Thanks to solar panels, Sonoma County residents are avoiding power outages

In the North Bay, despite PG&E's power shutoffs Friday, many residents still had power thanks to alternative power sources.

PG&E The closures began Thursday evening and are expected to continue through Saturday to reduce the fire risk during the current red flag warning. As weather conditions improve, PG&E will inspect power lines and equipment for possible damage and then restore power when it is safe to do so.

The power outages are currently affecting people in Alameda, Contra Costa, Napa, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma County.

Tim Miller is one of those Sonoma County residents, but that doesn't cause him any problems.

“Theoretically, if no one had notified us, we wouldn’t know there was a power outage,” Miller said.

Miller began building his home in 2000, keeping energy in mind. He bought his property because it faces southwest and offers maximum sunlight.

“As you can see now, we’re fully charged right now,” Miller said, pointing to his solar panels on the roof of his garage. “All panels light up. The suns are high. We are fully charged.”

He says he only relies on PG&E on the shortest days of winter, when there isn't enough sun to fully charge the battery. While some of his neighbors are in the same boat, not everyone is.

“I feel sorry for them,” Miller said of his neighbors without power.

We spoke off-camera with one of his neighbors who doesn't have power. They have taken all the food out of their fridge and freezer because they don't think it will stay cool all weekend.

Cal Fire's Tire Zander says these shutdowns can be critical to saving lives. They expect a high chance of trees and power lines falling as wind gusts of 55 miles per hour are expected.

“It sometimes happens with power lines that they break and fall to the ground. If they fall to the ground and are still energized or still hot, fires can occur,” Zander said.

Cal Fire is asking people not to mow their lawns this weekend or do anything that could cause a spark that could start a fire. Dry vegetation could also help fires spread quickly.

As for Miller, he says these shutdowns are becoming more common and more people are prepared for them.

“There are probably more homes in that community or subdivision, whatever you want to call it up on the hill, with solar energy than without,” Miller said.

Currently, PG&E expects power to be restored to most areas by midday Sunday.