Highland Brewing’s Solar Array: Powering Craft Beer with Sunshine in Asheville
In Western North Carolina, the mountains don’t just shape the views — they shape the values. At Highland Brewing, sustainability isn’t a side project. It’s part of how we brew, gather, and give back. And nowhere is that commitment more apparent than our rooftop solar array — one of the largest in the country among independent craft breweries.
A Solar Milestone for Craft Beer
Highland Brewing is home to the second-largest solar array of any independent, craft brewery in the United States. That’s not just a stat — it’s a statement.
Under peak conditions, our system can generate up to 324 kW DC, producing more power than we can even use on bright, sunny days. That means clean energy isn’t just supplementing our operations — it’s actively offsetting a significant portion of our footprint.
Today, about half of our expansive rooftop is covered in solar panels, transforming unused space into a visible, working commitment to renewable energy. And if you’ve ever grabbed a pint at our rooftop bar, you’ve seen it firsthand — sustainability on display, not tucked away.
Brewing With Purpose in Asheville, NC
Nestled in Asheville, a hub for craft beer and outdoor culture, Highland Brewing understands how closely our industry is tied to the environment. Clean water, quality ingredients, and a thriving local ecosystem are all essential to great beer.
That’s why environmental sustainability is one of our core pursuits. Our solar array stands as our largest effort so far, but it’s part of a bigger picture: reducing impact while continuing to bring people together over beer.
Turning Sunshine Into Beer (Well, Almost)
While solar power doesn’t directly brew your IPA, it plays a major role behind the scenes:
- Powering brewery operations during production hours
- Offsetting electricity demand from the grid
- Reducing long-term energy costs
- Lowering our carbon footprint in a measurable way
And on peak sunny days, when production exceeds demand, we’re generating more energy than we use — a powerful example of how breweries can be part of a cleaner energy future.
A Visible Commitment Guests Can Experience
Unlike many sustainability efforts that happen behind closed doors, Highland’s solar array is designed to be seen.
From the Rooftop bar, guests can look out across a landscape of panels soaking up the Carolina sun. It’s a reminder that great beer and environmental responsibility can exist side by side — and even enhance the experience.
For visitors, it’s not just about what’s in the glass. It’s about where it comes from and how it’s made.
A Leader in Sustainable Brewing
Highland Brewing’s investment in solar energy reflects a broader shift across the craft beer industry, where sustainability is becoming a defining feature of forward-thinking breweries.
Over the years, our efforts have been recognized by environmental and solar organizations, highlighting how breweries can lead by example in renewable energy adoption and community impact.
We’re proud to be part of that momentum — and even prouder that it’s happening right here in Asheville.
Why It Matters
Craft beer is local. It’s agricultural. It’s deeply connected to the land.
Investing in renewable energy like solar power helps protect the very resources that make brewing possible. It also supports:
- Cleaner air and reduced emissions
- Stronger local resilience in energy systems
- A more sustainable future for the craft beverage industry
For Highland Brewing, it comes back to one simple idea: if we benefit from our surroundings, we should give back to them too.
Visit, Sip, and See It for Yourself
Next time you’re on the Rooftop at Highland Brewing, take a look.
That sea of panels isn’t just infrastructure — it’s a reflection of our values, our community, and our belief that better beer can help build a better future.
Grab a pint and raise a glass to sunshine-powered brewing.