Sun Brewed Coffee

Haney’s Coffee Shop is providing its patrons with much more than just another cup of joe. The store is also providing the community with a cleaner approach to living and an example of how to take advantage of solar energy and the many benefits of this renewable energy source. Part of the ever increasingly ‘green’ Highlands area in Denver, the shop has become well-known for its efforts to reduce dependency on traditional energy sources.

The SolSource installation, composed of 44 Sharp 170W modules, on the roof of the shop is one of the biggest in the state, providing the 3,000 square foot building with 100% of its electrical needs.

“It gives me great satisfaction to go outside and see our (electric) meter spinning backwards,” said Jay Smith, owner of the building.

Smith inherited stock in an oil company and decided to use that money to invest in clean energy systems, a move that has been rewarding to him on a number of levels.

By adding a solar power system to his home and helping to raise funds to increase the system at his child’s elementary school, Smith is doing more than his fair share in securing a cleaner and healthier future for his business and family.

“Upon realizing that the system wasn’t nearly as expensive as I had imagined, I’m encouraging everyone I know to buy one,” said Smith.