California Vineyard goes Solar

With soaring energy prices, some of California's traditional industries are looking to the heavens for power:

Cooper-Garrod Vineyards officially commissioned its solar power system at a recent ceremony timed for the first day of spring. Saratoga Mayor Kathleen King officiated, and was joined by over 100 local dignitaries, visitors, wine aficionados and equestrians.

Cooper-Garrod is a family owned and operated 28-acre estate vineyard and winery located above the village of Saratoga on un-irrigated hillsides in the eastern Santa Cruz Mountains. This is the second Santa Cruz Mountains winery to install an Akeena Solar system in a year.

The 17-kW system is used to run the tasting room, wine offices, stable offices and riding-arena lighting. The 96 rooftop solar modules will replace the equivalent 22,000 kWh of energy previously bought from PG&E each year.