Torrance man's battle with city over solar panels heats up

I wish city officials would stop messing with the innocent guy just trying to make a difference, ohh i get it now, they are mad that they cant stand up and do the same thing.

I would'nt build a Doghouse in Torrance.

revrondo wrote:

I would'nt build a Doghouse in Torrance.

Something tells me we are not missing out on anything without you in the city! Thanks!

These panels are just plain ugly. But that's not the problem. First off, the contractor needs a wet-stamped engineering document to put the extra weight on the roof. Second, he needs a fire department sign off These panels are always hot and will kill a firefighter. Third, the panels need to be modeled to assure that they don't send a glare onto any neighbors homes, because hat WILL block view. If this guy followed the rules, he'd be DONE.

Oh, that Gibson is a joke!

What past council member helped promote and pass the different zoning of this area? Do the residents of the flatlands of Torrance (and the rest of the South Bay) deserve less whining material than these peopli do? Why not promote making all homes more environmentally sound? If a panel reflects glare into a window, can't the owner install a barrier shield?

As usual were forgotten.
Curtis

Imposing or not, the Federal Solar Act trumps all and the local ordinances need to move out of the way.

Give them hell Brad Bratz. If you resort to hiring a lawyer, please post a defense fund so people can contribute.

Mayor Scotto says the hillside overlay has nothing to do with aesthetics. Has this guy been out to lunch for the last 30 years???? What an ignorant statement by a mayor who claims to be sensitive.

jerrys kid wrote:

What past council member helped promote and pass the different zoning of this area? Do the residents of the flatlands of Torrance (and the rest of the South Bay) deserve less whining material than these peopli do? Why not promote making all homes more environmentally sound? If a panel reflects glare into a window, can't the owner install a barrier shield?

As a matter of fact there is a council member living in the area (Konya drive). I've forgotten his name sorry.

"What I'm finding in this city department is that they don't have enough work," he added. "So they're creating work."
This is true of many a department in Torrance City Hall. How many civil servants does it take to.....(fill in the blank).

Go get 'em Bradley!

they are ugly cant they just sit in the back yard somewhereand get the sun there too ha ha hope you dont get your letter you just want a quick buck off this "going green "stuff..you dont even recycle your plastics

i can tell you they are having all kinds of meetings at city hall...they dont like negative press and no one can make a decison.

mr. gibson has no clue and is waiting for mr. jackson to direct him

Figures this stuff happens in Torrance. Home of the slowest and dumbest city workers.

I think you have to have a sub 90 IQ to be hired there.

You clearly know NOTHING about solar panels, how they work or what the law is. You're not just plainly ignorant. You're defiantly ignorant. And as such your opinion is worthless.

FUGLY wrote:

These panels are just plain ugly. But that's not the problem. First off, the contractor needs a wet-stamped engineering document to put the extra weight on the roof. Second, he needs a fire department sign off These panels are always hot and will kill a firefighter. Third, the panels need to be modeled to assure that they don't send a glare onto any neighbors homes, because hat WILL block view. If this guy followed the rules, he'd be DONE.

FUGLY wrote:

These panels are just plain ugly. But that's not the problem. First off, the contractor needs a wet-stamped engineering document to put the extra weight on the roof. Second, he needs a fire department sign off These panels are always hot and will kill a firefighter. Third, the panels need to be modeled to assure that they don't send a glare onto any neighbors homes, because hat WILL block view. If this guy followed the rules, he'd be DONE.

And maybe he did are you not reading the same story he is a contractor he should know the rules. And the only person affected is the back neighbor and he got the signature. That is the sorry city of torrance for you

This is not what our courts need, another lawsuit that is essentially meaningless and will serve to do nothing but to clog up an already overburdened system.

[quote]But he said the idea behind the overlay is to address "potential view blockage issues."

"We may or may not ask for neighbors' signatures," Gibson said. "It depends on the circumstances.

"It could be an aesthetic issue," he added. "It could be the solar panels are installed in such a fashion as to block someone's view." [/quote]

The most common way to mount the solar panels is to have then in a metal frame about 3" to 6" above a south facing roof. This allows air to flow under the panels and keeps them cooler. The cooler operation improves efficiency (output) of the panels.

Because the rise is below the peak of the roof, the chances of panels blocking anyone's view is zero. While solar installations cost around $15,000 to $40,000 depending on the size of the system, they do result in an energy savings after 20 years. Given that the panels help take the load off the total electrical system, it seems like a "no brainer" that if someone wants pay for a solar system, they should be allowed to have it installed.