SolMicroGrid Completes New Microgrid Project With Chick-fil-A In California

SolMicroGrid, a leading national microgrid company, has completed a new project at Chick-fil-A® Quarry Creek in Oceanside, California, enhancing the restaurant’s energy efficiency and reliability. The microgrid system integrates solar power, battery storage, and generators to provide consistent energy. Specifically, the setup includes an 81 kWh battery energy storage system and a 112 kW solar array, made up of both canopy and ground-mounted solar panels.

A smart energy management system controls the microgrid, ensuring smooth coordination between the different energy sources to optimize performance and reduce costs. The project’s location posed a unique challenge due to its sloped, rocky terrain. To address this, SolMicroGrid used ground screws for the ground-mounted panels instead of the traditional concrete footings, making the installation more efficient and secure.

Kirk Edelman, CEO of SolMicroGrid, mentioned “The combination of solar and battery storage that we provided Chick-fil-A will help reduce energy costs while also achieving sustainability goals. We’re grateful for the opportunity to provide Chick-fil-A with renewable energy at a discount.”

Peden Young, a principal program lead on the sustainability team at Chick-fil-A, Inc, stated “Chick-fil-A’s investment in piloting solar-powered microgrids, in partnership with SolMicroGrid, demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship. Harnessing renewable energy onsite at our restaurants reduces our environmental footprint, while also reflecting Chick-fil-A’s dedication to pursuing what’s next and caring for our planet.”

This microgrid is expected to supply about one-third of the restaurant’s annual energy needs while providing electricity at a 10% discount compared to traditional grid power. The Quarry Creek project is the latest in a series of collaborations between SolMicroGrid and Chick-fil-A, following successful installations at Chick-fil-A Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa, CA, and Chick-fil-A March Lane at I-5 in Stockton, CA. SolMicroGrid offers its customized energy solutions with no upfront costs, making it accessible for quick-service restaurants, large franchises, grocery stores, and other businesses aiming to lower energy expenses and improve sustainability.