Bradley L. Bartz — founder-led solar, built like infrastructure.
ABC Solar was founded to do something simple, but not easy: build solar + battery systems that keep working when the real world shows up. Brad’s approach is field-first: design for inspections, design for service, design for “bad days,” and document everything so the system can be maintained for the long haul.
Quick profile
Why Brad builds solar like a “systems engineer”
Many solar projects are sold as products. Brad builds them like systems: loads, constraints, code, interconnection, serviceability, and what happens when the grid fails. That mindset comes from decades of technology work and entrepreneurship — and it shows up on rooftops: clean conduit strategy, clean labeling, correct clearances, documented configurations, and a bias toward designs that can be maintained without drama.
ABC Solar’s work spans high-expectation neighborhoods and inspection-heavy cities in California, and hurricane resilience planning in Louisiana. That means one rule dominates: the system must perform on bad days, not just good days.
Books & writing (the “why” behind the company)
Brad’s writing catalog is broad — but the through-line is consistent: build things that endure. A few of the cornerstone works:
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The Solar BiblePractical solar + storage guidance, focused on safety, performance, and modern rate realities.
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JAPAN.co.jp — Hardhat RequiredA memoir of building businesses in Japan during the early commercial internet years.
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The Venture Business ManualOperating discipline for founders — Sales • Delivery • Administration (SDA).
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Sterling and the Horses of Portuguese BendA cinematic novel of resilience set on shifting ground — a reminder that infrastructure matters.
FRED — First Responder Ember Drone (wildfire resilience)
Beyond solar, Brad has pursued wildfire mitigation innovation through FRED — an ember-interception concept built around fire-resistant netting held aloft and guided by autonomous UAVs. The system is described as a proactive approach: intercept embers before they land and ignite new spot fires.
Licenses & how ABC Solar uses specialty trades
ABC Solar operates with a compliance-first approach. We coordinate projects so you don’t have to manage multiple trades — and we use the right licensed specialists for the scopes that demand them.
Solar you own. A clear proposal.
ABC Solar does not offer financing or leases. We design and install solar and battery systems for customers who purchase their equipment. Our proposal starts with the system, installation scope and project price.
If you need to borrow, we suggest discussing a home equity line of credit (HELOC) with your bank or credit union. You choose your lender and arrange any borrowing independently. Compare rates, fees and repayment terms separately from the installation price.
A HELOC is secured by your home, which you could lose if you cannot repay. Rates are usually variable and payments can rise. The safest choice depends on your finances and the loan terms. Read the CFPB’s HELOC guide.
Our guide to paying for solarTalk to the founder-led team
If you want a proposal that’s built around your real goals (savings, backup, or both) — and built to pass inspections clean — send a recent electric bill and your address. We’ll respond with a plan that respects your roof, your utility reality, and your timeline.
California Contractors License 914346 (CCL#914346) • Louisiana Contractors License CL.75218 • 1-310-373-3169