Imperial Beach, a community often in the headlines for the Tijuana sewage crisis that closes beaches and pollutes the air, celebrated a positive environmental milestone on Tuesday. Elected officials, community leaders, and club members gathered to mark the completion of a new solar energy and battery storage system at the Boys & Girls Club of South County.
The project, funded by San Diego Community Power’s Community Clean Energy Grant Program in partnership with the San Diego Foundation, includes rooftop solar panels and a battery storage unit. Tara Hammond, founder and executive director of the Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation, which led the project, said the system is expected to save the club nearly $12,000 in its first year.
Over the next 30 years, as electricity rates rise, the savings could reach half a million dollars, money that will be reinvested into the club’s programs. Stephanie James, CEO and president of the Boys & Girls Club of South County, emphasized the educational value for the youth.
'When you sit down, and you pause, and you talk to the youth, there are solutions,' she said. Young members Ivana Foncesa and Laylani Singleton learned about solar energy firsthand.
'It makes me feel better that we have more energy now, like solar and stuff,' Foncesa said. Singleton added that the savings mean more time with friends and a sense of protection.
Other contributors included Aloha Solar, BQuest Foundation, Futures Unbound, and IBEW Local 569. Hammond noted that the foundation and the club are exploring additional clean energy projects, such as an electric vehicle for the club.