Press Release – New Belgium Brewing Continues Major North Carolina Investments with Solar Installation at Asheville Brewery

Press Release – New Belgium Brewing Continues Major North Carolina Investments with Solar Installation at Asheville Brewery

by | May 19, 2022 | Renu Solar News

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJuuLBsJaJo[/embedyt]

New Belgium Brewing Continues Major North Carolina Investments with Solar Installation at Asheville Brewery

The installation, completed by local solar company, Renu Energy Solutions, highlights the economic impact of clean  energy on local communities 

(Asheville, North Carolina – May 18th, 2022) – New Belgium Brewing today announced the completion of a large  solar installation at its Asheville, N.C., brewery – the latest in a long string of investments that began in 2014 when  the company completed construction on the 18.2-acre LEED Gold Certified brewery complex. The new 446 KW  Solar PV system, installed by Renu Energy Solutions, includes 1,063 modules spanning the facility’s 114,000 square foot roof, producing an estimated 620,000 kWh of electricity annually. 

The solar installation builds on other major investments at New Belgium’s Asheville brewery in the past two years – including a new canning line added in 2020, ten additional tanks to expand barrelage capacity installed just this  spring, and a beer garden expansion project debuting this summer – all which have enabled the creation of 50 new  jobs at New Belgium Asheville in the past two years alone. In addition, New Belgium has donated more than $1.4  million to 200 nonprofits across North Carolina since 2005 through the company’s longstanding commitment to give away $1 per barrel of beer sold. 

“As we celebrate 10 years since announcing our move to Asheville with a brewery designed for rooftop solar,  we’re thrilled to make good on our commitment to add more renewable energy to the grid,” said Jay Richardson,  General Manager of New Belgium Brewing Asheville. “We’re inspired by so many North Carolina businesses that  have and will continue to make climate investments in our community, and we hope our own contributions to  climate action and resilience will help ensure Asheville remains a great place to live, work, visit, and drink world class, locally brewed beer for decades to come.” 

“The climate crisis is already harming our coworkers, our communities, and our customers here in Asheville and  across the country – not to mention threatening the future of beer itself,” said Katie Wallace, Director of  Environmental and Social Impact at New Belgium Brewing. “Renewable energy is an economic driver for  businesses like New Belgium and our outstanding local partners at Renu, and for residents in need of good-paying  jobs and clean air and water.” 

The new solar installation in Asheville more than doubles the solar power that New Belgium previously provided across both breweries, building on the company’s first rooftop solar initiative at its original Fort Collins brewery  back in 2010. Over 25 years, the renewable energy now being produced in Asheville will offset roughly 11,100 tons  of carbon dioxide, equivalent to eliminating the greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 2,200 passenger cars  annually – or the CO2 emissions produced by around 1.1 million gallons of gasoline – according to the EPA’s  Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies calculator. 

Climate change is a clear and catastrophic threat to the economy, our health, our communities, and the planet. Its  impacts are already widely experienced across business and society, and the science is clear that these impacts will  worsen in the coming decades. No industry is untouched by these impacts, but beer is especially at odds with this  new world. Traditional ingredients like barley would be far more expensive as growing regions shrink due to  increased temperatures. Extreme weather events and constant drought would cause the loss of entire crop years,  making perishable ingredients like hops and malt rare, at best.  

New Belgium embarked on its climate action journey three decades ago, as part of the company’s founding  principles established in 1991. Most recently, New Belgium’s flagship Fat Tire became America’s first certified  carbon neutral beer in 2020, and the company simultaneously committed to make the entire business carbon neutral by 2030. The company has published the entirety of its carbon neutral blueprint for businesses on  drinksustainably.com, a website dedicated to helping others join New Belgium on the road to carbon neutrality.  Building on a longstanding philanthropy and advocacy program. New Belgium first embarked on solar in 2010 with  a 200kW rooftop array on top of its Fort Collins brewery and later added a 96kW solar array in 2015. In 2014, they opened their LEED-certified brewery in Asheville. Solar panels were installed atop the liquid center when the  brewery was constructed, with plans to later add an additional array atop the brewhouse and production facility.  

