Solar Array

Our commitment to a sustainable future.
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EMBRACING CLEAN, RENEWABLE ENERGY

THE VILLAGE OF ORCHARD RIDGE LEADING THE WAY.

On March 28, 2023, National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) and DSD Renewables (DSD) completed the installation of a 1.85 megawatt (MW) ground mount solar array at The Village at Orchard Ridge in Winchester, Virginia. The Village at Orchard Ridge’s solar array is a seven-acre installation of precisely aligned photovoltaic panels that collect energy from the sun and convert it into electricity.

This recently completed solar project represents a significant step forward in NLCS’ commitment to sustainable senior living and achieving 100% clean, renewable energy usage across its communities. The installation will meet 90% of The Village at Orchard Ridge’s independent living energy needs by producing an estimated 2,396 MWh of energy per year, the equivalent of powering 330 homes annually. In addition, the project will offset 1,862 tons of carbon dioxide, equating to:

  • Taking 364 cars off the street
  • Avoiding 190,328 gallons of gasoline consumed
  • 73,215 trash bags of waste recycled instead of in the landfill
  • 1,878,686 pounds of coal not burned

Construction for the project began in July 2022, launching NLCS’ first large-scale solar project and expanding DSD’s footprint to 23 states. Not only was this project in a new market for DSD, but solar was also a newer generation asset class for the local utility. The project encountered numerous challenges, but DSD and NLCS worked closely with the local utility to implement innovative design and engineering solutions that brought the project to fruition while minimizing disruption to the community’s 400-plus residents.

We invite you to explore our community and contact us any time for a visit by calling 540-831-3760 or requesting more information.

Ribbon Cutting Event

Solar array ribbon cuttingSolar array ribbon cutting
Solar array ribbon cutting invitationSolar array ribbon cutting invitation
Orchard Ridge solar arrayOrchard Ridge solar array
Chaplain blessing solar arrayChaplain blessing solar array
Cyndi Walters at Solar array ribbon cuttingCyndi Walters at Solar array ribbon cutting
John Loop at Solar array ribbon cuttingJohn Loop at Solar array ribbon cutting
Audience at solar array ribbon cuttingAudience at solar array ribbon cutting
Speaker at solar array ribbon cuttingSpeaker at solar array ribbon cutting
Allison Combs speaking at solar array ribbon cuttingAllison Combs speaking at solar array ribbon cutting
Audience at solar array ribbon cuttingAudience at solar array ribbon cutting
Zach Heeter and chaplain at solar array ribbon cuttingZach Heeter and chaplain at solar array ribbon cutting
Solar array ribbon cuttingSolar array ribbon cutting
Solar array ribbon cuttingSolar array ribbon cutting
Orchard Ridge and National Lutheran team members at ribbon cuttingOrchard Ridge and National Lutheran team members at ribbon cutting
John Loop and Cyndi Walters at ribbon cuttingJohn Loop and Cyndi Walters at ribbon cutting
John Loop and Cyndi Walters at ribbon cuttingJohn Loop and Cyndi Walters at ribbon cutting
John Loop and Cyndi Walters at ribbon cuttingJohn Loop and Cyndi Walters at ribbon cutting
Solar array ribbon cuttingSolar array ribbon cutting
Chaplain blessing solar arrayChaplain blessing solar array
Solar array drone photoSolar array drone photo