The Benefits of Solar+Storage+Generator

As unpredictable weather and natural disasters increase in frequency, communities across the U.S. are facing power shutoffs with alarming regularity. For residents of Rancho Palos Verdes, California, this reality has hit hard due to a recent landslide crisis. In addition to the threat of wildfires, ongoing earth movements have forced utility companies to institute preemptive electricity and gas shutoffs, leaving hundreds of residents without electricity for extended periods; some of them could be off the grid indefinitely. In such situations, the need for reliable energy alternatives has never been more urgent, and solar power combined with energy storage and a standby generator offers a reliable energy solution.

ABC Solar: Coming to the Rescue

One solar installer in the area, ABC Solar, has been working around the clock since the landslide began this summer to help residents affected by the Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) due to the landslide. Established in 2000, ABC Solar has built a reputation for being one of the most reliable and customer-focused solar installation companies in Southern California. With over two decades of experience, the company has completed more than 1,500 solar installations, helping homeowners and businesses transition to renewable energy and ensuring they have reliable power even during grid outages.

Shortly after installing these off-grid solar+battery systems in Rancho Palos Verdes, the area experienced several periods of foggy, low solar production days. After receiving phone calls from his customers, Brad returned and started to install Briggs & Stratton standby generators - something he thought he'd never do.

“I am in the business of shutting down generators by installing cleaner solar systems," said Bartz. “That being said, I now understand there is an important role for generators in certain situations like Rancho Palos Verde."

See our Mini-Documentary about ABC Solar & the Rancho Palos Verdes Landslide.

 Benefits for Rancho Palos Verdes Residents

Why the Briggs & Stratton is a Smart Choice for Rancho Palos Verdes

Given the challenges residents face with power shutoffs and unpredictable grid availability, Briggs & Stratton offers an ideal solution offering both home batteries and standby generators for a completely self-sustainable energy system. When paired with solar, Briggs & StrattonⓇ SimpliPHI 6.6 kWh Batteries and a PowerProtect Standby Generator provide a dependable, eco-friendly and scalable solution for energy security. By adopting these technologies, homeowners in Rancho Palos Verdes can ensure they have a reliable power source during blackouts, gain control over their energy usage and protect themselves from future disruptions.

As power shutoffs become more common in areas affected by natural disasters, investing in solar+storage+generator solutions, like those offered by Briggs & Stratton, will be essential for long-term energy stability.

The Growing Threat of Power Shutoffs

The landslide in Rancho Palos Verdes isn’t an isolated event. Many communities across California have faced similar circumstances, often as a result of wildfires, extreme weather or other natural disasters. Utility companies are increasingly turning to power shutoffs to prevent further risks, particularly where electrical infrastructure may be compromised. However, these shutoffs leave residents and businesses vulnerable, disrupting daily life, critical services and safety.

For those relying solely on the grid, power shutoffs can mean being left in the dark -sometimes for days. Critical systems like refrigeration, medical devices and communications become inoperable, leaving residents unprepared and potentially unsafe.

The Solar+Storage+Battery Solution

Solar energy paired with battery storage and a standby generator provides a powerful solution for these scenarios, offering energy independence and resilience. Here are key benefits:

1. Reliable Power During Emergencies

One of the most significant advantages of a solar+storage system is the ability to maintain power when the grid goes down. During daylight hours, solar panels continue to generate electricity, while the battery stores excess energy for use during the night or when sunlight is insufficient. This ensures a steady supply of power when residents need it most—whether it's to keep the lights on, maintain home security or power critical appliances like refrigerators and medical equipment. During extended periods of low solar output, a standby generator is key to keeping your home or business running smoothly. The generator automatically kicks on when the battery is depleted to provide backup power and charge the batteries. Homeowners can run the generator during the day to charge the battery and use quiet battery power at night.

2. Energy Independence

In situations like Rancho Palos Verdes’ landslide crisis, residents have little control over when or how long power shutoffs will last. Solar+storage systems provide homeowners with a level of energy independence, reducing reliance on the grid and utility companies. This means that even during extended outages, homes can remain powered, providing peace of mind in uncertain times.

3. Cost Savings

Beyond emergency scenarios, solar energy is a cost-effective alternative to traditional electricity sources. With energy prices continuing to rise, generating electricity from solar panels can reduce monthly utility bills significantly. When paired with battery storage, homeowners can further optimize savings by storing energy during peak sunlight hours and using it during expensive peak-rate periods or during power shutoffs.

4. Environmental Benefits

Solar power and batteries are a clean, renewable energy system, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. By investing in solar+storage+generator, homeowners can create a self-sustainable energy system with minimal carbon emissions from the generator during low solar output days.The environmental impact is significant, as solar energy reduces the carbon footprint and supports a transition to a more sustainable energy infrastructure.

5. Improved Home Value

Energy efficiency and sustainability are increasingly attractive to homebuyers. A home equipped with solar panels, energy storage and a generator is likely to have a higher market value, as prospective buyers recognize the long-term savings and security benefits. In regions prone to power shutoffs, such features can be a significant selling point.

Solar+Storage+Generator: A Long-Term Investment in Resilience

For communities facing recurring power shutoffs, like Rancho Palos Verdes, solar energy combined with battery storage and a generator is not just a convenience - it’s a necessity. The ability to keep homes powered during blackouts and save on energy costs makes for a smart investment.

As power disruptions become more frequent and climate-related risks increase, adopting resilient energy solutions will be crucial for homeowners and communities alike. Solar energy, when paired with battery storage and a generator, offers the best defense against grid instability, giving residents the ability to stay connected, safe and in control during even the most challenging times.

In the wake of events like the Rancho Palos Verdes landslide, relying solely on traditional grid power alone is no longer sufficient. Thanks to companies like ABC Solar, homeowners have a reliable partner in securing their energy future. Investing in solar+storage+generator is a proactive way to ensure energy security in a rapidly changing world.