(PRWEB) March 27, 2006 -- As of March 2006, V. Sattui Winery boasts the most prominent solar electric system in the Napa Valley, easily visible from Highway 29. The 34 kW solar electric system sits boldly on the winery’s red steel roof. “The system looks even better than I thought,” said Mr. Daryl Sattui, “I am very pleased with the final results of the installation done by Akeena Solar”. Consisting of 198 high efficiency solar modules, the system will significantly reduce the winery’s electric expenses over it’s 30-year lifespan and also reduce the harmful emissions that would have been produced through traditional utility energy sources.
“ Sustainability has become a vital focus for family-owned wineries in California, and we are proud to have partnered with the Sattui family on this latest solar winery projec... ”
Farsighted Winery
The solar electric installation couldn’t come at a better time for V. Sattui Winery. With commercial rates up to $0.16 per kWh, the solar electric system is an effective way to permanently lock in a low electric rate of $0.09 per kWh for 30 years. As a result, Mr. Sattui has managed to control one of the more expensive and typically unpredictable components of running a winery: electric rates.
“The V. Sattui Winery project is the most recent addition to our growing list of farsighted winery customers who are producing their own free electricity while at the same time protecting the environment. The list includes Mount Eden Vineyards, Cooper-Garrod Vineyards, Hagafan Cellars, Paloma Vineyards and Kent Rasmussen Winery," said Akeena President, Barry Cinnamon. "Sustainability has become a vital focus for family-owned wineries in California, and we are proud to have partnered with the Sattui family on this latest solar winery project," added Cinnamon.
Solar Electric System Benefits
Mr. Sattui has made a decision that not only saves his family-owned business money but also helps protect the environment in an aesthetically pleasing way. The system will generate approximately 46,250 kWh annually and provide energy savings of over $6,000 in the first year alone. They system will benefit the environment by avoiding release of 908,388 pounds of carbon dioxide and 838 pounds of nitrogen oxide during the 30-year life span of the system. Generous state rebates and federal tax credits helped pay for over half of the system cost. Currently, state rebates are $2800 per kilowatt, and are supplemented by a 30% federal tax credit and a five-year accelerated depreciation schedule are applied to all commercial systems.
About V. Sattui Winery
V. Sattui is a family-owned winery established in 1885 and located in St. Helena, the very heart of California’s famous Napa Valley. V. Sattui has won the prestigious Critics Challenge International Wine Competition “Winery of the Year” award as top winery in the Western United States in 2004 and 2005. The historic stone Winery has a large gourmet Cheese Shop and Deli surrounded by two and half acres of tree-shaded picnic grounds and is also a great location for weddings and special events. Their award-winning wines are sold exclusively at the Winery, by mail, or through their website,
www.vsattui.com. The next time you enjoy one of V. Sattui’s fine wines, toast to Mr. Sattui for his farsighted and environmentally friendly wine that helps keep Napa Valley clean and beautiful.
About Akeena Solar
Akeena Solar has grown to become the largest national residential and commercial solar electric system installer in the U.S. (based on 2004 data from the California Energy Commission). Akeena’s professional staff embodies decades of experience and provides customers with an unsurpassed combination of solar design expertise, financial analysis and quality installation. For more information, visit Akeena Solar’s website at
www.akeena.net. Akeena Solar employs four NABCEP Certified PV Installers.
Founded in 2001, Akeena Solar’s philosophy is simple: we believe that producing clean electricity directly from the sun is the right thing to do for our environment and economy.
Contacts:
Akeena Solar
www.akeena.net
Daryl Sattui, Owner
1111 White Lane
St. Helena, CA 94574
707-963-7774
www.vsattui.com
Photo available at:
http://www.akeena.net/commercial_systems/commercial_customers.html
Additional Photos Available Upon Request
