We are proud to announce the completion of a landmark commercial solar installation at Trinity Commons in Roanoke, Virginia. This project represents a beautiful synergy between preserving the past and protecting the future. In partnership with Restoration Housing, we’ve outfitted the former Trinity United Methodist Church—a historic 1920s landmark—with a cutting-edge solar energy system that will support its new life as affordable senior housing.

To achieve this, our team designed and installed a 9.45 kW ballasted, roof-top PV system. By utilizing a ballasted mounting method, we were able to secure the solar array without penetrating the roof’s surface, ensuring the structural and historic integrity of the building remains intact. This high-efficiency system is strategically positioned to capture maximum sunlight, providing a clean, renewable power source for the building’s new residential units.

Watch the aerial footage!

The financial impact of this installation is as significant as its environmental footprint. The system is projected to generate an estimated yearly energy savings of $1,970. Over the next 25 years, Trinity Commons is expected to save a staggering $23,700 in utility costs. These savings are vital for a non-profit-led project, as they allow more resources to be funneled back into the community and the maintenance of this historic site rather than into monthly overhead.

Beyond the numbers, this project is a testament to the “adaptive reuse” movement in Roanoke. By converting a 120-year-old church into fifteen affordable rental units for seniors, Restoration Housing is tackling the critical need for housing while keeping the neighborhood’s social character alive. Our solar installation ensures that these homes are not just affordable to rent, but sustainable and cost-effective to operate for decades to come.

We invite you to see the results of this transformation for yourself. Below, you’ll find incredible drone footage that showcases the scale of the installation and the architectural beauty of Trinity Commons. We are honored to have played a role in this project, proving that even the most historic structures can lead the way in the clean energy transition.

Sources:
The Roanoke Star
Restoration Housing