Scott,
the correct way to locate your sketchup model in GE is to use the "Google" toolbar. You must use have both google earth and sketchup open at the same time, go to GE, find a view that has the area of work, and them import that into sketchup using the toolbar. This will give you a scaled image on which you will place your model just like you would like to see it in GE (make sure its scaled properly). Make sure to toggle the terrain on so that you can locate the poles on the Z axis correctly. after you locate the features where they need to be, you can export the model to a .kmz file that you can view in google earth. Here is a video from the 3D basecamp that does a geat job of describing how this is supposed to work.
Its a long video, but i recommend watching the whole thing if u can.