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BOARDMAN — Energy savings from the installation of solar panels are helping nine local organizations expand community services for families, children and seniors.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Boardman Senior Center on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, highlighted how the collaborative initiative between Amazon, GRID Alternatives and local community leaders is addressing both environmental and financial sustainability for nine area nonprofits.

A total of 69 solar panels were installed on the roof of the Boardman Senior Center, just one of the organizations benefiting from the $1.2 million grant from Amazon that made the solar project possible.

“In the few months that we have had the solar panels provided by Amazon, we have already seen a significant reduction in our monthly electric bills, Rick Weiss said.

Weiss is president of the Boardman Senior Center Board of Directors and added the board appreciated the “efforts to build a sustainable community using all of our resources efficiently.”

Panels to generate 250 kilowatts of energy

Ana Lanzara, communications specialist with Amazon, said the solar panels installed on the roofs of the area nonprofits will generate 250 kilowatts of carbon-free energy, reducing both carbon footprints and operational costs for the nine participating organizations.

Lanzara said the solar installations began late last year and wrapped up this past summer. The recipients will own the systems as long as they want, and GRID Alternatives will manage long-term maintenance and performance monitoring plans.

The other recipients of the solar panels are:

• Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center in Hermiston
• Agape House in Hermiston
• Martha’s House Transitional Housing in Hermiston
• Stepping Stones Alliance Homeless Shelter in Hermiston
• Umatilla Center Head Start School
• Pine Tree Center Head Start in Umatilla
• Irrigon Emergency Assistance Center and Pantry
• Willow Creek Terrace Assisted Living Facility in Heppner

Al Davis, general manager of EOTEC, said he welcomed the installation of the solar panels.

“For us, it’s just another piece of the puzzle,” Davis said. “EOTEC is a benefit to the community, and this allows us to do what we do and do it cheaper.”

Ben Harvey, community engagement manager for Amazon, said the solar panels will significantly lower heating bills for decades to come

“The community facilities receiving solar will be able to generate their own clean energy while down cutting their electric bill by an average of 80% over the next 30 years,” Dumovich said. “Electrical bills are a big expense for any facility. The savings will go toward upgrading equipment and better serving the constituents.”

Tapping into the power of the sun

Dumovich said the Eastern Oregon weather is key to the success of the project.

“We’re using a resource we already have – the sun,” he said. “The skies are nice and sunny here and the sun is going to power these organizations.”

Morrow County Commissioner David Sykes thanked Amazon for the grant money that made the solar panel project possible.

“Amazon has been a positive influence on our community,” he said. “When they see a need, they step up.”

Dave Tanner, director of infrastructure operations for Amazon, said the savings in heating bills will directly benefit the people served by the nonprofits.

“We knew the impacts would go far beyond just the savings from the solar panels,” Tanner said. “Every kilowatt saved goes to serving the community.”