Ever since humans first brewed beer thousands of years ago, we’ve relied on heat to transform grain and water into something magical. But here at Green Earth Brewing Co., we’re putting a modern spin on this ancient art by tapping into the ultimate power source – the sun. While traditional breweries consume massive amounts of electricity (the average craft brewery uses enough energy to power 70 homes for a year), we’re proving there’s a better way to brew. Join us on a journey through our solar-powered brewery, where sustainable practices meet craft beer excellence, and every pint helps build a greener future for our industry.
From Sunlight to Sips: Our Solar Journey
When we first dreamed up Green Earth Brewing Co., we knew we wanted to do more than just make great beer – we wanted to brew it in harmony with our planet. That’s why in spring 2022, we took our biggest leap yet: transforming our rooftop into a solar-powered brewing powerhouse.
Picture this: 84 gleaming solar panels now crown our brewery, soaking up Colorado’s 300+ days of annual sunshine. It wasn’t always such a pretty sight, though. Our first few months involved plenty of head-scratching moments, like the time we had to convince our local zoning board that solar panels and historic building preservation could actually go hand in hand. (Spoiler alert: they can, and they do!)
The journey to solar wasn’t just about installing panels – it meant rethinking our entire brewing schedule. We learned to become sun chasers, timing our most energy-intensive brewing processes to match peak sunlight hours. Our brewmaster, Sarah, even created what we lovingly call the “Solar Schedule,” a carefully choreographed dance between brewing stages and available solar power.
Today, those panels generate enough electricity to power 70% of our brewing operations, from mashing to fermentation. That’s roughly equivalent to taking 30 cars off the road each year, or planting 2,000 trees. But beyond the numbers, there’s something special about knowing each pint you enjoy from Green Earth has been crafted with energy straight from the sun.
Want to see our solar setup in action? Join us for our monthly “Solar & Suds” tours, where we’ll show you exactly how sunshine becomes your favorite brew. Plus, you might catch Sarah doing her famous “solar dance” – her way of celebrating particularly sunny brewing days!
Brewing by the Sun: How Solar Powers Our Process
Ever wondered how sunlight transforms into your favorite craft beer? At Green Earth, we’ve fine-tuned our brewing process to make the most of every ray of sunshine. Our solar array doesn’t just power a few lights – it’s the beating heart of our entire brewing operation, driving everything from our grain mills to our cooling systems.
The magic starts early in the morning when our panels begin collecting energy. We’ve strategically timed our most power-hungry processes – like heating water for the mash and running our boil kettles – to coincide with peak sunlight hours (typically 10 AM to 2 PM). This means our brewhouse is humming with solar-powered activity while the sun is at its strongest.
But what about cloudy days? We’ve got that covered too. Our smart energy management system stores excess solar power in Tesla Powerwall batteries, ensuring we can keep brewing even when the clouds roll in. Think of it as our “rainy day fund,” except instead of money, we’re banking sunshine.
Here’s a breakdown of how we use solar energy throughout our brewing process:
- Grain Milling: 100% solar-powered during daylight hours
- Mash & Boil: 70% solar-powered (our most energy-intensive process)
- Fermentation Temperature Control: 90% solar-powered
- Packaging Line: 85% solar-powered
- Taproom Operations: 95% solar-powered
The result? Not only are we reducing our carbon footprint, but we’re also seeing more consistent brewing temperatures and better energy efficiency across the board. Our master brewers have noticed that this steady, clean energy source helps maintain more precise temperature control during fermentation – and in the brewing world, temperature consistency means better beer.
Want to geek out on the technical details? Scan the QR code on any of our cans to see real-time data about how much solar energy went into making that specific batch of beer. We believe in complete transparency, right down to the last kilowatt-hour!
A Brighter Future: Environmental Impact & Community Benefits
The impact of our solar transition reaches far beyond our brewery walls. In our first year of solar brewing, we’ve prevented over 50 metric tons of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere – that’s equivalent to preserving 60 acres of forest. But numbers only tell part of the story. What really excites us is how our solar initiative has sparked a movement in our local brewing community.
We’re proud to share that three other Colorado craft breweries have followed our lead, installing their own solar systems after touring our facility. Through our “Brewing a Better Future” workshop series, we’ve helped these fellow brewers navigate the technical requirements, tax incentives, and installation processes. There’s something powerful about competitors coming together to make our industry more sustainable.
The benefits ripple through our local community too. Our reduced energy costs have allowed us to expand our “Green Earth Gives Back” program, where we donate 5% of our solar-saved dollars to local environmental education initiatives. Last month, we helped fund solar panel installations at two local schools, giving students hands-on experience with renewable energy.
Looking ahead, we’re setting our sights even higher. By 2025, we aim to be Colorado’s first 100% solar-powered brewery, and we’re already exploring new technologies to get us there. We’re also developing a solar-powered brewing guidebook to share our learnings with craft breweries nationwide.
Want to be part of our solar-powered future? Stop by our taproom for a “Sun-Powered Sip” – every Thursday, we offer $1 off all pints when you share a photo of your own sustainable practices on social media with #GreenEarthSolar. Because at Green Earth Brewing Co., we believe every small action adds up to meaningful change. After all, the best conversations about sustainability happen over a cold, solar-brewed beer!
Raising a Glass to Solar Success
At Green Earth Brewing Co., we believe every great beer tells a story. Today, our story is about more than just exceptional craft brewing – it’s about proving that sustainability and success can go hand in hand. From those first 84 solar panels to our growing community of solar-powered brewers, we’re showing that the future of craft beer is as bright as the sun that powers it.
Next time you visit our taproom, take a moment to look up at those gleaming panels on the roof. That’s not just brewing equipment you’re seeing – it’s a promise to our planet, our community, and our craft. Whether you’re a dedicated craft beer enthusiast or just someone who cares about environmental sustainability, you’re part of this journey with us.
Ready to experience solar-powered brewing for yourself? Visit our taproom this weekend, join one of our Solar & Suds tours, or look for our cans at your local retailer. Every sip supports a more sustainable future for craft brewing. Because when it comes to making great beer, we’re proving that the sun isn’t just our power source – it’s our partner.
