Deschutes Growery gets paid for going green.
Bend, Oregon- Deschutes Growery is proving that you don’t need to use
massive amounts of electricity to grow craft cannabis. And, they’re
getting paid for their renewable, efficient energy lighting systems. Phase
1 of their build-out is already saving 213,236 kWh in total electrical
savings equivalent to $21,072 in annual costs.
Deschutes Growery became Oregon’s first solar powered indoor cultivation
facility in 2016 with the installation of a 56 kW/h system. This is
currently saving $12,500 in annual electrical costs. The company took
another big, innovative step in 2017 when they converted the entire grow
facility to energy-efficient LED lighting.
Although the solar and LED systems required significant up-front
investments, large utility cash incentives through the Energy Trust of
Oregon’s Cannabis Program, helped offset the cost of equipment. With the combination of Energy Trust incentives and reduced utility costs the total cost of the LED lighting
equipment will be offset within 1.5 years and the solar array within 4
years. While those up-front savings are helpful, they are only one part of
the full benefits of the efficiency investments. Co-founder, Justin
Clapick explains the rationale for the decision to invest in the solar
energy and LED lighting systems noting, “When we’re talking about energy
usage it’s mind-boggling how much is wasted with the use of inefficient
lighting. We now know there’s a different approach, a more responsible one
and it includes the use of LED lighting, solar power generation and wind
turbines.”
Deschutes Growery is currently building out the middle phase of their
eventual 10,000 square foot grow facility incorporating LED lighting
throughout. The expected utility incentive for Phase 2 is estimated to be
just over $120,000. The solar and LED lighting system is just one piece of
the environmental and social responsibility ethic at the crux of Deschutes
Growery. The company is fully committed to producing pure, clean, organic
products and a corporate culture that promotes the growth and wellbeing of
employees and the community.
Go to www.deschutesgrowery.com to view the Deschutes Growery
website and here for the Instagram
