The panels are installed and solar energy is flowing at Fishline Food Bank & Comprehensive Services’ new solar array, funded through Puget Sound Energy’s Green Power and Solar Choice programs.

The $100,000 granted to Fishline earlier this year was used to purchase the 29kW solar array, which not only reduces Fishline’s carbon footprint but also reduces its operating costs, a news release states. The installation will generate an estimated 31,000-kilowatt hours annually, replacing an estimated 35% of Fishline’s annual electricity use.

“More than 81,000 PSE customers have chosen to support renewable energy by taking part in these programs, which have funded 58 projects with more than $4.6 million in grant funds throughout our service area,” said Josh Jacobs, vice president of Clean Energy Strategy and Planning at PSE. “Solar energy projects like this are part of our community’s transition to clean energy.”

Fishline is one of the oldest food banks in the nation, having served North Kitsap for over 55 years. Projects like this enable Fishline to continue its mission of providing food and access to resources that offer stability, improve health and well-being.

“At Fishline, we work with our neighbors in need to provide a pathway to sustainability,” executive director Charlie Thompson said. “Thanks to the Green Power Solar Grant from Puget Sound Energy, we can now add that our operations are on a pathway to sustainability too.”

Nine other organizations were awarded a total of $753,620 this year. In Kitsap County, nearly $500,000 has been awarded historically through the Green Power Solar Grant program. Two grants were awarded to the Suquamish Tribe the past two years, while other past Kitsap County grant awardees include the Salvation Army Bremerton Corps, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound, Friends of Manchester Library and Kitsap Community Resources.