Brewing Community Impact:
Analytical Brewing Invests in Commercial Solar

Challenge: Managing Energy Costs in a Community-Focused Brewery

Brewing is both an art and a science—and it requires consistent, reliable energy. As Analytical Brewing continued to grow its operations in Lexington, energy costs became a meaningful operational expense tied directly to production, refrigeration, and customer experience. At the same time, the team wanted investments that aligned with how they show up in their community: thoughtful, forward-looking, and built to last.

An idea was brewing–could solar help stabilize energy costs while supporting the brewery’s long-term role in the community? They reached out to StraightUp Solar for a solid commercial solar plan.

Solution: Commercial Solar Designed for Small Business Operations

StraightUp Solar designed a 28.35 kW rooftop commercial solar system tailored to Analytical Brewing’s energy profile and site conditions. The system integrates seamlessly into daily operations while producing the majority of the brewery’s annual electricity needs. Like a fine brew, every ingredient was carefully considered from start to finish. Our team of experts supported the project from feasibility analysis through incentives, installation, and commissioning—ensuring a smooth process with no disruption to brewery operations.

Results: Stable Energy Costs That Support Long-Term Growth

With solar now powering 96% of the brewery’s energy needs, Analytical Brewing has effectively stabilized a major operating expense and created predictable long-term energy costs. Over its lifetime, the system is expected to deliver more than $175,000 in electricity savings. This allows the business to reinvest in its taproom experience, future expansion, and community engagement–including a new location in Peoria!

Over 25 years, the system’s estimated energy production is equivalent to avoiding approximately 625 metric tons of CO₂, comparable to driving more than 1.5 million miles in a gasoline-powered vehicle or 627 acres of U.S. forests in one year. By supporting solar, they’ve made a long-term investment into the health of our local Illinois community.