Omni Brewing Company Installs 74.8-kW Solar Array at Minnesota Taproom
Key Takeaways
- •Omni Brewing Company installed a 74.8-kilowatt solar system at its Rosemount, Minnesota taproom, covering the majority of on-site electricity usage.
- •All Energy Solar, a Minnesota-based firm, designed and installed the system using Enphase microinverters integrated into the taproom's sloped roof.
- •The project leveraged federal investment tax credits, bonus depreciation, and a USDA REAP grant to maximize financial returns.
- •USDA REAP grants can cover up to 50% of eligible project costs, while the federal Investment Tax Credit provides a 30% credit for qualifying solar installations.
- •Solar adoption among craft breweries has increased as owners seek to manage high energy costs associated with brewing and refrigeration operations.
Omni Brewing Company has completed a custom solar installation at its new taproom facility in Rosemount, Minnesota, making renewable energy a central feature of the building's design from the outset.
The 74.8-kilowatt solar system, equipped with Enphase microinverters, was installed by All Energy Solar (AES), a Minnesota-based solar design and installation company. The project was structured to maximize financial returns through a combination of federal investment tax credits, bonus depreciation, and a USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant.
Breweries are among the more energy-intensive small businesses, with brewing, refrigeration, and taproom operations driving consistent electricity demand. Solar installations at craft breweries have become more common in recent years as owners seek to stabilize operating costs and reduce reliance on grid power.
"Going solar has been one of the more satisfying investments we've made at Omni Brewing," said Justin Walsh, owner of Omni Brewing. "From the start, the goal was to run a cleaner, more sustainable operation, and this installation moved us meaningfully in that direction — a real part of our brewery now runs on the sun, which is something we're proud of."
The system is integrated into the taproom's sloped roof and was designed to closely match the roof color for a clean visual aesthetic. According to AES, the installation covers the majority of the brewery's on-site electricity usage.
"The completed system integrates seamlessly into the taproom's sloped roof design, and nearly matches the roof color for a clean aesthetic. The environmental impact is significant, covering the majority of the on-site usage," said Michael Thalhimer, Director of Business Development at All Energy Solar.
The USDA REAP program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or energy efficiency improvements. Eligible projects can receive REAP grants covering up to 50% of total project costs. Combined with the federal Investment Tax Credit, which currently provides a 30% credit for qualifying solar energy systems, these incentives have made solar adoption increasingly accessible for small businesses in rural communities.
Omni Brewing Company operates a brewery and taproom in Rosemount, Minnesota.
