Project GROWS achieves sustainability milestone with solar energy system

Project GROWS, a nonprofit farm in the Shenandoah Valley dedicated to building healthier communities through garden-based education and access to fresh food, announces the completion of a new solar energy system at its farm site.

The project was installed by local solar company Tiger Solar and funded through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with SunSpots LLC, a renewable energy investor that helps nonprofits and mission-driven organizations transition to solar without upfront capital costs.

“This is a big milestone for Project GROWS. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do — from how we grow food, to how we teach young people about the environment, to how we operate as an organization. By going solar, we’re living our values and investing in a healthier future for our farm, our community, and our planet,” Project GROWS Executive Director Clara Metzler said.

Switching to solar helps Project GROWS reduce its environmental footprint by using clean, renewable energy instead of fossil fuels; lower long-term energy costs and free up more resources to support programs like mobile markets, farm-based education and other food access initiatives; and support the local economy through collaboration with trusted area professionals like Tiger Solar.

“We’ve been honored to walk alongside Project GROWS and SunSpots throughout this journey. Project GROWS invests heavily in the communities we serve, and it has been a pleasure to help them further their sustainability goals. Tiger Solar was founded on the principles of community building and customer education, and it has been rewarding to apply these values as we’ve collaborated with the dedicated team at Project GROWS,” Tiger Solar Vice President Ron Hisel said.

The solar project reflects Project GROWS’ ongoing commitment to stewardship, innovation and sustainability in the region and is a meaningful step that aligns with the nonprofit’s values and demonstrates how mission-driven choices can benefit both the environment and the broader community.

“I love investing in solar because it makes a concrete difference in so many ways. Installing solar expands clean energy and lessens fossil fuel use, reduces pollution, reduces energy bills and serves as an example to others in the community. I am proud and happy to partner with Project GROWS in this effort,” Sun Spots LLC owner Ruth Amundsen said.