Energy Efficiency, Solar, Sourcing Renewables  -  May 30, 2018

Ithaca Beer goes solar

Ithaca Beer Company, one of the largest craft breweries in New York State, installed a 200kW solar array on the roof of their facility located on Ithaca's West End. The company partnered with Renovus Solar on the installation.

According to a statement, the company has increased its reliance on electricity for brewing and packaging facilities as a result of significant growth in the past five years.  When the company doubled its square footage in 2015, they began to look for ways to offset higher electrical costs.

"Using solar power falls in line with our core beliefs as a company," says Ithaca Beer's President, Dan Mitchell. "We always strive to be more sustainable, growing food for our Taproom and using local products whenever possible. These are things we believe in."

Construction on the system, which contains 666 solar panels, began in February 2017 and was completed in early April. Ithaca Beer expects to save tens of thousands of dollars in yearly electrical expenses all while offsetting carbon emissions that would equal more than 250,000 pounds of coal being burned every year.