About us: short version: We wanted to start a company to spread the use of solar and renewable energy. After we sold a few solar fountains we found our selves smack dab in the small yet hopeful solar community... ... we started with a few solar lights, water fountains and lots of hope. We hope that solar and other renewable energies will help reduce the damaging effects of toxic oil.
Around 2001 we started making plans (holding marathon meetings at the veggie grill). We wanted to both promote solar and support consumers who wanted to get more solar in their lives (before or after investing in the whole-house, grid-tied route).
Our first customers were neighbors, friends and others through word-of-mouth. As is in 2001, we still use part of our profits to support non-profit groups (like you will see throughout our web pages) and to maintain the website. To go directly to our wide variety of green, earth-friendly products, click on all products.
The Long version: Isn't it ironic, so the beautiful song goes, that the concept of Segue to Solar was born around the same time as two ugly, infamous environmenal events: frequent (& mysterious) power outages in California and the U.S. presidential political campaign (which resulted in a president who we weren't too happy with). Heated storm clouds brewed over our community, lilke Shakespearian drama; it was the "summer of Enron" - 2000. And for Californians, the fact that a supposed greedy corporation was exploiting our energy resulting in blackouts for the consumers... well, you can imagine our own internal thunder clouds.
Electrical outages hit our southern California area, one after the other, and we, like many, were left with a sense of helplessness energy-wise. As each [alleged] enron inspired brown-out left us in the dark, so did the many discussions spark about the reasons our local electrical energy resources were unavailable. With candlelight and flashlights providing the ambience we wondered what was going on with all the manipulation of state/local electrical utilities -- and how there was the threat of a movie- star governor making some kind of strong Republican sweep to the right. (And much later, after we learned all the "why" of California's outages, we joked that Segue to Solar is probably the only solar product business that started up in part due to the last desperate act of a supposed infamous energy corporation's greed; but that's another story, for another power outage, really...)
We talked of many things that night, looking out on the roofs of our community and beyond: new nanno-technology solar, windmills being built in Palm Springs and Mojave, solar bicycles,
future solar islands and how former governor Brown legislated tax incentives for Californians installing solar (in the late 70's). You wonder how the folks in the desert like being in a wind community. And then we fast-forwarded to the alleged attempts in 2008 by the federal government to change the language of scientists to dumb down their comments on climate change and global warming? Why would our own government try to hide facts about the status of our environment. (Some of the most interesting conversations we've had, it seems, have usually been during typhoons, in the wilderness, or during power outages.)
But we kept coming back to one central theme: why were our state/local electrical utility energy resources running out, when renewable energy (in the form of wind, sun, water and geothermal) could be a resource? We kept coming back to this question: why weren't local utility companies in California more prepared with alternative energy backup... why couldn't the utilities have more backup electricity available? Were the utililies in our city (and the nation) aware of environmental justice? The lives of people in hospitals and those who depended on life support systems would not have been disrupted (not to mention discomfort for the rest of us). Getting oil from the other countries, some enemies, has a steep price. Was there some kind of conspiracy by oil companies to keep solar and wind suppressed? Was advocating for a solar community considered out of fashion? Renewable energy like solar and wind has less destructive effect on our fragile environment. (As compared to electricity produced via gas/petroleum-driven turbines, or messy coal.) And why isn't the federal government being more proactive to legislating/enforcing laws that will take more care of our fragile environment?
This is when we first realized that we wanted to be part of the solution to the profound environment problems facing our community the earth. Segue to Solar believes that consumers have the power to be part of the solution to the energy problem (click here for What can Solar do for me?. Back in 2001 we felt there was a need to increase in renewable energy application, research and have it be a priority for federal, state and local government... Back then we remember some skeptics laughing at us when we told them we'd like to see solar on every roof.
Last, we get a lot of questions about "why did we pick 'segue to solar' for our business name?" "Segue" means to transition, or change smoothly. We feel that if consumers can get behind the concept of transitioning to using more solar and renewable energy products -- not only will the earth be healthier for it, but hopefully industrialized nations will have more peaceful options for accessing fuels and other precious resources. As Howard Dean, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, used to say, "Be part of the solution."
* See our latest news and press release for more information about Segue to Solar (click here for our News)
More about Segue to Solar...
Community-Mission: Our goal, to foster sustainability in our home, company and community by offering consumers products, services and information that will help the environment and at the same time lower electrical usage for individuals and communities. We always say: Make the change to solar and renewable energy, for the environment...
About our products: We get a lot of people at solar events asking us about the word "segue..."
Segue means to transition, and that is exactly what we do here at Segue to Solar, 25 hours a day - 8 days a week.
