Recently we discussed the development of solar islands floating off shore in the Middle East. Well now, closer to home in the Napa Valley, Far Niente Winery has put to use a similar idea which Thompson Technology Industries (TTI), developers of the project, dubs “Floatovoltaics.”

This Floatovoltaic installation consists of 1,000 solar panels mounted on pontoons floating on the winery’s irrigation pond. The idea stemmed from a dedication to solar and renewable energy and the conservation of existing land for agriculture. Far Niente wanted a solar array that would provide enough energy to support the entire vineyard without stealing too much land from their lucrative cash crop.

Even with another 1,300 panels installed on nearby land, the floating array saved over 3/4 of an acre of valuable land for grape cultivation. The array, installed by SPG Solar using Sharp solar panels, produces 400 kW at peak output–more than enough to power the winery, making it a zero energy facility.

The solar system, with a price tag of 4.5 million dollars, is part of a fast-growing movement by Napa Valley wineries toward solar power. Far Niente, and sister winery Nickel & Nickel, “recognize that our environment is facing significant challenges,” says CEO Larry Maguire, “we have an obligation to do our part and take sustainable measures where possible.” That being said, the winery also uses organic farming, biodiesel farm vehicles, recycling, and hybrid company vehicles to realize their goal of sustainability.

To top everything off, the creative, Floatovoltaic system not only serves to power the winery and vineyard operations but also, like icing on a cake, provides shading to the irrigation pond itself, protecting the valuable water from evaporation.

Links:

Far Niente Goes Green With “Floatovoltaic” Solar Array
Sharp Provides Photovoltaic Panels for Winery’s “Floatovoltaic” Solar Array
FLOATOVOLTAICS! Far Niente Winery’s Floating Solar Power

Posted on June 24th in Solar News by Dan.