CedarSun Electric launches to meet growing demand for electrical, solar work

For the past six months, CedarSun Electric owners Steve and Wendi Kuchera have been busy helping Cook County property owners connect to the grid, service outlets and light fixtures, install solar panels, and a wide range of other electrical needs.

The couple launched their business in the fall of 2025 and, since then, have traveled all over the county to provide electrical and solar services.

“A lot of people are just really excited that we are showing up for them and available,” said Steve Kuchera.

The inspiration to launch the electrical and solar business had been in the works prior to moving to Cook County two years ago. However, once they arrived and settled in, the two recognized the need for additional electricians in the county and began expediting their business plans.

“Once we arrived, we realized there was a great need,” Wendi Kuchera said. “Everyone was just overwhelmed, overjoyed that an electrician was coming.”

While the demand for electricians was clear, access to local solar technicians was even more limited.

“A lot of these (solar) systems have been running now for 20-30 years, and the original installers have retired or passed away,” said Jakob Brown, CedarSun Electric’s solar specialist. “And it’s kind of leaving a void right now for keeping these legacy systems working and keeping them up to date and up to code.”

Since taking on solar maintenance and installation projects for the business, Brown said he’s noticed many Cook County property owners are trying to navigate integrating their systems with the legacy solar system, which may or may not be up to code.

Many of these properties gained access to the grid over the past summer following Arrowhead Cooperative’s expansion of broadband and electric service.

Steve Kuchera said another trend they’ve noticed locally is that, with the expansion of fiber and electric, property owners have many questions about the process for connecting to the grid and whether it’s possible with their existing system. He says he’s noticed it’s a “case-by-case basis.”

Given the ongoing supply chain disruptions and tariffs, Brown said he’s also noticed an initial spike in battery, raw material, and fuel prices, which have increased costs for property owners.

Jacob Brown and Steve Kuchera in the field | Photo by CedarSun Electric

Given the variety of electrical jobs, most often in remote off-grid locations, Steve Kuchera said it’s been an interesting and fun learning process since launching the business.

“We come to a lot of places in Cook County that are not normal,” Steve Kuchera said. “It’s not something that you can learn in school or experience in a city, because every situation you walk into is different.”

He said, despite the difficulties and remote cabin locations, he loves the challenge.

“We’re just really excited to be here and continue serving the community for years to come,” said Steve Kuchera.

To learn more about CedarSun Electric, contact: cedarsunelectric@gmail.com or 218-216-6978.

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with CedarSun Electric owners Steve and Wendi Kuchera and Jakob Brown, solar specialist, about their business, electric and solar trends in Cook County, types of services the business provides, and more. Audio below.

Kalli Hawkins April 20, 2026