Largest Rooftop Hybrid Solar System in US Unveiled

April 7th, 2012 by Zachary Shahan



The US’s largest rooftop solar cogeneration array (a hybrid solar photovoltaic and thermal array) has been unveiled in, of course, California. The solar cogeneration array is supposed to save the winery where it was installed $30,000 a year. Here’s more from sister site Green Building Elements:

First of several planned hybrid solar hot water and electricity systems for world-famous winery

Cogenra Solar, a provider of distributed solar cogeneration systems, today announced the nation’s largest rooftop solar cogeneration system to date at Kendall-Jackson’s Kittyhawk winery in Windsor, CA. Expanding on Kendall-Jackson’s existing energy and water conservation projects, the 96-module, 241kW hybrid solar photovoltaic and thermal array is expected to save approximately $30,000 in annual energy costs.

U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson and local business leaders convened today at Kendall-Jackson’s Wine Center to celebrate the company’s commitment to sustainability and unveil the solar cogeneration system, now supplying solar hot water and electricity to power the winery’s extensive tank and bottle washing operations.

“Our founder Jess Jackson was a trailblazer who made sustainability a core part of Kendall- Jackson’s DNA, largely through innovation,” said Kendall-Jackson’s vice president of sustainability Robert Boller. “We’re thrilled to take this leadership position with Cogenra by installing the largest rooftop solar electricity and hot water rooftop system to date and two upcoming installations at our other production sites. It’s a win for the environment and our bottom line.”

Cogenra partnered with local installer SunWater Solar to construct the array. The solar cogeneration system provides up to 60 percent of the building’s hot water needs, with the electricity powering lighting and cooling. In addition to this initial solar cogeneration project, Kendall-Jackson will install Cogenra arrays at its Vinwood estate in Sonoma County and an additional winery in Monterey County.

Gilad Almogy, CEO of Cogenra Solar, said, “Solar cogeneration is quickly becoming one of the industry’s most effective tools to maximize the impact of solar energy production to meet both electricity and hot water needs. We commend Kendall-Jackson for their sustainability leadership and look forward to deploying future projects.”

“This partnership between two great California companies is proof that business can boost the bottom line while helping the environment,” said U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson.

Source: Business Wire









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