Founded in 1998, Central Waters Brewing Company in Amherst has earned a reputation for its fine microbrew beers. But last year, the business added a new distinction: It became the first brewery in Wisconsin to heat its in-house water using solar energy.

With the assistance of a $25,000 financial incentive from Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, Central Waters installed a solar hot-water system comprised of 24 solar collector panels (totaling 1,000-square-feet of collection area) and a 2,500-gallon solar hot-water storage tank.

The solar collectors capture sunlight that heats water for the brewery’s domestic and process needs, as well as water for the in-floor, radiant-heating system used in the building’s new addition.

Each day, Central Waters’ brewing process uses about 1,500 gallons of water heated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Before the solar system, this water was heated entirely using natural gas. Now, the water is pre-heated by the sun to 130 to 140 degrees and a boiler heats the water the rest of the way, dramatically reducing the amount of natural gas the brewery consumes. Central Waters also uses the preheated water to clean tanks and kegs—an energy-intensive job that requires a water temperature of 180 degrees.

For Central Waters’ owners, the decision to install a solar hot-water system was an easy one. “We didn’t do this just for economic or marketing benefits, even though those exist as well,” says Paul Graham, president of Central Waters. “We did this because we believe it’s the right thing to do.”

Central Waters made smart use of Focus on Energy and federal financial incentives to help purchase and install the system. “Focus paid nearly 25 percent of our costs for the equipment and installation,” says Graham. “Plus, there’s a 30-percent federal tax credit available for businesses and individuals.”

When asked about the financial benefits of renewable energy, Anello Mollica, vice president of Central Waters, says, “It’s a no-brainer. In many cases, ‘green’ energy makes economic sense. I think more businesses should do it. I hope that people will see us as a small business, investing in something like this, and say, ‘Well, if they did it, it must be cost-effective.’ Because it is.”

Central Waters’ commitment to energy efficiency and the environment is visible in other ways, too. In 2008, the brewery replaced its high-bay lighting with energy-efficient T8 fluorescent lights paid for in part by a $1,200 financial incentive from Focus. The new lighting produces the same light output as the old system using 50 percent less electricity, saving the business more than $1,000 on its energy bills each year.

In addition, the brewery installed energy-efficient motors in its equipment and brewhouse, and a radiant-floor heating system in the building’s new addition. The new tap room was constructed entirely from recycled materials. And Central Waters works to recycle spent grain from the brewing process, transferring it to local farmers who use it as livestock feed and compost.

Combined with energy-efficiency upgrades and a host of sustainability practices, Central Waters’ solar hot-water system enables the business to significantly reduce its natural-gas consumption—saving money year after year and dramatically shrinking its carbon footprint. In total the brewery will save approximately 2,500 therms of natural gas annually, covering 18 percent of its hot-water needs. This amounts to a financial savings of more than $150,000 over the 30-year life of the solar hot-water system, giving the project an estimated return on investment of eight years.
Now, that’s an achievement we can all raise a glass to.

Is your business interested in renewable energy?

Focus on Energy provides specialized support for businesses throughout Wisconsin including project evaluation assistance, savings assessments, feasibility studies, best-practice training, energy management tools, and more. Call 800.762.7077 or visit focusonenergy.com to get started today.

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