Solar-powered ice cream business launched collaboratively by local entities
**Edmonton's Bestie Ice Cream Shop Goes Off-Grid with Solar Power**
Edmonton, Alberta – Two local businesses, Bestie Ice Cream and Kind Ice Cream, are leading the way in sustainable practices by integrating solar power into their operations. Bestie, a new seasonal ice cream shop opening outside Crestwood Community Hall this summer, and Kind Ice Cream, founded in 2019 by Paula Shyba, Candace Morris, and Nicole Bhar, are both pioneering clean energy solutions.
### Solar-Powered Bestie Ice Cream Shop
Bestie Ice Cream operates out of a solar-powered shipping container, a testament to their dedication to using renewable energy directly in their operations. The system, designed by local clean energy company Grengine, includes seven solar panels and a battery energy storage system (BESS), though the exact number of panels may be adjusted to optimise performance. The solar panel system is designed to keep the ice cream cold, ensuring quality and freshness.
Grengine, based in Edmonton, was approached by Kind Ice Cream to design the energy system for Bestie. Connie Stacey, CEO and founder of Grengine, expressed enthusiasm about working on an eco-friendly ice cream shop, emphasising the significance of the project. The cost of building the Bestie ice cream shop was approximately $100,000 for Kind Ice Cream.
### Kind Ice Cream's Solar-Powered Shop
Kind Ice Cream has partnered with local companies to create an entirely solar-powered ice cream shop. The shop is equipped with solar panels, though the exact number is being refined. A backup generator, which includes propane, is in place to ensure continuous operation during periods of low solar energy availability. This setup helps maintain the goal of being solar-powered for the entire summer, barring extensive bad weather.
Similar to Bestie, Kind Ice Cream has not yet integrated battery energy storage systems (BESS) into their operation. However, incorporating BESS could enhance their ability to store excess solar energy for later use, further reducing reliance on non-renewable backup systems.
### A Commitment to Sustainability
Both shops demonstrate a commitment to sustainability by leveraging solar power, a crucial step in reducing their environmental footprint. Shyba, a founder of Kind Ice Cream, emphasised environmental kindness in the conceptualization of Bestie. Future enhancements could include integrating battery storage systems to maximise their reliance on renewable energy.
The solar panel system installed in Bestie is being monitored by Grengine over the summer to perfect the system. The shop received the Edmonton Edge Fund grant, which will help fund another container shop similar to Bestie. The goal is for Bestie to be solar-powered for the entire summer, barring extensive bad weather.
Bestie's parent shop is Kind Ice Cream, a women-led company based in Edmonton. The investment in clean energy practices is well worth it, according to Shyba. This marks the first commercial shop that Grengine has designed to run entirely off-grid using solar panels and a battery system.
- Bestie Ice Cream's off-grid operation, powered by solar panels and a battery energy storage system, is a testament to their dedication towards environmental-science and sustainable-living.
- The news of Bestie Ice Cream's solar-powered shipping container and Grengine's involvement in the project is making headlines in the home-and-garden and lifestyle sections of local environmental-science magazines.
- Kind Ice Cream, with its solar-powered shop and backup generator using propane, is striving for a climate-change friendly operation while making sure their ice cream is consistently fresh and cold during summer.
- The strategic partnership between Kind Ice Cream and local companies is a significant step in promoting technology that supports renewable energy sources and reducing the collective environmental footprint.
- The investment in clean energy solutions, as demonstrated by Bestie and Kind Ice Cream, is a noteworthy example for other businesses, highlighting the potential benefits of incorporating solar power into everyday lifestyle choices.
