Sun tea, now sun wine

St. Helena, CA (March 27, 2006)

V. Sattui Winery, long a traditional high point for casual sojourners and eager young couples in search of a romantic afternoon get away, has a new feather in its cap today, a shiny new solar electric system. V. Sutti Winery estimates that with commercial electric rates now hovering at $0.16 per kWh, their new solar electric system is a way to enjoy lower rates of $0.09 per kWh by taking advantage of the plentiful California sun which, after all, is the reason they located in Napa in the first place, sun and lots of it.

V. Sattui Winery in Napa Valley, is easily visible from Highway 29, the new 34 kW solar electric system sits solidly on the winery's red steel roof. Consisting of 198 high efficiency solar modules, the system will significantly reduce the winery's electric expenses over the next 30 years, the expected lifespan of the panels, and, as a bonus, help reduce harmful carbon fixing emissions, the result of traditional utility energy production.

Moral of the story, the next time your driving along Highway 29 in Napa Valley and you spy a red roof with an particularly sunny glint, stop a moment for a glass of "sun" wine and a deep breath of fresh air,

by Harlan Weikle
Greener Magazine