One of the businesses that received a Beautify Lincoln makeover was TRiP, recently named Best Neighborhood Music Venue of 2013 by the LA Weekly. In addition to the huge splash of color that Evan’s mural added to TRiP’s entryway, TRiP’s owner had a vision to immerse a tree adjacent to his business with light.

To help him out, we installed twelve 35-watt solar panels recycled from a previous project that charge a gel battery throughout the day, and light up LED flood lights aimed at the tree at night. Here’s how it works: the solar panels, lights, and battery are hooked up to a charge controller. During the day, the panels charge up the battery, and when the sun goes down, a timer sequence is initiated. As soon as the timer winds down, the tree is lit up by the battery powered LED lights, and these lights stay on for about 6 hours throughout the night.

TRiP tree lit up by solar powered lighting

Between art murals, solar powered lights, live music, and a great beer selection, there’s no reason not to include TRiP on your next weekend outing.

Workers repairing power lines

With more energy breakdowns in our future, now is the time to consider a battery backup system or a new SMA inverter with an emergency backup circuit.  Solar Forward is the most experienced installer of reliable grid interactive power systems in Southern California.

SMA inverter with emergency back up power.

Yesterday we installed a state of the art SMA TL inverter with Emergency Backup power!

This allows for appliances to be used even when the power is out.

All you have to do is flip the switch below the inverter during a power outage and you’re free to use your refrigerator, coffee maker, cell phone charger or any other item in the house up to 1880 watts!

Check out our satisfied customer plugging in an appliance using solar power. As long as the sun is shining during a power blackout, you have power!

Client plugging in to power from her solar array.

Evan Meyer felt this way about Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica, except he was able to put his finger on what was missing: artwork and community. He initiated Beautify Lincoln, a self-funded volunteer effort to bring life and energy to the often overlooked streetscape.

Flip through the slideshow below to see how vibrant once bare walls can become.

With over 15 projects under his belt, Evan is fostering community and partnership one mural at a time. He’s experienced tremendous positive feedback from business owners and volunteer artists, with some businesses reporting increased sales after their artistic makeovers. One such business, Metropolitan Cleaners, has seen its highest revenues since 2008 after their artwork went up.

One area Evan could use more help with is having community advocates to keep the momentum going and create a demand for the type of environment Evan envisions. Here at Solar Forward we praise Evan’s efforts and fully support his goal of improving the quality of life in our local neighborhood, especially since Lincoln Boulevard is right in our office’s backyard!

We’re working on a collaboration effort to provide solar powered lighting for Beautify Lincoln so that the amazing artwork can be put properly on display, day and night.

We provided him with two 320 watt panels which now power his tracking system, coffee maker, entertainment center, lights and navigation.

Now he’s not just sailing off into the sunset, he’s being powered by it. You can follow his progress as he makes his way to French Polynesia.

What are you solar aspirations? Don’t hesitate to contact us about your custom solar project.