About Us

All Valley Solar has been installing and servicing high-quality solar systems in Los Angeles for over 25 years. The Owner, Ted Bavin, is one of the early pioneers of solar thermal technology, and often assists the California State Contractors Board with licensing requirements and standards for solar companies.

Ted Bavin, President & Owner of All Valley Solar. Ted has been designing and installing thermal solar systems since 1976 with over 7000 projects to his credit. He holds a degree in Ecosystems from UCLA. He is one of the pioneers of solar hot water in Southern California, and is the undisputed authority on both the CSI Commercial Rebate and advanced solar drain-back technology.

All Valley Solar (AVS) has been installing and servicing ST since 1986, with 10 years of experience prior to that. Always specializing in the highest quality installations and techniques, we are uniquely positioned to be the installer of choice in Southern California. Systems are designed to last over 30 years virtually trouble-free. We almost always install “Drainback” systems, which do not require the expensive maintenance of “Glycol” systems, but do require more experience and finesse in design and installation. The end result is simple, trouble-free operation.

All Valley Solar has applied for and completed more CSI jobs than any other Southern California Gas area contractor, developing more expertise in maximizing rebates and ROI. It should be noted that the proportional size of the rebate decreases as the system size is increased on any particular project. It is necessary to balance gas savings and the rebate “sweet spot” to the client’s preference: a smaller system results in lower gas savings but larger proportional rebate. By the way, the actual estimate of hot water usage of an apartment building has been simplified by the CSI to consider only the number of UNITS, not the number of bedrooms, occupants, or even the gas bills.

The President and Owner of All Valley Solar is Ted Bavin. He has been designing and installing high quality solar hot water systems for 36 years. Ted was one of the first C46 Solar licensees granted in California (1986) and frequently assists the California State Contractor’s License Board in revising their licensing tests to keep them current and relevant. With considerable training in solar electric as well, Ted is extremely proficient at analyzing the economics and installation needs of both thermal and photovoltaic solar. He is currently writing a book (working title, “How To Buy Solar”). He has also published articles on commercial rebates for the Apartment Owner’s Association magazine, and Apartment Management Magazine.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Ted received his Bachelor’s Degree in Geography-Ecosystems from U.C.L.A. in 1975. Shortly thereafter, he discovered solar to be a practical alternative to conventional sources of energy. Over the next 10 years, occupying positions with various solar companies, he garnered an enormous amount of knowledge and expertise, becoming a top expert in the field of solar pool and hot water heating, teaching classes at several universities.

In 1986 his employer decided to switch from using high quality copper collectors to what Ted firmly believed were inferior plastic connectors. Despite promises of tremendous income, ethically, Ted refused to lower his standards, and formed All Valley Solar with the firm conviction of providing only the highest quality systems at reasonable costs.

All Valley Solar has designed, built and serviced solar installations from Pasadena to Ventura and Lancaster to Santa Monica. Despite these distances, customers continually testify that All Valley Solar provides more immediate service than their former “local” company! As the best “trouble-shooters” in solar, much of their time is spent upgrading and fixing other companies’ mistakes. This experience has resulted in flawless solar installations, and a commitment to top quality workmanship on every job.

All Valley Solar was formed in 1986 at a time when most solar companies were either going out of business or lowering their quality to abysmal levels to survive the elimination of the Federal Tax Credit. Since then, AVS has serviced thousands of “orphaned” systems has been an invaluable experience in understanding which types of systems would stand the test of time. In recent years, our experience with Drainback-type systems has resulted in unparalleled competence at designing and installing CSI Compliant solar hot water systems.

Benefits of AVS

The benefits of using All Valley Solar are:

Use of long-lasting, less expensive, low maintenance “Drainback” systems.
Skillful in maximizing your CSI Rebate.
Precise calculation of your cost savings, profits, and return on investment.
Experts in solar thermal hot water systems.
Experts in solar PV electrical systems.
Great customer service, from installation through maintenance!

Mark Smith, Solar Forward LLC, Co-Owner/CEO

Mark Smith and Ted Bavin are co-owners of Solar Forward; which is a division of All Valley Solar that specializes in PV electric systems. Mark has a degree in Environmental Science, a C10 Electrical Contractor’s License, and has worked with solar technologies for over two decades, designing and installing over two thousand custom solar electric systems. Not only has he achieved the status of Elite Sunpower Dealer, but is one of the only California solar experts able to design off-grid battery systems and on grid battery backup systems. Mark also has a distinguished career as a broadcast journalist and investigative reporter (Master’s degree in Journalism). On numerous occasions, he has publicly challenged outdated policies and regulations which were impeding the progress of solar. As a result of his efforts, both utility companies and permit agencies have become more solar friendly.

