Georgia’s The Lost Druid adds solar power to its eco-friendly brewery operations

The Lost Druid, a brewhouse in Avondale Estates, Ga., is using the energy of the sun to partially power its “own-premise” brewery, basically meaning that a majority of the company’s revenue comes from sales at the brewery. The 14.1-kW solar installation was created and is maintained by Atlanta-based Velo Solar. The array will save The Lost Druid as much as 15 percent on its annual power bill. In addition to that cost savings, it will reduce the operation’s carbon footprint by 42 metric tons of CO2 each year.

Created through a special financing arrangement offered by Velo Solar, the solar equipment is provided through a Solar Energy Procurement Agreement (SEPA). This allowed the panels and other infrastructure to be installed at no upfront cost to The Lost Druid. The Lost Druid’s solar array will produce 21,514 kW hours of power annually. This helps to run the brewery’s 6,800-sq-ft operation, including its brewery, taproom, aging facility, kitchen and upstairs event space.

Stacia Familo-Hopek, owner and cofounder of The Lost Druid, said the decision to go solar is in keeping with the brewery’s core mission.

“The Druids respected nature, and this is one of numerous measures we employ to minimize our impact on the environment,” she said. “Other environmentally sensitive initiatives we use include reclamation of our chilling water, a natural carbonation process, LED lighting and providing spent grain to local farmers for livestock feed.”

She said The Lost Druid selected Velo Solar to provide the solar installation because of Velo’s demonstrated expertise and customer-centric approach. Britt Lothridge, director of sales for Velo Solar, said Georgia business owners have more options than ever to add solar to their energy resources. SEPAs make it easy to save money and contribute to a healthier environment, he explained.

“This is a great option for forward-thinking clients who want to reduce their reliance on utility-provided power without a hefty upfront investment,” he said. “They not only pay less for electricity month-to-month, they also reduce reliance on fossil fuels.”