Ten local nonprofit organizations and community facilities across Eastern Oregon will receive rooftop solar installations thanks to a collaboration between Amazon Web Services (AWS) and GRID Alternatives.
The renewable energy initiative will benefit sites in Morrow and Umatilla counties to complete the $1.2 million initiative spanning Morrow and Umatilla counties.
The solar systems will collectively generate up to 250 kilowatts of clean electricity, offsetting energy costs for the recipients. One of the beneficiaries, the Irrigon Boardman Emergency Assistance Center, welcomed the investment as a boost to its community mission.
“We are so excited to be part of this solar project that will reduce our utility expenses and carbon footprint,” said Ina Abercrombie, food pantry coordinator at Irrigon Boardman Emergency Assistance Center. “As a non-profit addressing food insecurity, every dollar saved on expenses is a dollar spent to help our community members keep food on the table.”
Installations are slated to commence in November, with GRID Alternatives handling the rooftop solar deployments at no cost to the 10 sites over five months. Recipients of the installations will own the systems as long as they want and GRID Alternatives will manage long-term maintenance and performance monitoring plans.
“The city of Hermiston is proud to have AWS investing in renewable energy projects that benefit community facilities in our region,” said Mark Morgan, assistant city manager for the city of Hermiston. “This solar program with GRID Alternatives is a great example of a corporate partner taking actionable steps to increase access to clean power while supporting the missions of our valued nonprofit organizations.”
AWS has maintained a presence in Eastern Oregon for over a decade through its data center operations in Morrow and Umatilla counties. Earlier this year, AWS also announced its first utility-scale renewable energy investment, committing to purchase 200,000 megawatt hours of clean power each year from a Gilliam County wind farm. AWS has invested $22.9 billion statewide since 2010.
The 10 locations set to receive rooftop solar are:
3. Irrigon Emergency Assistance Center and Pantry
4. Willow Creek Terrace Assisted Living Facility
5. Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center
6. Agape House
7. Martha’s House Transitional Housing
8. Stepping Stones Alliance Homeless Shelter
