Shortly after celebrating its first anniversary, Mad Mole Brewing has been named America’s favorite solar-powered microbrewery in a non-profit group's annual competition.
 
Solar United Neighbors, a national non-profit organization dedicated to supporting solar energy, sponsored Brews From The Sun. The goal of the competition was to increase solar awareness and encourage the use of clean energy to power homes and businesses.

More than 12,000 people cast their votes for their favorite solar breweries throughout the six-week competition. This year, the top three microbreweries were all located in North Carolina. Second place was awarded to Birdsong Brewing Company of Charlotte, followed by Wise Man Brewing of Winston-Salem.

Ole Pederson, Martin de Jongh, Chris Worden and Thomas Varnum of Mad Mole Brewing said in a statement that they were thrilled "just to be associated with so many forward-thinking breweries."

The statement also said, “We are grateful for all the support we have received from our wonderful customers and the local community. The competition helped raise awareness of the possibilities of solar."

From the start, the owners of Mad Mole knew they wanted to incorporate solar power into their brewery. Following extensive research, they hired Cape Fear Solar Systems to install 63 SunPower solar panels, which are visible from Mad Mole’s taproom. They are currently the Port City’s only solar powered brewery.
 
In celebration of the achievement, Mad Mole Brewing will host a Solar Celebration with Solar United Neighbors on Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. Guests are invited to meet the owners as well as Robert Parker, senior project manager for Cape Fear Solar Systems, and find out more about how the brewery uses solar power as well as how it can benefit homes and businesses.
 
Joe Loves Lobster Rolls food truck will be on site from 1 to 4 p.m. and Pepe’s Tacos will be serving from 6 to 9 p.m.
 
Mad Mole Brewing is located at 6309 Boathouse Road.

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