Commercial, Distributed Energy Resources, GHG Emissions, Utilities, Commercial, Distributed Generation, Solar  -  August 15, 2017

California winery nears carbon neutral operation

^{Photo of the rooftop solar installation at Black Stallion Estate Winery in Napa Valley, Calif., courtesy of Sunworks Inc.}

Becoming the latest Napa Valley winery to embrace solar power, Delicato Family Vineyards on Aug. 14 announced the completion of a rooftop PV system at Black Stallion Estate Winery. 

The 347.93 kW PV system includes more than 1,000 panels, and is expected to create six-figure annual savings in utility expenses for the winery, according to a news release. A result of the 'time of use' energy at the winery and its close work with its utility, Pacific Gas & Electric Co., the rooftop solar installation will result in a 98% energy cost offset and an 84% energy consumption offset, putting Black Stallion Estate near carbon neutral operation. 

Clean energy continues to be an important part of business strategies, with top U.S. corporations investing in an estimated 1 GWof onsite solar installations, which equals a reduction of approximately 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, according to a statement from the project's installer, Sunworks. 

"As a family-owned agricultural business, our commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship has always been a cornerstone of our company and the companies we work with," Delicato Family Vineyards President and CEO Chris Indelicato said in a statement. "This solar program supports our dedication to sustainability and saves the company resources, which ultimately benefits our consumers."

All of Delicato's wineries and facilities are certified by the Wine Institute's Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing program, and implement other environmentally friendly efforts such as water conservation; soil restoration; rootstock selection; erosion control; responsible packaging and recycling.

A growing number of wineries in California are finding ways to adapt to the changing climate. A recent feature in The New York Times, explains how Jackson Family Wines and others are adapting their business models to account for a drier climate and assessing how they can offset their own carbon emissions.

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