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Empowering Heroes: New Horizon Communities & Olympia Community Solar’s Transformative Solar Installation at the Orting Veterans Village
November 13, 2024\Orting, Washington, USA
In an impactful collaboration, New Horizon Communities and Olympia Community Solar have brought sustainable energy solutions to the Orting Veterans Village, enhancing its commitment to supporting and empowering our veterans while significantly reducing the village’s environmental impact.
About the Project
The Orting Veterans Village, located in Pierce County, provides permanent supportive housing to 35 once chronically homeless veterans organized in a self-supporting residential community. Opened in early 2021, the tiny home complex is owned and managed by the 501c3 nonprofit organization New Horizon Communities, which is dedicated to building safe, sustainable, and quality housing for those experiencing homelessness.
New Horizon Communities began pursuing solar energy for the site in early 2023. Olympia Community supported project development by soliciting and selecting contractor proposals, with MAD Energy NW ultimately serving as the installation partner. The Orting Veterans Village solar project consists of 315 Washington-made Silfab Prime solar panels, including 4 to 8 on each of the 35 tiny homes and 103 on the community building, creating a 120-kilowatt system. This project was made possible with funding from the WSU Low-Income Solar Grant.
The Community Impact
This solar installation is expected to produce 108,854 kWh annually, offsetting over 50% of Orting Veterans Village’s energy costs. Starting at $14,300 saved in the first year, $14,300 totaling around $618,000 over 30 years. These savings will directly support village residents and New Horizon Communities’ mission.
The environmental impact is equally significant, reducing CO₂ emissions by 95,000 pounds yearly, equivalent to planting 1,100 trees or removing 172,000 miles of car travel annually.
This project exemplifies Olympia Community Solar’s commitment to making clean energy accessible to people and organizations who may otherwise face barriers to solar adoption. Olympia Community Solar led project development and secured funding through the Washington State University Energy Extension’s Low-Income Community Solar Incentive Program.
The Orting Veterans Village solar project is an example of how solar energy may be leveraged as a powerful tool for equity. Solar energy is not only a climate solution but a vehicle for economic justice.”
– Olympia Community Solar President Mason Rolph
About Olympia Community Solar
The mission at Olympia Community Solar, a nonprofit organization, is to steward an equitable and accessible transition to clean energy through community solar education, policy, and project development. Learn more at https://olysol.org/.
For more information about Olympia Community Solar visit:
Panza dba New Horizon Communities is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Its mission is to provide permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. New Horizon Communities creates and manages tiny home villages that foster community, encourage personal growth, and promote access to care and services. It currently owns and operates Quixote Village in Olympia, which opened in 2013, Orting Veterans Village in 2021, and Shelton Veterans Village in 2024. Learn more at www.nhcommunities.org
System Components:
About Silfab Prime Panels
Silfab Prime solar panels utilize next-generation N-type cell technology, designed and engineered exclusively for North American homeowners and business owners. Dependable and durable, Silfab Prime solar panels contribute to significantly higher efficiency levels and longevity while maximizing energy production and reduced degradation over time. The triple black design looks clean and elegant and is backed by a trusted 25-year product and 30-year performance warranty, ensuring peace of mind for every install.
About MAD Energy:
MAD Energy NW is a team of industry-leading professionals with over 30 years of combined experience and a record of success. Known for designing, managing, and installing some of Washington’s most notable solar projects and certified net-zero solar arrays, MAD Energy NW specializes in Design-Build Solar for homes, businesses, and new construction projects. Their expertise also extends to electrical services, remodels, and renovations. At MAD Energy NW, customer satisfaction is a top priority, driving their commitment to delivering quality, reliable solar solutions for every client.
