Palos Verdes Daily Landslide Reports

by Bradley L. Bartz, founder ABC Solar Incorporated

Welcome to PV Daily from Bradley Bartz, Founder of ABC Solar Inc.

As a long-time resident of Rancho Palos Verdes and an advocate for clean energy, I’m proud to welcome you to PV Daily. Here, we explore the evolving world of solar technology and policy, with a special focus on the issues facing our community as we navigate energy independence, sustainability, and resilience.

When Southern California Edison cut power to over 350 homes in our neighborhood due to the recent landslide, ABC Solar stepped up to the plate. With 25 years of expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid solar, we equipped homes with robust Sol-Ark 15kW inverters and Briggs and Stratton Simpliphi Battery systems, empowering residents to stay powered independently of the grid.

As advocates, ABC Solar and I engage regularly with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and other regulatory authorities to protect and advance the rights of solar customers. This year, I led a group of over 60 solar industry leaders in successfully challenging the LA County Fire Department’s six-month blockade on solar battery permits. Now, as we work with residents affected by the RPV landslide, we are holding LA County accountable to state solar laws, pushing for efficient, compliant permitting that serves our community’s needs. Thanks to local city officials who understand these challenges, we’re seeing progress and positive change for citizens impacted by power shutoffs.

At PV Daily, our mission is to empower you with real-time information and insights to navigate the solar landscape confidently. Together, let’s continue to build a sustainable, resilient future.

Sincerely,

Bradley Bartz
Founder, ABC Solar Inc.

10-Point Guide to Identifying and Addressing Overtime Abuse

1. Exorbitant Salaries from Excessive Overtime

Observation: Chief's annual salary has exceeded $650,000, with approximately two-thirds attributed to overtime.

Action: Implement caps on overtime to prevent excessive compensation and require transparent reporting of hours worked, duties performed, and justification for overtime hours.

2. Conflict of Interest through Unauthorized Regulatory Practices

Observation: Chi has developed a solar and battery regulatory division outside of his jurisdiction, competing with the California Energy Commission and enforcing a six-month blockade on solar permits.

Action: Review jurisdictional authority, assess duplication of services, and enforce accountability for actions beyond permitted roles, particularly where public benefits are obstructed.

3. Non-Compliance with SB379 and E-Permitting Requirements

Observation: The Department has failed to uphold SB379, which mandates real-time electronic permitting for expediency and transparency.

Action: Mandate adherence to SB379, with oversight to ensure real-time electronic permits are issued, to improve efficiency and curb unnecessary delays and associated overtime.

4. Excessive Rejections for Minor Formatting Errors

Observation: Applications are being rejected for trivial formatting issues, such as unbolded words, leading to unnecessary revisions and added hours.

Action: Standardize document requirements with clear, uniform guidelines, limiting rejections to substantive errors. Implement a review board for disputed rejections.

5. Inconsistent Application of Rules

Observation: Planners are allegedly applying rules inconsistently, creating a “permitting roulette” environment where standards vary by planner.

Action: Develop a comprehensive permitting manual and mandate training for planners to ensure uniform application of rules. Random audits should be conducted to verify compliance.

6. Unjustified Charges for Emergency Permits

Observation: Emergency landslide permits are reportedly issued with additional charges, causing undue stress to applicants in genuine emergencies.

Action: Implement a no-charge policy for emergency permits, especially in disaster situations, to prevent financial exploitation of citizens in need.

7. Circular Arguments and Vague Guidelines

Observation: County regulations are crafted with circular reasoning that provides no clear pathway to permit approval.

Action: Simplify and clarify all permitting guidelines, with specific attention to identifying and eliminating circular or ambiguous language.

8. Unclear, Arbitrary, and Unachievable Requirements

Observation: Planners often impose undefined or unrealistic requirements that cannot be met, leaving applicants at a standstill.

Action: Define all permit requirements explicitly and establish an appeals process for applicants to challenge arbitrary rejections.

