Solar Can Offset Higher Energy Needs of Marijuana Growers

Freedom Cannabis, a marijuana grower in the greater Edmonton area, recently energized a rooftop solar array at their 126,000-square-foot facility that they claim is the largest in the country. They anticipate the 4,574-module array to produce 1,830 kW at top capacity, helping their company offset more than 1,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases and saving them between $200,000 and $300,000 in energy expenses each year.

The reason for going solar is quite practical. Though the cannabis plant is green, growers have a long way to go before the industry itself can claim to be environmentally friendly. One 2017 American study estimated that energy use represents 30 to 50% of an indoor marijuana grower’s total operating costs, on average, and that these facilities use 10 times as much energy as a typical office building. 

As the use of cannabis becomes even more widespread, growers will need more and more energy to meet higher demands for their product. Unfortunately, most of this energy still comes from fossil fuels like coal or natural gas. As a result, the legal marijuana industry is contributing more and more to global climate change each year, but that doesn’t have to be the case. 

With the power bill alone comprising such a substantial portion of marijuana growers’ bottom line, switching to solar could help you see more savings if you are already in this industry or looking to get started as a business owner.

Feel free to drop us a line or fill out a request form on our website if you are looking for a free estimate for your solar panels system.