Since 1938: Employee-centric Baker Electric is widely recognized for its innovative and comprehensive portfolio of electrical contracting and renewables solutions

“We realized early that diversification was the key to success in the electrical construction industry. Over eight decades in business, we witnessed several competitors fall by the wayside.”

In 1938, LeRoy Baker took a significant leap by acquiring Dietrich Electric, a small local electric company, for a modest sum of $4,000. Little did he know at the time that this seemingly ordinary decision would ultimately give rise to the illustrious Baker legacy, renowned for its pioneering advancements in electrical construction and its extensive portfolio of innovative renewable energy solutions.

Today, Baker Electric is a nationally recognized leader and provider of solar and electrical contracting services, as well as renewable energy storage solutions. With a long-standing reputation for excellence, Baker Electric embodies a trifecta of qualities: quality, innovation, and integrity. The company offers a comprehensive range of commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage solutions for various clients, including businesses, non-profits, military and educational facilities, and utilities, among others. Additionally, Baker Electric provides design-build and design-assist services to general contractors operating in the solar and electric power sectors.

Baker Electric is headquartered in Escondido, CA.

The Silicon Review reached out to Scott Williams, who holds the position of Executive Vice President at Baker Electric, to gather his insights. Here’s what he had to share in response.

“Our innovative culture is attributable to Baker’s philosophy of investing in its people, from field electricians to administrative support teams. ‘We deliver energy through people’ is the motto by which we operate. Taking people-centrism forward, Baker was recently sold to its employees as an ESOP, making it a game changer in the industry as every employee has a direct stake in the firm.”

Baker Electric successfully navigated more than 85 years of market disruptions by continuously innovating and diversifying its portfolio to include sectors such as healthcare, education, hospitality/gaming, multifamily housing, renewable energy, public works, and beyond.

“We realized early that diversification was the key to success in the electrical construction industry. Over eight decades in business, we witnessed several competitors fall by the wayside.”

Baker is currently working on an ambitious project to deliver a fully integrated rooftop and carport solar system, with a large-scale battery storage system for a sports facility in Inglewood, California. It is currently building a three-megawatt PV and 12MWH BESS installation by June 2024, making a difference to the project with its fast delivery.

Facilitating change

A developer in the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) space approached Baker to bid and design its small-scale 25-megawatt solar project. Although the client had the necessary funds and resource materials, it lacked the specialized expertise needed to execute the project effectively. Baker capitalized on its experience in sub-contracting and electrical contracting services to develop and implement a plan that would fulfill the client’s requirements. Remarkably, the solar plant project was completed within a span of nine months, marking Baker’s entry into the small-scale EPC space.

Furthermore, Baker has taken assertive measures to address the shortage of developers and contractors for many small-scale EPCs and solar energy farms and plants ranging between 10 to 75 megawatts. It is fully equipped to meet their distinct demands with full-service turnkey design services, including site survey, fencing and grading, road, transmission lines, substation installations, and electrical module and wiring installation. This strategic move positions Baker as a proactive solution provider in the small-scale EPC and solar energy market sectors. This strategic move positions Baker as a forward-thinking and proactive solution provider in the small-scale EPC and solar energy market sectors.

Scott Williams | Executive Vice President 

As Executive Vice President, Scott manages all commercial and utility-scale solar business operations as well as the development and implementation of the company’s stringent safety protocols. His responsibilities include the growth and profitability of the renewables business from marketing and sales to project bids, planning, implementation and execution. His management of emerging markets such as energy storage, microgrids, building industries energy conservation measures and compatible energy measures, has positioned Baker as a leader in renewable energy production and efficiencies.

“Our innovative culture is attributable to Baker’s philosophy of investing in its people, from field electricians to administrative support teams. ‘We deliver Energy through people’ is the motto by which we operate. Taking people-centrism forward, Baker was recently sold to its employees as an ESOP, making it a game changer in the industry as every employee has a direct stake in the firm.”