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.

SunPower Panel

SunPower performs a multitude of tests on their panels, to mimic the harshest real world conditions they may endure. This includes tests to replicate a barrage of 90 mile per hour winds, high humidity and heat, as well as rapid temperature fluctuations.

Think of it this way: while the chances of you writing a New York Times bestseller are 220 to 1, the chances of you having to act on your SunPower warranty are 39,000 to 1.

SunPower Panel

And don’t think we’re the only ones tooting SunPower’s horn. Check out the variety of independent articles that vouch for SunPower’s quality and staying power.

Anyone who has ever used a gas generator knows three things: they are loud, run out of fuel and smell bad.  Often they don’t work when you need them most!

Solar Forward was generating 1,800 Watts all day with this portable and clean SunPower solar system.  Even without sunlight, our Solar Forward Roller will store two kilowatt-hours of energy—enough to watch a flat screen TV for 5 hours!

After internal LADWP approval, endorsement from the LADWP Rate Payer Advocacy Group, and now tentative backing from the LA City Council before a second vote next week, the increase appears destined to hit our pocketbooks.

What might be the reason behind the rise? To bloat the salaries of utility employees?  No.  Well, at least not directly.  More on that later…

A LADWP issued press release from September 12, 2012 states:

“The Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners moved forward today with a proposed 2-year electric rate change to pay to pay for investments needed to comply with legal mandates that are driving a complete transformation of LADWP’s power supply, to invest in replacing rapidly aging infrastructure to maintain reliability and expand customer opportunities through additional investment in money-saving energy efficiency programs which also comply with state requirements.”

Solar Forward crew installs SunPower Panels on a tile roof

Whether we continue charging our lives off finite fossil fuels, or invest in pricier renewable energy (which thankfully we are shifting towards), the fact is our energy expenses will and must rise.  Here in California, electricity rates are rising at an average of 6% each year.

And there’s more.  According to a LA Times article, “Independent ratepayer advocate Fred Pickel told the council that the DWP’s financial plan called for possible increases of 7.8% in 2014, 7.6% in 2015 and 6% in 2016.”

Yes, it’s a drag.  No, we can’t change it.*

Still, LADWP’s publicity battle would have been easier had it not just been revealed that their staff are paid approximately 26% – 46% more than workers at other utilities.  While levelheaded Angelinos may accept higher energy costs during an economic downturn, it’s a bit hard to swallow in light of these generous salaries.

*Here’s the secret: you can avoid utility inflation.  Go solar.  Produce your own energy by purchasing a solar system, with an average ROI of 7-9 years.  After that, your electricity is free.  Or, lease a solar system for no money upfront, paying only a low monthly payment for the next 20 years.  Zero-percent interest.  No catch.  Contact Solar Forward for a free estimate, www.solarforward.com.

New applications into LADWP for solar are experiencing over two month delays!  Solar contractors and homeowners are being held captive by the utility.  Until given the go ahead by LADWP, we are unable to move forward on pending projects.

In the peak summer months, LADWP has effectively shut down the solar industry by dismissing their entire solar inspector staff.  And this isn’t the first time.

All trained and experienced solar inspectors have been replaced by a new group of  “union” employees with no background in solar energy.

The delays are mounting.  During the sunniest months of the year, when demand for electricity is greatest and we’re asked to flex our power, we have solar systems switched off!

Calls, emails, more calls.  It is nearly impossible to reach anyone at LADWP to air grievances and find solutions.

What can be done by the City Council and the Mayor’s office to create oversight for LADWP?

The people of Los Angeles want renewable energy.  Sadly, LADWP has repeatedly made it impossible, and is still wasting taxpayer money at every turn.

Solar Forward installed its first grid-tied solar system in Los Angeles in 2005.

Solar is not new.  So why now, in 2012, do utility companies still struggle with its implementation?

The issue is not demand.  Californians thirst for more solar.  In July alone, over 600 solar rebate applications were submitted to LADWP.

During a summer which may be the hottest ever on record, installation of solar panels must be a priority.  President Obama gets it.

At Solar Forward, much of our summer has been spent speaking with new clients who are exasperated that their homes are still powered by coal.  “We’re really sorry, LADWP has not processed your rebate application.”  “We’re really sorry, we don’t know when LADWP will be out to inspect your system.”

It seems no amount of anger or frustration penetrates the antiquated walls of LADWP.

Out in Northridge where the daily temperature this month will average around 97 degrees, one of our clients has been waiting for a LADWP inspection for 6 weeks.  And counting.

In Tarzana, another client has waited months to install his 18 kW solar system.  He rightly wonders why systems like his, which would take a much needed burden off the grid, are not rushed through LADWP’s solar program.

In a world where most people who fail at their jobs are fired, LADWP gets a pass.  Los Angeles homeowners are left with high electricity bills, and polluted skies.

Tailpipe emissions account for one-fifth of worldwide carbon emissions.    Ideally, we would combat this by pouring funding into public transit, and single passenger car trips would become a rarity.

Instead, we’re clinging to life as usual.  How do we have our automobile cake, and eat it too?

Plug-in hybrids.

Consumer habits have shown that most Americans fear the fully electric vehicle.  Unfortunately, the climate can’t wait for us to adjust to the idea of going to a charging station rather than a gas station.

Luckily for future generations, drivers are willing to compromise.  Sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles are up 381%in just the first half of this year.  We won’t completely give up petroleum, but we are dieting.

This new breed of hybrid can travel 20 miles before switching to gasoline.  And, the cost to charge at night is equal to a mere 75 cents per gallon of gasoline.

Plug-in hybrids are a great alternative to traditional EVs.  They ease consumers into the ways of electric vehicles, while allowing drivers their gas tank security blanket.

Call Solar Forward to learn about powering your plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle with the sun.

We shouldn’t stop at frustration.  We should be outraged.

Greedy utility companies, and complacent politicians are depriving Californians of clean and affordable energy.

Solar Forward

www.solarforward.com