Press Release
Skipstone Converts to 100% Solar Power
Leading Sustainable Alexander Valley Wine Estate Completes Milestone for LEED Platinum Certification
by Skipstone
GEYSERVILLE, Calif., (Oct. 15, 2024) -- Skipstone, a leading sustainable Alexander Valley winery focusing on Bordeaux varieties, today announced that it has switched to 100% solar energy, working with SolarCraft, a trusted leader in solar energy in Sonoma, Napa, and Marin counties. Skipstone has long been committed to sustainability in its farming, and the vineyard was CCOF-certified organic in 2008 and certified sustainable in 2018. The move to solar power is another key step in the winery's commitment to being a leader in sustainability in their region. Utilizing 100% solar energy is a critical milestone in Skipstone's pursuit of a LEED Platinum certification for their new winery, slated for completion in Summer 2025.
SolarCraft has installed a 225.4 kW solar power system at Skipstone, which features 464 high-efficiency panels arranged in an expansive ground-mounted setup. Designed to produce 318,052 kWh of clean energy each year, this system will power the winery with 100% clean, solar power – replacing expensive, fossil-fuel based utility energy. The newly installed solar panels are expected to offset 222 metric tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) annually. This is equivalent to removing over 570,000 miles driven by an average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle, saving 514 barrels of oil or the carbon sequestered by 259 acres of trees in one year.
Skipstone secured financing through the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP), which enables property owners to invest in energy-efficient upgrades and renewable energy systems through low-interest loans. The loans are repaid via property tax assessments.
Brian Ball, general manager of Skipstone stated, "This project marks a significant milestone in Skipstone's dedication to sustainability and is a key component of our goal of having our new winery LEED Platinum certified. We chose to work with the SCEIP program to finance the solar installation to keep funds invested locally within Sonoma County, and we were honored to partner with SolarCraft on this new initiative."