It’s one of the largest on-site solar arrays in the craft beer industry – a 2.1-megawatt solar array and 281-kilowatt solar carport on 9.7 acres in Paso Robles, Calif., and will generate the majority of the brewery’s energy, which is enough to brew and bottle 6 million cases of beer annually.
“REC Solar and Duke Energy Renewables have been solid partners throughout this process. They helped us unlock our vision for ‘beer brewed with sunshine,’ and methodically executed the complex entitlements, engineering and installation of the array. It was as painless a process as we could have hoped,” said David Walker, co-owner of Firestone Walker Brewing Company.
The on-site solar, single-axis trackers and carports were made possible through the collaboration of two Duke Energy subsidiaries. REC Solar designed and built the solar project, and Duke Energy Renewables provided Firestone Walker financing through a 25-year power purchase agreement.
“Now more than ever, companies are powering their businesses using renewable energy to ensure sustainability and reduce carbon emissions,” said Chris Fallon, president of Duke Energy Renewables. “Duke Energy is uniquely positioned to offer sustainable solutions that meet the important needs of our customers. We’re proud to work with Firestone Walker to deliver an on-site solar solution and offer financing that will address their needs for decades to come.”