Last month we brought you news of the Solar Lily Pads that are being proposed for Glasgow’s Clyde River. In a perfect example of serendipity, we’ve discovered that the Far Niente winery, located in the Napa Valley region, has implemented a similar idea. Compelled by the desire to shift towards renewable energy, this forward thinking winery has created their very own floating solar power system by installing photovoltaic panels on pontoons!
The system cost $4.5 million dollars, and consists of 1,000 solar panels which are located on a number of floating pontoons. The total system, which includes an additional 1,300 panels located in adjacent land, will generate around 400 kilowatts, more than what is required by the winery making it an energy plus endeavor!
An additional benefit to the floating installation is that pontoons and photovoltaics shade the previously uncovered irrigation pond. So now, not only are the solar panels generating renewable energy power, they are also helping to reduce the amount of lost water due to evaporation.
+ Far Niente Winery
+ Far Niente Winery: What Floats?
[...] be affected by the rocking of waves. If this is the case, do we install the panels at sea or on calmer lakes? And what impact would they have on the environment, considering there have been stories about [...]
looks like a project for the California Aqueduct. I’ve often wondered how much water is lost via evaporation, and what a great way to reduce evap and supply energy
[...] come from the building’s existing appliances. Electricity and water heating will come from solar panels to be installed on the [...]
[...] used on site: ventilated Trombe Walls, wool insulation, a mud roof, timber paneling and even solar panels on the roof. The materials are locally sourced, and the experience and design solutions are worked [...]