Sol-Ark, a U.S.-based manufacturer of hybrid inverters and energy storage systems, has partnered with Twende Solar and K2 Systems to bring reliable solar power to Dignity Village, a self-governed transitional housing community in Portland. This marks a major step forward in sustainable energy access for underserved communities.
A new 60kW solar array, featuring Sol-Ark’s hybrid inverters, now powers 31 rooftops—including 43 tiny homes and a central Commons building. For the first time in its 20-year history, Dignity Village has access to consistent electricity for lighting, heating, cooling, and charging—transforming daily life for residents transitioning out of homelessness.
”At Sol-Ark, we don’t just engineer power systems-we invest in people,” said Tom Brennan, CTO of Sol-Ark. “Dignity Village shows what’s possible when infrastructure and dignity go hand in hand.”
Founded in 2000, Dignity Village is the longest-standing sanctioned tiny home community in the United States. Residents have historically managed basic expenses through pooled utility bills and small-scale recycling or firewood sales. However, rising utility costs made energy access increasingly unsustainable—until now.
A Partnership with Purpose
The project was spearheaded by nonprofit Twende Solar, with rooftop mounting systems donated by K2 Systems and battery storage supplied by Rolls Battery Engineering. The Portland Clean Energy Fund and Verde Builds also supported the effort, helping make clean, affordable power a reality for the village.
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