9. Violation of Joint Inspection Protocols (Gov Code 714)

Observation: State law mandates that fire inspections be conducted jointly with city building officials, yet this is often ignored, leading to redundant inspections and overtime.

Action: Enforce Gov Code 714 for joint inspections and monitor compliance, with penalties for departments that unnecessarily duplicate inspection efforts.

10. Refusal to Issue Emergency Permits During Critical Events

Observation: Emergency permits are delayed or denied during disasters, seemingly to generate more overtime hours.

Action: Prioritize emergency permit issuance during crises, especially in cases of landslides or other natural disasters, with disciplinary measures for staff found to be obstructing emergency response.

Email the Board of Supervisors to agree or disagree with these views. fourthdistrict@bos.lacounty.gov

Letter to California Air Resources Board (CARB)

Date: November 6, 2024

California Air Resources Board (CARB)
1001 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Subject: Invitation to Conduct an In-Depth Study on Off-Grid Solar and Battery-Powered Homes in Rancho Palos Verdes and Rolling Hills

Dear CARB Leadership Team,

I am reaching out to invite the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to undertake a groundbreaking case study on a unique situation in Rancho Palos Verdes and Rolling Hills, where a devastating landslide forced Southern California Edison (SCE) to abandon grid support for over 350 large, high-end homes. As these residences transition to complete reliance on solar and battery systems, this presents an unprecedented opportunity for CARB to evaluate and guide the development of off-grid solar and storage systems designed to thrive through all seasons, especially winter.

ABC Solar and other companies have stepped up to help repower these homes with advanced solar PV and battery storage solutions, achieving a new level of renewable energy resilience. This area, with its high-capacity solar systems and extensive battery storage configurations, is uniquely positioned to become a model for California’s clean energy future. However, winter presents a challenge. Without grid support, the need to optimize solar generation and storage capacity has never been clearer, and CARB’s expertise is crucial in shaping this transition.

A Community Forced Off the Grid: The Rancho Palos Verdes and Rolling Hills Landslide

In a drastic turn of events, over 350 homes in the landslide-affected zones of Rancho Palos Verdes and Rolling Hills were abruptly disconnected from the SCE grid. Faced with losing power, many residents turned to solar and battery systems for their energy needs. These homes are now entirely dependent on renewable energy solutions, navigating daily life without fossil fuels or backup from the utility grid. The circumstances create an ideal setting for CARB to engage in real-time analysis and support the long-term success of off-grid solar and battery systems in California.

An Invitation for CARB to Lead in Off-Grid Solar System Optimization

CARB’s involvement could provide essential data and insight, paving the way for statewide policy adjustments that would allow off-grid solar homes to succeed year-round. Winter, with its lower solar production and heightened energy demands, is a critical period to observe. For residents relying exclusively on solar and battery power, system performance in these colder, shorter days is paramount. Currently, solar system sizing rules under NEM and other restrictions limit the ability to build truly winter-resilient systems. CARB’s guidance can help advocate for the necessary upsizing of solar and battery storage to ensure these homes meet winter energy demands without turning to fossil fuels.

Key Objectives of CARB’s Involvement

The Role of Declining Solar Costs and Increased Affordability

As solar panel costs have dropped significantly, it is now more financially feasible than ever to scale up these systems. For the residents of Rancho Palos Verdes and Rolling Hills, this has allowed them to move forward with solar projects that once seemed out of reach. However, the path to independence from fossil fuels, especially in winter, remains challenging. With CARB’s involvement, these systems could evolve to meet winter needs without relying on propane or other fossil-fuel backups. By setting a precedent for properly sized, all-electric homes, California can lead the nation in demonstrating the viability of large-scale, off-grid solar systems.

Request for CARB’s Involvement

We invite CARB to participate in this study actively, with on-site evaluations, data analysis, and direct engagement with the homeowners who are living this new reality. The results could serve as a model for future policies that promote sustainable, winter-ready off-grid solutions across California.

