Scudder Solar Energy Systems: The Full-Service Solar Energy Contractor

Scudder Solar Energy Systems stands out for its commitment to customizing the energy storage scoping, design, and installation process and delivering an exceptional customer experience. A family-owned company operating in Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and portions of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, they offer a variety of solar PV solutions and battery storage options for both commercial and residential customers.

The team combines 40 years of roofing experience with 20 years of solar experience to solve problems that competitors are unable or unwilling to address. This deep experience is complemented by a solid relationship with leading solar panel and energy storage suppliers like Maxeon, REC, SunPower, Tesla, Franklin, Savant, and SPAN, ensuring customers receive the highest quality systems and top-tier service.

“At Scudder, we invest time in ensuring we have the most cutting-edge products available to meet and exceed client expectations,” says Ian Seronello, senior PV/ESS/gen set designer.

Many residential clients who have experienced public service shut-offs seek a solution to maintain constant power supply to their most essential services, such as pumps and cisterns. Without expert guidance and onsite interactions, misconceptions about capacity and installation challenges will likely occur. For example, a customer may believe that a single battery is enough to power their entire home, only to be disappointed when experiencing a power outage.

The team at Scudder addresses these issues by visiting every site before generating a proposal, where representatives lead customers through a complete evaluation using an internally developed questionnaire called “the backup wish list.” During this site visit, the team documents the entire property, taking photos of electric panels and the location of existing batteries, ensuring they fully understand the client’s needs and desires and maintain code compliance.

To maximize the financial benefit to commercial clients, Scudder also evaluates the reason behind the largest influx of demand charges and delivers solutions to relieve this burden.

As a full-service contractor, it evaluates the existing structure and determines whether it needs replacing or repairing before solar installation. Scudder can also retrofit existing solar systems with both AC and DC battery offerings to meet client goals.

Residential clients may seek to add energy storage systems without sacrificing the architectural authenticity of their homes. Traditional shake roofing presents an obstacle to this goal, as most competitors are not certified to install panels on an existing shake roof. Unlike many other companies, Scudder is certified to install not only solar energy storage systems on any roof but also install a new shake roof. Not only does Scudder guarantee its own work, but installations are completed in such a way that the original roofing and materials warranty remains valid.

A truly customer service-driven organization, Scudder’s top priority is client satisfaction. One recent installation of a large solar system and full house backup was put to the test with multiple power outages over the course of a difficult winter. With Scudder’s help, the client’s tenant was able to maintain full power without interruption.

While the experts are fully trained and familiar with the largest and most common brands, they don’t stop there. As new technology emerges, the team evaluates its potential and incorporates new products into its offerings.

This commitment to evolution in the dynamic solar industry is further demonstrated by an investment in the technology of the future. Scudder recently installed a large ground mount and a roof mount facility at the Rancho Cielo campus, where youths participate in the Orange County Sustainability Decathlon. The team is donating materials, equipment, and design power to support them in their goal to develop the next generation of small homes that are completely off-grid and sustainable.