Perpetual Energy Systems and Foster’s Wine Estates Activate Largest Solar
Energy Installation Hosted by a United States Winery
System Generates 3.85 Million KWh of Electricity Annually and Removes 2.0
Million Pounds of CO2 Emissions
Business Wire
NAPA, Calif. & HARRISON, N.Y. -- January 07, 2009
Perpetual Energy Systems (PES), comprehensive financier and developer of solar
powered renewable energy systems, and Foster’s Wine Estates Americas
(Foster’s), a subsidiary of Foster’s Group in Australia, today announces the
activation of four solar installations including the largest solar energy
system hosted by a United States winery.
Beringer Vineyards hosts a 1,341,200 W DC solar energy system, the largest
operational solar installation at a winery in the country. Additionally,
Beringer’s sister winery at Asti, home to brands Souverain and Cellar No. 8,
hosts the third largest system of its kind, producing 1,152,144 W DC. All four
active rooftop installations, including Etude and Stags’ Leap Winery, will
generate 3.85 million Kilowatt hours (KWh AC) of energy annually.
PES combined conventional financing, construction and permanent debt and
equity, with the federal energy tax credits program to fund the entire
installation without capital investment from Foster’s. As the financier, PES
retains ownership of the solar panels as well as the renewable energy
certificates and carbon credits determined by the system’s actual kilowatt
hour output.
“Partnering with Foster’s to host the largest solar energy project at a U.S.
winery is an honor for us,” says Laurance Friedman, co-chair of Perpetual
Energy Systems. “The importance of renewable energy is gaining momentum in the
corporate arena. Through this collaboration, Foster’s gains a reduction in
energy costs and elevates its role as a responsible corporate citizen.”
Foster’s will host the system for a 25-year term and will have access to
renewable energy at a reduced rate for each of the sites for the duration of
the relationship.
“This is a smart way for us to do the right thing for the environment,”
commented Scott Weiss, Managing Director of Foster’s Americas. “By hosting the
solar energy systems at our wineries, we’re helping to leverage the beautiful
climate that grows world-class wine grapes to also generate clean energy. This
is a great example of Sustainability at work - it’s good for the environment,
our community, and our business.”
The combined system occupies 400,000 square feet of total rooftop structures
and will eliminate 2.0 million pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per
year from the environment equating to:
* The removal of 183 passenger cars from the roads each year (per
www.pge.com).
* More than 150,000 trees needed to eliminate this amount of CO2 from the
environment per year (www.coloradotrees.org).
In conjunction with Perpetual Energy Systems, The Bright Group, Inc. and
Stellar Energy Solutions served as co-developers for planning and construction
of the project. The Bright Group, which specializes in integrated solar energy
generation and innovative roof applications, founded Foster's Wine Estates
solar initiative in March of 2007. The company conducted pre-development
engineering, system design including building allocation and roofing
specifications. Stellar Energy Solutions, a leading California-based solar
energy integrator, served as the project’s engineer, co-developer and general
contractor responsible for the day-to-day operations and oversight of all
sub-contractors during construction. The company will also will serve as the
leading partner overseeing continued maintenance and operations of the solar
project during its 25-year term.
For more information about the Foster’s Wine Estates Solar Energy Project or
to speak with a representative of Foster’s, Perpetual Energy Systems, The
Bright Group or Stellar Energy Solutions, please contact Don Canfield at
303-682-3942 or don@linnelltaylor.com. Photos of the solar installation are
available upon request.
About Perpetual Energy Systems
Perpetual Energy Systems is a comprehensive developer of solar powered
renewable energy systems, providing solar energy power to industrial,
commercial and municipal enterprises. Without the need for capital expenditure
outlays, recipients benefit from reduced utility costs, access to sustainable
energy sources and a significant reduction in carbon outputs through clean
energy technology. Perpetual Energy Systems combines renewable energy tax
credits with conventional financing to achieve the design, construction,
installation and operations of large-scale solar energy systems. For more
information, please contact Laurance Friedman at 914-777-2224 or visit them at
www.goperpetual.com.
About Foster’s Wine Estates
Foster’s Wine Estates has a proud history that dates back to the 1800's. The
winery group, owned by Foster’s Group in Australia, produces and markets an
international portfolio of highly respected brands from iconic estates like
Beringer Vineyards, Etude, Stags’ Leap Winery, and Chateau St. Jean in
California, Penfolds, Rosemount and Wolf Blass in Australia, Castello di
Gabbiano in Italy, and Matua Valley in New Zealand. Many of these estates were
founded by pioneers in their regions and continue to craft wines at the
forefront of quality, innovation and regional expression.
Our approach to sustainability at Foster’s recognizes the direct link between
the effective management of our environmental and social impacts and our
business success. On strong foundations, a passionate global team is building
a sustainable future for Foster’s, our people, our environment and our
communities. For more information, visit www.fostersgroup.com.
About The Bright Group
The Bright Group provides renewable energy development backed with more than
65 years of combined experience in project management and roofing expertise.
Headquartered in the beautiful Napa Valley, Bright Group's comprehensive list
of services includes integrated solar energy generation, innovative roof
applications, financing arrangements, project management and ongoing
maintenance. The experienced team at The Bright Group offers a proven track
record of recognizing idealistic opportunities for green energy and providing
corporations with a complete solar solution from start to finish. For more
information, visit www.brightgroup.us.
About Stellar Energy Solutions
Stellar Energy is a leading California-based solar energy integrator. With
comprehensive services including project financing, engineering and
installation management, Stellar leads corporate, non-profit, educational and
governmental clients toward a better energy future. For more information,
please contact Chris Phipps at chrisp@stellarenergy.com or visit the Stellar
website at www.stellarenergy.com.
Contact:
LinnellTaylor Marketing
Don Canfield, Vice President, 303-682-3942
don@linnelltaylor.com
or
Foster’s Wine Estates
Allison Simpson, 707-259-4560
Vice President, Corporate Communications
Allison.Simpson@am.fostersgroup.com
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