CARB’s support will be instrumental in helping ABC Solar and similar companies advance our efforts to power homes through all seasons without fossil fuels, creating a replicable model for resilience and self-sufficiency. This case study will also provide the foundation needed for statewide initiatives that promote clean, renewable energy and advocate for policy shifts that allow for optimal solar system sizing.

We would be honored to collaborate with CARB on this transformative effort. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss how we can move forward.

Thank you for considering this important initiative. Together, we can create a sustainable future for California and beyond.

Sincerely,

Bradley Bartz
President, ABC Solar Incorporated

Today at the CPUC

A Call for Change: Removing Solar Size Limitations and Eliminating Redundant Permitting Obstacles in LA County

Summary: Today’s report addresses two pressing issues that inhibit the growth of solar energy in California: restrictive solar system size limitations under NEM and the redundant and inefficient permitting processes in Los Angeles County. ABC Solar Incorporated calls on the CPUC to (1) remove the 100% annual usage cap on solar installations, enabling ratepayers to size systems based on property capacity; and (2) work with the California Energy Commission (CEC) to end duplicative and costly permitting practices in LA County, which drive up expenses for taxpayers and solar customers alike. These issues share a common theme: outdated rules and practices that benefit monopolistic utilities at the expense of ratepayers.

Removing Size Limitations: Letting Solar Do Its Job Year-Round

Currently, the CPUC’s NEM (Net Energy Metering) program restricts solar installations to match only 100% of a household’s historical annual usage. This limitation, a relic of early NEM programs, no longer aligns with California’s modern energy landscape, where solar technology, energy storage, and grid independence have advanced significantly. For Southern Californians, winter’s shorter days bring higher electricity needs, especially for those who depend on electric heating and need to charge electric vehicles.

ABC Solar advocates for a CPUC policy update that would allow homeowners to install solar systems sized according to their property’s full capacity rather than their past usage patterns. This modification would allow ratepayers to generate adequate energy to meet peak winter demands, store surplus for resilience, and achieve greater grid independence. Advanced Power Control Systems (PCS) now allow homeowners to avoid grid exports, meaning homeowners could become effectively self-sufficient without stressing utility infrastructure.

Benefits of Removing Size Limitations

The Red Tape Trap: How LA County’s Shadow Regulatory System Thwarts Solar Progress

Alongside restrictive NEM limits, LA County’s current solar and battery permitting system places an immense burden on solar companies and consumers. Originally designed to ensure public safety and compliance, the permitting process has become riddled with unnecessary complexity and redundancies, including duplicative equipment certification efforts that the CEC already manages at the state level. LA County’s approach results in time delays, inflated costs, and even overtime abuse, as staff enforce redundant reviews and multiple inspections to drive up hours.

Key Issues in LA County’s Redundant Processes

Streamlining for Efficiency: Recommendations to the CPUC and LA County Board of Supervisors

To address these issues, ABC Solar proposes the following:

Conclusion: A Path Forward for Solar Adoption and Energy Independence

California’s clean energy future depends on regulatory policies that align with technological advancements and the realities of modern energy demands. The CPUC and LA County Board of Supervisors have a unique opportunity to create a supportive environment for solar adoption by eliminating outdated size limitations under NEM and dismantling duplicative permitting structures in LA County.

Removing NEM’s 100% size cap will empower ratepayers to make the most of their solar potential, particularly in winter. Meanwhile, addressing LA County’s inefficient permitting processes will reduce project costs and free up resources that could be better allocated to essential public services. California is at a pivotal moment in its clean energy transition, and embracing streamlined, efficient policies will pave the way for a more resilient and self-sufficient future.

About Bradley Bartz and Today at the CPUC

Bradley Bartz, President of ABC Solar Incorporated, has long advocated for energy independence and equitable access to solar power in California. Through the "Today at the CPUC" series, Bartz promotes policies that prioritize ratepayer needs over monopolistic interests and advocates for sustainable, efficient practices in solar regulation.

