Ridgefield Brewery First in State to Go Solar

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Nod Hill Brewery in Ridgefield is now 100 percent powered by solar energy.

Over the winter, the Nod Hill worked with Smart Roofs Solar to install a 287kw photovoltaic solar array on the roof of its building, offsetting 100 percent of its electrical usage and making them the first and currently only brewery in the state to be entirely powered by solar energy. The solar panels also power the other businesses housed in the building and push a minimum of 5,618 kwh per year back into the power grid.

Since opening in 2017, Nod Hill has made a point of implementing sustainable brewing practices and support a variety of environmental causes. "We’re substantial users of electricity," said co-
founder David Kaye. "Our brewhouse is fully electric. Since day one we’ve felt a certain
responsibility to seek opportunities to decrease our carbon footprint, and we knew that going
solar was a large part of that goal."

The flat and sunny roof of the 32,000 square foot building that the brewery and taproom are located in made it ideal for a solar installation. "It’s a logical step in our continuing effort to grow our brewery mindfully, respectfully, and sustainably."

Solar conversion for breweries is a relatively new but growing trend. Brewers Association chief
economist Bart Watson recently noted in an article on Solar Power’s website, "Breweries benefit
from having a reliable source of energy that reduces costs, particularly for heating boil kettles or
hot liquor tanks," Going solar can yield cost savings to breweries as well as benefits to the
environment. Customers can appreciate that when sipping on a smooth IPA here — clean energy
means beer they can feel good about drinking.

Nod Hill brewed 1,000 barrels of beer in 2018 and is on track this year to nearly double that
number. The brewery focuses on modern hop-forward beers, traditional Belgian and German
styles, and oak-aged ales of mixed fermentation. Their taproom, which offers beer to enjoy on-
premise or take home in cans and growlers, is open to the public Thursday through Sunday with
food trucks on site every day.

Nod Hill Brewery is located at 137 Ethan Allen Highway.