Located in Mattoon, IL, The Castle Pub & Gaming Lounge is the second oldest bar in town providing the local area with drinks and entertainment since 1929. There’s an exciting new chapter ahead for the establishment as it’s expanding its entertainment repertoire to include a stage for bands and a new solar-powered canopy over an outdoor bar.
What will be a first for a central Illinois restaurant or pub, the Castle’s project will feature a 2,600 square feet solar canopy. The Castle’s owner Jon England hired local solar contractor Tick Tock Energy to conceptualize and bring this innovative solar project to reality. Tick Tock’s solution involved a 2,600 square foot solar shade structure using Lumos Solar’s SolarScape system. Lumos is known for manufacturing custom solar canopies, carports and other specialty solar structures. The solar panels will form a waterproof roof and offer superior aesthetics and generate power.
Customers will be able to relax and listen to bands, rain or shine. According to England, the 47.3 kW solar canopy “will produce enough electricity to take care of 90% of the business’ $1500 per month utility bill”. England was aware of the value of solar, having completed an off-grid project with Tick Tock Energy 9 years ago. Impressed by the company’s work on that project and the value realized, England reached out to Tick Tock Energy to investigate solar options for The Castle. England was aware that time was of the essence to take advantage of solar incentives: “I started looking at the value of the solar project and knew I had to act fast.”
In addition, England’s solar shade structure and bar expansion is well-timed because the city of Mattoon, in partnership with Rural King, has been developing the Emerald Acres Sports Connection, a $66 million multipurpose sports complex. When complete, it will include indoor and outdoor facilities for baseball, softball, basketball, and volleyball. The goal is to attract sports teams from Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis for competitive tournaments. The outdoor entertainment at The Castle Pub will provide local families, as well as out-of-town visitors, a place to unwind in the evenings. After a hot day in the sun watching sports, the solar canopy will offer a welcome way to relax.
England indicates the project will provide “seating for 60 people underneath the canopy, and the space can be utilized 7-8 months of the year, doubling the bar’s capacity when both indoor and outdoor bars are open.”
To accommodate the increased foot traffic, England has already purchased and removed an adjacent old, run-down motel, making room for additional parking spaces. The solar canopy and additional parking will help The Castle expand their philanthropic efforts, often hosting community benefits such as 1st Responders Day, where money is raised to be used during the holidays for “Shop with a Cop.” The business also anticipates expanding monthly experiences, such as Bike Night and Craft Cocktail Night, and continuing to be a central hub for the local pool league scene, proudly supporting a team that advanced to the 2025 national finals.
England is excited about the solar incentives that were also available via Illinois Shines and the federal investment tax credit. In lieu of a conventional canopy, England opted for the more innovative and visually appealing solar-powered canopy that will capture available solar incentives and drive down electricity costs. England commented “I’m excited about saving money on every monthly electric bill and attaining a payback on my investment” forecasted to be realized in 6 years and 4-months.
Tick Tock Energy also introduced England to a certified green energy appraiser that performed a supplemental appraisal analysis of the solar portion of the proposed canopy. This additional report evaluated the reduction in electricity use and cost savings. By lowering the electric bill with solar, the business will realize a lower net operating cost and improve value. Due to the specialized nature of solar canopies, comparable installations were not available. The green energy appraisal documented the value-add due to solar and was recognized by England’s lender. England indicates this was “required to help get necessary financing to move the project forward” and the property value was ultimately increased appropriately, overcoming a potential roadblock.
In addition to the solar canopy, Tick Tock Energy will also oversee upgrade to the Castle’s electrical service. Using subcontractor Pals Electric, the incoming electrical service and exterior electrical distribution will be improved.
Besides modernizing the setup, England indicates the electrical work will “really clean up the aesthetics” associated with old electrical service. This is one of many changes he’s done since purchasing the business, including new plumbing and water lines. He is pleased that Tick Tock Energy provides resources and solutions that go beyond just installing solar and assist with the overall needs of his business.
Proud to be an 11-time Top 500 solar installer in Illinois and the Midwest, Tick Tock Energy offers commercial & industrial, farm, and residential customers superior high-quality solar systems to lower electricity costs. Applying it’s motto of turning Sunshine into Cashflow!SM Tick Tock Energy’s mission is to educate, inspire, and motivate individuals and businesses to cut electricity costs and pursue greater energy independence. More information is available at www.ticktockenergy.com or by calling (217) 994-9020.
Want to learn more about the project specifications and see more detailed mockups? Check out our project highlight and stayed tuned for more information as the project wraps up in Fall 2025!
