Mad Mole Brewing Company | Commercial Case Study

Project Snapshot

• System Size: 22.05 kW
• Annual Production: ~31,169 kWh
• Energy Offset: 100% of brewing process, 33% of total demand
• ROI: 6 years
• Primary Load: Electric brewing equipment
• Installation Type: Roof-mounted

The Client & Operational Context

Mad Mole Brewing is a locally-owned craft brewery in Wilmington, NC with a seven-barrel electric brewing process that creates a significant and consistent daytime electricity demand. Unlike typical commercial buildings, this energy profile requires precise planning to maximize impact without oversizing the system.

Additionally, sustainability and the brewery’s taproom experience are central parts of its brand. Customers can see the brewing process and the solar system itself, so the installation needed to contribute to the customer-facing experience as well as operational efficiency.

The Challenge

This project presented multiple operational and design constraints:

• High daytime load: Brewing equipment consumes most electricity during production hours.
• Limited roof space: Maximizing solar output without expanding the footprint.
• Visibility: The array had to be part of the customer experience while maintaining aesthetics.
• ROI focus: Designing a system that delivers measurable financial savings and aligns with long-term energy strategy.

This required a solution that went beyond a standard install—it had to integrate with operations and provide meaningful value.

The Strategy

Energy-Driven Design

We analyzed Mad Mole’s energy usage throughout the day to understand when electricity consumption peaks. This informed system sizing and orientation, ensuring the solar array produces the most usable energy. 

Targeted Offset

Rather than aiming for full offset, the system was sized to cover a meaningful portion of daytime usage. This approach kept the system efficient and cost-effective.

Customer-Facing Integration

Panel placement and layout were planned for visibility from the taproom and outdoor areas. The system reinforces the brewery’s sustainability story without interfering with aesthetics.

Future-Ready Planning

The design accommodates future energy needs and potential expansion. The electrical infrastructure allows for upgrades, additional panels, or battery storage if operational demands increase.

The Solution

The final system includes 63 panels totaling 22.05 kW. Key elements include:

• Optimal placement on the available roof area
• Direct integration with the main electrical system to support daytime brewing loads
• A clean, visible layout that complements the taproom experience

The system now actively offsets a significant portion of daytime energy consumption while enhancing the brewery’s sustainability brand.

The Results

Financial Impact

The brewery sees consistent savings of about $2,740 annually, with a projected 6-year ROI and about $107,000 in 30-year savings.

Operational Highlights

• Solar supplies about one-third of total energy use
• System output aligns with peak brewing hours
• Grid reliance is reduced during high-cost hours

Brand & Customer Experience

The system is visible to customers and empowers (pun-intended) the brewery’s sustainability message.

In fact, "brewed by the sun" has become such an integral part in their branding that they were crowned the nation's favorite solar microbrewery in 2019.

System Performance Snapshot

• Steady annual production with strong output in peak months
• Most energy generated is consumed on-site, minimizing excess export
• Ongoing monitoring tracks performance trends and supports operational planning

Why It Matters

For energy-intensive businesses, such as breweries, system design must account for when energy is used, not just how much. This project demonstrates a commercial energy strategy that balances performance, visibility, and long-term planning for more than just financial benefits.

When solar is visible and thoughtfully integrated, it becomes part of the customer experience.