Castle & Key Completes $2 Million Solar Project
Kentucky’s Castle & Key Distillery has announced the completion of Phase 1 of a major solar energy project as part of its ongoing sustainability initiatives. With this investment, the distillery has made progress toward relying on renewable energy. The $2 million investment was supported by the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grant, a federal initiative aimed at helping rural small businesses transition to renewable energy sources, reduce energy costs, and enhance American energy independence.
Castle & Key’s solar energy system is installed at the distillery’s Versailles Warehouse in Woodford County, Kentucky, and is designed to provide a substantial portion of the distillery’s energy needs. The first phase of the project, which is now complete, covers 20,950 square feet and features 754 solar panels, generating 407.16 kW DC and 400 kW AC. The entire system will cover 63,350 square feet, generating 960kW AC.
“Every drop of Castle & Key whiskey is crafted with care for the land and this is the largest solar project at a distillery in Woodford county,” says Charles Crume, Engineering and Maintenance Manager, Castle & Key. Currently we are using 25 percent of the total solar production capacity. The remaining excess power is sold back to Kentucky Utilities as a green power source for the community to power homes, businesses and facilities. On average this will equate to 270-350 homes in the community based on average power usage.”
Castle & Key plans to continue expanding its renewable energy efforts and Phase 2 is anticipated to begin spring of 2025. The second phase will include the installment of more solar panels and ongoing work with responsible partners including Walnut Grove Farms, Saverglass, Malteurop North America, Speyside Cooperage, and Eurostampa.
