Guayakí Yerba Mate Takes its Climate Commitment to the Next Level with Solar

In line with their continual commitment to sustainability and regeneration, Sebastopol-based Guayakí Sustainable Rainforest Products will now be generating their own power.  The company worked with Solar Works, a long-time local contractor and fellow B Corporation, to install a rooftop system that is expected to satisfy up to 95% of Guayakí’s electric demand and is adding 60 kW of renewable power to the regional electric grid to advance the renewable industry.

The company has partnered with the building owner, Highway Partners LLC, to take advantage of Sonoma County’s Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program, which allows property owners to finance permanent energy or water improvements.  The Program offered through the County’s General Services Department’s Energy and Sustainability Division has been available since March 2009 and has funded over 7,500 residential and commercial improvements, many of which have been solar.  

Guayakí’s relationship with the County began several years ago when they obtained their Green Business Network Certification.  “As a climate leader in the County, we are thrilled to work with Guayakí on their continued efforts towards their sustainability goals.” Said Board of Supervisors Chair, David Rabbitt. 

According to the California Solar Initiative “Go Solar CA” website, which tracks all solar installations based on interconnection with the utilities, Sonoma County has installed just under 120 megawatts of PV solar total. Remarkably, over 10% of these systems have been financed through the County’s PACE program, which shows the widespread impact that the program has had over the past 10 years.

The decision to generate their own power follows along Guayakí’s purposeful mission of operating more consciously. “We believe that renewable energy is a critical component in addressing climate change and hope that this installation can inspire other companies to get creative with solar solutions even if they don’t own the building.” – Managing Partner of Guayakí - Chris Mann 

From their Market Driven Regeneration™ business model to being one of the founding B Corps, their commitment to sustainability is unsurpassed.  To learn more about their efforts visit, https://guayaki.com/.