In 2018, we became the first concert venue in New England to fully power our operations with solar energy. This bold step reflected our commitment to sustainability and a brighter future for our community. Today, we’re proud to share how far our solar journey has come, already having saved more than 400,000 kg in CO2 emissions.
Leading the Way in Solar Innovation
Our journey into solar energy began with a simple yet ambitious idea: what if we could transform the way concert venues think about energy? Partnering with Revision Energy, we installed a state-of-the-art solar panel system that now provides 100% of our electricity needs. This makes Tupelo Music Hall a pioneer, setting the stage for other venues to follow suit.
“From the time we started construction, one goal of Tupelo Music Hall was to operate the business in a way that minimizes our carbon footprint as much as possible,” said Tupelo Music Hall owner Scott Hayward.
The installation, located right on our property, harnesses sunlight to power everything from our stage lights to sound systems. Not only did this project help us to slash utility costs, but it paved the way for other small businesses to see the mutual benefit of relying on renewable energy. By investing in clean energy, we’re proving that entertainment and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
The Numbers Behind the Music
Our solar array features 313 solar panels generating over 113,721 kWh of electricity annually. That’s enough clean energy to offset more than 120,000 pounds of CO2 emissions every year—the equivalent of driving 207,000 miles in a gas-powered car! Visitors can even track our live energy stats through our SolarEdge monitoring system, giving a transparent view of the impact we’re making daily.
During the day, our panels produce extra solar power, which we sell back to the grid. At night, when the sun isn’t out and the panels aren’t generating energy, we buy power back.
“The key is producing more energy than we consume throughout the year because the electricity we sell is at a lower rate than what we buy. Our goal has always been to reach net zero, and we’re getting very close,” Hayward explained.
So, exactly how far have we come in seven years?
- 593 MWh in lifetime energy
- 417,000+ kg saved in CO2 emissions
- Equivalent of 6,950 trees planted in carbon reductions
Why Solar Power Matters
For us, going solar is about more than reducing our carbon footprint. It’s about creating a sustainable future for our community while showing the music industry what’s possible. As climate change continues to impact our world, we believe it’s our responsibility to take action and inspire others to do the same.
“Being the first concert venue in New England to go solar has been an amazing journey, and I hope it inspires others to take the leap too. If we can run every show, every light, and every sound on clean energy, there’s no reason other venues or businesses can’t do the same. It’s proof that you can put on a great show and still do right by the planet,” shared Hayward.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to embrace renewable energy, we’re exploring even more ways to integrate sustainability into our operations.
“The use of biodegradable goods, only installing LED lighting, recycling what we can and purchasing the most energy-efficient appliances possible are a few ways we have done this,” shared Hayward.
Every concert at Tupelo Music Hall is powered by the sun—a fact that makes every performance a little more special. When you visit, you’re not just enjoying live music; you’re supporting a movement toward a greener future.
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