Founded in Maryville, Tennessee by East Tennessee native John Clark, Vienna Coffee Company has been roasting and serving specialty coffee for more than two decades. What began as a small local café has grown into a regional roastery and wholesale partner, all while remaining deeply rooted in the Maryville community.
Sustainability has always been a central part of Vienna Coffee Co.’s vision, from sourcing recyclable coffee bags to promoting the use of reusable cups. As roasting and café operations expanded, they wanted to reduce their environmental impact, invest in renewable energy, and align their infrastructure with their values. In 2023, John applied for a USDA Rural Energy for America Program grant to support this goal, and approval was received in September of the same year. “The sun grows the coffee, and is a crucial part of the coffee journey, so extending that concept to our own operations felt like a natural next step.” said John.
Clark reached out to our team and spoke with LightWave sales consultant, Andrew McFadyen to start the process through a detailed consultation. After a contract was signed, our team of NABCEP-certified engineers began working on a custom design that included 115 Boviet solar panels. Once the design was completed, parts were ordered and installation of the 51.3kW system began. Vienna Coffee Co. flipped the switch to their clean renewable solar energy system in the summer of 2025.
“Our experience with Lightwave Solar was excellent. Their team was professional, communicative, and thorough from planning through installation and follow up. We appreciated working with a Tennessee-based company with experience in solar and a clear understanding of how to tailor a system to our needs.” - John Clark
Solar power allows the Downtown Maryville Coffee House location and Roastery to operate on renewable energy while offsetting a significant portion of their electricity usage. It helps stabilize long term energy costs and strengthens the sustainability story Vienna Coffee Co. shares with customers, wholesale partners, and coffee producers. John said, “It is rewarding to know the coffee we roast and serve each day is supported by the sun.”
When asked what advice they would give others looking to go solar they said, “Start by identifying your goals and find a partner who takes time to guide you through the process. While the upfront investment can feel significant, the long-term savings and environmental impact make it worthwhile.”
If you’re in the downtown Maryville area, go visit Vienna Coffee Co to try their solar powered coffee. Whether stopping in for a latte, picking up beans for home, or touring the roastery, customers can enjoy great coffee knowing it is supported by renewable energy. Vienna’s motto is “Great Coffee is an Adventure,” and they are proud that sustainability continues to be a pillar in that adventure.
