Terrapin Beer has announced plans to install solar panels on its brewery’s roof in Athens, Georgia to use the energy to brew beer.

The company plans to install 1,000 solar panels on the 45,000ft² roof, as well as on the sun shades of the company’s parking lot.

Terrapin president Dustin Watts said that the solar panels are expected to offset around 30% of the total energy consumed by the company.

Watts said: “The very idea of sustainability was originally ingrained in our DNA and it’s something we’ve always been passionate about. When we look at what we’re all about as a company, it’s about making great beer, the outdoors, recreation and music.

“Love for the outdoors is at the core of who we are at Terrapin, as a brewery and as individual employees. We look to do what’s best for our communities and for the environment because it matters to each of us. It’s that simple.”

The company has partnered with Cherry Street Energy, a renewable energy company based in Atlanta, to perform the installation work.

Cherry Street will own, operate and maintain the solar array, selling the generated power to Terrapin.

With this move, the brewery is expected to offset 3,398 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Cherry Street Energy sustainability director Samantha Lenard said: “We are thrilled to partner with Terrapin to help with their commitment to being a leader in sustainability.

“Our model allows Terrapin to avoid the upfront cost of the solar infrastructure and solely pay for the power generated at competitive rates to their current utility.”

Established in 2002, Terrapin is an affiliate of MillerCoors.

In May, Terrapin Beer announced the release of India pale ale (IPA) Hoppin’ Bubbly Brut, which begins distribution later this month.