How a Cornwall Craft Brewery Eliminated Outage Risks and Boosted Solar Efficiency with Advanced Storage Inverters

Cornwall, UK – June 2025 For Tom and Lucy Carter, owners of Cornwall Craft Brewery, a 10-barrel microbrewery and taproom in rural Cornwall, power reliability is as critical as the hops in their IPA. Their business depends on precise temperature control for fermentation (20-25℃ for ales, 10-13℃ for lagers) and consistent power for their taproom’s refrigerators, taps, and Wi-Fi. But frequent grid outages—up to 8 times a year in their remote village—and an inefficient solar inverter were threatening their profitability. That changed in March 2025, when they installed a new solar storage inverter tailored to small commercial operations.

The Challenge: Grid Outages and Wasted Solar Energy

The Carters installed a 30kW photovoltaic (PV) system on their barn roof in 2023 to offset 60% of their energy costs. But their old inverter struggled to maximize solar harvest:

• MPPT Limitations: The old inverter’s narrow MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) range (250-750VDC) meant it shut down during early mornings, late evenings, and overcast days, wasting 20-25% of their PV generation. “On a cloudy April day, we’d get just 5kW from our 30kW system,” Tom said.
• Slow Backup Switching: Their old backup system took 45 seconds to switch from grid to battery power. During a 2-hour outage in 2024, the fermentation tanks’ temperature rose 8℃, ruining a batch of their best-selling stout (€1,200 in losses). “Beer is alive—you can’t hit pause on fermentation,” Lucy added.
• High Standby Costs: The old inverter’s nighttime self-consumption (15W) cost them €240/year in unnecessary energy use—money better spent on ingredients or taproom upgrades.

The Solution: A Solar Inverter Built for Small Business Resilience

After consulting with a local solar installer, the Carters chose a new inverter designed for 30kW DC input systems. The installer recommended it for three key features that directly addressed their pain points:

1. Wide MPPT Voltage Range for Maximum Solar Harvest

The inverter supports an 180-850VDC MPPT operation range, which perfectly matches their PV system (20 panels in 2 strings, each operating at 400-800VDC). “The old inverter would stop working if the voltage dropped below 250VDC,” the installer explained. “This one keeps going even when the sun is low, so the Carters get more energy from their panels—especially in Cornwall’s short winter days.”

2. Ultra-Fast Backup Switching (<10ms) to Protect Critical Loads

The inverter’s UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) mode switches from grid to battery power in less than 10ms—faster than the time it takes to flip a light switch. For the Carters, this was non-negotiable: “Fermentation tanks need constant power,” Lucy said. “If the temperature changes even 2℃, the beer’s flavor is ruined. This inverter keeps everything stable, no matter what the grid does.”

3. Flexible Battery Integration and Low Standby Power

The Carters paired the inverter with a 25kWh lithium-ion battery (supported by the inverter’s 40-60V battery voltage range). The inverter’s self-adaptive charging strategy for lithium-ion batteries extends battery life by 18%, according to the manufacturer. Even better, its nighttime self-consumption is less than 3W (their meter shows 2.5W on average)—a 75% reduction from their old inverter, saving them €180/year.

Implementation: Seamless Installation for a Busy Brewery

The installer replaced the old inverter with the new one in a single day—critical for a business that can’t afford downtime. The inverter’s compact design (425mm×710mm×290mm) and wall-mounting option made it easy to install in their barn’s utility room, while its IP66 rating (dust-tight and water-resistant) ensures durability in Cornwall’s rainy, windy climate.

“Setup was a breeze,” Tom said. “The installer connected the inverter to our phone app in 10 minutes. Now we can monitor solar generation, battery status, and grid usage from the taproom—even when we’re at a beer festival.” The inverter’s WiFi/4G communication interface lets them track performance in real time, while the LCD display provides quick status checks for their staff.

Results: Resilience, Efficiency, and Happy Customers

In the three months since installation, the Carters have seen dramatic improvements:

1. 25% Increase in Solar Generation

The wide MPPT range and 30kW DC input capacity have boosted their monthly solar generation from 2,000kWh to 2,500kWh—enough to power their fermentation tanks and taproom for 15 days a month. “That’s an extra €350/month in energy savings,” Tom said. “We’re using that money to expand our taproom seating.”

2. Zero Outage Losses

A 3-hour grid outage in May 2025 tested the system. The inverter switched to battery power in 0.7ms, keeping the fermentation tanks at 22℃ and the taproom’s refrigerators running. “We didn’t lose a single batch,” Lucy said. “Our regulars even joked that the outage made our beer taste better—though we know it’s just the inverter doing its job.”

3. Lower Operating Costs and Smarter Energy Management

The inverter’s smart cooling system (which adjusts fan speed based on temperature) has reduced energy use for cooling by 40%, while the low standby power cuts their monthly bill by €15. The Carters also use the app to schedule peak shaving (using battery power during expensive grid hours), saving an additional €100/month.

4. Happy Customers and Repeat Business

The taproom’s Wi-Fi and refrigerators never go down now—even during outages. “One family told us they come to our taproom because we’re the only place in the village with reliable power,” Lucy laughed. “That’s a direct result of the new inverter.”

User Feedback: “This Inverter Saved Our Business”

For the Carters, the inverter isn’t just a piece of equipment—it’s a lifeline. “Before, we were always worried about power outages and wasted solar energy,” Tom said. “Now, we can focus on making great beer and growing our business. This inverter gave us peace of mind—and that’s priceless.”

Lucy added: “We used to lose sleep over grid outages. Now, we sleep like babies. The inverter takes care of everything, so we can take care of our customers.”

Why This Inverter Works for Small Businesses

The inverter’s combination of high power capacity (30kW DC input), flexible battery support, ultra-fast backup, and smart monitoring makes it ideal for small commercial operations like Cornwall Craft Brewery. Its transformerless topology (reduces weight and improves efficiency) and wide operating temperature range (-25℃ to +60℃) further enhance its suitability for rural and outdoor applications.

As the Carters put it: “This inverter isn’t just a tool—it’s a partner in our success. It helps us save money, avoid losses, and provide a better experience for our customers. We’d recommend it to any small business owner looking to take control of their energy.”

Key Takeaways for Small Businesses

• Reliability Matters: For businesses like breweries, cafes, or farms, even a short power outage can mean lost revenue. An inverter with <10ms backup switching is non-negotiable.
• Efficiency Equals Profit: A wide MPPT range and low standby power can increase solar generation by 20-25%—money that stays in your pocket.
• Smart Monitoring Saves Time: Real-time app monitoring lets you manage your energy from anywhere, so you can focus on what you do best.