Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/543749
August 2015 WINES&VINES 75 WINE EAST WINE INDUSTRY NEWS B r a n c h p o r t , N . Y. — H u n t Country Vineyards, recipi- ent of the New York Geo- thermal Energy Organization's 2015 TOP JOB designation for a geothermal project that provides 100% of the winery's heating and cooling needs, is about to install a 109kW (kilowatt) solar PV (pho- tovoltaic) system. Fox Run Vine- yards began installation of a 75kW solar power array next to the win- ery's production facility in Penn Yan, N.Y., in May, and Lakewood Vineyards in Watkins Glen, N.Y., added a 47kW solar system two years ago. These are only a few of the state's wineries that have in- stalled—or are planning to add— solar power to their facilities. New York wineries are moti- vated to go green partly because it makes good business sense and because of the wine industry's widespread commitment to envi- ronmental sustainability. Scott Os- born, owner of Fox Run Vineyards, stated, "The installation of solar power is another step for Fox Run to become more sustainable. We are a family-owned company, and by reducing our carbon footprint we are creating a cleaner environ- ment for the next generation." The answer, however, is more complex in a number of ways. The 30% federal tax credit is still in effect, and other financing is avail- able, including several existing New York state programs such as the New York Green Bank, a divi- sion within the New York State Energy Research and Develop- ment Authority. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has shown inter- est in reforming New York's en- ergy industry and regulatory practices with his Reforming the Energy Vision initiative, which was launched by the New York state Public Service Commission. A significant factor is the pres- ence of Suzanne Hunt, president of HuntGreen LLC, who is serving as educator, facilitator and resi- dent expert on renewable energy. With the help of local installers and solar industry veteran Mar Kelly of District Sun, Hunt is edu- cating winery owners and other farm and business owners about solar power while also making a number of financing options avail- able to those businesses. Hunt believes it is not enough that the wine industry oppose hy- draulic fracturing and the storage of gas in salt caverns near Seneca Lake. The nationally recognized expert on bio-fuels and other en- ergy issues told Wines & Vines, "We also have to implement the solu- tions. Putting in large solar arrays is a concrete way to demonstrate that the wine industry will be part of the solution, and it's possible to do this now." —Linda Jones McKee Wine East Covering Eastern North America Programs and Expert Aid N.Y. Wineries Going Green New roof materials are installed at Hunt Country Vineyards to prepare for a solar array.