Hello Victron Community,
TLDR: I am impressed by Victron systems. I am currently recommending Victron Battery Charge Controllers (150/100. 150/70, 150/45. 150/35), Multiplus-II inverter/chargers (only decent inverter/chargers with ‘AC-in’ port for generator to battery charge support and eventual grid connection), Battery Banks: 6v 8146 Napa Deep Cycle, Lithium Ion Deep Cycle, and Weize 100AH 12V deep cycle, PV combiner boxes, 30-amp RV outlets, solar water pump battery back-up systems, etc.
My name is Lucas RossMerz, Camp Fire Survivor and Park Fire Survivor supporter. Fire insurance was being cancelled as fast as possible by all insurance providers post Camp Fire (2018). The Dixie and Thompson Fires only increased pressure for insurers to cancel coverage for folks living in the remaining forested ridges of Butte County. The ignition of the Park Fire in 2023 was due to an illegal act by an unsavory citizen and all Survivors are now left with minimal support, aggressive government attention, property inventory actions, access agreement demands for assistance contracts, and minimal direct donation support.
I am working with Survivors to install off-grid12v, 24v, 36v and 48v solar array supported off-grid battery back-up power systems. One of the families I am actively serving guided over 80 cars to safety through mountain roads on the day of the fire. Justin Autrey’s actions saved many lives by doing exactly what he had promised to do for his neighbors and community members if a lower ridge fire blocked the only designated escape route down Cohasset Road. Justin’s father, Jamey Autrey, is a Vietnam Veteran and combat survivor who built a beautiful homestead for his wife and children. The fire ignited Jamey’s drive to help his “Cohasset Hero” son, Justin, rebuild one more time.
However, Cohasset families are rebuilding from ash with little to no support. If you have any tricks, resources, or would like to help in anyway please contact us.
Dear Victron Technology User Community,
Some of us choose to reduce our grid consumption, others have no grid at all. I was called to help the devastated village of Cohasset last spring, just before the one year anniversary of the Park Fire. The Cohasset Survivors (Cohassians) are hardy and big-hearted people who’ve already endured a chilly and challenging 2023/2024 winter. Cohassians are currently preparing for another visit from Father Winter.
I sincerely hope that some in this community may feel called, or choose, to help the amazing people of the Cohasset Ridge. Ways you can help: share knowledge or time; donate solar panels (used are great for folks with none); donate pump equipment; donate money to directly support on ground action; vote for better leadership at the local, regional and state levels to elect representatives who will hold insurance companies accountable for abandoning their most vulnerable clients after investing in “coverage” for decades.
Californians have fire fatigue: So many fires since 2008; So many sad stories; So much need… However, those impacted by the Camp and Dixie Fires are set to receive, or have, received PG&E settlement checks. Park Fire Survivors are digging in and rebuilding with the knowledge that minimal support in the form of money/resources are unlikely to arrive.
Please contact me if you have old or outgrown MPPT controllers, fuses, wire, solar panels, water pumps, money or any other ideas for ways you can help the amazing people of Cohasset rebuild. I encourage you to join me in this effort. Fall 2025 is here and winter is right around the corner.
Cohassians will rebuild. The Cohasset Community is resilient and beloved.
I am excited to be a part of this page in the Cohasset Story; A book about a place recovering from fire and was once home to the last Indian of California, Ishi.
Thank you to Victron for amazing products and tools. Thank you for reading.
See y’all on the ridge,
Lucas