Customer Spotlight: B&W Trailer Hitches
At Brightergy, we believe every project tells a story—one of innovation, sustainability, and partnership. Our recent collaboration with B&W Trailer Hitches in Humboldt, Kansas, perfectly embodies this mission. Together, we’re bringing the power of the sun to one of Kansas’s leading manufacturers, making a meaningful step toward a greener, more cost-efficient future.
The Vision: Reducing Costs, Increasing Sustainability
B&W Trailer Hitches, known for its industry-leading towing products, wanted to explore energy solutions that could lower operational costs while also embracing sustainability. Inspired by other regional renewable energy projects, their leadership team set their sights on solar power as a strategic long-term investment.
However, the company faced a unique challenge: limited land space for a large-scale solar project. That’s where the idea of a massive rooftop solar system took shape.
The Brightergy Solution
After a competitive selection process, B&W chose Brightergy as its partner to bring this vision to life. Our team designed and is now overseeing the construction of Kansas’s largest roof-mounted solar energy system—a project with:
12,000 solar panels covering nearly 600,000 square feet of rooftop space
7.5 megawatts of clean energy capacity
The potential to offset over 80% of B&W’s electricity consumption
This $13.5 million investment isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about business sense. Federal grants and rebates will help deliver a return on investment in approximately 3½ years, making solar a financially sound choice for B&W Trailer Hitches.
The project also reflects a shared commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship, positioning B&W as a leader in sustainable manufacturing.
ENERGIZE. OPTIMIZE. GROW.
It’s a great example of strategic sustainability—maximizing existing infrastructure (the rooftop), leveraging financial incentives, and significantly reducing operational energy costs.
“We agreed we had a real opportunity to reduce our costs, and to become more energy independent with a decision like this,” B&W production manager Matt
Aikins said. “It’s a very big project, and we’re proud about it.”
“Brightergy has been a great partner to work with,” Aikins said. “And any time you get an opportunity to control your destiny, B&W has a record of making that decision pretty quickly.” (As featured in The Iola Register)
We are proud to partner with B&W Trailer Hitches on this groundbreaking initiative. Together, we’re proving that solar energy can power not just facilities—but entire industries—toward a brighter, more sustainable future.
