May 2, 2008

Novato, CA, USA: iPower Completes PV System for Flora Springs Winery

The 74kW Flora Springs project

Integrated Power Corporation (iPower) has expanded into the wine industry with its completion of a custom-designed solar project for Flora Springs Winery in St. Helena, California.

The system provides 100,000kWh of power annually, covering all the energy needs of the winery's red wine production and in the process helping fulfill Flora Springs' mission of being a good steward of the land.

The 74kW Flora Springs project involved 435 solar panels on the hillside behind its historic stone winery. It was clear during site evaluation that there was limited area for a PV system - one location was available near the vines but there were shade issues. The solution: approximately 6,500 square feet of panels are mounted on a custom-designed elevated photovoltaic structure that doubles as the storage and shade area for the winery.

"With this investment in solar energy, Flora Springs is proving that sound financial and economic decisions can be coupled with continued responsible/sustainable business practices," said iPower President Eric Pollock. "We are proud to have worked with a winery that takes such pride in making great wines and taking initiative on new green projects… even when there are special challenges."

As Flora Springs President and Co-Founder John Komes attests, sustainable and organic farming have long been a part of the Komes and Garvey families' mission to create a legacy of fine winemaking and stewardship of the land for future generations to savor and uphold.

"Upgrading our practices at the winery with the solar energy is the next step in ensuring our winery is a viable business that resides harmoniously with the land and community where it exists. We hope that other wineries will catch on and also work toward a brighter, cleaner future," says Flora Springs Winery & Vineyards President John Komes.

Further details: iPower