Supporting Altadena: Solar & Energy Storage Help After the Eaton Fire

The Eaton Fire has had a devastating impact on our community, affecting countless families and homes. The road to recovery may seem overwhelming, but our shared spirit of resilience shines brightly. As we unite to rebuild our lives and support each other, it’s essential to explore the resources available to aid in this journey. This post will highlight crucial support options for homeowners impacted by the fire, share how our community is banding together, and discuss actionable steps for a brighter future.

Here are some resources related to solar and energy storage systems that we want to share.

Systems Lost in the Fire

Net Metering with Southern California Edison (SCE)

Home Insurance Coverage for Solar and Energy Storage System

Is Solar and Energy Storage Required in the Rebuilding Plan?

Why including Solar and Energy Storage is a Good Idea Anyway?

How is the loss of a leased or PPA solar system handled in the event of a disaster?

Systems Still Standing after the Fire

What are the things to watch out for?

Community Update: Eaton Fire Impact and Our Commitment to Recovery

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The Eaton Fire has brought unimaginable devastation to our community, leaving scars on the landscape we all call home. As residents and business owners in this area, we at Altadena Energy and Solar deeply feel the weight of this tragedy—not only as professionals but as members of this community who have also been personally affected.

Our own home, located at Calaveras and Santa Anita, was directly in the path of the fire. We stayed to defend our home as long as we could, battling through the night. However, on Thursday January 9, 2025 morning at 6 a.m., we were forced to evacuate for our safety, an experience that deepened our understanding of the fear and heartbreak many in our community are feeling. Compounding our distress, we have two small children under the age of eight, and our daughter’s school was burned to the ground. Our warehouse on Lake Ave was destroyed with a few hundred thousand dollars worth of equipment and inventory lost. The emotional toll of this situation is considerable, and we are all holding much pain, grief, anger, fear, frustration, and uncertainty in our hearts.

A Personal Connection to Our Community

Altadena Energy and Solar was built on a foundation of community trust and a shared vision for a sustainable future. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working with so many of you to power your homes and businesses with clean, renewable energy. Seeing the destruction caused by the Eaton Fire is heartbreaking, but it also reminds us of the resilience and strength of this community.

Understanding the Losses

We know firsthand the devastation that comes with losing the place you call home or the business you’ve poured your heart into. For families, this means more than just the loss of property—it’s the loss of memories and the sense of security. For businesses, it’s the loss of resources, dreams, and the ability to serve others. We understand this deeply, and our hearts go out to each of you.

Our Commitment to Rebuilding Together

As a local business, we are committed to not only recovering but also helping our neighbors recover. Here’s how we’re contributing to the rebuilding effort:

• Rebuilding Homes with Resilient Energy Solutions: For those who are ready to rebuild, we are offering consultation and support for integrating solar and energy systems that can provide greater resilience and independence in future emergencies.

• Supporting Local Businesses: We’re prioritizing collaborations with local contractors and suppliers to ensure that recovery efforts support our community’s economy.

• Community Assistance and Advocacy: We are working to connect affected families and businesses with the resources and relief programs they need.

How You Can Help

• Shop Local: Support the businesses that are fighting to rebuild and reopen.

• Donate or Volunteer: Contribute to relief funds and community recovery efforts where possible.

• Lean on Us: If you are a customer, neighbor, or friend who needs guidance or support in recovering from this tragedy, we are here for you—not just as a business but as your neighbors who understand what you’re going through.

Moving Forward Together

Though the road ahead is difficult, we are not alone in this. Our experience of defending our home, facing displacement, and worrying for our children’s future has only strengthened our resolve. We will rebuild—not just for ourselves, but for everyone affected.

At Altadena Energy & Solar, we believe that disasters like this are not just personal tragedies but also issues of climate justice. The increasing frequency of wildfires, extreme weather, and displacement of families underscores the urgent need for stronger, more resilient communities. Many of us are now, in a very real sense, climate refugees, forced to rethink where and how we rebuild. As a community, we must advocate for climate justice, invest in resilient infrastructure, and push for policies that address the root causes of these disasters.

The Eaton Fire has forced many of us into the painful reality of being climate refugees in our own hometown. But together, we can rise from this, rebuild stronger, and create a future where our children don’t have to live in fear of the next disaster.

We stand with each of you in this difficult time. Together, we will rebuild, we will fight for climate justice, and we will ensure that our community not only recovers—but thrives.

With heartfelt solidarity,

Joy and Hans

Owner-Operators

Altadena Energy and Solar

Grateful for our office still standing after the Eaton Fire (photo as of January 9, 2025). Unfortunately, our warehouse under the Bunny Museum was completely destroyed with a total loss of everything inside. Our gratitude to LA County Fire Department Inspector Brad Sizemore (Arcadia East Region) for responding to our request for information and sharing these photos with us.

Altadena Energy & Solar is interviewed by the LA Business Journal

Hans was interviewed by the Journal and commented on the upcoming negative impact of the NEM 3.0 changes. Check out the link here: https://labusinessjournal.com/featured/clouds-form-in-solar-sector/