View realtime output from parking lot solar structure. This data represents approximatley one third of our current total production. The data from phase two of our solar installation; roof-top panels, will be available soon!
In 2008 Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. —one of the innovators of the craft brewing renaissance since its founding in 1980—completed construction on one of the largest private solar arrays in the United States. This solar project produces over 1.4 MW of AC power for the brewery. This—coupled with its existing 1.2 MW fuel cell plant—provides the majority of the brewery’s electrical energy needs with clean power produced on-site. Surplus electrical energy will be available to help supply the overloaded California power grid during peak power usage periods. Covering a majority of the brewing facility’s roofs, this system utilizes over 6700 Mitsubishi 185-watt lead-free panels.
Originally commissioned in September of 2007, the previously completed 442-kW elevated tracking array generates a significant amount of electricity to power brewery operations, as well as providing the added benefit of shaded parking for brewery and restaurant visitors as well as employees. Over 2000 Sunpower 220-watt high-efficiency panels were installed utilizing an intelligent tracking system that aims the array toward the sun throughout the day, increasing the output almost 30% over a fixed panel installation. This system should provide a total 892,859 per year of kilowatt-hour (kWh) power output.
Since its inception almost thirty years ago, Sierra Nevada has pioneered many innovations to conserve resources and focus on sustainable business practices. The completion of the solar array helps bring us one step closer to our goal of 100 percent sustainable energy production.
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