WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN
apex electrical solar's higher ground The three managers who run Apex Electrical are proud members of “The Two Daughters Club,” a title that needs no explanation. Those girls will grow up with solar energy being as common and omnipresent as indoor plumbing and air conditioning. Utilizing solar energy is their fathers’ goal, and Apex Electrical provides it and more. Apex Electrical is a division of Apex Enterprises Inc. who started as a lumber mill specializing in cedar products in 2015. Aside from lumber and electrical divisions, Apex also has an environmental services division that came into being in 2018 as a result of the Camp Fire. Heading up Apex Electrical are Ben Garcia, Caleb Miller, and Alex Draper. Together, they bring over 30 years combined electrical contracting experience to the business. Ben came from the Sacramento area to attend college in Chico. Alex ended up in Chico by way of Concow, and Caleb is an Oroville native. They met while attending Bidwell Presbyterian Church, and after years of being friends while working for various electrical contractors, they eventually decided to combine their experience and form Apex Electrical. Their services include solar as well as full electrical installations for residential, agricultural, and businesses 32
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in the North Valley area. Their goal is to provide a personalized service tailored to the needs of each customer. Solar systems must be appropriately sized for each installation—too big, and you could be wasting unused power; too small, and you might end up with the dreaded “trueup” at the end of the solar billing cycle. A true-up is a statement PG&E sends the consumer at the end of each year-long solar billing cycle. If you have overused your electric energy during that billing period, you will have to reconcile the overuse by paying a lump sum to PG&E. A true-up bill could be due to a solar system that is too small and can’t keep up with the demand. Oftentimes, according to Ben Garica, a true-up begins to accumulate due to “the woo-hoo! factor.” A natural reaction when someone, excited for cheaper electric rates provided by their solar, increases their electrical usage past what the solar system can provide. “You really can go wild with the woo-hoo factor if you’re not careful,” said Ben. “We can help you learn how to understand the monthly usage summaries in order to lower or eliminate your future bill reconciliation.” “Our goal is to never recommend a solution that is not in the best needs of the
customer,” said Caleb. “We operate with transparency when designing the system so customers can understand the benefits and the limitations of their solar system.” Added Alex, “Utilizing solar can makes life more comfortable without worrying about the cost” A key to Apex Electrical is their local availability. They are nearby in case an issue arises but problems don’t often occur. “We offer the best and latest technology,” said Ben. “That ensures the optimal system is installed.” One myth Apex wants to dispel was the cost of installing solar. Many people see the cost as astronomical, but it’s simply not true. In reality, a solar system that covers all of your electrical needs will cost less than a monthly PG&E payment and low cost financing plans are available. Because you get instant savings on the first utility bill after installation, the system eventually pays for itself. Just remember to avoid that “woohoo!” factor after seeing the great savings. You can contact Apex Electrical by calling (530) 693-4513, emailing info@apexelectrical.net, or dropping by their office at 1638 Huntoon Street in Oroville.
