Solar Tracking System Fact Sheet J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines is unveiling a 3-acre, solar photovoltaic (PV) tracking system adjacent to the J. Lohr Paso Robles Wine Center and winery in February 2009. The system was designed and installed by Conergy, who with a 1 gigawatt portfolio, is responsible for manufacturing, designing or installing 1 in 10 of the world’s solar photovoltaic systems. Unlike fixed tilt PV systems, J. Lohr’s installation features state-of-the-art tracking technology that follows the sun from east to west, optimizing the system’s energy production. Key Facts •
J. Lohr’s ground-mounted solar PV single-axis tracking system is comprised of 4,320 individual solar modules, producing 756 kilowatts total.
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This solar PV system, spread over 3 acres, is expected to yield 1,524,184 kilowatt hours in its first year of operation.
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J. Lohr expects the system to initially offset 75% of its winery’s energy needs with anticipated first-year utility savings of $216,000.
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Over 25 years, J. Lohr will reduce CO2 emissions by 29,887 tons.
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In practical terms, this beneficial impact on the environment is the equivalent of planting 512 acres of trees, (which sequester carbon from our air) or eliminating the air pollution from driving 97 million miles.
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J. Lohr’s 3-acre solar PV tracking system is the largest of any winery in North America.
With numerous warm, sunny days, Paso Robles isn’t just ideal for producing rich and flavorful Bordeaux and Rhône-style wines, it is also perfect for producing clean, renewable solar energy. By implementing this new solar array, J. Lohr underscores its sustainable approach to winegrowing and winemaking, which includes environmentallyconscious practices such as adding organic soil amendments, limiting use of chemicals, erosion control, water conservation, extensive pomace composting and materials recycling. J. Lohr is working to further reduce overall energy consumption by streamlining its energy needs and engaging new conservation measures. As a result, this solar array may ultimately meet all of J. Lohr’s Paso Robles energy needs.