Aerial photo of Truro Vineyards that features solar arrays on top of the South Hollow Spirits warehouse. (ReVision Energy)

Billy Ludt

Truro Vineyards, a family-owned winery on Cape Cod, partnered with Sunbug Solar, which is now a part of ReVision Energy, to install more than 160 panels on the vineyard’s 4,000-square-foot distillery warehouse. The vineyard, in addition to producing wine, also includes a distillery for spirit liquors. The solar arrays help South Hollow Spirits, the vineyard’s distillery, maintain an optimal storage temperature of 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit for rum, gin, whiskey, and amaro throughout the year. The system is anticipated to offset more than the full load of the warehouse, with excess production credited to other buildings on-site including the production floor, offices, and retail shop.

The warehouse plays a key role in the company’s success. It’s crucial that the liquor, stored in barrels for up to eight years, be kept in a cool and moist environment without significant fluctuations in temperature or humidity. Given the complexity of the spirit-making process, the company wanted to work with a trusted partner who could understand and accommodate their needs, said Truro Vineyards Owner David Roberts Jr.

“Here on the Cape, we create premium wines and spirits amid pristine beaches. We recognize how truly unique and incredible that is,” Roberts said. “Investing in solar energy reflects our commitment to responsible land stewardship and our hope for the future—to continue making wines and spirits for as long as possible. We’re proud to partner with ReVision Energy, a local B Corp certified solar installer that shares our dedication to our community and environment.”

The new solar array will generate over 61,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, offsetting more than 59,841 pounds of carbon emissions each year. This amount of clean energy production is equivalent to the energy generated by burning more than 14 tons of coal.

“Truro Vineyards embodies the best that the Cape has to offer – great wines, a history that dates back to the early 1800s, live music and weekly events that gather the community, and family owners that understand the value of preserving the environment for future generations,” said Janice DiPietro, Chief Customer Officer of ReVision Energy. “Truro Vineyards has been an incredible partner, and we are thankful and proud to have worked with them.”

Billy Ludt is senior editor of Solar Power World and currently covers topics on mounting, installation and business issues.