From the Street to Stability:
Sol-Ark Powers Portland’s Dignity Village With 60kW of Solar
At Dignity Village, the hum of solar power has replaced the hiss of propane. For the first time, residents of this self-governed community in Portland, Oregon, can flip a switch and expect the lights to stay on.
Dignity Village isn’t just a housing solution — it’s a proof of concept for what’s possible when people are given tools, trust, and a little bit of sunlight. With help from Twende Solar, K2 Systems, and Sol-Ark, the village now has 60kW of clean, reliable solar energy flowing through 31 rooftops — powering 43 homes and a community Commons building.
“This Makes us a Model”
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.
With more than 80 volunteers and 20 residents contributing 800+ hours of work, the team installed 200 solar panels, wired every unit for lighting, heating, cooling, and charging, and installed smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in every home. Propane is no longer the only option — and that shift is both safer and more sustainable.
Doing More With Less
Dignity Village was founded over 20 years ago and remains the country’s longest-standing sanctioned tiny home community for people transitioning out of homelessness. Its residents cover their own expenses by selling firewood, recycling metal, and pooling money for shared utilities — but the rising cost of electricity had become a serious burden.
With the new system in place, the village expects to save at least $3,000 annually on electricity. Those savings will go directly back into the community — paying for critical services and giving residents some much-needed financial breathing room.
Purpose in Partnership
Sol-Ark provided inverter technology to help bring this vision to life — one part of a powerful coalition led by Twende Solar and supported by K2 Systems, whose donated racking made it possible to install solar on a wide variety of rooftops. 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.”
Why Sol-Ark Stepped In
Sol-Ark exists to serve people — not just markets. We don’t just build resilient energy systems. We invest in resilient communities.
We partnered on this project because Dignity Village is a blueprint. It proves that when people have stable housing, supportive infrastructure, and a bit of power — literally and figuratively — they can begin again.
Other Supporters
The project was also possible thanks to funding from The Portland Clean Energy Fund in collaboration with Verde Builds. A Special thanks to Rolls Battery Engineering for donating the battery storage system.
Be Part of the Change
Dignity Village has always operated on its own terms. With clean solar energy, it can now do so with confidence, safety, and sustainability. We're honored to support this effort — and to continue building systems that serve both people and planet.
See the Full Impact
To learn more about our community-driven initiatives, visit our Sol-Ark Cares page and Twende Solar.
