Winery invests $348K for solar

PENN YAN--Fox Run Vineyards has begun the installation of a 576 panel, 150 kilowatt system, which is one of the largest solar energy projects to date in Ontario and Yates Counties. According to the vineyard, this project will also be the largest solar power array at a New York winery. The energy will be used to produce Fox Run's wine as well as power the facility's café, tasting room and administrative offices, generating 100 percent of the power used at the 100-acre property. Half of the panels will be installed next to Fox Run's production facility, while the other half will be installed at the Geneva Solar Farm on Carter Road.
"The installation of solar power is another step for Fox Run to become more sustainable," Fox Run Owner Scott Osborn said. "We are a family owned company and by reducing our carbon footprint, we are creating a cleaner environment for the next generation. This is just one avenue where we continue to look at new innovations that will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels."
QwikSolar Power Systems is a Geneva-based company handling the installation of the system. QwikSolar Managing Partner Ryan Wallace said the total project cost is $348,000. Construction began May 26 and takes about five weeks to complete. When finished, the array will produce enough energy to power 23 homes, 1,500 light bulbs and produce 15,000 cases of wine in a year.
Lyons National Bank (LNB) is providing the loans necessary to fund the project. Osborn said the payments on the project will be lower than what his utility bills are, which can be about $30,000 per year for electric. He added the crews finished installing the solar panels Thursday, June 4, and are waiting on the New York State Electric and Gas Corporation (NYSEG) to come and install a transformer that hooks up to the grid.
"LNB is proud to partner with Fox Run Vineyards on this green energy initiative," said Ryan Hallings, vice president, commercial and agricultural loan officer. "As a local bank we are pleased to provide funding for this innovative investment in our community."
Fox Run is participating in The New York Sun Initiative and is receiving a grant for a portion of the project as part of an effort to promote a more stable and cleaner electrical grid.
"My philosophy here ever since I bought the winery has been to make sure when I leave this planet, this land is in better shape than when I bought it," Osborn said. "I carry that on to the environment. This solar array is going to help us return the environment to a better place and will help us be sustainable on our property."