By Greentech
Lead Team: Canadian Solar, HelioPower and Giumarra Vineyards announced the
completion of a 516 kilowatt (kW) dc commercial photovoltaic (PV) system in
Bakersfield, Calif.
“Giumarra
Vineyards has always been a proponent of sustainable and innovative practices
for viticulture and other fresh produce. This installation is a significant
milestone in our sustainability program and effort to reduce electricity
consumption throughout our growing and packing operations,” said Sal Giumarra,
president of Giumarra Vineyards.
Canadian
Solar’s PV modules and HelioPower’s integrated turnkey energy solutions enabled
Giumarra Vineyards to complete the initial phase of its clean energy
initiative. The installation will use 2,296 Canadian Solar 225P PV modules
which will power Giumarra Vineyard’s main production and cold storage facility.
“Giumarra
Vineyards is one of the largest and most innovative agricultural organizations
in the U.S., with a rich history dating back more than 80 years. We are proud
to be partnering with Giumarra Vineyards as it embraces the environmentally
friendly, clean power of solar energy,” said Alan King, general manager of
Canadian Solar USA.
Canadian
Solar said it expects Canadian Solar’s power-efficient, high-quality PV modules
will yield great financial savings for the vineyard.
HelioPower’s
predictive analytic and load profiling tools identified demand-side energy
reduction and distributed generation strategies to reduce Giumarra’s levelized
cost of energy. HelioPower provided design, engineering, construction, and
utility commissioning for the 516 kW ground mounted agricultural solar
installation. Successfully commissioned in September 2011, HelioPower delivered
the project on schedule and within budget.
“Giumarra
Vineyards is pioneering sustainable energy practices in Kern County,
demonstrating how growers and food processors in the San Joaquin Valley can
successfully implement financially attractive clean energy installations,”
said Mo Rousso, chief operating officer of HelioPower.