PosiGen, PBC, and Solar Alternatives have partnered with the nonprofit Empowered by Light to bring solar power and energy storage to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) facility at 531 Lyons Street in New Orleans. This initiative ensures the VFW center can continue operating during power outages, providing essential services to veterans and the local community during emergencies and natural disasters.
Kevin York, NOLA VFW Commander, said in a statement, “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. Reliable, predictable access to power allows our members to expand and extend our efforts to help more people in need.”
Tom Neyhart, Founder and Executive Chairman of PosiGen, stated “At PosiGen, our mission has always been to empower families and strengthen communities through sustainable energy solutions. 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 was officially completed and celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 13, 2025. The event featured speeches from key stakeholders, including PosiGen Founder and Executive Chair Tom Neyhart, Solar Alternatives President and Founder Jeff Cantin, and Empowered by Light Executive Director Moria Hanes. Louisiana State Senator Roy Duplessis, Campus Navigator Mae Chapman from LaVetCorps at Delgado Community College, and VFW Post 8973 Commander Kevin York also addressed attendees. A special recognition award was presented to representatives of U.S. Congressman Troy A. Carter’s office in honor of his appointment to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The event brought together veterans, local residents, and community leaders in support of the project.
Moira Hanes, Empowered by Light’s Executive Director, also added, Reliable power means the VFW can offer veterans and their families a safe place to gather, access power, and receive help during grid outages. 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.”
Jeff Cantin, President and Founder of Solar Alternatives, mentioned “This is a great example of cooperation in the clean energy industry, bringing resources together to provide critical support to an important organization. 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.”
The installation includes a 10-kilowatt solar PV system with 18 kilowatt-hours of battery storage. This setup will reduce the VFW center’s electricity costs by approximately $1,400 per year while ensuring it can maintain critical operations even during extended power outages. Both PosiGen and Solar Alternatives are partners in the “Solar for All NOLA” program, which provides free at-home feasibility studies and financing options for residents interested in solar energy. Through this initiative, community members can learn about clean energy solutions and connect with trusted solar providers.
