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 5-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, and at the production facility in Covesville are vast solar arrays providing clean, renewable power for 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 1,500 acres at 9 properties throughout Albemarle County and the surrounding area. From our cold storage, packing house, kitchens, and retail locations, to tractors and other orchard equipment, running orchards requires a great deal of energy.
Partnerships That Matter
Chiles Family Orchards powered by Sigora Solar and the Sun!
In 2018, we partnered with Charlottesville-based Sigora Solar to install our solar array, 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 save hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy costs and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
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​Solar power production lowers our environmental footprint and increases our sustainability for years to come. The orchards now boast a combined 2,823 solar panels producing nearly a megawatt of power and providing clean energy for the next 30-plus years.
Crown Orchard Company and Chiles Family Orchards
Solar at work!
The Chiles family has been farming in Albemarle County for over 100 years. We have a heritage to honor and a responsibility to 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.