J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
J. Lohr owns 3,000 acres of California Vineyards including 2000 acres in the Paso Robles region where they have now added a state-of-the-art 756 kW single axis tracking solar PV system. 4,320 modules were installed on ground-mounted arrays which track the sun from east to west on a daily basis, significantly increasing energy output. A respected leader in the wine industry, the Lohr family wanted their wineries to become more sustainable as well as to set an example for the energy intensive wine industry and the public. .Solar energy is a perfect fit for the California wine industry. We.re innovators and entrepreneurs and we.re committed to the land. The success of our wines depends on our environmental stewardship,. says Steve Lohr, Senior VP of Planning and Development for J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines.
The system is the largest solar energy installation of its kind in the North American wine industry. It will offset most of the winery.s annual energy use with expected first year utility savings of $216,000 and will reduce CO2 emissions equivalent to planting 512 acres of trees or not driving 96 million miles. Owning their own solar electric system makes them more energy independent with more predictable energy costs for decades to come. .There is enough variability in our industry.from rainfall and seasonal weather through the wine-making process to consumer preferences. Our investment in our own energy production reduces our risk in forecasting energy costs. It adds just a little measure of control.
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines: Project Details
