January 13, 2025

Joseph Barnett
In Spring 2024, Community Housing Partners (CHP) Energy Solutions and Loudoun Habitat for Humanity collaborated to update five homes on Bernard Lane in Middleburg, Virginia. These homes, originally built through Habitat’s Homeownership Program over 15 years ago, provided families with strength, stability, and self-reliance. Now, thanks to a collective effort, they are ready for another decade of comfort and efficiency.
Joseph Barnett, a proud Habitat homeowner on Bernard Lane, reflects on the journey: “I’m most excited to have our HVAC back. I’m excited to have a comfortable home again and to be able to invite people in. I’m also looking forward to seeing our energy savings.”
Like Barnett, the participating homeowners initially contributed “sweat equity” alongside volunteers and contractors to build their homes, creating a community grounded in mutual support. Over time, necessary repairs and energy efficiency upgrades became apparent, prompting the homeowners to contact Loudoun Habitat’s Home Repair Program.

Technicians with Tran Energy Services handle a new air handler to install in a Habitat home in Middleburg, VA, Sept 2024
The program addressed critical repairs, such as replacing roofs, while connecting homeowners to CHP Energy Solutions for further improvements. With support from Dominion Energy’s Energyshare program and the Dominion Energy Income and Age Qualifying Solar Program, each home underwent a thorough energy assessment to determine the most impactful upgrades.
CHP Energy Solutions coordinated a range of enhancements tailored to each household’s needs. The work included weatherization improvements, such as air sealing and attic insulation, and repairing or replacing aging HVAC systems to improve indoor comfort and energy efficiency. Other updates focused on sustainability, such as installing LED light bulbs, water-saving faucet aerators, and exhaust fans to enhance ventilation.

Installers with Solar Energy World place a solar panel during installs in Middleburg, VA, Oct 2024
Solar Energy World installed 4.9kW solar systems on each home, consisting of 12 rooftop panels per household. These systems are expected to offset an average of 90% of the homes’ energy consumption, significantly reducing utility costs.
“I’m thrilled that we could pull together a team of solar industry leaders, energy conservation experts, nonprofit organizations, and the local utility,” said Robert Nutter, Project Manager with CHP Energy Solutions. “These improvements will reduce families’ energy burden and improve the comfort and safety of their home for years to come.”
The partnership between CHP Energy Solutions and Loudoun Habitat for Humanity demonstrates how community-driven solutions can create lasting change. “With the support of CHP and their network, Loudoun Habitat for Humanity has been able to bring lasting change to five Habitat homeowners in western Loudoun County,” said Amanda Baulig, Programs Director for Loudoun Habitat.
Visit CHP Energy Solutions to learn more about its programs.
Founded in 1975, Community Housing Partners (CHP) provides quality-built, responsibly managed, service-enriched homes for low-income individuals and families across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Through its mission to create homes and communities that are healthy, sustainable, and affordable, CHP has been a leading advocate of affordable housing development for nearly 50 years. CHP’s activities include real estate development, construction, energy services and training, asset management, property management, realty and homeownership, and comprehensive resident services.