On consecutive days in October 2024, Wells Fargo and GRID IE collaborated on two successful Team-Building Sponsored Volunteer Workdays in the Inland Empire—with an installation at the Jones family home in San Bernardino and a second at the Marban family home in Chino.
Through this corporate partner opportunity, which funds and supports GRID IE’s work, Wells Fargo volunteers experienced hands-on service by installing solar for families that will benefit most from savings in their energy bills.
In San Bernadino, the Wells Fargo volunteer team installed a 5kW solar system. This installation is projected to provide the Jones family with $17,500 in lifetime savings on their energy bill—which will also prevent 119 tons of CO2 emissions, equivalent to taking 26 cars off the road or planting 1,800 trees!
In Chino, the Wells Fargo volunteer team installed a larger 5.4kW solar system. This installation is projected to provide the Marban family with $22,500 in lifetime savings on their energy bill—which will also prevent 130 tons of CO2 emissions, equivalent to taking 28 cars off the road or planting 1,950 trees!
Wells Fargo Volunteers, GRID IE Staff, and the home owner Jose Marban (right) in front of the solar system they installed on his home in Chino.
The combined impact of these two installations installed by the Wells Fargo volunteers is significant. Reducing these families' energy bills by almost $24,000 and preventing almost 250 tons of CO2 greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to taking 54 cars off the road or planting 3,750 trees!
GRID IE, the Jones family, and the Marban family thank Wells Fargo for its commitment to our communities and environment.
Wells Fargo Volunteer Maurice is working on the electrical combiner box at the Marban home in Chino.
Maurice, volunteer and Customer Service Agent for Home Equity with Wells Fargo described himself as “excited and amazed” at his first real-life build.
Arthur, or Art, a volunteer and Mortgage Servicing Specialist Senior with Wells Fargo, shared his experience as well: “It’s a positive, engaging, and educational experience! Helping the environment with renewable energy—I’m all for that.” To anyone interested in volunteering with GRID IE, Art said, “Go for it—it's a really great experience. Everyone is nice, and it’s a worthwhile cause.”
In addition to installing solar panels, volunteers worked with GRID's Outreach department to canvass neighbors and provide information on GRID programs. They also worked on the ground to learn essential procedures, like wiring the combiner box, under the guidance of Danny M., GRID IE’s Solar Installation Supervisor.
Wells Fargo volunteer, Art, during the morning safety briefing at the Marban home in Chino
At the San Bernardino installation, the home owner Danielle Jones, and her mother, stopped by during their lunch break from work to meet the Wells Fargo volunteers and GRID staff. They were both very thankful for all the work on their home, and the care being taken of their property. The Jones family are looking forward to the benefits of solar and the reduction of their high energy bills.
Wells Fargo volunteers lifting up the first panels on the Jones family solar installation.
Jose, a retired homeowner, Chino resident, and recipient of no-cost solar energy installed by GRID IE, sat down with Jessica, GRID IE's Marketing Coordinator, for a quick interview between his duties as a grandfather—helping take his grandchildren to school and picking them up in the afternoon.
“It rains very little, and the summer is hot. I’ve been interested in solar energy since 2016 but have never liked the options,” shared Jose.
After researching various solar installers, Jose discovered GRID IE through his friend Javier, who worked at GRID IE: “In the beginning, I didn't believe the solar would be completely free—nobody gives out anything for free. If it’s too good to be true, it’s probably not true,” he expressed.
Initially, Jose did not qualify for GRID IE’s solar program, which follows the State of California’s California Public Utilities Commission guidelines. “I kept in touch with GRID IE until the qualifications changed,” said Jose, whose patience was rewarded when Erica Lomelli, the Outreach Coordinator, contacted him to let him know that funding was now available, allowing his project to proceed.
“Erica always answers my calls! Thanks to her, I learned about more resources, like the City of Chino’s grant for my roof. Even though we live here, those programs aren’t promoted. You have to ask. Erica has been great at making this process easy,” shared Jose, who was grateful for Erica’s referral to a city grant that helped to repair his roof and make it solar-ready. Jose has relayed these resources to his neighbor, who is now on track for solar with GRID IE.
Jose described himself as happy on the day of his installation: “I’m ready to save money on my electricity bill!”
We hope you enjoy your savings, Jose!
Jose with his new solar system provided at no-cost by GRID IE, and installed with the generous help of Wells Fargo volunteers.