Sustainability Becomes A Reality

Sustainability has been elusive but is finally becoming a reality for Annieglass. Early in 2000 and 2012, Annieglass explored solar installations but the costs were too high for the company. In 2023, Annieglass, a Watsonville-based woman and family-owned glassware business received a Department of Energy grant as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. It provided significant funding through the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. Small manufacturers were chosen in the first round of funding with an emphasis on women and minority-owned businesses. Annieglass received a grant for converting its Watsonville glass production studio to solar. 249 panels will be installed on the roof to power 30 electric ovens that are used to make Annieglass. The company can produce as many as 60,000 pieces annually. Best known for durable glass dinnerware, home decor, and sculpture, 2 pieces of Annieglass have been part of the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Museum since 2006.

The journey took some effort. Annieglass worked with the  ICA (Industrial Assessment Centers). who were created to find and assist applicants in the application process. Due to the large demand of electricity to melt glass, Annieglass was assessed by the Engineering Department of San Jose State University. Their assessment was used in the application and notice was given at the end of October 2023 that Annieglass won a matching grant to convert electricity to solar.  The Department of Energy reimburses up to $160,000 and the company matches that amount. The total DOE grant was $320,000.

Sandbar Solar of Santa Cruz designed and installed the solar roof system for the factory located at 310 Harvest Drive in Watsonville. Solar Plus of Kauai gave technical assistance. Santa Cruz County Bank coordinated financing. Finally, much gratitude to the staff for their assistance and patience. THANK YOU TO ALL!

What Does This Mean?

  • Annieglass will be preventing 162 tons of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.
  • The 252 solar panels will generate 210,000 KWhrs which could power a neighborhood of 29 homes.
  • Annieglass will use their sustainability logo, knowing that it is not just a phrase of good intentions but a reality.
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