Blue Ridge Energy Works LLC
1178 Chestnut Grove Rd , Boone, North Carolina, United States

Located in the High Country of North Carolina, BREW, LLC focuses on the reduction of fossil fuel dependency by increasing the use of domestic renewable energy sources and improving the efficiency of both new and existing buildings. BREW, LLC is prepared to serve all of your renewable energy and energy efficiency needs. we offer.

• Solar Electric Systems
• Solar Thermal Systems
• Small Wind Turbine Technologies
• Micro-Hydroelectric Facilities
• Spray Foam Insulation
• Clean, Sealed Crawlspaces or Crawlspace Encapsulation
• Soundproofing
• Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation

Core Values

We believe that we must respect the dignity, rights and aspirations of all people. This position extends to every BREW employee and we expect our business partners to embrace similar values and standards. BREW strives to set industry standards at ensuring compliance to local laws, regulations and customs. Integrity and respect are at the core of our business practice.

Incentives

Renewable Energy Systems installed by BREW, LLC qualify for North Carolina and Federal tax credits as well as incentive payments from NC GreenPower. The North Carolina tax credit is 35% of the total system cost up to $10,500 for residential systems and up to $2,500,000 for commercial systems, depending on the technology used. The North Carolina tax credit is set to expire 12/31/15. The Federal tax credit is 30% of net project with no limits. The Federal tax credit has been extended until December 31, 2016. The Federal residential tax credit has also been modified to include small wind turbines. Commercial PV systems meeting federal criteria qualify for Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) over 5 years.

Solar Electric Systems

Solar Electric panels, also known as photovoltaic or PV panels, convert the energy of the sun into electricity. PV systems can be sized to power your entire home or just a portion. BREW offers a variety of solar electric systems:  Stand-alone or off-grid systems are the best choice when it is either impossible or impractical to connect to the utility power grid. Stand-alone systems also work well in applications that have low power requirements such as well pumping or ventilation. These systems almost always involve the use of batteries for energy storage. One popular exception is the direct drive water fountain!  The more common grid-tied photovoltaic systems are connected to the utility grid and allow residences and businesses are becoming more common as tax credits and incentive programs make them economically feasible.

Solar Thermal Systems

Solar PowerSolar Hot Water is one of the most efficient renewable technologies available today. Systems can capture as much as 50% of the Sun’s infrared (IR) energy. On average, hot water accounts for 30% of a household’s energy usage. We size our solar hot water systems to meet as close to 100% of your hot water demand as possible. Blue Ridge Energy Works uses both flat plate and evacuated tube collectors which are durable, easy to maintain, and highly efficient. Our systems are either pressurized or drain-back, and we will gladly collaborate with your heating contractor to design a solar heating system that will further reduce your monthly energy bills.

Small Wind Turbine Technologies Wind TurbinePeople have been harnessing the energy of the wind for centuries with wind powered grain mills, and well pumps (1854). The first known wind powered machine was an organ, designed by Greek engineer Heron of Alexandria, and dates to the first century AD! The iconic drainage windmills of the Netherlands were used by the Dutch farmers to pump water starting in the 1400s, though they had grain windmills dating back to the 1200s.  Wind energy systems today generally power things indirectly, i.e. they produce electricity with a turbine that can be used to run all sorts of devices rather than driving a shaft to pump water or grind flour from grain. With the right location, a small wind turbine can be a cost effective way to offset your home’s energy consumption and fix your cost of energy in a time of uncertainty.  Small wind energy systems have been increasing in popularity over the past few decades as energy prices have continued to climb and be unstable. BREW’s wind energy systems can be either off-grid or grid-tied and with or without battery backup. Wind energy systems can also be designed to complement solar energy in a hybrid system.

Micro-Hydroelectric Facilities

Micro-Hydroelectric systems convert the energy embodied in flowing water into electrical energy. Micro-hydroelectric systems are those that generate less than 20 kilowatts of electricity. These are small-scale systems with minimal environmental impact and can be implemented by private individuals and small companies. The amount of power available from a given site is determined using the following rule of thumb: Production (kW)= Head (in feet of drop) * Flow (in gallons per minute)/ 10.  In the right location, micro-hydro turbines can provide the most energy production for the money. Good micro-hydro sites are few and far between, and Old mill dams and steep creeks with waterfalls are ideal locations for micro-hydroelectric energy production. The system starts with a small dammed pool at the top, with a catchment basin directing a portion of the flow into a pipe which brings the water down to a small generator housing.

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fiberglass insulation. BREW uses spray foams that contain no formaldehyde and use as much of an agricultural base as possible. The use of spray foam insulation reduces the amount of energy required to heat and cool homes by preventing air leakage, thus reducing the use of fossil fuels and the resulting greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. Spray foam is durable and efficient. With one single product, spray foam can act as insulation, air and weather barrier, vapor barrier, and sealant.