Novato-based SolarCraft has announced that they completed design and installation of a 87 kW solar electric system for Ballentine Vineyards in St. Helena, CA. The project integrates both the winery building/tasting room and barrel storage on the property – now powered by the sun.
The new system enables Ballentine Vineyards to generate enough clean electricity each day to power 60 average homes. The new system will spare the air nearly 66 tons of harmful greenhouse gases annually. Over the next 30 years, the air pollution saved will be equivalent to driving over 4.5 million miles. The system will pay for itself in approximately 6 years.
The 6,944 square feet of high capacity solar panels generate roughly 87 kilowatts peak power, providing 100% of the vineyard's electricity needs on an annual basis for the winery's operations.
"Our main reason for installing a PV system is to eliminate our high electric bills. We are now utilizing clean energy to reduce our costs," said Van Ballentine, Owner of Ballentine Vineyards. "Solar energy makes good financial sense and the environmental benefits are an added bonus. The installation went very smoothly, and we are very pleased with the placement and aesthetics of the system. SolarCraft exceeded our expectations."
"We are very pleased to have been selected by Ballentine Vineyards to design and build their solar energy system," says Chris Bunas, VP Solar Electric Division for SolarCraft. "They join our growing family of wine industry clientele."
