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Innovator Spotlight:
Solar Cannabis Company

Somerset, Massachusetts

How an energy-independent cannabis cultivator in Massachusetts became the new benchmark for sustainability

Solar Cannabis Company (formerly Solar Therapeutics) is the only energy-independent cannabis cultivation and dispensary facility in the U.S. In order to achieve the smallest energy footprint possible, Solar Cannabis Company understands there is always one more action it can take to optimize its operations. Their journey led them to Fluence. By implementing Fluence’s LED solutions, Solar Cannabis Company earned $1 million in local utility rebates. Solar Cannabis Company’s collaboration with urban-gro further improved operations through sustainable irrigation and optimized fertigation and watering systems. The company’s dedication to advanced controlled environment innovations has positioned Solar Cannabis Company at the epicenter of sustainability in cannabis cultivation.

A tattooed individual wearing a cap amidst lush cannabis plants in a greenhouse, showcasing Fluence's advanced LED lighting solutions for optimized crop production.

Project Overview

Cultivator Name:Solar Cannabis Company
Location:Somerset, Massachusetts
Crop:Cannabis
Fluence Fixture:SPYDR
• Spectra: BROAD R4
• Veg: 550-580 PPFD
• Flower: 1020-1080 PPFD
Type of Facility:Solar-powered indoor
Results:• $1 million+ in total utility rebates from LED implementation
• Optimized and downsized HVAC equipment
• Investments in long-term sustainability goals

Challenges

Illustration of a hand holding a leaf with text highlighting the absence of established sustainability practices in controlled environment agriculture, emphasizing Fluence's dedication to eco-friendly LED lighting solutions for optimized cannabis cultivation.
Illustration of an electric plug over green leaves with the text "Limited Efficiency in Controlled Environment" for Fluence, Austin-based LED lighting solutions for optimized cannabis cultivation.
Fluence icon illustration: downward arrow beside illuminated light bulb symbolizing "Limited Light Intensity," set against a green circular background, highlighting LED lighting solutions for optimized crop production.

Finding the right technologyto achieve sustainability goals

Solar Cannabis Company’s indoor farms spans 67,000 square feet and is the only cultivation and dispensary facility in the U.S. that uses green infrastructure and microgrid assets. CEO and founder Edward Dow knew Solar Cannabis Company could achieve even greater efficiencies and long-term sustainability with the right supplemental lighting partner. Dow chose Fluence to design the optimal lighting strategy to maximize his facility’s sustainability efforts.

  • Fluence LED lighting in Austin vertical farm, optimizing cannabis and crop growth on stacked shelves, enhanced by advanced ventilation.
  • Cannabis cultivation room with mature plants under Fluence LED lights and netting system, Austin-based controlled environment agriculture solutions.
  • Bearded man with tattoos standing confidently in greenhouse, surrounded by lush hanging plants and advanced Fluence LED grow lights for cannabis cultivation in Austin-based controlled environment agriculture setting.
  • Cannabis plants indoors with Fluence LED lighting; optimized growth and supportive netting; Austin, Texas-based controlled environment agriculture solutions.
  • Fluence LED lighting solutions in Austin, Texas: workers tending cannabis plants on elevated platforms in indoor vertical farming facility, optimizing crop production.
  • Cannabis cultivation inspection in greenhouse: Man in blue uniform with cap and tattoos, examining plants under Fluence LED lighting, enhancing crop production. Austin-based Fluence optimizes agricultural lighting solutions.
  • Fluence LED lighting in Austin vertical farm, optimizing cannabis and crop growth on stacked shelves, enhanced by advanced ventilation.
  • Cannabis cultivation inspection in greenhouse: Man in blue uniform with cap and tattoos, examining plants under Fluence LED lighting, enhancing crop production. Austin-based Fluence optimizes agricultural lighting solutions.
  • A person caring for cannabis plants in an indoor facility featuring Fluence LED lighting and mesh support system for optimized crop growth.
  • Fluence LED lighting solutions in Austin, Texas: workers tending cannabis plants on elevated platforms in indoor vertical farming facility, optimizing crop production.
  • Cannabis cultivation room with mature plants under Fluence LED lights and netting system, Austin-based controlled environment agriculture solutions.
  • Bearded man with tattoos standing confidently in greenhouse, surrounded by lush hanging plants and advanced Fluence LED grow lights for cannabis cultivation in Austin-based controlled environment agriculture setting.

Capitalizing on rebate incentives for trickle-down savings and investments

Solar Cannabis Company’s uniquely designed facility lowers its energy profile by 40 percent, and its microgrid assets reduce remaining emissions by nearly 60 percent. The company’s microgrid generates approximately five megawatts of electricity—enough to power a small town—and its production architecture enables the facility to supply cannabis flower and cannabis-infused products throughout the state of Massachusetts. Dow has proven his continued commitment to efficiency by partnering with Fluence: Solar Cannabis Company is set to receive more than $1 million in total rebates from its local utility companies following their successful installation of LED technology. The rebates will be leveraged to downsize HVAC equipment and re-invest the resulting savings in technologies to further achieve long-term sustainability goals.

Orange dollar sign with circular arrows, symbolizing economic growth and sustainability in LED lighting solutions for controlled environment agriculture by Fluence, Austin, Texas.

$1 million+ in total utility rebates from LED implementation

Fluence LED lighting icon showcasing air conditioning unit with wavy airflow lines, optimized for cannabis and controlled environment agriculture in Austin, Texas.

Optimized and downsized HVAC equipment

Orange icon of a hand holding a cannabis leaf, representing Fluence's expertise in LED lighting solutions for optimized cannabis cultivation in Austin, Texas.

Investments in long-term sustainability goals

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