I am mad at SCE and probably not take it anymore GPT by Bradley Bartz

How Solar Systems Work for Your Home

A solar system for your home is a powerful way to generate electricity using renewable energy from the sun. It’s designed to capture sunlight, convert it into electricity, store it for later use, and keep your home powered even when the grid is down. Here's a breakdown of how it works and what components make up the system.

Components of a Home Solar System:

1. Solar Panels (Photovoltaic Panels)

  • What they do: Solar panels are placed on the roof of your house. They capture energy from the sun in the form of light and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. This process happens thanks to the photovoltaic effect inside the cells of the panels.
  • Why they’re important: Solar panels are the primary source of energy for your solar system. They collect sunlight and start the process of generating usable power for your home.

2. Inverter

  • What it does: Solar panels produce DC electricity, but most homes and appliances use alternating current (AC) electricity. The inverter takes the DC electricity from the panels and converts it into AC electricity that your home can use.
  • Why it’s important: Without the inverter, the electricity generated by the panels wouldn’t be compatible with the electrical systems in your home.

3. Battery Storage

  • What it does: The battery stores extra energy produced by your solar panels during the day. If you generate more electricity than your home needs at any time, the extra energy is saved in the battery so you can use it later, like at night or when the sun isn’t shining.
  • Why it’s important: Battery storage ensures your home has a backup power supply. Even if the grid goes down, or there are cloudy days, your home can keep using stored solar energy instead of relying on traditional power sources.

4. Backup Generator (Optional)

  • What it does: A backup generator is an extra layer of protection for times when your solar panels and battery storage aren’t enough to power your home (e.g., during extended cloudy periods). It runs on fuel like propane and kicks in when needed.
  • Why it’s important: A generator ensures you always have power, even in rare cases when solar production and battery storage are not enough to meet your needs.

How It All Works Together:

  1. Sunlight hits the solar panels, and they convert it into DC electricity.
  2. The inverter changes the DC electricity into AC electricity, which powers your home.
  3. If you produce more electricity than you need, the extra power is stored in the battery.
  4. At night, or when the sun isn’t out, your home can use the energy stored in the battery.
  5. If both your solar panels and battery can’t provide enough power, a backup generator can kick in to ensure your home stays powered.

Benefits of a Solar System:

  • Clean and Renewable: Solar energy is a clean source of power, meaning it doesn’t produce pollution or carbon emissions like fossil fuels do. It’s also renewable, so it won’t run out as long as the sun shines.
  • Energy Independence: By having a solar system with battery storage, you can generate your own power and be less reliant on the grid, especially during power outages.
  • Cost Savings: Over time, using solar power can reduce your electricity bills. Once the system is installed, you’re generating free energy from the sun.
  • Sustainability: Solar power is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint and help combat climate change by reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

In summary, a home solar system captures sunlight, converts it into electricity, stores extra energy for later, and can even use a backup generator when needed. It’s an eco-friendly, reliable way to power your home using the sun's energy.

How a Solar System Works (For Kids!)

Imagine you have a really cool toy that lets you catch sunlight and turn it into power for your house! This toy is called a solar system (not like the planets, but a special kind for making electricity).

Here’s How It Works:

  • Solar Panels: These are like big flat shiny things that sit on top of your house. They’re like super special windows that catch the sunlight. Instead of turning light into warmth like normal windows, they turn sunlight into electricity so you can power things like your lights, TV, and even video games!
  • Battery: This is like a giant rechargeable battery. When the sun is shining, it helps store extra sunlight in this battery. Then, when it’s dark or cloudy, you can still use that saved-up electricity, kind of like when you charge your toys and play with them later.
  • Inverter: This is a cool gadget that works like a translator. It changes the electricity from the panels into the kind of power that your home needs to work. Without it, your house wouldn't know how to use the sun's energy!
  • Backup Generator: This is like a superhero. If there’s a day when the sun isn’t shining enough and your battery is running out of power, this generator steps in to make sure your house still has power. It runs on something called propane, which is kind of like a fuel for machines.

