NOVATO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Novato-based SolarCraft announced the completion a 72 kW solar electric system at Sterling Vineyards in the Napa Valley. Sterling’s famed aerial tram is now powered by the sun. Each year the celebrated tram carries more than 200,000 visitors to the Sterling Vineyards winery perched 300 feet above the town of Calistoga.
\"Sterling has long had a commitment to sustainable farming practices and a concern for preserving our unique Napa environment,\" said Michael Westrick, Vice President of Winemaking for Sterling Vineyards. \"The conversion of the memorable Sterling Tram to clean, renewable solar power just makes environmental and economic sense. This is another step in our overall commitment to increase our conservation efforts.\"
The 72 kW solar electric system at Sterling is comprised of two separate solar energy systems.
One system will power Sterling’s aerial tram. This system is 55.5 kW, consisting of 264 SunPower PowerGuard 210 watt insulated solar roof tiles installed on the roof of the Reserve Winery located at the bottom of the hill. SunPower PowerGuard solar roof tiles provide reliable, clean electricity while insulating and protecting the roof. The added insulation saves up to 30% more energy by reducing the building’s heating and cooling load.
The second system is ground mounted and will provide power to the winery’s water treatment facility. It will generate 16.5 kW of power and consists of 72 SunPower high efficiency 230 watt panels.
The new system will enable Sterling Vineyards to generate enough clean electricity each day to power 36 average homes. The new system will spare the air nearly 64 tons of harmful greenhouse gases annually. Over the next 30 years, the air pollution saved will be equivalent to driving over 4.3 million miles. The system will pay for itself in approximately 6 years.
Friday, May 01, 2009
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