Solo Electric, Inc.
755 Merrick Ln NW, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
941-661-7262
Owner: Chad Solowiejko
https://soloelectricinc.com/
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Solo Electric, Inc. is a full-service electrical contracting company based in Port Charlotte, Florida, serving residential and commercial clients in Charlotte County, Sarasota County, and Lee County, including areas like Punta Gorda and Englewood. Established for over six years, the company is led by Chad Solowiejko, a trained electrician with a background from the NJEATC Electrical Apprenticeship program. Solo Electric is recognized for its professional and safe electrical installations, particularly in specialized services like solar panel repair and installation, generator hookups, and service upgrades. This analysis evaluates Solo Electric based on available data, customer feedback, and the industry context of Port Charlotte (e.g., hurricane challenges, labor shortages, regulatory compliance), with comparisons to competitors like Jeff Masters Electric, Sergeant’s Electric, Luminous Electric, and Dan Wellins Electric.

Company Overview
• Founded: Over six years ago (specific founding date not provided but active for at least six years as per their website).
• Ownership: Owned by Chad Solowiejko, operating as Solo Electric, Inc., with a focus on quality and professionalism.
• Location: 755 Merrick Ln NW, Port Charlotte, FL 33948.
• Contact:
• Website: soloelectricinc.com
• Phone: Not listed in provided data, but contact forms are available on their website.
• Certifications and Licensing:
• Holds multiple licenses, including Certified Electrical Contractor (EC13002927, EC13005141) and Alarm Burglar & Fire (HC02397), verified as active by BuildZoom as of January 2024.
• Note: A license was reportedly canceled in Cape Coral, FL, at one point, requiring verification with the City of Cape Coral or Florida’s DBPR for current status.
• Not BBB accredited, with no BBB rating provided, which may reflect limited engagement with BBB processes rather than poor performance.
• Awards and Recognition:
• BuildZoom score of 111, ranking in the top 4% of 191,428 Florida licensed contractors, based on 1,376 building permits valued at $24,604,900 over four years.
• 5 “Faves” on Nextdoor, indicating community support, though less prominent than competitors’ awards (e.g., Jeff Masters’ Reader’s Choice Awards).
Services Offered
Solo Electric provides a comprehensive range of electrical services tailored to Port Charlotte’s needs, with a strong emphasis on specialized and hurricane-resilient solutions:
• General Electrical Services: Wiring, repairs, and installations for residential and commercial properties, including lighting, outlets, and circuit breakers.
• Solar Panel Repair and Installation: Expertise in solar energy systems, addressing Port Charlotte’s growing demand for sustainable solutions.
• Service Upgrades and Panel Changes: Upgrading electrical panels and services to meet modern demands and insurance requirements, critical for older homes.
• Generator Hookup Services: Installation of portable and standby generator systems, including transfer switches, to ensure power reliability during hurricanes.
• Specialized Services:
• Surge protection for storm-prone environments.
• Dock wiring and pool electrical systems, including new and existing pools.
• Commercial and residential wiring for new construction, renovations, tenant improvements, retrofits, and landscape/exterior lighting.
• Emergency Services: Offers emergency services, though not explicitly marketed as 24/7, unlike Sergeant’s Electric.

Strengths
1. Specialization in Solar and Hurricane Preparedness:
• Expertise in solar panel repair and installation sets Solo Electric apart in a market with increasing demand for renewable energy, outshining competitors like Jeff Masters and Dan Wellins, who focus less on solar.
• Generator hookups and surge protection address Port Charlotte’s frequent power outages and storm damage, using corrosion-resistant materials for coastal durability.
• Dock and pool wiring expertise caters to the region’s waterfront properties, a niche not heavily emphasized by competitors.
2. Extensive Project Experience:
• Completed 1,376 building permits over four years, with an average job value of $40,000, covering electrical projects, new construction, and pool installations.
• Notable projects include wiring for new homes (2,000 sq. ft.), pool equipment, and large detached garages, demonstrating versatility.
3. Customer Satisfaction:
• Positive reviews highlight professionalism, punctuality, and fair pricing:
• “Chad came out within an hour & installed the fan perfectly! He is a great guy & very professional. We will never call anyone except Solo ever again!!!” (Angi)
• “They arrived on time, completed the job professionally, and inspected the electrical panel for safety issues.” (Angi)
• “Nice guys, prompt and professional…no complaints.” (Angi, for garage wiring)
• Community support on Nextdoor, with clients praising “great communication” and “best prices” after comparing multiple electricians.
4. Professional Approach:
• Sends Master Electricians to diagnose issues, ensuring accurate and code-compliant solutions, addressing Port Charlotte’s issue with unlicensed contractors.
• Staff is described as “neat, polite, and professional,” using layman’s terms to explain issues, meeting customer expectations for clear communication.
5. Regulatory Compliance:
• Holds multiple active licenses (EC13002927, EC13005141) and complies with Charlotte County’s strict permitting and NEC codes, critical for avoiding fines or delays.
• High BuildZoom score (111) reflects a strong track record of permitted work, ensuring reliability.

