Empowering Our Veterans: Solar-Storage DERs Installed at New Orleans VFW Post
Thanks to a renewable energy nonprofit and its project partners, the only Veterans of Foreign Wars outpost in uptown New Orleans is now secured against power outages by a new solar and battery storage installation on-site.
The distributed energy project at the NOLA VFW on Lyons Street will ensure that veterans have an operational facility even during weather events and grid outages. The project brought together renewable energy non-profit Empowered by Light working with regional developers PosiGen, PBC and Solar Alternatives.
The NOLA VFW renewable energy installation includes a 10-kW solar photovoltaic array paired with 18 kWh of battery storage duration. The system offsets much of the center’s electricity use and can save about $1,400 per year in utility bills.
"Reliable power means the VFW can offer veterans and their families a safe place to gather, access power, and receive help during grid outages," said Empowered by Light's Executive Director, Moira Hanes, in a statement. "Transitioning community services and emergency response away from costly and unreliable diesel is a major step in building sustainability and resilience for communities like New Orleans impacted by climate change."
The Nola VFW solar-storage project was completed in February. Both Solar Alternatives and PosiGen are partners in New Orleans’ Solar for All NOLA Program, which offers free at-home feasibility studies and financing options for residents considering whether to power their homes with solar.
"At PosiGen, our mission has always been to empower families and strengthen communities through sustainable energy solutions," said Tom Neyhart, Founder and Executive Chairman of PosiGen. "This project embodies that commitment by providing families with a safe haven during storms and establishing a resilient, dependable hub for the community during power outages. We are proud to partner with the New Orleans VFW to create a beacon of light and hope in times of need."
VFW Post 8973 is located at the corner of Lyons and Annunciation streets in uptown New Orleans. The post was founded by World War II and Korean War veterans who lived in the uptown and Irish Channel neighborhoods. Its namesake is the late Alfred E. Flynn, a World War II soldier from the Irish Channel district who was killed at the Battle of Luzon in the Philippines.
New Orleans has repeatedly been severely damaged by hurricanes through its establishment centuries ago. Recent storms which caused massive outages include Hurricanes Katrina, Isaac, Ida and Francine.
"This is a great example of cooperation in the clean energy industry, bringing resources together to provide critical support to an important organization," said Jeff Cantin, President and Founder of Solar Alternatives. "Having personally been a resident of the neighborhood myself until 2021, I know just how resilient and generous this VFW team can be when disaster strikes."
Empowered by Light is a national nonprofit focused on responding to disasters with renewable energy resources. Its recent work includes providing solar generators to emergency personnel and victims of the Los Angeles Wildfires, donating solar and battery storage generation resources to Puerto Rico fire departments and communities in Zimbabwe.
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