Solar/Environmental
The EOS Estate Winery Converts Entirely to Solar Power
Innovative Solar Arrays Actively Track the Sun Increasing Energy Yield by up to 15%
FRANKLIN, Tenn. – August 26, 2008 – The EOS Estate Winery today announced plans to convert its facility entirely to solar power. The $3.8 million project, including the installation of more than two acres of ground mounted tracking solar arrays that will provide all of the electrical power needs for the winery and tasting room, will make EOS the largest winery in California’s Central Coast to run completely on alternative energy. Additional roof mounted solar arrays will provide all the hot water needs. The project is due to be completed by October.
“At EOS, we believe strongly in producing our wines in a way that is friendly to the land and the environment as a whole,” said Jeff Hopmayer, the new owner of The EOS Estate Winery. “Because of the abundant sunshine, California is the perfect place to harvest solar power and utilize it to create our award-winning wines.”
FRANKLIN, Tenn. – August 26, 2008 – The EOS Estate Winery today announced plans to convert its facility entirely to solar power. The $3.8 million project, including the installation of more than two acres of ground mounted tracking solar arrays that will provide all of the electrical power needs for the winery and tasting room, will make EOS the largest winery in California’s Central Coast to run completely on alternative energy. Additional roof mounted solar arrays will provide all the hot water needs. The project is due to be completed by October.
“At EOS, we believe strongly in producing our wines in a way that is friendly to the land and the environment as a whole,” said Jeff Hopmayer, the new owner of The EOS Estate Winery. “Because of the abundant sunshine, California is the perfect place to harvest solar power and utilize it to create our award-winning wines.”
Conergy, the leading supplier and installer of solar electric systems worldwide, installed the new system. The EOS system contains 3,084 photovoltaic modules totaling 540 kWp and 60 solar hot water collectors. The system can save the equivalent of 360 acres of planted trees and over 21,000 tons of CO2 saved over 25 years.
Conergy designed the system to use state-of-the-art single axis mounting system technology that actively tracks the sun’s path as it moves across the sky throughout the day, harvesting up to 15% more energy than fixed mounting structures. “Standard solar power systems harvest the sun’s power only at peak levels during the day” said Dan Herman, director of engineering at Conergy. “The system that we created for EOS will follow the sun all day avoiding any shading. This will allow EOS to operate on 100% solar power in the most efficient way possible.”
Hopmayer and his partners at Sapphire Wines LLC purchased The EOS Estate Winery in August. “From the first day, we knew that investing in a solar power system was one of our highest priorities,” said Hopmayer. “In Paso Robles, we are blessed with the perfect climate for growing grapes. By using solar energy, we are doing our part to protect our environment while continuing to produce the highest quality wine.”
EOS worked closely on this deal with the City of Paso Robles. “We are so pleased with The EOS Estate Winery’s leadership in the area of solar power,” said Frank Mecham, Mayor of Paso Robles. “Not only is this the first winery in the county to convert completely to solar power, it also is one of the largest projects like this in the state.”
California’s tax rebates are vital in encouraging businesses to convert to solar power. “With California’s tax rebates and available federal tax breaks, businesses like The EOS Estate Winery can recoup the initial investments more quickly,” said Mark Mosher, Acting Executive Director for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s California Commission for Jobs and Economic Growth. “We commend EOS Estate Winery for making an important investment in the future of our state.”
Additional Information:
Download a PDF version of this story"Eos Estate: Operating on 100% Solar Power" - Wine Country News
More information about Conergy
Conergy's work at Eos Estate
View "Wine 4 Trees" Video from Wine Region News