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Chick-fil-A Opens Third Solar Microgrid in Oceanside, California
March 19, 2025
Installation is one of many examples of how the brand attempts to show care for our planet
As energy demands soar, the power grid is facing unprecedented strain. With a goal of advancing sustainability across the Chick-fil-A system’s footprint, Chick-fil-A, Inc. and local Restaurants continue to research and test opportunities to reduce traditional energy consumption or explore renewable energy.
To reduce reliance on the local power grid in Oceanside, California, local Owner-Operator Adam Hoffman is piloting a solar-powered microgrid at Chick-fil-A Quarry Creek. It’s the third California Restaurant to test the innovative technology as part of a pilot Chick-fil-A, Inc. hopes to expand over the next five years.
“I’m really excited to see how the SolMicroGrid™ system performs because other Restaurants in our test have seen incredible energy benefits with it,” Adam says. “If it helps us reduce our energy demand, that will preserve our ability to do community promotions, which typically require more power throughout the day.”
Installation is one of many examples of how the brand attempts to show care for our planet
As energy demands soar, the power grid is facing unprecedented strain. With a goal of advancing sustainability across the Chick-fil-A system’s footprint, Chick-fil-A, Inc. and local Restaurants continue to research and test opportunities to reduce traditional energy consumption or explore renewable energy.
To reduce reliance on the local power grid in Oceanside, California, local Owner-Operator Adam Hoffman is piloting a solar-powered microgrid at Chick-fil-A Quarry Creek. It’s the third California Restaurant to test the innovative technology as part of a pilot Chick-fil-A, Inc. hopes to expand over the next five years.
“I’m really excited to see how the SolMicroGrid™ system performs because other Restaurants in our test have seen incredible energy benefits with it,” Adam says. “If it helps us reduce our energy demand, that will preserve our ability to do community promotions, which typically require more power throughout the day.”
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Efficiently Energizing Restaurants
Traditional energy costs usually increase as local demand escalates, but Restaurants with onsite solar microgrids shave costs by using locally generated solar energy when rates are highest. A combination of predictive analytics, harvested solar and on-site battery storage enable the intelligent system to automatically kick in when the municipal grid is over-taxed.
Peden Young, a principal program lead for the Chick-fil-A, Inc. Sustainability Team, projects the solar microgrid will cover about a third of the Restaurant’s energy needs. The two previous installations at Chick-fil-A March Lane in Stockton and Chick-fil-A Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa have resulted in 30-40% energy coverage.
“The solar array at Chick-fil-A Quarry Creek is a little smaller than the other two, but the batteries are larger, so we’ll get a little less electricity throughout the year, but we’ll see a greater reduction in our impact on the grid.” Peden says. Another unique element for the installation at this Restaurant is that the solar panels adorn an adjacent hillside instead of providing coverage over the parking lot and drive thru canopy.
Efficiently Energizing Restaurants
Traditional energy costs usually increase as local demand escalates, but Restaurants with onsite solar microgrids shave costs by using locally generated solar energy when rates are highest. A combination of predictive analytics, harvested solar and on-site battery storage enable the intelligent system to automatically kick in when the municipal grid is over-taxed.
Peden Young, a principal program lead for the Chick-fil-A, Inc. Sustainability Team, projects the solar microgrid will cover about a third of the Restaurant’s energy needs. The two previous installations at Chick-fil-A March Lane in Stockton and Chick-fil-A Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa have resulted in 30-40% energy coverage.
“The solar array at Chick-fil-A Quarry Creek is a little smaller than the other two, but the batteries are larger, so we’ll get a little less electricity throughout the year, but we’ll see a greater reduction in our impact on the grid.” Peden says. Another unique element for the installation at this Restaurant is that the solar panels adorn an adjacent hillside instead of providing coverage over the parking lot and drive thru canopy.
Growing the Grid’s Reach
Peden says that Chick-fil-A, Inc. continues to evaluate the results of the three-restaurant pilot. Initial research suggests that California and Hawaii are potential places for additional installations, but there are also areas in the Northeast that could be targeted.
“We already have a list of local Chick-fil-A Owner-Operators who want to utilize this technology in their Restaurants,” he says. “Our team hopes to move forward wherever there is a good value proposition.” One of the considerations they’re reviewing is whether to pursue installations at new Restaurants or concentrate on retrofitting existing locations.
Expanding the Impact
Peden says the onsite solar microgrid system is part of a much broader strategy to live out
Chick-fil-A's Corporate Purpose to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to them. The
Chick-fil-A sustainability team is looking at other options, like offsite community solar and potential investments in large-scale solar and wind projects, which could help reduce grid emissions. New packaging initiatives, composting partnerships and the Chick-fil-A Shared Table® surplus food donation program are other ways local Owner-Operators are contributing to a healthier planet.
“It feels great to shift to this new technology and celebrate it with local leaders,” says Adam. “I’ve been involved in this pilot from the very beginning and now our system will hopefully inspire others in our community to take more conservation measures in their own lives.”
To learn more about other ways Chick-fil-A is working to care for the planet, visit https://www.chick-fil-a.com/corporate-social-responsibility/planet.
Growing the Grid’s Reach
Peden says that Chick-fil-A, Inc. continues to evaluate the results of the three-restaurant pilot. Initial research suggests that California and Hawaii are potential places for additional installations, but there are also areas in the Northeast that could be targeted.
“We already have a list of local Chick-fil-A Owner-Operators who want to utilize this technology in their Restaurants,” he says. “Our team hopes to move forward wherever there is a good value proposition.” One of the considerations they’re reviewing is whether to pursue installations at new Restaurants or concentrate on retrofitting existing locations.
Expanding the Impact
Peden says the onsite solar microgrid system is part of a much broader strategy to live out
Chick-fil-A's Corporate Purpose to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to them. The
Chick-fil-A sustainability team is looking at other options, like offsite community solar and potential investments in large-scale solar and wind projects, which could help reduce grid emissions. New packaging initiatives, composting partnerships and the Chick-fil-A Shared Table® surplus food donation program are other ways local Owner-Operators are contributing to a healthier planet.
“It feels great to shift to this new technology and celebrate it with local leaders,” says Adam. “I’ve been involved in this pilot from the very beginning and now our system will hopefully inspire others in our community to take more conservation measures in their own lives.”
To learn more about other ways Chick-fil-A is working to care for the planet, visit https://www.chick-fil-a.com/corporate-social-responsibility/planet.
