Drivers’ necks craned as they curiously drove by. Neighbors mowing their lawns stopped to look. Was that a blow torch? Maybe they’re adding a rooftop garden, or even a second story to their house! It was undeniable that something exciting was happening at the Puente’s home – it was Wells Fargo volunteers installing solar with GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles (GLA).
The Wells Fargo Housing Foundation, a long-time national partner of GRID Alternatives, funded an installation of a 2.7 kW system for the Puente family in Long Beach, CA. Nearly 20 Wells Fargo team members volunteered over the course of two days in late April, 2015. They installed the system from start to finish, learning about the entire solar installation process along the way. They wielded blow torches, sealed railing posts, connected microinverters, and much more. 
Not only did they install a twelve-panel Photovoltaic array, but their work also helped the Puente family and the environment. Over the course of the system’s lifetime, the Puente’s are expected to save over $16,000. Anthony Puente, a freelance videographer, is excited about the long-term benefits that solar will provide his family. “Hopefully with our new solar energy, we’ll save money, be healthy and prosperous,” he shared. During the system’s lifetime, 80 tons of carbon dioxide will be prevented from entering the atmosphere, providing a benefit to the earth equivalent to taking 23 cars off the road or planting 2,820 seedlings.
Several of the Wells Fargo team had volunteered with GLA in the past. For Daniel Rodriguez, this was his fourth install with Wells Fargo and GLA. “People are always excited for these types of events, especially with GRID…It’s a good opportunity for everyone to come out and show their support for the community,” he said.
Thank you to the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation and the fantastic volunteers that helped make this installation possible. We at GLA greatly appreciate all of your support over the years and look forward to our continued partnership with Wells Fargo.
For photos from the installation, please click here!