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Solar panels causing some storms

Even as California and the federal government encourage solar power, homeowners often have to fight homeowners associations for their right to install the systems.

Mike Bartz, back to camera, and his brother Bradley install solar panels to power a pump for a hot tub in Palos Verdes Estates. (Jay L. Clendenin /Los Angeles Times / November 20, 2009)

By Catherine Saillant
November 30, 2009

Ready to chuck his electric bills, Camarillo resident Marc Weinberg last year asked his homeowners association for permission to put solar panels on his roof.

Read More ...

ABC Solar Wins Exemption From Planning For All Solar
Bradley Bartz and ABC Solar are proud to announce the decision of the City of Torrance to exempt solar installations from planning review. In April of this year ABC Solar took the extraordinary step of suing the City of Torrance asking the local superior court to rule that design review is against the Solar Rights Act.

Torrance man's battle with city over solar panels heats up
The city of Torrance has been on a campaign to heighten its green image.

Solar fight hits home After having three solar panel permits denied by the Palos Verdes Homes Association Art Jury, Bartz -- who owns a solar system installation company in Rancho Palos Verdes -- threatened the association with legal action. On Tuesday, the city of Palos Verdes Estates approved the projects, bypassing the association's recommendation.

Solar fight hits home
The sun is shining on Bradley Bartz.

A green light for solar projects Energy-related laws enacted in California over the past three decades or so have attempted to induce property owners to invest in clean energy such as solar and wind. Indeed, it makes sense to encourage consumer spending on improvements that reduce pollution, bolster home values and help keep a lid on greenhouse gases.

Solar Smackdown in Torrance - Installer Sues City on Behalf of the Sun
After a decade in the solar power installation business, Bradley Bartz is tired of being Mr. Nice Guy. He's tried the sugar and honey approach for ten years but instead of catching flies he's caught hassles and obstructions from local Southern California city officials who haven't kept up with modern technology and remain both ignorant and adversarial when it comes to helping their citizens go solar.

Sun-powered home is first of its kind

Friday, June 13, 2008 5:50 PM PDT

Peninsula resident Eric Brill and his family enjoy the benefits of going solar, but they're among the minority in the United States.

By Chris Boyd, Peninsula News

RPV, A home in Rancho Palos Verdes, Upper Abalone Cove is the only one in the world that sports a new solar-power system that tracks the sun throughout the day, powering th e house's lighting and appliances and saving owner Eric Brill about $200 every month.

"So far it's been very exciting. We hope it will just perform perfectly," Brill said. "This was a little more expensive, but for the increase in power, I think it will probably pay off pretty well."


Solar Christmas In Culver City CA With Free Solar Building Permits

"It's a solar Christmas in Culver City," exclaimed Brad Bartz as he shook hands with the owner of the Eco Dive Center Ron Beltramo.
by Staff Writers
Culver City CA (SPX) December 13, 2007
Culver City issued its first free solar building permit today. The Culver City building department is taking the lead to promote a wider adoption of green building materials and solar. Culver City is looking boost solar electric installations. This free permit was issued for a small commercial solar system. The Culver City motto is "The Heart of Screenland." It might become the heart of solar.

"We got a free permit here... a free permit," shouted the Culver City building department employee processing the permit.



Eco Dive Center Requests Solar Permit Fee Waiver In Culver City

by Staff Writers
Culver City CA (SPX) Dec 10, 2007
Starting with today's solar permit application at the building department of Culver City, Eco Dive Center Announces the installation of a solar electric system and energy management plan. Culver City is actively pursuing solar and renewable policies that could include free solar permits and a solar for new building requirement. Eco Dive Center is one of the first small businesses to go solar in Culver City.


Solar Industry Magazine
ABC Solar Pursues Installation In Culver City

Eco Dive Center, Culver City, Calif., has filed a solar permit application at the city's building department - the first step toward the installation of a solar electric system and energy management plan.


Hollywood Sound Engineer Goes Solar Because He Likes The Sound Of It
Studio City, CA (SPX) Jul 25, 2007
Academy Award Nominee for Sound, Art Rochester, turned on his 2.6 KW Solar Electric System today that was designed and built by the team at ABC Solar. The system features 16 Mitsubishi 165 watt solar panels connected to the LADWP grid. During the solar day Mr. Rochester's meter will spin backwards and he'll leverage LADWP to act as his 'battery' to store is solar energy credits.

ABC Solar Founder Gives 5 Reasons To Invest In Solar Today At South Bay Energy Fair

Rancho Palos Verdes CA (SPX) May 03, 2007
ABC Solar will be a featured presenter and exhibitor at the 2nd Annual South Bay Energy Fair and Solar Homes Tour in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on Saturday May 5, 2007. In addition, ABC Solar also has three solar installations that will be featured in this year's Solar Homes Tour on June 16, 2007. The three residential properties are all on different types of roofing structures.

South Bay Energy Fair

BY LILLIAN LIGHT

Once the decision has been made to reduce the most devastating consequences of climate change, reducing energy use is the fastest and most cost-effective way to control global warming pollution. The scientific community has concluded that burning fossil fuels to power our cars, homes, and electrical generating plants is causing an inexorable rise in the world's temperature. This warming of the planet by heat-trapping emissions poses a serious threat to our health, safety, and environment.