So, with all these parts working together, your house can run on sun power! Even if the weather is bad or the regular electricity goes out, your house can keep working because you've got this awesome solar system catching sunlight and storing it like magic!

Here’s how Albert Einstein might explain a home solar system:

Solar Energy: The Simple Elegance of Harnessing Light

Ah, dear student, let us embark on a journey into the fascinating world of energy—specifically, energy from the sun! You see, everything in our universe operates on fundamental principles, and solar energy is no exception. In this case, we shall explore how we can capture the incredible power of sunlight and transform it into something as useful as electricity for your home.

The Photovoltaic Effect: A Stroke of Genius

At the heart of any solar energy system is a process known as the photovoltaic effect. Now, imagine this: sunlight, composed of tiny particles called photons, travels through space and strikes the surface of the solar panels. These panels are made of a special material, typically silicon, which, when exposed to these photons, releases electrons—the fundamental building blocks of electricity.

Why does this happen, you ask? Quite simply, the energy from the photons excites the electrons in the silicon atoms. These excited electrons are then set into motion, creating an electric current. This is the direct conversion of light into electricity, a beautiful example of how nature’s principles work with such elegance!

Direct Current vs. Alternating Current: The Great Transformation

Now, the electricity produced by solar panels is called direct current (DC). However, the appliances in your home require alternating current (AC). So, how do we make this conversion? Enter the inverter, a marvelous device that transforms DC into AC. Just as a translator converts one language into another, the inverter changes the form of electricity into the kind that your home’s electrical systems can use.

Without this conversion, the energy from your solar panels would not be suitable for powering your lights, refrigerator, or, let’s not forget, your delightful toaster!

The Battery: Storing Energy for Later

Now, sunlight is abundant during the day, but what about at night, when the sun rests? This is where the battery comes into play. Just as we save food in a pantry for future use, we can store excess energy in the battery when the solar panels produce more electricity than your home needs.

The energy stored in the battery can be drawn upon when the sun is not shining, providing a steady supply of electricity—ensuring your home is powered, even during the dark of night or when the weather obscures the sun.

The Backup Generator: The Safety Net

But what happens if the sun remains hidden for days, and the battery is exhausted? Fear not! A backup system, such as a propane generator, steps in to supply power. Like a safety net for a tightrope walker, this generator ensures your home never lacks electricity, even in the most challenging conditions.

The Power of the Sun: A Brilliant Cycle

  • Solar panels collect the sun’s energy and convert it into DC electricity.
  • The inverter transforms this DC electricity into AC electricity, which powers your home.
  • Excess energy is stored in the battery for use when needed, such as at night.
  • In the rare event that the battery and panels can't provide enough power, the backup generator ensures your home stays powered.

The Genius of Solar Power: Clean, Sustainable, and Elegant

What makes this system truly remarkable is its simplicity. We harness the power of the sun—a star that has been shining for billions of years—and convert it into a renewable, sustainable form of energy. It’s clean, meaning it doesn’t produce pollution or carbon emissions like fossil fuels do. It’s also abundant, meaning we can rely on it for generations to come.

In the end, the sun is the ultimate power plant. Its light provides warmth and life to our world, and now, with the help of human ingenuity, it also powers our homes. Such is the elegance of nature’s principles: simple, yet profound.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Symphony of Science

In this solar energy system, each component plays a critical role. Together, they form a symphony of physics, chemistry, and engineering, working in harmony to turn the simple light of the sun into the energy that powers your life. Isn’t that simply genius?

