Commercial Solar Case Study:
Lewis & Clark Brewery
Colite Technologies designed and installed a 145-kW rooftop solar system for Lewis & Clark Brewery in Helena, MT. The system will offset 26% of the facility’s energy use and avoid 2,808 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over its 25-year life. In the first year alone, it will have the expected savings of $17,094.00!
Our 145 kW solar system powers 26% of Lewis & Clark Brewery’s energy and will prevent 2,800+ tons of CO₂ over 25 years.
Project Overview
- Lewis & Clark Brewing Co. is a family-owned Montana craft brewery that has been producing award-winning beers for over 20 years.
- They saw an opportunity to support their ESG mission through reduced operational costs and environmental sustainability with rooftop solar.
- Colite Technologies designed and installed a 145-kW system at their facility in Helena, MT.
- The rooftop solar system offsets 26% of the facility’s annual energy use.
- Energy savings over $17,094 expected in the first year of system operation.
- 2,808 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions avoided over the system’s 25-year life.
- $396,818 in combined federal tax credits received including USDA REAP Grant.
- Realtime monitoring of production allows for a quick snapshot of performance and fast trouble shooting when needed.
Save Money By Going Green With Solar Energy
Helps Lewis & Clark Brewery Meet Their Sustainability Goals
With 145-kW of power generation, this system reduces the facility’s CO2 output by 2,808 metric tons. This is the same amount of CO2 generated by driving 7,150,739 miles in passenger car or by burning 3,119,168 pounds of coal.
Major Cost Savings on Power Bills
The Lewis & Clark Brewery rooftop solar project offsets 26% of the total power needs of the facility, saving over $17,094 in the first year; as energy costs rise so too will the annual savings. The project is eligible for federal and state energy tax incentives, helping jumpstart Lewis & Clark’s savings.
Long Lasting American Made Photovoltaic Panels
The high performance panels were each made in the USA and will deliver 25 years of life. The onsite monitoring system allows for real time tracking of power production, making it easy to see the system’s performance at a glance and troubleshoot any problems if they arise.
Leak-Proof Rooftop Solar PV System Installation
For this project, we used a combination of ballasted racking and standing seam clamp systems to securely mount the solar array. This hybrid approach allowed us to adapt to the brewery’s unique roof structure and ensure long-term performance.
Explore this Commercial Solar Project
Clean, Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is one of the easiest ways to move towards a sustainable future. Solar energy is clean, long lasting, and helps us move away from dependence on fossil fuels.
Solar Energy is an Investment in the Future
By producing on-site solar energy your company will enjoy reduced monthly electric bills. All of our commercial solar systems are fully interconnected with the local power grid, meaning that your business will have uninterrupted power delivery, day or night.
Innovative, Non-Penetrative Racking Systems
Our commercial solar PV systems can be installed without the need for drilling holes – making it perfect for TPO membrane roofs. We also have non-penetrative installation options for standing seam metal roofs, and work with professional roofers to ensure all of our solar installations are leak free.
We Make Permitting and Tax Credits Easy
Most commercial solar PV installations require local permits and working with the utility company to arrange the power interconnect. Colite Technologies handles these details, making your transition to solar power easy. Additionally, we help you determine which governmental tax credits and benefits your system is eligible for and assist with the application process.
System Size
%
Energy Offset
CO2 Avoidance (Metric Tons)
$ First Year Savings
Lewis & Clark Brewery Rooftop Solar Project Gallery
Over 145 kW of Clean Solar Energy Means Sustainability and Savings
The Lewis & Clark Brewery rooftop solar project will deliver decades of carbon free electricity, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars over the lifespan of the unit. As energy costs rise each year, the annual cost savings will follow suit.
These solar panels represent a huge win for the environment too – avoiding 2,808 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Projects like this are necessary for ensuring a greener future for our businesses and local communities.