DSD and NLCS Complete 1.85 MW Solar Project at The Village at Orchard Ridge

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — March 28, 2023 — DSD Renewables (DSD) and National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) have completed the installation of a 1.85 megawatt (MW) ground mount solar project at The Village at Orchard Ridge — A National Lutheran Community in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, expanding DSD’s footprint to 23 states.

This recently completed project represents a significant step forward in NLCS’ commitment to environmental sustainability and achieving 100% clean, renewable energy usage across its communities. The installation will meet 85% of The Village at Orchard Ridge’s energy needs by producing an estimated 2,396 MWh of energy per year, the equivalent of powering 330 homes annually.

The Village at Orchard Ridge Logo“In the face of growing climate change concerns, it’s increasingly important that organizations like NLCS take the lead in demonstrating environmental stewardship, and we’re proud to have been a part of it,” said David Eisenbud, Senior Director, Origination of DSD. “In this new market for DSD, our team brought ingenuity and rigor to every step in the process, and now we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on residents at The Village at Orchard Ridge and the surrounding community.”

Construction for this project began in July 2022. Not only was this project in a new market for DSD, but solar was also a newer generation asset class for the local utility. The project was met with challenges, but DSD worked closely with NLCS and the local utility to provide innovative solutions throughout the process: overcoming interconnection limitations; designing a solution that complimented the aesthetics of the Life Plan Community; as well as ensuring that the construction and development process had minimal disruption to the community’s 300-plus residents.

“We’re happy to serve as a model to other Life Plan Communities of what’s possible when it comes to what many non-profits may consider beyond their reach or expertise.”

Richard Mazza
CFO & EVP of Business Planning and Development
National Lutheran Communities & Services

“We believe that ‘Leadership by Doing’ is the best way to make a meaningful impact on our community,” said Richard Mazza, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Business Planning and Development at National Lutheran Communities & Services. “This project is a testament to that mindset. Not only does it reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower energy costs, but it also gives our residents an opportunity to be proactive in environmental initiatives. We’re happy to serve as a model to other Life Plan Communities of what’s possible when it comes to what many non-profits may consider beyond their reach or expertise. The team at DSD brought the expertise and creative partnership we needed to bring our sustainability vision to fruition.”

Learn more about how DSD’s partnerships are improving the quality of life in communities around the country.

About DSD Renewables

DSD Renewables (DSD) is a renewable energy solutions platform enabling a more sustainable future by deploying and operating renewable energy solutions, making solar, storage, and EV charging infrastructure more accessible to commercial, industrial, and municipal partners. With in-house expertise, a broad scope of capabilities, and the proprietary DSD Connect Platform, our team provides resources to industry partners and customers across the US, accelerating the deployment and scale of renewable energy to meet aggressive sustainability and net-zero goals. To learn more, visit DSDRenewables.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

About National Lutheran Communities & Services

National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) is a faith-based, not-for-profit ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s (ELCA) Delaware-Maryland, Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and Virginia synods, serving people of all beliefs. NLCS partners with older adults and their families to provide solutions for successful aging through retirement communities and in-home service options and awards grants to other organizations supporting underserved older adults through Impact1890. Through this suite of activity, we are carrying on a legacy to reimagine aging as we serve the next generation of older adults. For more information about National Lutheran Communities & Services and its affiliated entities in Maryland and Virginia, visit http://www.nationallutheran.org.

Media Contacts

Meghan Gainer
VP Marketing & Communications, DSD Renewables
Email Meghan
P. 518-369-3692

Christian Rizzo
Gregory FCA for DSD Renewables
Email Christian
P. 610-228-2134

Rebecca Lipscomb
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