Patrick Boos, Senior Solar Energy Consultant & Rebate Specialist

Patrick has enjoyed a lifetime of work in the construction industry, and has been with AVS since 2005. Upon leaving Kansas State University where he studied Construction Science Engineering, he went on to work for numerous construction companies. At McConnell and Associates Asphalt, he gained valuable project management experience delegating responsibilities and coordinating multiple projects. Later, in residential construction, he was site supervisor for various builders like Don Julien and Pulte Homes. Being a huge fan of the outdoors, Patrick decided to get into an industry that would protect everything he loves about nature. Since Patrick joined All Valley Solar nine years ago, his versatility fills in wherever needed: as sales executive, installation supervisor, permit processor, etc. Patrick has also become AVS’s rebate specialist, attending to all the intricate details necessary to obtain maximized, timely rebates. Since the California Solar Initiative’s solar hot water (thermal) program began in May, 2010, Patrick has secured rebates totaling over $1.5 million for our customers; which is 50% of the total commercial rebates issued in Los Angeles to date.

Stephanie Giambra, Director of Operations

Stephanie has been with AVS since 2007, and has excelled to the management level she currently holds. She establishes and negotiates relationships with suppliers, and coordinates closely with all personnel regarding parts acquisition and collector deliveries. She not only handles all bookkeeping and billing, but also schedules all service and sales calls. Stephanie provides a level of customer service that makes every customer feel special.

Jerry Banks, Construction Supervisor

Jerry has been with AVS since 2006, and is the construction crew supervisor. He began as an apprentice installer, but quickly rose through the ranks to become a crew leader, and is now managing all installations. Jerry’s hands-on field experience allows him to provide expert support so every job runs smoothly and profitably. Jerry has extensive knowledge of commercial and residential photovoltaic, thermal, and radiant floor heating systems. Jerry’s project management experience includes organizing project logistics, cost analysis, managing project budget, and communicating between sales teams, contractors/owners, vendors and system engineers. Jerry is accountable for internal job scheduling and crew placement, ensuring each crew has proper materials for their project, and maintaining communication with the crews on site, along with obtaining daily production reports and enforcing safety procedures. Jerry is trained in SUNPOWER photovoltaic systems and is a NAVIEN certified technician.

John Horrigan, Senior Service Manager

John Horrigan has 25 years of facilities management, construction and maintenance experience in warehouse, commercial, production and high rise facilities; and has been with AVS for four years. John excels in preventive maintenance with a focus on problem solving, and is responsible for service, repair, and maintenance of commercial and residential systems for All Valley Solar. In previous work, John was facilities manager for 17 properties for Meruelo Maddux Properties, where he maintained a 92 unit high rise, supervised owner/builder construction and remodeling projects, worked with 5 property managers to maintain and repair commercial and residential properties; and was responsible for the refrigeration, electrical, plumbing and mechanical maintenance as well as upgrades for 3 produce markets with over 130 tenants; and scheduled and maintained records for all fire/life safety compliance inspections for all properties. John has been facilities supervisor for industrial facilities including warehouses and high rises for United Signature Foods, LLC. He has implemented preventive maintenance programs to optimize manpower, and reduce costs and equipment downtime. John was also Superintendent of a 20,000 s.f. custom home construction project, where he coordinated all trades from excavation to finish, maintained construction schedules, ensured the highest quality of workmanship consistent with plans and specs, and identified and solved problems before they developed.

Lock Reese, Solar Sales & Systems Engineer

Lock has extensive experience as a solar system engineer for thermal and photovoltaic systems in the commercial and residential sectors. He has been working in the renewable energy industry for the past four years, and is a team player, sociable and outgoing; with a particular strength in deal-making and bringing parties together for a successful project. Locke holds a B.A. degree, has a passion for sales and solar energy, and is proud to be working in the renewable energy industry. Lock is also an accomplished saxophonist and tennis player.

Erin Chapman, Business Development Director

Erin has fourteen years experience in marketing and sales for the AEC industry. As Business Development Director at AVS, she writes high dollar value proposals, develops branding and promotional strategies for the company, designs brochures and marketing collateral, and also implements ad campaigns such as Google Adwords, direct mailings, email blasts; and other internet marketing strategies, including: social networking via LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook; SEO, and website design and upkeep. Erin holds a Master’s Degree in Planning, Public Policy and Management from the University of Oregon; and a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Studies from the University of California.