• Posted: July 10, 2024
• BT Electric, EVSE installation project, library of renewable energy resources, Solar

In the rapidly advancing field of renewable energy, Powering Chicago member contractor BT Electric has proudly served its customers’ electrical needs in the greater Chicagoland area since 1985. As a family-owned business, they have always taken their commitment to excellence seriously. Over the years, BT Electric has evolved to offer more than LED lighting upgrades and electrical work for new constructions and remodels. Today, they are proud to serve as a Premier Solar Services Provider for Chicago and Cook County, offering cutting-edge solar technology for homes and businesses. 

Robert Pratl is the owner and the driving force behind BT Electric. As a proud electrical contractor, Pratl brings a wealth of experience and a nuanced understanding of Chicago’s unique infrastructure challenges to every project. One of the challenges Pratl and other contractors often face in Chicago is the age of the current infrastructure.

“The problem with Chicago is, it’s so old. Most of the industrial plants in Chicago are plants that are old. So you’re very rarely seeing new construction for industrial plants in Chicago,” said Pratl. 

Pratl’s deep understanding of Chicago’s infrastructure has been instrumental in shaping BT Electric’s approach to retrofitting state-of-the-art solar technology for the city’s existing structures.

As a Powering Chicago signatory electrical contractor, BT Electric exemplifies the high standards and comprehensive expertise for which Powering Chicago members are known. Their team of highly trained IBEW Local 134 professionals ensures that every project is executed with precision and adherence to the strictest safety standards. 

“We have a proven track record. And the people that we hire are all through the apprenticeship program, so they have really good training,” said Pratl.

BT Electric was recently organized and made the transition from being a non-union contractor to a union contractor. Being a Powering Chicago member contractor and employing IBEW Local 134 electricians not only allows BT Electric to complete work to the highest standards, but Pratl feels it also allows them to honor the family values that have been at the heart of the business since its beginning. 

“I think being union is a great way to get better safety. It takes care of the people on your roof that are actually doing the work for you. They’re getting pensions, they’re getting benefits, they’re getting insurance,” said Pratl.

BT Electric’s commitment to excellence is evident in how its employees treat their clients. From the initial assessment to the final installation, BT Electric’s customers benefit from a thorough, transparent approach. 

“We’re going to create some preliminary drawings for you to see how the solar is going to look, to show you what your savings are, and we’re going to explain what your incentives are going to be,” said Pratl. 

This process ensures customers are well-informed at every stage of their solar investment.

Looking ahead, BT Electric is at the forefront of emerging trends in industrial renewable energy. Pratl advises businesses to consider the rebates and incentives that are available now. With some industrial facilities spending over $100,000 monthly on electricity, the potential for significant cost savings through solar implementation is substantial.

Pratl encourages his customers to avoid waiting too long to participate in these rebate and incentive programs because there’s no guarantee they will be available forever. He foresees some of these cost-savings opportunities going away once the government mandates the production of more EVs, solar panels and other renewable energy technologies. 

“Take advantage of what the incentives are right now before it’s mandated,” said Pratl. 

Pratl predicts that solar carports will be “the next trend” in urban environments like Chicago, potentially transforming parking facilities into dual-purpose energy-generating spaces. This forward-thinking perspective keeps BT Electric ahead of the curve in providing cutting-edge solutions to clients.

As Chicago continues its trajectory towards a more sustainable future, Powering Chicago member contractors like BT Electric play a pivotal role in making renewable energy solutions accessible and practical for businesses and homeowners alike. With their deep local roots, commitment to the highest standards of safety and quality, and innovative approach to sustainable energy, BT Electric exemplifies the expertise that defines Powering Chicago’s network of elite electrical professionals.

To learn more about Powering Chicago, explore our website and check out our library of renewable energy resources for your next solar or EVSE installation project.