ABC Solar Incorporated

ABC Solar Fact Sheet: Repowering Your Home

Introduction: ABC Solar, founded in 2000 by Bradley Bartz, specializes in custom solar solutions for residential, commercial, and off-grid projects. With over two decades of experience, ABC Solar offers cutting-edge technology to help homeowners achieve energy independence, especially in areas prone to power outages and challenging environments like the landslide zones of Rancho Palos Verdes and Rolling Hills.

Why Choose ABC Solar for Repowering?

  • Local Expertise: ABC Solar has installed systems in the Palos Verdes Peninsula, focusing on unique environmental challenges such as landslides and coastal fog.
  • Proven Reliability: Specializing in resilient off-grid systems designed to handle unpredictable power outages and extreme weather.
  • Customization: Every solar system is tailored to your specific energy needs, property characteristics, and potential environmental risks.

Components of a Repowered Home:

1. Solar Panels:

Silfab 430W Solar Panels

  • High-performance, durable panels designed to withstand coastal environments and challenging weather.
  • Efficiency rating: 20.2%
  • Temperature coefficient: -0.36%/°C, ensuring solid performance even on foggy or cloudy days.

2. Inverter:

Sol-Ark 15kW Hybrid Inverter

  • Capable of handling up to 19,500W of PV power.
  • High efficiency: 97.5% for maximum solar power utilization.
  • Automatic control of generator input, battery storage, and grid power for continuous power supply.

3. Battery Storage:

Briggs & Stratton 6.6kWh Simpliphi Batteries

  • Stackable and scalable to match your energy storage needs.
  • Deep-cycle battery designed for long life and high efficiency.
  • Capable of 96% round-trip efficiency with over 6,000 cycles at 80% depth-of-discharge.

4. Backup Generator:

Briggs & Stratton Propane Generators (13kW or 22kW)

  • Activated during extended outages or periods of low solar production.
  • Efficiently integrated with the Sol-Ark system for minimal generator use.

5. Optional Features:

  • Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging: Integrate a charging station powered by solar to reduce reliance on the grid.
  • Solar Hot Water Heaters: Reduce energy consumption by using solar power for water heating.
  • Heat Pump Water Heaters: Energy-efficient water heating using 70% less energy than conventional systems.

Benefits of Repowering Your Home:

  • Energy Independence: Generate your own electricity and store it for use during grid outages.
  • Environmental Impact: Drastically reduce your carbon footprint by switching to renewable energy.
  • Cost Savings: Solar energy paired with battery storage can reduce your monthly energy costs significantly.
  • Resilience Against Outages: Maintain power through outages, storms, or utility shutdowns.
  • Local Incentives: Benefit from federal tax credits and additional incentives for areas like Rancho Palos Verdes.

Typical Repowered Home Installation Package:

  • 30 Silfab 430W solar panels (up to 12.9kW of power generation).
  • 40kWh of battery storage (6.6kWh modules).
  • Sol-Ark 15kW hybrid inverter with smart generator control.
  • Briggs & Stratton 13kW propane generator for extended outages.

Cost Breakdown & Financing:

ABC Solar offers transparent pricing for installations, with flexible financing options available. The typical installation cost varies based on system size and components, with a payback period of 5-7 years, especially with rising utility rates and solar tax credits.

How to Get Started:

  1. Site Assessment: ABC Solar will assess your property’s solar potential and energy usage.
  2. Customized Proposal: Receive a detailed proposal tailored to your home’s specific needs.
  3. Permitting & Installation: ABC Solar handles all necessary permits and installation with experienced technicians.
  4. Monitoring & Support: Monitor your system’s performance via a mobile app, with ongoing support from ABC Solar.

Contact ABC Solar:

Website: www.abcsolar.com

Phone: 1-866-40-SOLAR

Email: Solar@ABCsolar.com

Conclusion:

With over 20 years of experience, ABC Solar is your trusted partner for solar energy solutions. Our systems are designed to provide clean, renewable energy while ensuring resilience and reliability. Contact us today to start your journey toward energy independence!

