May 25 2010
Bethel Heights Vineyard will be constructing a solar electric system having 60 kW capacity on its vineyard located in Salem, Oregon. This installation will help the vineyard realize its sustainability goals and in the process stabilize and reduce its energy expenses.
Over the years, Bethel Heights Vineyard has offered ‘Certified Sustainable’ wines by Salmon Safe and the Low Input Viticulture and Enology program (“LIVE”). This solar installation will assist Bethel Heights Vineyard comply with the requirements for Oregon Certified Sustainable Wine.
The solar installation in Salem, Oregon will be carried out by Solar Nation, Inc. and will comprise 260 230 W solar modules of SolarWorld manufactured in Hillsboro, Oregon. The system will provide around 40% of the overall electricity requirements for vineyard operation and the entire winery. NW Farm Credit is likely to offer the financing for this system.
Over its 25-year life, the solar system is likely to prevent 1,189 tons of carbon dioxide from entering into the earth’s atmosphere, which equals the annual carbon dioxide offset of more than 47,563 trees or covering a distance of more than 1,514,757 miles in an automobile.
Source: http://www.bethelheights.com/