sol-ark® + twende solar
power dignity village in Portland, OR

it's proof of concept of how to power communities
with solar energy

At Dignity Village, the longest-standing sanctioned tiny home community, the hum of solar power has replaced the hiss of propane.

With help from Twende Solar, K2 Systems, and Sol-Ark®, the village now has 60kW of clean, reliable solar energy that’s powering forty-three (43) homes and a Community Commons building!

For the first time residents can flip a switch and expect the lights to stay on. Dignity Village is a proof of concept for what’s possible when people are given tools, trust, and a little bit of sunlight.

$3,000 IN ANNUAL ELECTRICITY BILL SAVINGS

Ray, a village council member, summed it up best: “Come January, we’re gonna be warm.” But this wasn’t just about warmth – it was about autonomy. Dignity Village is more than shelter. It’s where people rediscover trust, rebuild routines, and reclaim control of their lives.

More than 80 volunteers. 20 Dignity Village residents. And 800+ hours of work.
200 solar panels installed
Every unit wired for lighting, heating, cooling, and charging.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed in every home.

With the new solar energy system in place, Dignity Village expects to save at least $3,000 annually on electricity. Savings that will go right back into the community to pay for critical services and giving residents some much-needed financial breathing room.

"THIS MAKES US A MODEL."

Ray, DIGNITY VILLIAGE COUNCIL MEMEBER

PURPOSE IN PARTNERSHIP

Sol-Ark® provided the hybrid inverter technology to help bring this vision to life. But it was just one part of a powerful team led by Twende Solar and supported by K2 Systems.

From planning to execution, this project took over two years to complete! A testament to patience, purpose, and partnership.

Robin Swanhuyser, Executive Director of Twende Solar, called it, “A testament to resilience and self-determination,” and thanked the residents of Dignity Village for their trust and collaboration. “We’re just grateful to be welcomed into this space.”