SOLAR DAILY ABC Solar Expands Solar Offices To Orange County, California
Rancho Santa Margarita CA (SPX) Aug 06, 2007
ABC Solar Inc, a leading California retailer and installer of solar electric systems, announced today that it has opened a new office in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. The new office represents the growing importance and acceptance of solar from Southern Californian homeowners and businesses. The office has its own website at www.sunkits.com. Going solar in Orange County has just been made easier by the ABC Solar office and staff in Rancho Santa Margarita. Besides the local and personal service, ABC Solar offers solar clients professional design and solar installation services. Related Links

Peninsula News
February 2, 2006
Solar Powered Success
Energy-efficient home could be model for future 21st-century dwellings.
By Chris Boyd, Peninsula News
Photo by Tom Underhill, Peninsula News

Dr. David Berman's home may not look like anything special from the outside. Yes, the H-shaped abode is built differently than the typical 1950's rancho-style-homes of Rancho Palos Verdes, and there are a series of solar penels on the roof. But to casual passersby, it's just another house on the block....



Solar Hot Tub Kit
by rd My in-laws recently installed a hot tub. I am not, and never have been, a ?hot tub guy?. No late-night, naked cavorting in a vat of bubbling H2-O for moi (not that there?s anything wrong with that). All this talk of relaxation got me to thinking about the environmental impact of their fun. Hence, the Solar Hot Tub Kit from ABC Solar.

Old News About Founder's Previous Experience


Wall Street Journal

November 16, 1996 - Wall Street Journal
"Foreign Start-Ups Are Thriving in Japan - "he (Bartz) started one of Japan's first electronic-bulletin-board services to feature advertising.

That led him (Bartz) to chart Japanese cyberspace before intah-netto had entered the lexicon. He foresaw a Japanese Internet boom."

The Japan Times
December 21, 1997 - The Japan Times
IAC will put you on-line for Yen 30,000 a year, inclusive of Internet and email services. "We offer the best choice in Tokyo, Yokohama and also Osaka, "he said without missing a beat. "We offer a flat rate for all you can eat, with a same-day setup. I can think of no better Christmas present than e-mail at Japan's No. 1 address: you@japan.co.jp."

Asahi Evening News
July 6, 1998 - Asahi Evening News "Always wanted a Hollywood address? Input your name in front of "@hollywood.co.jp," and if it's available, it's yours for life. Have you ever wanted to have sumo's highest rank of yokozuna? Now you can, without ever donning a mawashi or sumo belt, by slapping your name in front of "@yokozuna.co.jp." and you will never lose your title."

The Daily Yomiuri
February 3, 1998 - The Daily Yomiuri"In addition to Web design, Bartz said IAC would focus on a new Web-based e-mail service for Japan, called Jmail. Jmail will be similar to the popular Hotmail, allowing users to read their e-mail from any computer connected to the Internet. The service is to begin March 1 and be officially launched on April 1."

The Forum For Corporate Communications
January 1998 - FCC Communicator Bartz will discuss his interview with Business Week and what he says was a disparaging article in its September 1, 1997 issue. His speech, "How to Survive a Press Thrashing," presents his perspective and helps to balance the story that was published by the magazine

Known for his casual, forthright, and informal speaking style, Bartz will entertain, as well as teach us ways to handle the press."

The Japan Times
December 21, 1997 - The Japan Times IAC will put you on-line for Yen 30,000 a year, inclusive of Internet and email services. "We offer the best choice in Tokyo, Yokohama and also Osaka, "he said without missing a beat. "We offer a flat rate for all you can eat, with a same-day setup. I can think of no better Christmas present than e-mail at Japan's No. 1 address: you@japan.co.jp."


Business Week Magazine
April 3, 1995 - Business Week Magazine "First-time Net surfers just looking for E-mail service can get online for free at Information Access Center Inc. When you log on, your screen fills with a bright red Coca-Cola Co. ad. Coke pays for the English-language service, along with 11 other advertisers. One drawback: The service doesn't handle Japanese. I AC also sells direct PPP web access for a $55 signup fee and $55 monthly charge for the first 10 hours."

ACCJ Journal Magazine
June 1993 - ACCJ Journal Magazine "METABOOK, on the other hand, allows users to string together existing files and search them all using the same sort of commands. "One of the primary advantages of this product is its advanced search and retrieval capabilities," said Bradley L. Bartz, an IAC partner based in Tokyo. "so METABOOKS with specific information are niche market advertising vehicles that give advertisers more bang for their buck."

Business Week Magazine
September 1, 1997 - Business Week Magazine "So Bartz crafted deals with about 20 information providers to put E nglish language news and information about Japan on an online bulletin board. Later, to create a customer base, Bartz offered members of the American Chamber of Commerce a free bulletin board and E-mail service. Then Bartz set to work persuading major businesses to advertise onlin e. Coca-Cola Japan, for example, paid an initial $10,000 to showcase its logo, according to Bartz."

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This page is from ABCSOLAR Archive. Information on this page may be outdated, still very helpful and educational.