Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ: CSIQ), HelioPower and Giumarra Vineyards Corporation today announced the successful completion of a 516 kilowatt (kW) dc commercial photovoltaic (PV) system in Bakersfield, Calif.
"Giumarra Vineyards has always been a proponent of sustainable and innovative practices for viticulture and other fresh produce. This installation is a significant milestone in our sustainability program and effort to reduce electricity consumption throughout our growing and packing operations," said Sal Giumarra, president of Giumarra Vineyards Corporation. "Canadian Solar and HelioPower's solar installation expertise was instrumental in our ability to further develop distributed clean energy sources to offset costs and carbon emissions."
Canadian Solar's high-performing PV modules and HelioPower's integrated turnkey energy solutions enabled Giumarra Vineyards to complete the initial phase of its clean energy initiative. The installation will use 2,296 Canadian Solar 225P PV modules which will power Giumarra Vineyard's main production and cold storage facility.
"Giumarra Vineyards is one of the largest and most innovative agricultural organizations in the U.S., with a rich history dating back more than 80 years. We are proud to be partnering with Giumarra Vineyards as it embraces the environmentally friendly, clean power of solar energy," said Alan King, general manager of Canadian Solar USA. "We expect Canadian Solar's power-efficient, high-quality PV modules will yield great financial savings for the vineyard. We applaud management's commitment to renewable energy and sustainable business practices."
HelioPower's predictive analytic and load profiling tools identified demand-side energy reduction and distributed generation strategies to reduce Giumarra's levelized cost of energy. HelioPower provided design, engineering, construction, and utility commissioning for the 516 kW ground mounted agricultural solar installation. Successfully commissioned in September 2011, HelioPower delivered the project on schedule and within budget.
"Giumarra Vineyards is pioneering sustainable energy practices in Kern County, demonstrating how growers and food processors in the San Joaquin Valley can successfully implement financially attractive clean energy installations," said Mo Rousso, chief operating officer of HelioPower. "With the help of Canadian Solar's strong support and its extensive knowledge, our team was able to leverage all available incentives to deliver a financially viable project, reducing Giumarra's energy costs and supporting their sustainability strategy."