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.

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.

Calling on LA to go solar

In a city blessed with year round sunshine and plenty of roof space to absorb it, why is only 1% of LA’s electricity being generated by solar? Whatever the excuses may be, we’ve joined a diverse coalition that will not wait around for change; we’re demanding an increase now.

On Tuesday April 30th, Solar Forward stood among a broad coalition of elected officials, leading businesses, public health professionals, environmental groups and veterans to push for rooftop solar to provide 20% of LA’s energy needs by 2020.

As LADWP looks to replace a large portion of its power supply, we have to make sure to push them in the right direction. Polluting fossil fuels need to be a thing of the past.

Both mayoral candidates have endorsed the 20% by 2020 goal, so after you vote on May 21st, make sure you hold the next mayor to it!

Coalition members calling for 20% by 2020