Gaylord National Resort Announces Activation of Major Rooftop Solar Installation

Nearly 3.5-acre solar array advances the resort's broader sustainability and energy-efficiency strategy

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As organizations around the world observe World Energy Saving Day on October 21, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is celebrating a major sustainability milestone with the full activation of a rooftop solar installation spanning approximately 3.5 acres atop the resort's convention center. Featuring 4,696 solar panels, the array is projected to generate nearly 3.4 million kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity annually and represents a significant investment in the resort's long-term sustainability and energy strategy.

The solar array is expected to supply up to 20 percent of the resort's electrical load during peak production periods and offset up to 50 percent of the electricity purchased from the local utility. Combined with the resort's existing combined heat and power system (Cogen) and advanced building-efficiency technologies, the solar installation strengthens an integrated energy strategy designed to increase on-site generation, reduce emissions and decrease reliance on grid-supplied electricity.

The solar project marks another investment by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., owner of Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, in the resort's long-term future. Operated by Marriott International, the solar grid also supports Marriott International's broader sustainability goals through the initiative.

"This project is an important example of how we are partnering with Marriott International to invest in initiatives that support our shared conservation goals and create long-term value for our shareholders," said Mark Fioravanti, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ryman Hospitality Properties. "With this project complete, we're reducing demand on the local power grid while improving operational efficiency and strengthening the resort's climate resiliency for years to come."

Activated in June 2026, the solar array has generated approximately 495,316 kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity to date, equivalent to powering approximately 48 average U.S. households for one year, while avoiding an estimated 333 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

With the system's inverters operational, the array is projected to avoid an estimated 2,285 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually and generate enough renewable electricity to power approximately 331 average U.S. homes, based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency methodology.

Gaylord National partnered with REV Energy Ventures to develop and implement the solar project.

"Gaylord National's solar project demonstrates how large hospitality properties can integrate renewable energy while maintaining seamless operations," said Jeff Bedard, founder and CEO of REV Energy Ventures. "The project's scale highlights the role on-site renewable energy can play in supporting both operational efficiency and sustainability goals."

The new solar installation builds upon an energy-efficiency strategy already in place across the resort. Since 2018, Gaylord National's on-site Cogen system has generated electricity while repurposing waste energy for heating, helping meet more than 75 percent of the resort's energy needs and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"The addition of solar power strengthens the foundation we have established through our Cogen system and other efficiency investments," said Derek Brauner, director of engineering at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. "By generating electricity on-site, capturing thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted and continuously monitoring our building systems, we are able to operate more efficiently. The solar array is another important component of a broader resort-wide strategy focused on energy efficiency, resource conservation and long-term sustainability."

Beyond its environmental benefits, this dual approach helps strengthen long-term energy resilience by providing greater control over operating costs and supporting reliable energy production for a destination that serves a large volume of guests, meeting attendees and convention visitors each year. Together, the Cogen and solar systems are foundational elements of Gaylord National's broader sustainability strategy, helping the resort reduce its environmental impact while supporting efficient, reliable operations for years to come.

The initiative builds on Gaylord National's broader sustainability efforts focused on energy efficiency, waste reduction, resource conservation and community impact.

The resort partners with the Food Recovery Network to donate surplus prepared food, contributing more than 115,000 pounds of donated food to date and helping provide approximately 30,000 meals annually to local hunger-fighting organizations.

Additional initiatives include energy-saving building technologies, continuous operational monitoring, rooftop beehives, an on-site herb garden and a commitment to local and sustainable sourcing.

The resort also supports waste-reduction efforts through single-stream recycling, paperless billing, the elimination of single-use toiletry bottles and the recycling of up to 170,000 pounds of cardboard each month.

About Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is the largest non-gaming hotel and convention center on the East Coast. Located along the banks of the Potomac River in National Harbor, Maryland, the resort is part of Marriott International's portfolio and is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. Opened in April 2008, Gaylord National is an AAA Four Diamond resort located eight miles from Washington, D.C. The resort offers nearly 2,000 guest rooms, including 110 suites; a 19-story garden atrium; 600,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space; and a variety of restaurants and lounges, including Old Hickory Steakhouse, Harbor Social and Lookout 18 Rooftop Lounge.

About Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. 

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP) is a leading lodging and hospitality real estate investment trust that specializes in group-oriented, upscale convention center resorts and entertainment experiences. The Company's holdings include Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center; Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center; Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center; Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center; and Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, five of the top seven largest non-gaming convention center hotels in the United States based on total indoor meeting space. The Company also owns the Grande Lakes Orlando Resort, the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa and the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa as well as two ancillary hotels adjacent to the Company's Gaylord Hotels properties. The Company's hotel portfolio is managed by Marriott International and includes a combined total of 13,956 rooms as well as more than 3 million square feet of total indoor and outdoor meeting space in top convention and leisure destinations across the country. RHP also owns an approximate 70% controlling ownership interest in Opry Entertainment Group (OEG), which is composed of entities owning a growing collection of iconic and emerging country music brands, including the Grand Ole Opry; Ryman Auditorium; WSM 650 AM; Ole Red; Category 10; Nashville-area attractions; and Block 21, a mixed-use entertainment, lodging, office and retail complex, including the W Austin Hotel and the ACL Live at the Moody Theater, located in downtown Austin, Texas. OEG manages select outdoor live music venues, including Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater in Nashville and CCNB Amphitheatre in Simpsonville, South Carolina. OEG also owns a majority interest in Southern Entertainment, a leading festival and events business. RHP operates OEG as its Entertainment segment in a taxable REIT subsidiary, and its results are consolidated in the Company's financial results.

Media Contact
Nisha Stephens
Public Relations Manager, Gaylord National Resort
[email protected]
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SOURCE Gaylord National Resort