There’s nothing better than enjoying a cold, refreshing beer on a sunny summer day. Many companies use solar energy to integrate into breweries. Solar power is being harnessed in a variety of innovative ways, allowing breweries to not only produce great beer, but also contribute to a greener future. Let’s explore how the beer industry is using solar energy to brew a sustainable revolution.
Brewed with sunshine
As the cost of solar power continues to drop and major corporations increase their commitment to renewable energy, industries around the world are turning to solar power to power their facilities. The beer industry is no exception.
One of the main ways breweries harness solar power is by installing solar panels. These photovoltaic systems convert sunlight into electricity, providing renewable energy for the brewing operation.
By installing solar panels on the roof of its facility, the brewery can generate clean electricity to run its operations, including lighting, cooling, and heating systems. This reduces their dependence on fossil fuels, reduces carbon emissions, and lowers energy costs in the long run.
Solar thermal system
Beer brewing requires a lot of hot water for the brewing process and for cleaning equipment. To meet this demand , breweries are turning to solar thermal systems. These systems capture sunlight and convert it into heat, which is then used to heat water or other liquids. By incorporating solar thermal collectors, the brewery can reduce its reliance on traditional heating methods, saving energy and reducing its carbon footprint.
Why do breweries want solar energy?
Brewing beer is a very energy-intensive process. Thanks to the Brewers Association, it’s easy to get some estimates of how energy-intensive the process is and the size of the electricity bill savings that could be achieved by switching to solar. Using the example of a microbrewery, producing 15,000 barrels of beer per year would consume 180,000 to 330,000 kWh, which translates to approximately $25,000 to $50,000 in electricity bills per year—and that’s for the beer! the
By using solar energy, the brewery can save a lot on electricity bills. To meet all their brewing electricity needs with solar power, a microbrewery may need to install a system of several hundred kilowatts, depending on how beer production works and the country in which it is located.
Solar Brewery Saves Money
The cost of solar panels is decreasing every year. As costs come down, the economics of adding solar panels to breweries makes sense for a growing number of companies.
- reduce carbon emissions
- Improve production reliability
- lower energy costs
Collaborating for a sustainable future
The beer industry is improving sustainability by incorporating solar energy into its operations. By installing solar panels, utilizing solar thermal systems, adopting off-grid solutions, and exploring solar-powered vehicles, the brewery is reducing its carbon footprint and making significant strides toward a greener future. By embracing solar power, breweries are not only demonstrating their commitment to sustainability but also inspiring other industries to follow suit. So the next time you sip a cold beer, you can toast to the sun’s role in brewing a sustainable revolution in the beer industry.