A whole new solar system will be popping up in downtown Port Townsend, with the community’s support. In an effort to reduce overall costs, American Legion Post 26 is raising funds for solar panels to be installed on the roof.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic hit the American Legion hard. While the revenue that normally is generated by renting out the space has come to an abrupt halt, the costs to maintain the building persist.

Along with being an environmentally-conscious step into the future, this addition would help the American Legion keep operations going as they do now.

“Times are tough, paying that electric bill is tough,” said Mike Loriz, an executive board member of the Legion and central organizer of this fundraiser. 

Currently, approximately $5,000 per year goes solely to the electric bill for the upstairs of the building.

The answer to cutting those costs might come from above. Cascadia Solar, a division of Fredrickson Electric, has drafted a plan for a $50,000 solar system which would create enough power to cover half of the American Legion’s annual usage.

The roof is perfect for solar panels, Loriz said, since it’s large and strong with a simple gable and ideal pitch.

Thus far, Legion members have pledged approximately $30,000 to the project. The remaining balance will hopefully be covered through fundraising, which gives the community an opportunity to support a key part of downtown.

The basement of the American Legion serves as a rent-free living space for homeless citizens, and the top floor is frequently rented for community events, notably the Port Townsend Film Festival each fall.

“We are proud of the work we do supporting the homeless and opening our doors to other community events. We are also grateful for the past support we have received,” reads the GoFundMe page for the project, created and managed by Loriz.

Such community work is only possible with financial support, and the Legion has been running a deficit for months as the pandemic cut almost all revenue. This project is the opportunity to keep the Legion running smoothly.

“During the film festival, it would be great if those people could think ‘Hey, we’re watching these films courtesy of the sun!’” Loriz said. “At Brewfest, people can say ‘The music is being played by the sun.’”

The project will begin as soon as is practical after the required money is raised. If the project cannot be completed as planned, all donations will be returned. 

These plans were already in the works before the COVID-19 pandemic, and Loriz said the two just happened to coincide. That said, the timing worked out nicely. 

“It makes sense to do it now; it will cut some of our biggest bills,” Loriz said.

The solar system will last for 30 years, and Loriz said that the investment will pay off within about half that time.

As of July 28, the GoFundMe page has raised $790 out of the $20,000 required.

The GoFundMe will be active for about a month. Aside from the virtual fundraising site, checks can be mailed to American Legion Post 26, 209 Monroe St.,
Port Townsend, WA 98368.