Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Completes Solar Project

NOVATO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Novato-based SolarCraft announced today the completion of design & installation of a 124 kW solar electric system for Jacuzzi Family Vineyards in Sonoma, CA.

The 124 kW solar electric system at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards in compromised of two separate solar energy systems. Each system uses 374 Mitsubishi Electric 165 watt panels and one Satcon 50 kW inverter, for a total system use of 748 solar panels and 2 inverters.

“Our commitment to sustainable business practices is extremely important to us and it’s a great feeling to know that our winery is being powered by solar energy. Overall, I am impressed with how painless the process was from start to finish." Fred Cline, Jacuzzi Family Vineyard

The system is 124 kW DC power and is CEC rated at 103 kW AC power. The solar electric system will produce an estimated 185,130 kWh annually, not including any additional production from the tracking array which could potentially add an additional 37,026 kWh annually, for a total of 222,156 kWh.

The new solar energy system generates enough clean electricity each day to power 82 average homes. The new system will spare the air nearly 91 tons of harmful greenhouse gases annually, or 2,726 tons over the life of the system. Over the next 30 years, the air pollution saved will be equivalent to driving over 6.3 million miles.

One solar energy system provides nearly 100% of the electricity for the Water Well and Fire Pumps. This 61.7 kW system is comprised of two different mounting systems that hold the solar panels in a fixed position facing directly south. Single pole mount & ground-mount structures were used due to limited ground space.

The remaining 61.7 kW portion is mounted on a Single Axis Tracking system, allowing the solar panels to follow the sun throughout the day, providing 15-20% more energy production. A solar energy panel produces the greatest amount of electricity when it is perpendicular to the sun -- as opposed to an angle.

The system is currently the largest test case known for comparison between tracking and fixed arrays with identical equipment on the same site. SolarCraft will be monitoring the system very closely with a remote monitoring system and using the data to determine the exact benefits versus cost of tracking systems.

Solar Energy System planned for Glen Ellen Winery

The new system will consist of 174 Mitsubishi 170 watt solar panels. These environmentally sound panels contain no lead, creating 100% clean energy production.

Wellington's new solar system will generate enough clean electricity each day to power 8.5 average homes. The new system will spare the air nearly 52 tons of harmful greenhouse gases annually. Over the next 30 years, the air pollution saved will be equivalent to driving over 3.5 million miles. The system will pay for itself in approximately 6 years.

A certified Sonoma County Green Business, utilizing green energy is Wellington's primary motivation for installing the PV system. A long-time environmentalist, owner Peter Wellington says "It's the right thing to do. Solar energy is good for the environment and the reduction of greenhouse gases is good for the community. With the financial incentives, it's a no-brainer." He said Wellington chose SolarCraft based on their reputation and long track record in the industry.

About Wellington Vineyards

Wellington Vineyards is a family winery owned by the father and son team, John and Peter Wellington. They practice sustainable agriculture, using a blend of organic and traditional farming practices that promote healthy vines and a healthy environment. 50% of their wine is sold through the tasting room; availability elsewhere is and will continue to be extremely limited.


SolarCraft is the most experienced solar energy contractor and retailer in California. For more than 22 years the certified "Green Business" has been providing Solar Thermal and Solar Electric services including consulting, design, sales, installation and maintenance. SolarCraft has installed more than 4,000 solar energy systems in California that account for over a million square feet of solar energy collectors, saving customers $6.5 million and eliminate more than 24,000 tons of greenhouse gasses every year.