Lawson’s Finest Liquids announced that construction of the largest solar canopy in the state of Vermont is now complete at the company’s Brewery and Taproom in Waitsfield. Built by SunCommon, an iSun company, the structure features 495 REC 375-W solar modules seated above 40 covered parking spaces and 10 level-two electric vehicle charging stations.
The 215-kW project, built throughout 2021 and early 2022, represents the latest investment from Lawson’s Finest Liquids in sustainable practices. The company prioritizes reducing its environmental impact as part of its Green is Grand initiative within the Social Impact Program (SIP). It first installed solar panels on the brewery in 2019, after installing an independent wastewater management system in 2018. Lawson’s also partners with local businesses to responsibly recycle spent grain and byproducts.
“When my wife Karen and I started Lawson’s Finest, values were at the center of what we wanted to do with our business,” said Sean Lawson, CEO and founding brewer of Lawson’s Finest Liquids. “From the beginning we set out to be the finest, source the best ingredients, invest in state-of-the-art equipment, brew the best beer possible and cultivate healthy, vibrant communities. That’s why our efforts in sustainability and striving to offset our brewery’s utility bill through renewable energy are so important to us.”
Before the installation of the new solar canopy, Lawson’s Finest Liquids generated approximately 10% of its energy needs from existing rooftop solar panels on the brewery. With the addition of the new carport, about 60% of the Waitsfield brewery’s utility bill will be offset by the array.
“Businesses like Lawson’s show us that it’s possible to provide great products, grow to meaningful scale, and generate financial success all while creating increasingly positive impact on the communities where Vermonters live and work,” said Duane Peterson, co-founder at SunCommon. “We’re stoked to partner with Lawson’s to further expand their sustainable practices. Now we can all enjoy a ‘Sip of Sunshine’ in more ways than one!”
To celebrate the completion of the parking canopy and continued dedication to sustainability and green energy, Lawson’s Finest Liquids hosted an official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at its Waitsfield Brewery and Taproom on April 22.
News item from Lawson’s Finest Liquids
This should be common practice to make all parking “shaded” using solar PV panels as the “roof” of the structure. As I recall a year or so back there was an article here on a beer brewing facility that installed solar PV on their roof, and it seems the watts per can of beer ratio is 67 watts per 12 oz can. Just sayin’ it’s nice to have a manufacturing “ruler available” when considering when, how and how much solar PV and perhaps ESS in a microgrid to install.