District Sun, a New York solar engineering and design firm in Hudson Valley, announced a large-scale solar installation among four Finger Lake wineries, the first significant project of its kind in the region. Dr. Konstantin Frank Wine Cellars, Eagle Crest Vineyards, Hunt Country Vineyards and Wagner Vineyard and Brewery joined together in the project implemented by District Sun.

 

The collaborative initiative will result in the removal of about 460 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year for the life of the systems, estimated at about 25 years, and represents the equivalent of nearly 200 acres of trees planted and about 35 million vehicle miles eliminated during that time period.

 

The first completed installation – a 109-kilowatt system at Hunt Country Vineyards – is already generating surplus energy to power Hunt's operation. The Dr. Konstantin Frank Wine Cellars' 51-kilowatt installation is complete and is also spinning the electrical meter backwards. More than 750 American-made solar panels sit next to the grape bins at Wagner Vineyards, and steel mounts are on their way to Eagle Crest Vineyards for its ground-based system, both expected to be fully operational in November.

 

Each winery in the consortium emphasizes its focus on sustainability, and was equally interested in putting together a plan that maximized the use of local and domestic resources. In addition to domestically manufactured photovoltaic solar panels and ancillary equipment supplied by District Sun, the project supports local construction firms and electrical contractors with an estimated 5,000 local man-hours utilized for the installations.

 

In addition to its expertise in the nuts-and-bolts of solar installation, District Sun provides clients with considerable informational resources upfront to allay concerns and mitigate risks. For instance, District Sun presented each individual winery with a detailed financial plan. For each 100-kilowatt system, for instance, a client could anticipate a $35,000 New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) grant, coupled with an estimated $85,000 federal tax credit.

 

The group worked closely with New York State's Green Bank to help secure low-cost, long-term financing for these installations, funding that was ultimately provided by Lyons National Bank (LNB), Tompkins Trust, Farm Credit and Five Star Bank – all Finger Lake financial institutions.

 

Although each winery has different energy needs, they share the same connection to the land and vision for the future as expressed by vintner John Wagner: "Our family has made our living for five generations by harvesting the sun's energy to ripen our grapes. It's entirely fitting that the sun will be pivotal for the sustainability of our farm into the future."

 

"We hope this project – and the rather stunning positive environmental statistics resulting from the four-winery installation – will inspire others in the Finger Lakes region to consider making similar commitments," says Mar Kelly, a commercial solar power expert and president of District Sun.