Bank and non-profit bring solar power, job training to local vets
Cal Poly Student Veteran Jose Alvarez with fellow Cal Poly students.
Veteran’s Day event part of new national ‘Troops to Solar’ initiative supported by major grant from Wells Fargo
–Nonprofit GRID Alternatives Central Coast and Wells Fargo joined local veterans and community groups to install rooftop solar systems on the homes of two local veterans this Veteran’s Day. The event follows the announcement on Nov. 10 of a major new grant from Wells Fargo to support GRID’s national “Troops to Solar” initiative, providing solar industry workforce training to 1000 U.S. military veterans and active service members.
The national initiative expands on local work completed over the past year with veterans here in the Central Coast, including participation and training of 41 local active military and veterans. GRID’s local solar program will include Vandenberg Airforce Base, Camp Roberts, Cal Poly Veterans Club, Allen Hancock College Veterans Club, Hartnell Veteran’s Center, Morro Bay Coast Guard, and the San Luis Obispo Veteran’s Center.
“It feels nice to give back,” said Cal Poly Student Veteran, Jose Alvarez. “Taking care of the community and especially a fellow veteran and knowing that I’m helping them out,”
These veteran homeowners will save approximately 75-percent on their electricity bills from day one, money they can use for food, clothing and other necessities. The installations are expected to save the families $72,000 over the 30-year lifetime of the systems and prevent 149 tons of carbon emissions.
Cal Poly Student Veteran Jose Alvarez with fellow Cal Poly students.
“I am proud to be a part of today’s amazing ‘Troops to Solar’ day,” said District Manager for Wells Fargo Bank Mark Corella. “Being here today with the many community volunteers supports GRID’s unique delivery model which offers many benefits to our communities, from decreasing electricity bills for homeowners to creating a cleaner environment. On this Veteran’s Day, it is extra special to be able to provide this Solar power opportunity to Veterans in our local community.”
It’s not only the homeowners who benefit from GRID Alternatives’ program, but volunteers, green job trainees, and the Cal Poly Bakari Youth mentorship program, as well. Gerardo Juarez, a participant in this youth program at Cal Poly says, “I feel wonderful! We are out here working with Veterans who help protect our country.” Regional Director, Justin Hitchcock, says, “We are thrilled to have Wells Fargo, Cal Poly, Veterans, and Youth working together here supporting the work of GRID Alternatives Central Coast.”
GRID Alternatives has installed over 600 systems in the Central Coast region to date. “We are working hard to provide more and more low income homeowners in San Luis Obispo County with our services so they too can benefit from the savings inherent with the power of the sun!” says Regional Director Justin Hitchcock.
Local Solar Installers:
Electricraft specializes in everything solar, from Solar installation to Electrical Wiring and more! Contact Electricraft today for all your San Luis Obispo Solar Needs.
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