Asheville’s recent solar installation was completed by Renu Energy Solutions. Headquartered in Charlotte, North  Carolina, Renu is the leading solar and energy storage installer in the Carolinas. The array at New Belgium  comprises of 420W solar panels and is Renu’s largest brewery install to date. Renu is also working on a solar  installation at New Belgium’s east coast distribution center in Enka, NC. Once complete, the 503.2kW PV array will consist of 1,184 panels. 

“We are honored to serve as New Belgium Brewing’s installation partner for their spectacular solar project in  Asheville, NC,” said Jay Radcliffe, CEO of Renu Energy Solutions. “With our shared commitment to the Asheville  community, our partnership with New Belgium showcases building renewable energy directly within a community,  placing clean energy production closest to where energy is consumed.”  

To learn more about New Belgium’s climate history and current initiatives, or to download the carbon neutral  toolkit, visit https://www.drinksustainably.com/.  

  

About New Belgium Brewing 

New Belgium was founded in 1991 in Fort Collins, Colo., by Kim Jordan, a social worker, who built her company the  only way a social worker would: People first. From the beginning, New Belgium established norms that were and  still are rare in the business world: fully paid healthcare premiums for all coworkers, paying a living wage, open book management, renewable energy sourcing, a free onsite medical clinic staffed by a doctor trained in trans  medicine, and much more – practices that, all together, represent a unique ‘human-powered’ business model that  has expanded over the years, especially in advocating for human-powered business practices among larger  companies. New Belgium is a certified B Corp with a 2030 Net Zero goal, maintains TRUE Zero Waste certification and was the first brewery to join 1% for the Planet. The company expanded to Asheville, N.C., in 2016; Denver,  Colo., in 2018, and San Francisco in 2021, and is currently the fastest-growing craft brewer in America. The  company is famous for its flagship beer, Fat Tire Amber Ale, along with year-round favorites like Voodoo Ranger  IPA (America’s #1 IPA brand), Dominga Mimosa Sour, and La Folie Sour Brown Ale; as well as an award-winning  wood-aged sour program and innovative limited release beers. To learn more about the full product lineup and  New Belgium’s Human Powered Business model, visit NewBelgium.com. 

About Renu Energy Solutions  

Renu Energy Solutions, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, is the leading solar and energy storage installer in the  Carolinas. Recognized by Inc. Magazine’s annual Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies, Renu provides  high-quality residential, commercial, and non-profit renewable energy solutions throughout the Southeast United  States. With over 4,100 solar energy installations and 250 5-star reviews, Renu is the premium solar and energy  storage firm empowering a more sustainable community. To learn more, visit  

https://renuenergysolutions.com/ 

Most Expensive Running Appliances Ranked

Most Expensive Running Appliances Ranked

by | Jan 12, 2022 | Renu Solar News

Most Expensive Running Appliances Ranked 

High Energy Bills

Within the past year, energy bills have skyrocketed to a record high, leaving many struggling to make ends meet. Each appliance in a home contributes to the monthly bill as energy is pulled from the grid to supply each appliance. Without a PV solar system producing energy for the home, appliances rely solely on the utility grid for power. Here are some of the most expensive running appliances ranked lowest to highest.

5. Refrigerator + Freezer – $5.10 per month (24/7) 

4. Washing Machine – $5.40 per month (family of 4)

3. Tumble Dryer – $7.20 per month (family of 4)

2. Electric Heater – $9.00 per month (2 hours/day)

1. Air Conditioner – $73.80 per month (2 hours/day)

Cutting Down Costs

When each appliance requires a certain amount of energy to run, a customer’s energy bill adds up quickly. Customers in the south pay an average of $885.60 a year on their air conditioning unit alone. Sure there are other ways to cut down on an energy bill like using appliances at off peak times or using cold water for laundry, but installing a PV solar system with energy storage is the best step a customer takes to conserve energy and take control of rising energy costs.

Take Control

Producing energy with solar rather than relying on the utility grid cuts costs for each appliance.If a customer has goals of cutting down their electricity bill, a solar energy consultant will help design a system that produces enough energy to offset the amount of energy pulled from the grid. The only fee this kind of customer expects is the meter connection fee. With PV and energy storage, customers control where their energy gets used. For example, customers can store energy being sent to a washer that isn’t in use. Stored energy can be saved to use in emergencies or send back to the utility company for credits.