Weaknesses
1. Mixed Customer Feedback:
• A negative review on Angi cited unprofessional behavior: “They were chatting loudly, not wearing masks, and joking audibly…one smirked and gave a ‘pfftt’ with an eye roll when I complained.” This suggests occasional lapses in professionalism, impacting clients needing quiet workspaces.
• Another review from Saluda, NC, noted unresponsiveness: “I repeatedly called and left messages. Solo never returned a call. Very unprofessional.” This may reflect operational issues outside Port Charlotte or confusion with another Solo Electric entity.
• Limited review volume (e.g., 5 Nextdoor Faves, fewer Angi reviews) compared to Sergeant’s Electric (1,163 HomeAdvisor reviews) may reduce perceived reliability.
2. No BBB Accreditation:
• Unlike Jeff Masters, Sergeant’s, and Luminous (all A+ BBB-rated), Solo Electric is not BBB accredited and lacks a rating, potentially raising concerns for clients prioritizing established credentials.
• This may reflect limited engagement with BBB rather than poor performance, but it contrasts with competitors’ stronger accreditations.
3. Inconsistent Emergency Service Clarity:
• Offers emergency services per Angi, but lacks explicit 24/7 marketing compared to Sergeant’s Electric, which could deter clients needing urgent post-hurricane repairs.
• A review noting a one-hour response for a fan installation suggests rapid response capability, but this is not consistently advertised.
4. No Warranty Information:
• Angi states Solo Electric does not offer warranties, which could concern clients seeking long-term guarantees, especially for hurricane-related installations like generators.
• Note: A conflicting Angi review for Solo Electric Inc. in Saluda, NC, claims warranties are offered, suggesting potential inconsistencies in service policies or confusion with another entity.
5. Potential Scalability Issues:
• As a smaller operation (no data on staff or fleet size), Solo Electric may struggle to scale during peak demand (e.g., post-hurricane), given Port Charlotte’s labor shortages. Their high permit volume (1,376) suggests capacity but could strain resources without adequate staffing.
Industry Context and Challenges Addressed

Solo Electric effectively navigates Port Charlotte’s electrical contracting challenges:
• Hurricane Resilience: Solar installations, generator hookups, and surge protection address frequent outages and storm damage, using durable materials for coastal conditions.
• Regulatory Compliance: Multiple active licenses (EC13002927, EC13005141) and 1,376 permits ensure adherence to Charlotte County’s strict codes, mitigating risks from unlicensed contractors.
• Customer Expectations: Professional staff, punctuality, and fair pricing meet demands for clear communication and reliable service, though occasional unprofessional behavior noted in reviews requires attention.
• Labor Shortages: Employing Master Electricians reduces reliance on less-skilled labor, though scalability during high-demand periods remains a concern.
• Material Costs: High permit volume suggests strong supplier relationships, but no specific data confirms how they manage supply chain disruptions.
Critical Perspective
Solo Electric’s high BuildZoom score (111) and extensive permit history (1,376 projects) reflect a robust track record, but the lack of BBB accreditation and limited review volume compared to Sergeant’s Electric may raise doubts for cautious clients. The negative review about unprofessional behavior (loud chatting, smirking) suggests inconsistent customer service, which could harm their reputation in a competitive market where trust is critical. Their solar expertise is a significant strength, but the lack of clear warranty information and 24/7 emergency marketing may deter clients needing long-term reliability or urgent repairs. Confusion with another Solo Electric entity in Saluda, NC, highlights potential branding or operational clarity issues, requiring verification of their Port Charlotte focus.