We try to offer the best buy at the most affordable price.
We refer to our products as solar to go,... since almost everything we have isn't tied to the roof. Camping? Boating? You need portable solar chargers? Have a last minute science project due? Be sure and go to our educational model kits page).
All solar goods we offer are brand new (unless marked "clearance used" items). We consistently offer low prices on real goods. Photovoltaic products are made in USA (or procured here). All our solar products have a one or two year manufacturer's warranty. There are instructions & directions plus technical information with every product (posters, DVDs, etc., not applicable). Free technical support with the merchandise is available through Segue to Solar, and/or the manufacturer, as well as replacement parts (bulbs/batteries, motors, etc.). Customers who shop here over the years - we have found - feel that alternative and renewable energy products will help lessen the amount of smog and other toxic chemicals on the earth. Are you in education and want our educator discount? Conscientious treehugger? Care about the planet? You have come to the right online store. good deals & best buy; real
Faster shipping? or a change in your order, gift wrapping-card, etc., click here: order-shipping info. We also ship to non-contiguous U.S. locations, but first we like to estimate shipping so you know exactly how much it is. For international, it's best to call or send us an e-mail before you buy, so we can estimate shipping... Click here for more information - Refund and shipping information.
We decided from the beginning to only offer products from companies in the U.S. (and Canada). This not only helps to keep our products near-local, but it allows us to include American based warranties and technical support. We feel it is important to use all products you see on the website at our office first, to better tell customers how they work, and check the quality. We can also learn more about solar.
Fundraising: What better way for your organization or association to show others that you care about the environment? Let us know if your organization would like to fundraise with our solar and renewable energy products by e-mailing us and we'll send you the non-profit bulk pricing.
Customer comments: just click here:
Public speaking: Yes, we do speak on topics related to solar and renewable energy (within the greater Los Angeles, Orange County areas only); just send us an email...
| Getting involved: support non-profit environmental organizations
With a combined collective background in energy conservation, organizational skills, marketing, solar electricity, customer support, teaching sustainability, training from southern California Edison, education, and a desire to help keep our planet a healthy place to live, Segue To Solar - solar energy company supports non-profit environmental organizations like the ones listed below. (We are not associated with these associations, we only send in donations after receiving their solicitations in the mail - we do not necessarily advocate these groups over any other.)
Click on support good causes, if you want to see other non-profit organizations we've collected. Click on our free solar information page to see our collection of information and links in the green community.
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 Segue to Solar - community... G r e e n K a r m a A w a r d
Heroes in renewable energy
Someone who, we feel, has furthered the cause of solar, renewable energy and the environment...
This month:
Van Jones
(Author and advocate, "The Green Collar Economy")
From Wikipedia : Anthony Kapel "Van" Jones is an American environmental
 advocate, civil rights activist, and attorney. After receiving his J.D. at Yale, in 2005 Jones and the Ella Baker Center produced the "Social Equity Track" for the United Nations' World Environment Day celebration. It was the official beginning of what would eventually become Ella Baker Center's Green-Collar Jobs Campaign. And in 2007, he founded Green For All, a national NGO dedicated to "building an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty." His first book, The Green Collar Economy, was released on October 7, 2008, and reached number 12 on the New York Times Best Seller list. In 2008, Time magazine named Jones one of its "Heroes of the Environment". Fast Company called him one of the "12 Most Creative Minds of 2008". Thank you Mr. Jones. You can read more at Wikipedia.com © 2011
Congratulations!
Contact us to collect your prize & certificate. Ok everybody, it's time to email us your "Green Hero" recommendation today (we will return a free box of colorful renewable energy stationery to you as a way to say thanks.http://www.unep.org/wed/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_Jones
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FYI: Segue to Solar dips into water conservation
composting - now with worms !
- our latest energy-saving venture... putting in our
native garden (drought resistant of course) - it's beautiful and of course reduces water usage in arid California. We've donned it our "energy garden." We went to Sunflower Farms in Gardena, CA.
Click on sunflower to right for Sunflower Farms' phone number.
Above, California natives from Sunflower Farms (Gardena, CA)
Click on sunflower for Sunflower Farms' phone number.
Get some help from experienced grass removal experts, dig holes, amend the soil to break down clay (formed from old pesticide use), add some composting soil in the holes plants and a worm or two; accent with gravel plus wood chips and there you have it... a natural garden (that also attracts lots of butterflies, hummingbirds and other wildlife).
For information on drought resistant gardens, go to L.A.