Learn More

One thing all homeowners have in common is their need for powered appliances. Rising costs make monthly bills more daunting, but a PV solar system with energy storage relieves the stress of paying high energy bills. To learn more about installing a PV solar system with energy storage, click the link here!

Which Solar Battery is Best for Your Home?

Which Solar Battery is Best for Your Home?

by | May 25, 2021 | Uncategorized

Choosing a Solar Battery for Your Home

Many solar owners have opted to install a solar battery with their system to provide their home with a source of energy storage and backup power for when you need it most. With so many great options available, you may be asking yourself, “What solar battery is best for my home?” Before making a choice, you should know a little bit about each type of solar battery and how it would benefit your home and meet your individual energy needs. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most common types of solar batteries and how they work, giving you some insight as to which one would be best for your home!

What is a Solar Battery?

A solar battery is a device that stores excess energy produced by solar panels, allowing you to use it after sundown, during power outages and rolling blackouts, and other scenarios in which you need energy to power your home. For those whose homes are tied to the grid, a solar battery’s stored energy is the difference between losing power altogether or being able to keep the lights on, even when the rest of your neighborhood is in the dark. If your home isn’t tied to the grid at all, you need a solar battery to store energy because you won’t be able to pull from the grid when you need it. There are several types and sizes of solar batteries, and the larger capacity your battery has, the more energy it is capable of storing. 

What are the Types of Solar Batteries?

Most of the options on the market today fall under four main types: lithium ion batteries, flow batteries, lead acid batteries, and nickel cadmium batteries.  

  • Lithium Ion Batteries

    These solar batteries have become increasingly popular in the last few years because of their long lifespans and the fact that they require little to no maintenance. They’re capable of storing more energy in smaller spaces than lead acid batteries can. A famous example of a lithium ion battery is the Tesla Powerwall, of which Renu is a proud installer!

  • Flow Batteries

    Flow batteries contain a liquid within that powers them and tend to be rather large, so they’re not ideal for residential installations. For commercial solar projects that have more space and require more energy, these are a great option. 

  • Lead Acid Batteries

    Lead acid batteries were invented in 1860, making them easy to dispose of if needed. They’re also probably the cheapest option when it comes to energy storage, but require regular maintenance and have a relatively short lifespan (between 5 and 10 years, depending on how well they’re cared for).

  • Nickel Cadmium Batteries

    These types of batteries are very durable and capable of operating at extreme temperatures, but cadmium is a very toxic chemical and they’re hard to dispose of properly. These are not used for residential purposes. 

The Best Solar Battery for Your Home

With so many to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which solar battery best fits your home and its energy needs. We’ll walk you through some of the most popular batteries on the market:

  • Tesla Powerwall

    The Tesla Powerwall, sized for day-to-day use, can store up to 13.5 kWh of solar energy produced by your solar panels. The Powerwall is capable of detecting outages before they affect your home, disconnecting from the grid and restoring power to your home before you even know it! With two Tesla Powerwalls, you’re able to power your home with your own stored energy for 7+ days. Renu Energy Solutions has been a certified Tesla installer since 2016, so if you’re interested in this solar battery, contact us today!

  • Generac PWRcell

    The Generac PWRcell is another excellent option for residential energy storage. It’s capable of storing up to 10 kWh of power making it a great alternative for those whose homes don’t require as much energy as the Tesla Powerwall would provide. This solar battery is covered by a warranty of 10 years and will continue to power your home in the event of a grid outage! For more information on the Generac PWRcell, contact Renu today for an energy storage consultation. 

  • Enphase Encharge

    The Enphase Encharge line has several solar batteries to choose from, with the Encharge 3 providing 3.36 kWh of stored energy and the Enphase 10 providing 10.08 kWh. This battery is great for powering your home day-to-day and storing excess energy in the event of a blackout or grid outage. Plus, it comes with a 10 year or 4,000 cycles warranty!

