1.1 MW solar system supplies over 69 percent of power for cold storage facility
San Luis Obispo, CA – September 23, 2010 – REC Solar, a leading solar electric system provider in the U.S., has announced the completion of a 1.1 MW system for Castle Rock Vineyards, located in Delano, California. The premier grape grower’s ground-mounted system covers approximately 2 acres to become one of the largest installations for an agricultural facility to date in the nation, utilizing 5,400 Kyocera 210 Watt modules. Generating over 1.7 MWh each year, 69 percent of Castle Rock’s annual energy requirements will be offset by the new solar system.
The project was supported by a federal tax credit and California state rebate, with additional financing from Rabobank, a leading agribusiness financial services group. These incentives combined provide a total system payback of 4.5 years and allow Castle Rock to save over $233,000 annually on power bills.
“REC Solar and Rabobank provided us with a feasible option for making a solid long term business investment that’s consistent with our vision of growing high quality food using sustainable practices. The long term financial incentives and business benefits outweigh the initial cost of the system. This investment will help us maintain proper stewardship of the land,” said Castle Rock owner, Al Good.
Paralleling the financial benefits, the solar system will offset more than 63 million pounds of CO2 emissions – equivalent to removing 6,112 cars from the road – over the next 20 years. As an internationally competitive grower, Castle Rock Vineyards pursued this project to enhance their reputation as a leader in producing high quality food products at the best possible cost using sustainable practices for energy utilization, water consumption, and waste management, among others.
“We strive to be a trusted partner of the agricultural community, an industry that knows resource management and sustainable practices better than most. We’re particularly excited to see Castle Rock realize the benefits of solar in its growing, packing and cooling facility operations, and ultimately for its customers in retail markets worldwide,” said Kam Mofid, President of REC Solar.
About REC Solar, Inc.
REC Solar is an industry leading solar power provider specializing in grid-tied residential and commercial installations. With a local presence in all major solar markets in the USA and thousands of kilowatts installed, REC Solar is committed to lowering the cost of solar power through efficient processes, innovative products and outstanding customer service. REC Solar has more than a dozen offices in six states (California, Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Arizona and New Jersey). For additional information on REC Solar visit www.recsolar.com or call 1-888-OK-SOLAR (888-657-6527).
Contact
Christine Bennett, Antenna Group for REC Solar
415 977 1941
christine@antennagroup.com