Upper County senior center installs solar panels | News

The Upper Kittitas County Senior Center has recently installed solar panels received through Puget Sound Energy’s Green Power solar grant, according to a news release.

The Upper Kittitas County Senior Center’s mission is to enhance the physical, emotional and economic well-being of seniors’ lives in Kittitas County; and serves as an emergency shelter. The senior center was one of five recipients of the grant. The 18 kilowatt solar project is expected to save the organization approximately $3,700 each year.

“We appreciate the Puget Sound Energy grant,” said Upper Kittitas County Senior Center President Susan Klein in the release. “It means a lot for our center and our community. Solar panels will help with our energy costs and will definitely be a plus for the center.”

Adam Crawford, PSE outreach coordinator, said “Places like the Upper Kittitas Senior Center need support and this is just another way that we continue to provide that support in this county.”

PSE has donated $350,000 to install solar panels at five organizations that are either food distribution centers or emergency warming shelters in their respective communities.

“Whether it’s providing food or emergency shelter, the organizations that were selected have a history of helping people in their communities, which is aligned with what’s important to PSE,” said Will Einstein, PSE director of Product Development and Growth in the release. “We’re excited that funding these solar projects will help reduce the energy costs for our recipients, so they can put more money towards supporting their core mission while helping to reduce their carbon footprint.”

The grants allow each organization to meet at least 10 percent of their load with solar energy. Not only will these organizations receive energy savings but eight years of renewable energy production incentive payments from the state.

Each organization also received grants for high-powered generators from the PSE Foundation.