Energy Storage with Renu Energy Solutions

Because of the convenience, peace of mind, and reliability that a solar battery provides, many solar customers choose one to accompany their solar panel system. With the ability to continue to power your home even when the grid is down, solar batteries offer energy independence to homeowners across the county. If you’re interested in installing a solar battery backup system to pair with your solar system, contact us today for a free consultation! We’d be happy to help you on your journey to energy independence. 

Earth Day 2021 is Here!

Earth Day 2021 is Here!

by | Apr 14, 2021 | Uncategorized

What is Earth Day?

Earth Day is a celebration that was created in 1970 to honor and emphasize the protection of the planet. In the years leading up to this holiday, the world was going through a new period of unprecedented industrialization and automation. Visible byproducts of these advancements, like air and water pollution, began to get the attention of people who were concerned about what this meant for human and environmental health. One of those concerned individuals was Wisconsin Senator, Gaylord Nelson who gathered support originally on college campuses through teach-ins on environmental hazards. Senator Nelson and his team’s idea gained traction across the nation and reached around 20 million Americans through demonstrations and events, just in the first year. 20 years later, in 1970 the celebration went global to include 141 countries and more than 200 million people. Since then the movement has only grown with each year and soon we get to honor it on the 51st anniversary.

Making Earth Day 2021 Special

Sadly, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 50th anniversary of Earth Day was not at the forefront of everyone’s minds last year. But that means, with all of the progress that has been made in the past year, we will be able to celebrate it almost-normally again on April 22nd. The theme for Earth Day this year is “Restore our Earth”. Considering the times and all that we have learned throughout the extent of the pandemic, this theme is very fitting.

During the pauses in activity and periods of quarantine we made a lot of discoveries regarding human involvement’s role in climate change. There was a visible reduction in air and water pollution, restoration of several ecosystems, rebounding of species, and more. With this information we can see the clear effect that our activity has on the planet and how important our participation is in events like Earth Day. This year still may look a little different but there are still countless ways to get out there and make a difference!  

How Does Solar Energy Contribute?

Solar energy is a fantastic alternative to fossil fuels, which have a great impact on climate change. Renewable energy sources, like solar, are carbon-free and do not produce any other greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. This helps to prevent things like air and water pollution that have negative effects on the environment as well as human health. It has also reduced carbon emissions by 110 million metric tons. Solar and other renewable energy sources are growing rapidly in terms of advancements and popularity, as people are recognizing their benefits more and more. 

Solar can have the greatest impact when it is widely used by as many people as possible. Despite the common misconception that it is too expensive, systems actually pay for themselves within a number of years. Whether it be for  home owners or business owners, you can start saving money on your energy bills the second that the panels are turned on. Solar is the most affordable right now than ever before, and this trend will only grow. Renewable energy has already made an incredible impact on the environment but with even more interest from people, it could be a huge key to “Restoring Our Earth”. 

How Has Renu Helped “Restore Our Earth”?

Renu is dedicated to supporting efforts to protect the Earth all year round! In our last 10 years of operating we have completed over 3,500 solar installations and off-set more than 2,500 tons of carbon. We believe in providing efficient fossil fuel alternatives like solar energy options because of the variety of environmental benefits that they offer. 

  • Solar panels do not produce any air pollution or carbon dioxide
  • Are a renewable energy source so they don’t deplete the planet’s resources
  • And do not require any water to generate electricity like coal and natural gas

We are passionate about bringing solar to homes, businesses, and non-profit organizations because we believe in the importance of sustainable and affordable energy solutions. 

How Can You Celebrate This Year?

After everything that was happening last year on Earth Day we know how eagre people are to get out and participate in the festivities now. Even though the world is not quite back to normal yet, there are still several ways to participate in the celebration safely!

Here are some ideas on what you can do:

1. Spend time outside! You could go for a walk, run, hike, and so much more!

2. Start a garden where you can grow a wide variety of different plants and foods

3. Plant a tree

4. Organize a trash pick up, weather it just be you or a small group there are many places that need help getting cleaned up

5. Visit a local nature center, plant nursery, community garden, etc.

6. Participate in virtual Earth Day events 


There are so many things that you can do that are not limited to this list. No matter how you choose to spend the day, be sure that you are having a positive impact! If you are interested in doing your part for the planet by going solar, contact us today for your free consultation.

