Ridgefield’s Nod Hill Becomes CT’s First Solar Powered Brewery

Nod Hill Brewery in Ridgefield made an immediate impact on the local craft beer scene upon opening a year and a half ago. Their creative approach to modern hop-forward beers and traditional Belgian and German styles put them on the map immediately. The brewery has applied the same creative approach to their power needs and have now become the state's first brewery to run 100% on solar power.

According to co-founder David Kaye:

We’re substantial users of electricity. 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 brewery and taproom are housed in a 30,000 square foot building with a flat and sunny roof, so Kaye knew it was a perfect candidate for solar power. The solar cells also power the other businesses housed in the building and push over 5600 kilowatt hours per year back into the power grid. Kaye added,

It’s a logical step in our continuing effort to grow our brewery mindfully, respectfully, and sustainably.

So next time you're enjoying a cold one at Nod Hill Brewery, know that you're doing a little to help the environment as well. Cheers! Nod Hill Brewery is located at 137 Ethan Allen Highway, Rt. 7 in Ridgefield.