Independent brewery Oakham Ales has brewed its first ever solar-powered beer, marking a major milestone in their sustainability journey. This has been made possible thanks to a fully funded rooftop solar PV installation arranged by CUB in partnership with leading solar provider Electron Green.
Through this collaboration, Oakham Ales now benefits from clean, low-cost renewable energy—without any upfront investment.
Powering Sustainability without the Capital Cost
As Oakham Ales faced challenges with an ageing roof, CUB worked closely with Electron Green to offer a bespoke solution that included a full steel over-clad roof replacement at zero cost to the brewery. Alongside the new roof, a 458.85 kWp solar PV system was installed and fully funded through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), giving Oakham access to discounted, fixed-rate electricity for years to come.
CUB structured the agreement and managed the project in partnership with Electron Green, ensuring the system is fully maintained and optimised long-term—with no financial or operational burden placed on the client.
To celebrate the milestone, Oakham Ales launched Sun City, a 3.7% ABV blonde ale brewed using solar energy. It features New Zealand hops Nelson Sauvin and Nectaron for a refreshing burst of tropical fruit, citrus, and herbal notes, available on cask from August.
Project Highlights
- 458.85 kWp rooftop array installed in Spring 2025, spanning 2,084 m² with over 1,000 panels
- Reduces grid electricity usage by approximately 15%
- First-year electricity cost savings of nearly £11,000
- Estimated lifetime carbon savings of over 2,200 tonnes of CO₂
- Forecasted total lifetime savings exceeding £550,000
The strength of the CUB and Electron Green partnership
Our partnership with Electron Green allows CUB to offer clients fully funded solar PV solutions—removing the traditional barriers of capex and complexity. By combining
CUB’s strategic energy consultancy and procurement expertise with Electron Green’s delivery and asset management capabilities, we’re enabling UK businesses like Oakham Ales to reduce costs, cut carbon, and meet sustainability goals with no capital outlay.
This model delivers:
- Zero upfront cost for clients
- Hassle-free installation and maintenance
- Long-term fixed-rate green electricity
- Enhanced ESG performance and public perception
What Oakham Ales say
Former head brewer Mark Tetlow praised the project as “a huge step in making Oakham Ales more sustainable” and collaborated with the team to brew the first solar-powered batch before his retirement.
Current head brewer Ed Sharman noted the environmental credentials the solar system brings, adding that the brewery was able to benefit from the installation without any disruption to operations or financial risk.