NEW: I am mad at SCE and probably not take it anymore custom AI GPT

Link:https://chatgpt.com/g/g-9QQykNr7Y-i-am-mad-at-sce-and-probably-not-take-it-anymore

Our mission at "I am mad at SCE and probably not take it anymore" is to empower communities affected by Southern California Edison (SCE) and utility power shutoffs by providing a custom AI-driven platform that fosters accountability, transparency, and advocacy. We aim to arm residents with the legal knowledge and resources necessary to challenge injustices, protect their energy rights, and hold utility providers accountable for failing to adhere to state regulations and obligations.

Vision Statement:

Our vision is to build a future where utility companies like SCE are held to the highest standards of service and accountability, ensuring that all residents have reliable access to energy while being safeguarded against unjust power shutoffs. Through AI-powered legal advocacy, we seek to create informed, resilient communities that demand and receive equitable energy solutions, driving systemic change for a cleaner, fairer, and more responsible energy landscape.

Here is a report generated by this custom AI tool:

Today at the CPUC: SCE Fails to Uphold Its Responsibilities Under CPUC Decision 21-12-015, Abandoning Residents

In recent events, Southern California Edison (SCE) has once again come under scrutiny for failing to uphold its responsibilities, as outlined in CPUC Decision 21-12-015, particularly during its Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events. Residents in areas like Rolling Hills and Rancho Palos Verdes have been subjected to prolonged outages without the adequate support or resources SCE is required to provide. This failure represents a clear violation of the obligations imposed by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to ensure public safety during power outages, especially in high fire-threat zones.

CPUC Decision 21-12-015: SCE's Responsibilities

Under CPUC Decision 21-12-015, SCE is required to:

SCE's Failures and Abandonment of Responsibilities

Despite these clear guidelines, SCE has failed in the following ways:

How Residents Can Hold SCE Accountable

Citizens affected by SCE’s failure to meet its obligations under CPUC Decision 21-12-015 have several legal avenues to seek redress:

Next Steps for Residents

Conclusion: SCE’s Abandonment of Citizens

SCE’s inability to live up to its obligations under CPUC Decision 21-12-015 represents a clear dereliction of duty. By leaving residents vulnerable during power shutoffs, failing to provide timely communication, and abandoning its responsibility to protect medically dependent and vulnerable populations, SCE has not only failed its customers but has also violated the trust placed in it by the state’s regulatory body.

Residents must take action by filing complaints and holding SCE accountable for abandoning their responsibilities, ensuring that future shutoffs are managed according to the CPUC’s rules and that citizens are adequately protected.

For further support and resources, contact Bradley Bartz and the ongoing advocacy efforts to hold SCE accountable through The Solar Bible GPT and ABC Solar’s legal advocacy network.

The Solar Power Journey: Navigating New Realities with ABC Solar

For many residents in Rancho Palos Verdes, the abrupt shutdown of gas and electricity by Southern California Edison (SCE) has been nothing short of a crisis. Without the safety net of the traditional utility grid, homeowners have been thrust into a new, uncharted world—one where reliance on solar energy isn’t just a choice, but a necessity. As ABC Solar stepped in with innovative solar and battery solutions, we quickly realized that this wasn’t just a technical challenge; it was a profound lifestyle shift for our clients.

The Solar "Magic" and Reality of Nightfall

The beauty of watching a solar system come to life is indescribable. Homeowners feel an immediate sense of relief, a magical connection when their lights turn on, powered by nothing but the sun. However, the honeymoon phase can be brief. When night falls, the limitations of smaller battery packs become apparent. Even the most prepared clients find themselves grappling with the reality of an off-grid life—no gas, no utility power. It’s a stark shift, and many have found it to be alien and disorienting.

At ABC Solar, we’ve noticed a pattern: our clients move through the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—as they adapt to this new way of life. Some still hold onto hope that SCE will return, despite having perfectly functional solar and battery systems. Others, particularly those with a "camping" mentality, see this as an opportunity to permanently sever ties with the grid.

