Chico, Calif. – Alternative Energy Systems, Inc. (AES), Northern California’s premier solar energy provider, donated solar panels to be utilized at a fire lookout tower. The energy produced will power a remote fire detection camera that monitors the surrounding area.

In the early 2000’s budget cuts eliminated summer staffing at CAL FIRE lookouts. BARE on the Ridge, a local nonprofit has raised funds to help CAL FIRE with funding to staff the fire lookout. New technology has made it economical to transition from staffing the lookout to a remote camera system.

The camera is part of a county wide system of camera’s funded last summer through a cooperative agreement between PG&E and the Butte County Fire Department. Images are analyzed by a computerized detection system in the Butte County Fire/CAL FIRE dispatch center. Fires detected by the ForestWatch detection system can then be dispatched in the Department computer dispatch system. The system can also be accessed remotely which allows Department Fire Chiefs to evaluate developing fire conditions.

Tim Hamor, Co-Founder of AES said, “It was an easy decision to provide the solar panels needed for this unique project that will ultimately help provide early detection for local forest fires. We are excited to be part of an effort to help preserve the natural beauty of the North Valley and safety of homes in the foothills.”

Projects like this are important to Alternative Energy Systems because we not only serve this community, but proudly call this community home.