SPG Solar, Western Wine Services Unveil Record-Setting 827 kW Solar Energy System
San Rafael, CA - SPG Solar, Inc. announced recently the completion of Phase III of the 827 kilowatt (kW) DC photovoltaic (solar energy) system for Western Wine Services in Napa Valley, California. SPG designed and installed the photovoltaic (PV) system, the largest commercial solar installation of its kind in Napa to date, over a three-year period. Western Wine provides barrel-aging, storage and transportation services for premium Napa winemakers in American Canyon, at the southern end of the Napa Valley.
"We immediately recognized the financial and ecological rewards of clean renewable solar energy. Having completed the largest system ever in the Napa Valley, we are delighted to increase our commitment to the environment," said Tony Politeo Vice President, Western Wine Services.
"Clearly the leadership at Western Wine has embraced the sprit of sustainability and has captured the vision to reduce global warming through renewable clean solar energy," said President and CEO of SPG Solar, Dan Thompson.
Western Wine produces enough energy to power 283 California homes each year. The 827 kW solar PV system prevents 1,655,672 lbs. of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the atmosphere annually by a natural gas power plant. It takes 626 acres of pine forest to absorb this much CO2 from the atmosphere each year. This is equivalent to removing 163 passenger cars from the road or offsetting 1,747 barrels of oil.
Net Metering Provides Green Energy for Napa
To properly store its clients' wines, Western Wine Services utilizes mechanical air conditioning and night air exchange to cool its facilities. The PV system produces more energy than Western Wine consumes for a good portion of the year. Excess energy flows back up the utility line through a bi-directional electric meter for credit with PG&E, the local electric utility. Napa Valley homes and businesses adjacent to the warehouses utilize the excess solar, benefiting from the green energy produced by Western Wine.
SOURCE: SPG Solar, Inc.