Raise a glass for Akeena Solar…the company just helped Silver Mountain vineyards, an organic vineyard in Santa Cruz, California, convert to 100% solar energy using its Andalay solar panel system. The 264 panels are installed on a 6,000 square foot roof to create a 48-KW system, enough to supply all of the winery’s energy needs. The roof is multi-functional-in addition to producing energy, it also provides shade for the winery to reduce the amount of energy required for refrigeration and collects rainwater to reduce water use.

In a company press release, leaders from both Akeena Solar and Silver Mountain vineyards commented on the installation:

“With nearly a decade of successful solar installations within the wine industry, we were able to provide real world expertise to meet the unique needs of Silver Mountain Vineyards,” said Chuck Chagrin, Akeena Solar vice president for commercial sales. “With our sleek and high performing Andalay system, we were able to achieve Silver Mountain’s goal of being entirely solar-powered while preserving the expansive views across the mountains that its visitors enjoy.”

“Silver Mountain was built with a fundamental concern for the environment and has always been a proponent of sustainable and organic practices for viticulture and other food sources,” said Jerold O’Brien, owner of Silver Mountain Vineyards. “Using solar electricity is a natural extension of our sustainable value and the cost savings make sound business sense. Akeena’s experience in providing solar to the wine industry made the company a natural choice to help us convert to 100 percent clean, renewable electricity.”

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