Key Takeaways

• PosiGen, PBC, and Solar Alternatives partnered with Empowered by Light to install solar power at the New Orleans VFW facility.
• The initiative will provide reliable energy during outages, helping veterans and the local community during emergencies.
• The project includes a 10-kilowatt solar PV system, reducing the VFW’s electricity costs while enhancing community resilience.

Community Resilience through Solar Power

PosiGen, PBC, and Solar Alternatives have teamed up with nonprofit Empowered by Light to install a solar power and energy storage system at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) facility in New Orleans. Located at 531 Lyons Street, this initiative aims to ensure uninterrupted operation during power outages, allowing the VFW center to provide essential services to veterans and the broader community during emergencies and natural disasters.

NOLA VFW Commander Kevin York emphasized the importance of this installation for the community, stating it reinforces the city’s resilience by enabling the VFW to offer safe, reliable charging and cooling stations for those in need following extreme weather events. He noted that predictable access to power allows the VFW to enhance its support efforts for more individuals.

Tom Neyhart, Founder and Executive Chairman of PosiGen, highlighted that the project reflects the company’s mission of empowering families and strengthening communities through sustainable energy solutions. He stated that by creating a dependable hub for the community during outages, the initiative embodies their commitment to serve as a “beacon of light and hope in times of need.”

The completion of the project was celebrated on February 13, 2025, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by numerous key stakeholders, including representatives from PosiGen, Solar Alternatives, and Empowered by Light. Louisiana State Senator Roy Duplessis and other community leaders spoke at the event, which celebrated both the project’s impact and the collaboration between various organizations. An award was presented to representatives of U.S. Congressman Troy A. Carter’s office in recognition of Carter’s appointment to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Moira Hanes, Executive Director of Empowered by Light, reiterated the significance of providing reliable power, allowing veterans and their families a safe space to gather and access assistance during grid outages. She noted the project’s role in transitioning community services away from unreliable diesel fuel, a step towards greater sustainability and resilience for climate-affected communities like New Orleans.

Jeff Cantin, President and Founder of Solar Alternatives, praised the collaboration within the clean energy sector that made the project possible, stressing the strength and generosity of the local VFW team during crises.

The installation features a 10-kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) system paired with 18 kilowatt-hours of battery storage. This arrangement is projected to save the VFW approximately $1,400 per year in electricity costs while ensuring it can sustain critical operations even during prolonged power outages. Additionally, PosiGen and Solar Alternatives are active in the “Solar for All NOLA” program, which offers free feasibility studies and financing options for residents interested in solar energy solutions, helping connect the community with trusted providers.

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