Monterey, CALIF. January 15, 2021 – REC Solar and Duke Energy Renewables, non-regulated affiliates of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), announced this week the completion of a solar array developed with RP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS) for the Firestone Walker Brewing Company.
The 2.1 MW system sits on 9.7 acres of land adjacent to the Firestone Walker Brewing Company facility in Paso Robles, California, and is one of the largest on-site solar arrays in the craft beer industry. The array will generate roughly 4,055 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity every year, offsetting a majority of the facility’s overall energy use—enough to brew six million cases of beer annually.
REC Solar designed and built the solar project working with RPCS, one of the nation’s leading solar contractors, to supply and install the array, which features DuraTrack HZ V3 single-axis solar trackers from Array Technologies. The trackers keep the solar PV modules following the sun on its course throughout the day, optimizing energy gains and ensuring up to a 20 to 25% increase in energy production over fixed-tilt systems.
Duke Energy Renewables provided Firestone Walker financing through a 25-year power purchase agreement.
The solar array is a crucial means to lessen Firestone Walker’s carbon footprint as part of their sustainability program (https://stories.firestonebeer.com/sustainability/), which includes utilizing materials that are 100 percent recycled, and feeding spent grains and yeast to local livestock.
Project planning began in late 2016, with groundbreaking in April 2020. In addition to the solar arrays, the project includes utility substation upgrades that will make it easier for other local organizations seeking to go solar to tap into the power of renewable energy.
RP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS) provides turnkey design, structural engineering, procurement/supply, mechanical installation, and specialty services to EPCs, developers, and municipal utilities. As the nation’s leading contractor and single-axis tracker expert, RPCS helps customers meet their renewable energy goals with simple, seamless project execution. Connect with RPCS on LinkedIn or view our website at www.rpcs.com.
Duke Energy Renewables, nonregulated unit of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), operates wind and solar generation facilities across the U.S., with a total electric capacity of 3,000 megawatts. The power is sold to electric utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities, and commercial and industrial customers. The unit also operates energy storage and microgrid projects. REC Solar is a business unit of Duke Energy Renewables. Visit www.duke-energy.com/renewable-energy and recsolar.com for more information.
Firestone Walker is an innovative California beer company founded in 1996. Firestone Walker’s main brewery in Paso Robles produces a diverse portfolio ranging from iconic pale ales to vintage barrel-aged beers. The Barrelworks facility in Buellton makes eccentric wild ales, while the Propagator pilot brewhouse in Venice specializes in R&D beers and limited local offerings. Firestone Walker is also the brewery behind 805, one of the nation’s fastest-growing beers. Learn more at FirestoneBeer.com.
