Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3783 and Albertsons grocery store are among the latest organizations in Ramona to install solar panels so they can save money.
Karen Welch, the recent VFW Ramona commander who stepped down July 1, said the solar panels installed a year ago have “significantly reduced” the post’s utility bills.
“The bill is one-third of what it used to be,” Welch said. “It varies between seasons, but we’re saving close to $2,000 a month in utility bills.”
Julie Gallant
Solar panels installed a year ago at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3783 in Ramona have reduced the post’s utility bills. (Julie Gallant)
Welch said the post has even been able to save money as it runs the air conditioning and keeps the refrigerators and freezers cold on really hot days.
The cool cantina is especially appreciated by senior citizens who come in for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, Welch said.
“When it’s hot they stay because it’s a cool spot,” she said.
An unveiling ceremony was held at the post on Aug. 1 to recognize those who donated at least $1,000 to the solar panel project. The donor’s names were placed on a plaque that was revealed for the first time that day.
Additionally, funding for the project was paid, in part, by two Neighborhood Reinvestment Program grants made available through county Supervisor Joel Anderson’s office, Welch said.
Julie Gallant
VFW Post 3783 officials unveil a plaque that contains the name of donors to a project that upgraded the post with improvements. From left are Ramona VFW Commander Todd Greenwood, former Ramona VFW Commander Karen Welch and Ramona VFW member Alexis Henshaw. (Julie Gallant)
According to his office, a $175,000 grant was awarded on May 10, 2022 for the renovation and improvement of the VFW building in Ramona. An additional $25,000 grant was awarded on Dec. 20, 2023 to fund building improvements to renovate the restrooms to ensure Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, replace the kitchen floor and repair roofing on the outdoor barbecue structure.
Anderson said at the unveiling ceremony that county supervisors and the state legislature have made it a priority to “take care of people who take care of us.”
“You’re making a difference in people’s lives,” he told the veterans. “San Diego has more retired veterans than anywhere in California.”
At the Albertsons store on Main Street, initial site work began July 13 and the solar canopy was built and solar panels were installed in the parking lot between July 20 and Aug. 10. Electrical work, utility inspections and final testing will continue through the fall, and Albertsons expects the system to begin generating power in November 2026, said Jason Guralnick, senior real estate manager at Albertsons Companies.
Guralnick said the company is always looking for ways to operate more efficiently while enhancing the shopping experience.
“This project reflects Albertsons’ commitment to reducing emissions while continuing to serve our customers and communities,” Guralnick said.”The solar canopies will help reduce the store’s reliance on traditional energy sources, support our environmental goals and provide shaded parking for our customers.”
Julie Gallant
The Ramona Albertsons solar canopies will help reduce the store’s reliance on traditional energy sources, support the store’s environmental goals and provide shaded parking for customers. (Courtesy Albertsons Companies)
The new solar canopy will introduce cost savings by generating electricity on site, which will help reduce the store’s energy costs over time, Guralnick said.
Through a partnership with Novitium Energy, Albertsons can benefit from renewable energy without any upfront capital investment, he added.
“Improving how we operate helps us manage costs and continue investing in our stores, associates and customer experience,” said Guralnick, who added that the system will likely begin generating power in November, pending approval by San Diego Gas & Electric.
“Once the system is operational, the store will begin benefitting from lower energy costs,” Guralnick said. “Projects that help us operate more efficiently support our ongoing investments in our stores and shopping experience. Customers will also enjoy the added benefit of covered parking throughout the year.”
Although there are no plans to add additional panels at this time, Guralnick said Albertsons Companies continues to evaluate opportunities to expand renewable energy projects at stores across California and other markets as part of a broader sustainability effort.
The parking lot at the Ramona Albertsons store is now fully available for customers. The remaining work is expected to have minimal impact on customers, Guralnick said.
“Once the project is complete, the solar canopies will provide covered parking while maintaining parking availability for shoppers,” he said.