Woodchuck Hard Cider Adds Solar Orchard to Power Portfolio

Woodchuck Cider LogoMIDDLEBURY, Vt. — Vermont Hard Cider Company, LLC, maker of the growing Woodchuck Hard Cider brand, is also growing its renewable energy use. Woodchuck is now harvesting the sun through a solar orchard in nearby Bridport, Vermont.

The solar project will produce approximately 210,000 kWh of electricity per year for the Woodchuck cidery. The project will cover approximately 10% to 15% of the company’s current electric demand.

“Sustainability efforts like this are at the core of our mission,” said Vermont Hard Cider President and CEO Bret Williams. “To be able to tap into local renewable energy is good for our business, the local economy, and the planet.”

The 1.5 acre solar orchard consists of 26 pole-mounted dual-axis AllSun Trackers, which use GPS and wireless technology to follow the sun throughout the day. The solar trackers are manufactured locally by AllEarth Renewables of Williston, Vt. According to AllEarth Renewables, the tracker system boosts the panel’s energy production by up to 45 percent over roof-top installations.

“We’re excited to be working with Vermont Hard Cider Company on this project, a company that understands they can make both a financially sound decision and a sustainable decision as they produce their great product,” said David Blittersdorf, CEO of AllEarth Renewables.

Woodchuck also purchases 25% of its power through Green Mountain Power’s “Cow Power” program, which converts cow manure to electricity. Combined with the new solar project, around 40% of Woodchuck’s power use is now renewable.

About Woodchuck Hard Cider

Woodchuck Hard Cider is a hard cider handcrafted with apples. Woodchuck Amber was developed in a Proctorsville, Vermont garage in 1991. Its recipe and creator, Greg Failing, remain at the core of the product. Woodchuck Hard Cider now operates in a state-of-the-art cidery in Middlebury, Vermont, and its lineup of styles has grown to include a variety of seasonal and private reserve releases. Distribution, which started in a single Vermont country store, now stretches across all 50 states. The Woodchuck family is dedicated to providing exceptional quality and premium taste in every bottle. A naturally gluten-free beverage,Woodchuck Hard Cider lends itself well to food pairings and recipes.

About AllEarth Renewables

AllEarth Renewables, of Williston, VT, is the manufacturer of the AllSun Tracker. It was named a 2012 Inc. 500 company for fastest growing businesses nation-wide and has designed, manufactured, and installed over 1,400 grid-connected solar tracker systems. AllEarth Renewables is dedicated to the design and manufacture of innovative technologies that provide renewable energy solutions for homeowners and businesses while creating sustainable, well-paying jobs. The AllSun Tracker was selected as a top-10 green product for 2012 by BuildingGreen Magazine.