But for all of them, there’s one universal truth: living off-grid requires a crash course in solar power applications. Solar ovens, solar pool pumps, solar wine cellars, solar water heating—these aren’t just luxuries anymore, they’re survival tools. We’ve even seen some clients embrace their situation, innovating new ways to harness solar energy for their daily needs. I expect we’ll see new solar inventions emerging from these resourceful individuals soon.

Educating the Clients

For ABC Solar, this has been a learning curve as well. Clients without grid power are often mentally "naked," unprepared for the challenges of managing their energy use without the fallback of a utility. Explaining how photons and electrons work, how to optimize their energy usage throughout the day, and how to live in a solar-powered world has become a vital part of our job.

Many of our clients have found themselves delving into The Solar Bible, my own book that explains the science and philosophy behind solar power. It has become a go-to resource for those trying to make sense of their new reality. But there’s still so much more to educate them on—like the importance of adjusting thermostat settings, using high energy-consuming devices during the day when the sun is out, and conserving battery power at night.

Collaboration with Contractors and Suppliers

We couldn’t do this alone. ABC Solar has always prided itself on our strong supply chain and relationships with subcontractors. Paul Hugoboom Roofing has been a key partner for over 12 years. Their team strips tiles while our crew installs the feet and flashing for solar panels. They expertly re-roof each stanchion, ensuring seamless integration of solar systems into the roof.

Chad Elliot Pools has also been instrumental in helping us install solar pool pumps, another crucial step in getting homes off the grid and minimizing their energy load. Together, we’ve developed a conveyor-belt approach to installations, streamlining the process and making it as efficient as possible.

We’re also grateful for our partnership with Briggs & Stratton and Battery EVO. Their logistical prowess has ensured that critical battery systems reach us just in time for installation. Briggs & Stratton’s Simpliphi batteries, paired with Sol-Ark 15kW hybrid inverters, have allowed us to deliver scalable and resilient power systems to our clients. Whether for smaller, immediate setups or large, expandable systems, these components have been lifesavers for many families.

Battery EVO, based in Chatsworth, CA, stepped in with their Walrus Atlantic 12kW/30kWh all-in-one battery systems when we needed it most. Their LFP batteries were crucial in helping 24 families stay in their homes, and the company’s commitment to innovation is helping us continue to push the boundaries of solar power solutions.

Building Resilience with SERAH

One of our more exciting developments has been the creation of SERAH (Solar Energy Resilient Activity Hub). Built on a 17-foot trailer with a Briggs & Stratton 22kW propane generator, this mobile solar energy hub is designed to deliver solar and battery power to disaster sites for both short and long-term needs. We’ve already deployed SERAH at the Portuguese Bend Riding Club, powering horse barns and training facilities with a system of 4 Walrus units and 32 Silfab Solar 370W panels.

SERAH is more than just an emergency response tool—it’s a symbol of the future we’re building. As our climate becomes more unpredictable and utility grids less reliable, mobile solar solutions like SERAH will become indispensable.

Learning from the Blackouts

The first week of the blackouts was a challenge unlike any we’ve faced before. Temperatures soared to over 100°F, and our repower efforts had to balance powering homes with the urgent need to run air conditioning for the sake of health. This added a layer of complexity to our work that we’re still learning to navigate. How do we balance immediate needs with long-term sustainability? How do we get clients to understand the delicate balance between solar energy generation during the day and battery conservation at night?

Through this experience, we've not only powered homes but also empowered people. We’ve learned, adapted, and grown alongside our clients, building a future where solar energy is not just an alternative—it’s a lifeline.

The Solar Power Journey: Navigating New Realities with ABC Solar

Thank you

 

 

Bradley L. Bartz
310-993-3240 or Solar@ABCsolar.com
ABC Solar Incorporated

CCL#914346