VERSAILLES, Ky. – With rising energy costs impacting industry across the United States, one Kentucky distillery is turning to solar energy to help offset these challenges while advancing its sustainability commitments.
Castle & Key Distillery has invested in a large-scale solar installation designed to reduce operating costs and support long-term energy independence. Phase I of the project was completed in 2024, with Phase II currently underway. The system is being engineered and installed by Solar Energy Solutions of Lexington.
The $2 million project is supported by the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grant, a federal initiative that helps rural small businesses transition to renewable energy sources, lower energy expenses and strengthen U.S. energy independence. The investment will pay for itself in 3.2 years and will cover about 20 percent of distillery’s energy costs.
“We are proud to be part of a growing movement in Kentucky, working toward a more sustainable future for our community and our industry,” said Will Arvin, Co-Founder of Castle & Key.
Located at Castle & Key’s Versailles Warehouse in Woodford County, the solar array will generate a significant portion of the distillery’s power needs. Here’s what the installation means for the environment based on the EPA greenhouse gas calculator:
- Saving greenhouse gas emissions that are the equivalent of almost 7,000 cars driving for one year;
- Saving the CO2 emissions equivalent to the energy usage of more than 3,800 homes for one year; and
- Sequestering carbon sequestration by more than 34,000 acres of forest in one year.
“The journey from concept to completion required strategic planning, close collaboration and creative problem-solving,” said Matt Partymiller, Founder and CEO at Solar Energy Solutions. “The end result will improve Castle & Key’s bottom line and help it achieve its sustainability goals. In this challenging and uncertain economic climate, it’s an ideal time for businesses to explore renewable energy investments.”
Although federal tax credits for residential solar installations are set to expire at the end of this year, commercial and institutional entities can still take advantage of 30 percent to 50 percent federal tax credits through December 2027.
Solar Energy Solutions (SES) is the region’s largest and most experienced solar design, engineering, and construction company with projects in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and the surrounding states. SES is also the region’s leading Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer. Founded in Kentucky in 2006, Solar Energy Solutions has more than 3,000 active photovoltaic and battery storage projects in the residential, commercial and utility arenas throughout the tri-state region and beyond.
