Sustainability
Going green is not just a farming trend—it’s our whole way of life!
"When everything we do relies on the sun, relies on taking care of the land, it seems second nature to go solar." Henry Chiles, 5th Generation
Everything we do at the orchards is dependent on Mother Nature. As a fifth generation farming family, we have always been thankful for what nature provides. We are proud to be stewards of tomorrow.
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That’s why we’ve gone solar! Tucked near the tree lines of Carter Mountain Orchard, on the rooftop of Chiles Peach Orchard’s Farm Market, at the production facility in Covesville, and at our storage facility in Batesville are vast solar arrays providing clean, renewable power for our orchard operations.
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There’s a lot going on behind the scenes at the orchards, especially when it comes to production. Our fresh fruit and veggies are grown across hundreds of acres throughout Albemarle County and the surrounding areas. From our cold storage, packing house, kitchens, and retail locations, to tractors and other orchard equipment, running a farm requires a great deal of energy.
Powered by the Sun
In 2018 we began our solar journey which includes 559 solar panels at Carter Mountain Orchard and 224 at Chiles Peach Orchard. Together, the solar power installation produces enough clean energy to significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.​
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For an orchard business that depends directly on climate, soil, and seasonal conditions, environmental stewardship is often closely tied to long-term economic viability. Solar energy fits into a broader approach that many agricultural producers are adopting: reducing energy costs, stabilizing operating expenses, and lowering carbon emissions.
For Crown Orchard, solar infrastructure represents both a practical operational investment and part of a broader sustainability framework. By generating renewable electricity on site, the company can support energy-intensive agricultural processes while demonstrating a commitment to responsible land management and resource use.
Crown Orchard Company and Chiles Family Orchards
Solar at work!
The Chiles family has been farming in Albemarle County for over 100 years. It's in our blood to honor the land. To continue to grow and prosper, we must remember our roots while embracing change and looking to the future.
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We continually strive to maximize our future sustainability. Going green is not just a farming trend—it’s our whole way of life! We are proud to be responsible stewards of tomorrow.
More Sustainability Efforts
LED Lighting
We have replaced most of our old style fluorescent lighting with energy efficient LED lights!
IPM
Integrated Pest Management is learning about the pest and finding alternate means of deterring them from feeding on the fruit and trees.
Packaging
We use packaging that is made from recycled materials!
Electric Forklifts
We have replaced most of our old gas lifts with energy efficient electric battery lifts!
Water
We utilize gravity to feed water through waterlines wherever possible, minimizing the use of pumps. We also use drip irrigation which uses much less water.