Brothers Drinks, the renowned cider maker behind popular brands such as Babycham, Compton Orchard Cider, Mallets Cider, and the festival-favourite Brothers Cider, has taken a significant step towards sustainability by harnessing the power of the sun. The company, based in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, has installed a 317kW solar panel system at its historic cider mill, which has been at the heart of cider production in the region for centuries.
The solar installation, consisting of 772 panels, will supply clean, renewable energy directly to the cider presses, reducing the company’s reliance on traditional energy sources. The system was supplied and installed by Bristol-based renewable energy specialist, Solarsense, a company that has also worked on solar projects at the iconic Worthy Farm, home of the Glastonbury Festival. The installation is expected to pay for itself within three years, marking a swift return on investment and a significant reduction in the company’s carbon footprint.
Brothers Drinks was founded by the Showering family, who have been producing cider in Somerset since 1658. The family first introduced their signature Brothers Cider at the Glastonbury Festival in 1995. The cider quickly gained popularity among festivalgoers, prompting the family to expand its availability to pubs, supermarkets, and online retailers across the UK.
The decision to install solar panels is part of the Showering family’s broader commitment to sustainability, which has become a core principle of their business. In addition to the new solar power system, the company has implemented measures to reduce water usage, pioneered innovative recycling methods—including recycling the backing from their labels—and adopted a zero-to-landfill policy. The Showering family also offsets its carbon emissions and supports local biodiversity through the management of 150 acres of orchard, located just five miles from the cider mill.
Matthew Showering, Director of Brothers Drinks, emphasised the importance of sustainability in the company’s operations: “Our family has been making cider in this area for more than 360 years, and our legacy drives us to put sustainability at the core of our business. We are doing everything we possibly can to improve our environmental performance. Installing solar panels has always been an important element of this, and we are delighted to see it becoming a reality this summer. As well as reducing our impact on the environment, producing our own energy will help us to stay competitive and continue to make great-tasting cider.”
Stephen Barrett, Managing Director of Solarsense, praised the Showering family’s commitment to sustainability, noting that the installation serves as a model for future solar projects: “They have maximised their roof space and included features that will help to future-proof the system and make it easy to maintain. It’s clear that they are serious about sustainability, and we are proud to be part of that story.”
Before the installation, Brothers Drinks undertook a comprehensive refurbishment of the cider mill’s roof to ensure its durability for the lifetime of the solar panels, which are expected to last over 20 years. The system incorporates advanced SolarEdge technology, which integrates with the site’s fire alarm system to automatically shut down the panels if the alarm is triggered. The panels are also equipped with permanent edge protection, simplifying maintenance and enhancing safety.
The entire installation process was documented in a time-lapse video, now available for viewing on Brothers Drinks’ website, offering a glimpse into the company’s journey towards a more sustainable future.