Is Solar Right for My Home?

by | Apr 14, 2021 | Uncategorized

How to Answer the Question “Is Solar Right for My Home?”  

If you’re considering converting to clean, renewable energy, you may be asking yourself “Is solar right for my home?” Before investing in a solar panel system, it’s important to consider a few things that could affect your home’s eligibility; understanding these characteristics can help you make a decision about going solar and whether it makes sense for you!

To get an idea of what makes a home a good candidate for solar panels, we’ve compiled a list of things to think about. 

1. The kind of roof your home has

Asphalt shingles, which are the most common roof tile in the Carolinas, are made from a durable fiberglass material that is perfect when paired with solar panels. However, with the help of seasoned professionals like the solar technicians at Renu Energy Solutions, panels can be installed on just about any type of roof, including wood shake, slate tiles, concrete tiles, or clay and mortar. Finding a reliable solar installer is the first step in checking for the compatibility of your roof and the panels!

2. If your roof needs to be replaced

Once installed, solar panels can be uninstalled and reinstalled at your convenience, but if your roof is in need of repairs, it might be easier to complete those before investing in a solar system. This way, you don’t have to worry about taking the panels off of your roof and putting them on again when you need repairs made!

3. The direction your roof faces or if your roof is obstructed

For homes in North America, the best direction for solar panels to face is south, as this will give  maximum sun exposure during the peak hours of midday to mid-afternoon. However, while facing southward is the best option, it doesn’t mean solar panels won’t work if they have to face another direction. At Renu Energy Solutions, our certified solar installers are skilled at placing panels on roofs of all shapes and sizes to ensure that no potential solar customer is left behind!

If your roof is obstructed from the view of the sun by tall trees, other buildings, etc., you may want to consider ground-mounted solar panels that can be placed in a more optimal position. While solar panels do still work in the shade, they will not be operating as efficiently as they would be in direct sunlight. 

4. If your HOA allows you to install solar panels

One question that’s sure to come up after “is solar right for my home?” is “am I even allowed to install solar panels?” Some homeowners associations prevent you from altering too much of the appearance of the outside of your home, which can include panels on the roof. This is especially common in more historic neighborhoods that are protected by the city to maintain the original look of the houses.

The good news is that HOA’s can only legally prevent you from installing solar if your state requires you to get permission and then that plea is denied. If you’re granted permission by the state to install solar panels, the HOA can’t interfere. It’s best to check with your HOA anyway before converting to solar energy and know your options. 

5. If ground-mounted solar panels are an option

For those who don’t have adequate roof space or a homeowner’s association that won’t allow you to install solar panels on your roof, ground-mounted solar is a great alternative. These panels are mounted on the ground instead of on your roof, giving you the option to go solar even if your roof is not a viable option. These are also great for homeowners whose roofs are shaded or otherwise obstructed from view of the sun because they can be placed in an optimal space to absorb sunlight. 

6. The climate in which you live

Any area that has low cloud coverage is great for going solar. There’s a common misconception that only warmer climates are ideal for solar panels, but as long as the sun is shining, panels can produce energy! Solar panels are also capable of converting sunlight into electricity on cloudy days, but they won’t be operating at peak efficiency; if you live in a climate that is terminally cloudy, solar might not be a worthwhile investment.

7. How much you spend on utility bills 

Perhaps the main reason that people ask “is solar right for my home?” is because they’re interested in saving money on their utility bills. While solar has many benefits, one of the most attractive is that the investment on a solar energy system can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. For example, residents in both Charlotte, NC and Raleigh, NC can save approximately $32,000 on their utility bills over the course of their solar system’s lifetime. If your utility bill is continuing to skyrocket, going solar may be the best option for your home!

Is Solar Right for You?

Now that you’re able to answer the questions “is solar right for my home?”, give Renu Energy Solutions a call! With over 4,100 solar installations since 2010, our dedicated team of professionals is more than capable of helping you achieve solar success. 

For more information about converting to clean, renewable energy, contact us today for a free consultation. We’d be happy to answer any questions you still have about your home’s ability to go solar and how you can benefit from a solar system.