design, integration and installation services for both residential and commercial projects. From the outset, Laskey has been committed to help homeowners, businesses, and organizations save money and protect the environment through the efficient installation of solar power systems. To that end, he’s assembled an unparalleled team of more than 50 seasoned commercial electricians, project managers and construction experts. They are local people, living in and supporting the community, with installations completed throughout Santa Cruz, Monterey, Santa Clara, Alameda, San Benito and San Mateo counties.
Most of all, the team at Sandbar is committed to providing top-notch service at an outstanding value, to customers small and large. They use only top tier solar products that are built to last, and as a larger-scale business, they provide a turnkey solar solution. With in-house expertise in every conceivable solar energy area, including current rebates and incentives, permitting and design, they don’t need to bring in outside resources, so projects stay on track.
Sandbar Solar’s Director of Marketing Tyler Fox, who formerly published Santa Cruz Waves magazine, joined the company earlier this year. A former professional surfer who grew up in Aptos, Fox’s prior job involved chasing big waves around the world for a living.
“I formed a love affair with the ocean and our natural world, and that’s what led me into sustainability and eventually to Sandbar,” It was a no-brainer when he picked Sandbar to install solar at his own home, and then reached out to them about joining their team.
The company also walks the talk and actually operates in a 100% off-grid headquarters on the westside of Santa Cruz with a state-of-the-art solar roof that provides all the power needed for the building. The Old Wrigley building in Santa Cruz, Seaside City Hall, Jacobs Farm and Annieglass in Watsonville are just a few of the larger scale projects they’ve completed along with thousands of residential homes across the Central Coast.
“We pride ourselves in providing an experience that is transparent with quality and customer service a top priority. There is a reason so many of our jobs come from past customers who refer us to their friends and family,” says founder Scott Laskey.
In the case of Annieglass where water jet machines and kilns can require large amounts of energy, having a roof full of solar panels has put a significant dent in their reliance on PG&E. People are now realizing they can have more control over their energy and with PG&E rates continually rising, bringing their energy “in-house” can be a smart investment for the future. This is one of the many elements that bring joy to team at Sandbar.
When a customer realizes they do not have to be shackled to corporate energy costs and that they can do a wonderful thing for the planet while simultaneously finding energy independence, the lightbulb—naturally solar-powered—comes on.
With over 20 years of experience, Sandbar Solar & Electric can be your Central Coast partner in a future made brighter by solar energy.
Sandbar Solar & Electric | 2656 Mission St., Santa Cruz | sandbarsc.com
About the author
Laura Ness is a longtime wine journalist, columnist and judge who contributes regularly to Edible Monterey Bay, Spirited, WineOh.Tv, Los Gatos Magazine and Wine Industry Network, and a variety of consumer publications. Her passion is telling stories about the intriguing characters who inhabit the fascinating world of wine and food.