Comparison to Competitors
• Vs. Jeff Masters Electric:
• Reputation: Jeff Masters’ 30+ years, A+ BBB rating, and six Reader’s Choice Awards outshine Solo’s six years and lack of BBB accreditation.
• Services: Solo’s solar expertise and dock/pool wiring give it an edge over Jeff Masters’ focus on general repairs and pool lighting.
• Emergency Response: Jeff Masters lacks explicit emergency service mentions, while Solo offers emergency services but not clearly 24/7.
• Pricing: Both are described as “fair,” but Solo’s pricing transparency is limited, similar to Jeff Masters’ unspecified rates.
• Vs. Sergeant’s Electric:
• Reputation: Sergeant’s 4.8/5 HomeAdvisor rating (1,163 reviews) and A+ BBB rating outshine Solo’s limited reviews and non-accredited status.
• Services: Both offer generator and surge protection services, but Solo’s solar expertise contrasts with Sergeant’s chandelier installations and explicit 24/7 emergency services.
• Emergency Response: Sergeant’s clear 24/7 availability gives it an edge over Solo’s less explicit emergency offerings.
• Pricing: Sergeant’s $25 off services and $30 off surge protection are more transparent than Solo’s unspecified pricing.
• Vs. Luminous Electric:
• Reputation: Luminous’ A+ BBB rating and Angie’s Super Service Award contrast with Solo’s non-accredited status, though Solo’s BuildZoom score (111) is competitive.
• Services: Both emphasize energy efficiency, but Solo’s solar focus outshines Luminous’ energy audits and smart home systems.
• Emergency Response: Luminous lacks explicit emergency service marketing, while Solo offers emergency services, giving it a slight edge.
• Pricing: Both lack public pricing details, making comparisons difficult.
• Vs. Dan Wellins Electric:
• Reputation: Dan Wellins’ A+ BBB rating and 1,331 permits are comparable to Solo’s BuildZoom score (111) and 1,376 permits, but Dan’s higher review volume (e.g., 5/5 on Yelp) gives it an edge.
• Services: Solo’s solar and dock/pool wiring outshine Dan Wellins’ focus on remodels and emergency repairs.
• Emergency Response: Dan Wellins’ documented rapid response (e.g., 30-minute arrivals) outshines Solo’s less explicit emergency offerings.
• Pricing: Dan Wellins’ $550 generator hookup is clearer than Solo’s unspecified pricing.
Recommendations for Clients
• Choose Solo Electric if: You need solar panel installations, generator hookups, or dock/pool wiring, especially for waterfront properties or sustainable solutions. Ideal for clients prioritizing specialized services and fair pricing.
• Verify Needs: For 24/7 emergency services or chandelier installations, consider Sergeant’s Electric; for energy audits or smart home systems, Luminous Electric may be better.
• Request Quotes: Contact via soloelectricinc.com to clarify pricing, as hourly rates in Port Charlotte range from $50–$150. Ask about bundling services (e.g., solar and generator installations) to save costs.
• Check Licensing: Verify license status (EC13002927, EC13005141) with Florida’s DBPR or Charlotte County, as a Cape Coral license was reportedly canceled.
• Schedule Early: Book in advance during hurricane season (June–November) to avoid delays due to high demand and potential capacity constraints.

Recommendations for Solo Electric, Inc.
• Address Customer Service Issues: Train staff to maintain professionalism (e.g., avoid loud chatting) to prevent negative reviews and enhance client trust.
• Clarify Emergency Services: Explicitly market emergency response capabilities (e.g., 24/7 availability) to compete with Sergeant’s Electric, leveraging their one-hour response precedent.
• Confirm Warranty Policy: Clarify whether warranties are offered, addressing Angi’s conflicting information, to reassure clients needing long-term guarantees.
• Enhance Online Presence: Add pricing details, project galleries, and license information to soloelectricinc.com to improve transparency and compete with Dan Wellins’ free estimates.
• Pursue BBB Accreditation: Seek BBB accreditation to match competitors’ credibility and attract cautious clients.

Conclusion
Solo Electric, Inc. is a strong electrical contractor in Port Charlotte, excelling in solar installations, generator hookups, and dock/pool wiring, with a high BuildZoom score (111) and 1,376 permits reflecting extensive experience. Positive reviews praise their professionalism and fair pricing, but occasional unprofessional behavior, limited review volume, and lack of BBB accreditation are weaknesses. Compared to Jeff Masters, they offer specialized solar services; compared to Sergeant’s, they lag in emergency service clarity; compared to Luminous, they excel in solar but not smart home systems; and compared to Dan Wellins, they offer niche services but less emergency response transparency. For clients needing solar or waterfront electrical solutions, Solo Electric is an excellent choice. Contact them via soloelectricinc.com and verify licensing with Florida’s DBPR