New Orleans’ VFW Center Receives Resilient Solar Power Thanks to Gulf Coast Companies PosiGen and Solar Alternatives and Nonprofit Empowered by Light

Regional energy firms PosiGen, PBC, and Solar Alternatives joined forces with the renewable energy-focused nonprofit, Empowered by Light, to install solar and energy storage at New Orleans' only Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) facility at 531 Lyons Street. This initiative ensures the VFW center can continue operating during grid outages and provide critical services to veterans and community members during natural disasters and emergencies.

On February 13, 2025, the successful completion of this project was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, featuring addresses from Tom Neyhart, PosiGen Founder and Executive Chair, Jeff Cantin, President and Founder of Solar Alternatives, Moria Hanes, Executive Director at Empowered by Light, Louisiana State Senator Roy Duplessis, Campus Navigator and LaVetCorps at Delgado Community College Mae Chapman, and Kevin York, Commander of VFW Post 8973. During the event, a recognition award was presented to representatives of The Honorable Troy A. Carter's (United StatesCongressman for Louisiana's 2nd District) office in acknowledgment of his appointment to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The ceremony was attended by Veterans of VFW POST 8973, alongside local area residents, highlighting the strong community support behind the initiative.

"This solar installation helps make the city more resilient and allows NOLA VFW to provide safe, reliable, and secure charging and cooling stations for people in need after extreme weather events," said Kevin York, NOLA VFW Commander. "Reliable, predictable access to power allows our members to expand and extend our efforts to help more people in need."

"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."

The project includes the installation of a 10-kilowatt PV array with 18 kilowatt-hours of energy storage (batteries). The system will significantly offset the center's electricity usage, saving the VFW approximately $1,400 per year in utility costs, as well as power critical services indefinitely during a prolonged grid outage.

"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. "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."

"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."

Both Solar Alternatives and PosiGen are partners in the City's Solar for All NOLA Program, which offers free at-home feasibility studies and financing options for residents looking to power their homes with solar energy. Solar for All NOLA serves as a hub for community members to learn about solar opportunities and connect with trusted providers like PosiGen and Solar Alternatives. Residents can visit solarforallnola.com to explore how they can make the switch to clean energy.

PosiGen | www.posigen.com

Empowered by Light | https://www.empoweredbylight.org/

Solar Alternatives | www.solalt.com