Active Energies Case Study:
Solar and Battery System for Aspen Distillery
Aspen Distillery Solar and Energy Storage Installation
Introduction
Aspen distillery, located in the heart of Colorado's Rocky Mountains, sought to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance energy independence through solar energy and battery storage solutions. Active Energies, a trusted installer based in Vail, Colorado, led the project, with the primary objective of providing backup power and integrating renewable energy. With increasing sustainability goals and the need to protect valuable products from potential power outages, Aspen distillery collaborated with Active Energies and Sol-Ark to install a comprehensive solar and battery system.
The Story of Active Energies and Aspen Distillery
Founded in 2006, Active Energies is a renowned solar installer serving Colorado’s high country. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, their systems range from 1.25 MW installations to small residential arrays, with a strong focus on custom energy storage solutions. The Aspen distillery project started in late 2022, when Active Energies was approached to design and implement a renewable energy system that would provide substantial backup power while aligning with the distillery’s sustainability goals. The project initially included a large ground-mounted array, but due to community restrictions, the plan shifted to a rooftop installation. Despite the challenges, the distillery aimed to become a near- zero energy producer and opted for solar with energy storage, integrating Sol-Ark’s innovative products.
The Challenge of Energy Independence
Aspen distillery faced unique challenges in implementing renewable energy:
• Community and Permit Restrictions: The neighborhood rejected the original plan for a ground-mounted solar array, forcing a redesign that conformed with local design review requests.
• Utility Limitations: The project required maximizing on-site energy production and storage within a limited footprint while navigating utility restrictions on net metering.
• Product Preservation: The distillery needed reliable backup power to prevent spoilage of its products in the event of a power outage.
Why Aspen Distillery chose Sol-Ark and Active Energies
Why Aspen Distillery chose Sol-Ark and Active Energies to meet these challenges, Active Energies recommended Sol-Ark’s advanced 60kW inverter system for the distillery’s energy storage solution. Sol-Ark was chosen for its:
• Flexible Design: The system supports both on-grid and off-grid operations, allowing Aspen distillery to maintain power during outages.
• Efficient Energy Management: The built-in DC-DC converter, featuring four independent MPPT channels, maximizes energy conversion efficiency, achieving a 96.5% efficiency rating without the need for extra conversion devices. Its native 480VAC output, NEMA3R outdoor rating, and wall-mounted design with an integrated AC and DC cable landing box allow for quick and flexible installation in outdoor structures.
• Seamless Backup Power: In the event of grid failure, the system ensures that essential operations, including heat regulation and pump functions, remain online, preventing spoilage of the distillery’s products.
The Solution-How Sol-Ark and Active Energies Delivered
The collaboration between Sol-Ark and Active Energies resulted in a robust energy solution for Aspen distillery:
• System Configuration:
a) 25 kW rooftop solar system using Sol-Ark 60kW inverters.
b) 120kW of energy storage capacity to provide backup power for up to 12-14 hours.
c) Flexible energy management to balance day-to-day operations with grid power.
• Shifting Design to Overcome Permitting Challenges:
a) Initially designed as a ground-mount system, the project faced community pushback.
b) The team quickly adapted, redesigning the system to meet space restrictions, which is a task Sol-Ark products excels in, while maximizing solar energy production on the rooftop.
• Fire Safety and Outdoor Installation:
a) The installation shifted from indoor to outdoor battery storage due to feedback from the local fire department.
The Results
The system has successfully provided Aspen distillery with energy independence, a reliable backup solution, and significant savings:
• Backup Power for Product Protection: The battery system provides up to 14 hours of backup power, ensuring continuous operation and protecting valuable products during grid outages.
• Environmental Impact: Aspen distillery achieved a renewable energy offset of nearly 100%, significantly reducing its carbon footprint by producing most of its energy on-site.
• Cost Savings: By utilizing the rooftop space for solar production and energy storage, the distillery minimized its reliance on grid power, saving on energy costs and avoiding the delays associated with permitting a ground-mounted system.
