It was wonderful to work with Pastor Caleb, Jan Peters, and the rest of the congregation at St. Andrew’s to truly help them put into practice the environmental stewardship they preach. Their 9.2 kW system will generate clean, renewable energy and reduce their dependence on the energy coming in from the grid, which is mostly generated using fossil fuels.

Solar Forward was happy to be a part of St. Andrew’s Solar Sunday event to educate attendees about the ins and outs of generating clean energy. If you’re a member of a church interested in going solar, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 310-433-3770. Utility rebates are still available for tax exempt customers. Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through the process from start to finish.

Check out the photos below to see highlights from the day:

The security of our national electrical grid has always been a concern. Last year, snipers attacked a power substation in Northern California. Data and control lines were cut and over one hundred well placed bullets knocked more than fifteen transformers off line.

Aside from beefing up security at power plants and substations, an effective way to ensure our homes and businesses can keep running is by decentralizing the grid, i.e. installing solar panels so every home and business owner can have their own power plant right on their roof. Better yet, installing a battery backup system ensures you’ll still have power even if the grid does go down.

A state bill is working its way through the Legislature that would charge customers (not just solar customers) with a $10/month fee to make up for revenue losses utility companies have experienced due to the rising popularity of solar panels.

We at Solar Forward think this another blunder by the utility industry.  Solar saves everyone money and reduces the need for power plants and transmission lines.   Solar energy is generated where it is consumed, saving 10% on normal loss in wires and transformers.

This fee would apply to customers within Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric and San Diego Gas & Electric territories.

Consumer groups produced the video below, prompting Southern California Edison to issue a cease and desist letter.

Now customers are making their voices heard by rallying outside Edison’s offices in Rosemead and expressing their outrage at utility companies creating even more roadblocks for clean, renewable energy.

At Solar Forward, we will do everything in our power to make sure the bill does not become law so California residents can continue to choose solar energy for their homes and businesses.

Nuclear power is toxic forever, a national security risk, and inefficient.  As with any centralized power source, more than 10% of the power produced is lost in the transmission lines before it gets to our homes.

Residential solar power plant

Solar on your roof is safe, clean, nontoxic, and decentralized.  The power you produce on your home is consumed on site or next door.  There is no transmission loss.  There is no risk to the Earth and no risk of terrorism or nuclear meltdown.  Solar power maintenance is simple, without risk of radiation, cancer or contaminating thousands of square miles.

Beware the atom, embrace the sun!

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.

Example of California Friendly Landscaping

LADWP is increasing the cash rebate for switching from water-thirsty grass to California Friendly landscaping from $1.50 per square foot to $2.00 per square foot. With this rebate increase, homeowners can cover a significant part of their re-landscaping costs.

Start saving water and money today by visiting the California Friendly Program website.

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.

Tesla Model S

Consumer Reports just rated the Tesla Model S with the highest score ever, 99 out of 100. Electrical vehicles are overtaking conventional vehicles in terms of power, handling, aesthetics, and ergonomics.

But don’t rush to the auto dealership just yet. While our grid may be cleaner than most, it’s still comprised of over 40% coal and natural gas, i.e. nonrenewable fossil fuels.

By combining a solar system with an electric vehicle, you can drive completely on clean, free energy from the sun. If you already have a solar system, you can add an additional 2 – 3 kW of solar (depending on your driving habits) to cover the energy needed to power your car!

Ford Focus & SunPower

Keep a lookout at your local Ford dealership for the Ford/SunPower partnership, allowing you to acquire a 2.5 kilowatt rooftop system in conjunction with an electric Ford Focus.

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.