County Waterworks - http://lacwaterworks.org/ - and
http://dpw.lacounty.gov/wwd/web/conserve.cfm
Sunflower Farms'phone number: (310) 526-8371
For planting, conservation and other drought-resistant garden ideas, don't forget www.lbwater.org (Long Beach, CA). At right is a close up of our "do-it-yourself" frog solar fountain, put together by the Segue to Solar staff. Like it? We have ready made and custom made options.
Click here for how you can make your own solar fountain: Segue's solar fountains
"Did you say worms"?
This is the response when we tell friends and family that we have bought some red worms for our garden. Then, for about 10 seconds or so a puzzled look comes over their faces. The next question, it never fails is: "How many"? For some reason worms are not a pretty picture...
But we have come to love the image of a worm slithering in the earth making the dirt nice for our plants... Here's the 411 on land planarians: after a phone call to see that that the "worm store" was open, we took a couple of big breaths and drove out to Santa Ana with gps coordinates in hand. We wanted to get worms to help soften the hard soil of our Lakewood, CA. garden. We were going to buy the minimum (1000 worms). Yes that's thousand.
But while we were visiting Enrecos in Santa Ana, CA - we asked about what to do with the remaining worms after we had spread a couple of hundred on our lawn. The Enrecos rep pointed to a black box with trays (at right), and described the process of vermiculture. Our life hasn't been the same since. Instead of tossing our organic table scraps in the trash, we feed them to the worms. They even like a teabag or two every so often... And they love vegetables. And after awhile we get to collect 'worm tea" from a little spout on the botton. Need more info? To learn more about compost - vermiculture process, visit the Enrecos web site... and let the worms begin! Years later we find ourselves scattering the little buggers throughout our energy garden...
 It's a window:
lighten your space:
Here's a public service announcement to anyone who is interested in saving energy: Don't close out the sun... Grab the cord, turn the rod, or press the remote control... just open up the shades. And turn off your indoor lights (no need to copy the "expensive hollywood style" of lighting!). Open up your blinds! Stop using lamps and lights during the daytime (unless of course you have to). You let not only the light, but the view and scent of outdoors.
Rather than cause more drain on the electric grid, remember ambient lighting is free. (And just think of the energy resources we could conserve if more people turned off those day-time lamps and we used natural ambient lighting.)
Out the window we might see wanderlust butterflies, buzzing hummingbirds searching the flowers. The breeze brings scores of other curious bugs highlighted by the sun...
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Newsflash: Segue to Solar reinstalls office solar panels for better exposure to sun
- our backup system powers refrigerator and lamps... (no, we're not connected to the grid but we're thinking of it...
Here are some pre-installation photos of us re-wiring the back of the panels (series parallel by the way).
 
Here we connected six 42w panels together (at left). We put everything through pvc to further protect the panel wiring from moisture. Speaking of wiring, be sure to buy extra in case you make a mistake. By the way, all this was done thanks in part to the great technical experts at the solar store and inverter. Remember: if you are an amateur electrician, always get your array connections checked by a professional solar-certified contractor and have good amp breakers (fuses) plus ground wires.
Panels go "up on the roof" - it was a real friend and family affair lifting the panels up... whose idea was it to frame them together before hoisting? "Up on the Roof..." our theme song we hummed for mental survival while 105 degree sun rays heat you from the bottom up. The desert heat of California sears the soles of your tennis shoes and palms (get good gloves)...
 
Panels (above, at left) just after we hoisted them to roof. Still need to do a little more fastening and caulking. At right is our converted battery box (foreground) and inverter background) that takes care of the sun (DC) power to AC mix. Have a question? We may not immediately know know the answer, but we can find it for you.
Other activities dept. The protest march in Los
Angeles, CA (10/07 (left)
As a wall of riot police watched thousands of peaceful protesters march... Segue to Solar was there holding our signs and following the singing of peaceful slogans. The loss of lives, destruction of the environment and money spent on war(s) is beyond anyone's comprehension. Many of us breathed a profound collective sigh of relief when Pres. Obama was elected into office. At last a dove... Recently, troops are leaving Iraq... perhaps now more funds can be invested in renewable energy research can become our new clean oil.
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Contact info:
Segue to Solar Online Store
Toll-free: 877-467-3483 (877-GO SEGUE)
Mon.-Sat. 8:30am to 7pm PST
Local: Tel. (562) 421-7499
Mailing Address:
4067 Hardwick St. #466
Lakewood, CA USA 90712
Members, American Society for Solar Energy
website: www.seguetosolar.com
© Copyright..-2011, Segue to Solar.
| Segue's quote of the millineum:
Kurt Vonnegut: "I really wonder what gives us the right to wreck
this poor planet of ours."
 
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