Free beer for going solar: Local brewery teams up with electric coop for community panels

A local brewery and a community-owned electric cooperative have paired up to offer something many Missoulians might appreciate: Solar energy and free beer.The Missoula Electric Cooperative is in the process of installing a Community Solar Array at the new Kettlehouse K3 brewery in Bonner, which will open a brand-new taproom to the public early in 2019.Members of the cooperative can purchase one of the 188 available solar panels and get credited on their electric bill for the energy output of the panel for 25 years. Also, the Kettlehouse will be offering anyone who purchases a panel a membership in their Renew-A-Mug club, which means a free beer at the Bonner taproom every day.“What we really want to do is provide the access for people who may not be able to (install solar) in their houses,” explained Kettlehouse Brewing co-owner Tim O’Leary. “We have a great south-facing rooftop and what we like to do as a business is bring along the community in our efforts of sustainability.”