Innovator Spotlight:
Solar Cannabis Company
Somerset, Massachusetts
Innovator Spotlight:
How an energy-independent cannabis cultivator in Massachusetts became the new benchmark for sustainability
Solar Cannabis Company (formerly Solar Therapeutics) is the only energy-independent cannabis cultivation and dispensary facility in the U.S. In order to achieve the smallest energy footprint possible, Solar Cannabis Company understands there is always one more action it can take to optimize its operations. Their journey led them to Fluence. By implementing Fluence’s LED solutions, Solar Cannabis Company earned $1 million in local utility rebates. Solar Cannabis Company’s collaboration with urban-gro further improved operations through sustainable irrigation and optimized fertigation and watering systems. The company’s dedication to advanced controlled environment innovations has positioned Solar Cannabis Company at the epicenter of sustainability in cannabis cultivation.
Project Overview
| Cultivator Name: | Solar Cannabis Company |
| Location: | Somerset, Massachusetts |
| Crop: | Cannabis |
| Fluence Fixture: | SPYDR • Spectra: BROAD R4 • Veg: 550-580 PPFD • Flower: 1020-1080 PPFD |
| Type of Facility: | Solar-powered indoor |
| Results: | • $1 million+ in total utility rebates from LED implementation • Optimized and downsized HVAC equipment • Investments in long-term sustainability goals |
Challenges
Finding the right technologyto achieve sustainability goals
Solar Cannabis Company’s indoor farms spans 67,000 square feet and is the only cultivation and dispensary facility in the U.S. that uses green infrastructure and microgrid assets. CEO and founder Edward Dow knew Solar Cannabis Company could achieve even greater efficiencies and long-term sustainability with the right supplemental lighting partner. Dow chose Fluence to design the optimal lighting strategy to maximize his facility’s sustainability efforts.
Capitalizing on rebate incentives for trickle-down savings and investments
Solar Cannabis Company’s uniquely designed facility lowers its energy profile by 40 percent, and its microgrid assets reduce remaining emissions by nearly 60 percent. The company’s microgrid generates approximately five megawatts of electricity—enough to power a small town—and its production architecture enables the facility to supply cannabis flower and cannabis-infused products throughout the state of Massachusetts. Dow has proven his continued commitment to efficiency by partnering with Fluence: Solar Cannabis Company is set to receive more than $1 million in total rebates from its local utility companies following their successful installation of LED technology. The rebates will be leveraged to downsize HVAC equipment and re-invest the resulting savings in technologies to further achieve long-term sustainability goals.
$1 million+ in total utility rebates from LED implementation
Optimized and downsized HVAC equipment
Investments in long-term sustainability goals
