Heart Hill Vineyard campus goes to net-zero energy, expects to save approximately $2M over 20 years

Paso Robles, Calif.—October 13, 2015—REC Solar, a national provider of commercial solar and energy solutions, today announced the interconnection of two solar energy arrays totaling 388 kW at Niner Wine Estates in Paso Robles, Calif. Together, the systems will provide enough clean energy to power 100 percent of Niners 46-acre Heart Hill Vineyard, including the tasting room, restaurant and winery operations. Niner will save approximately $2 million over a 20-year period.

Niner Wine Estates, located in the heart of Californias Central Coast wine region, is committed to integrating sustainability into every aspect of their operations. Accordingly, Niner sought to offset 100 percent of their electricity consumption with solar. To meet Niners ambitious net-zero goal, REC Solar analyzed Niners energy profile to size the roof and ground mounted systems accordingly.

"Sustainability has been important to our business since we started, and solar has been a missing piece for us," said Andy Niner, president of Niner Wine Estates. "With the price of solar panels at an all-time low and the upcoming expiration of the federal tax credit, now is the right time for Niner to go solar. Best of all, the system pays for itself in approximately five years, which is a familiar timeline for us—its how long it takes to cultivate a vine and bottle new wine."

The solar systems were designed and engineered to meet Niners specific needs. REC Solar took advantage of California Net Energy Meter Aggregation to locate Niners systems on low-value land and the winery roof, rather than on productive soil. REC also ensured that the systems matched the winerys aesthetic and integrated quality technology.

"Wineries plan to be in operation for decades and need their investments to stand the test of time," said Ryan Park, director of business development at REC Solar. "REC drew on its experience working with wineries across California to build a quality system that reliably delivers serious savings for the long haul. We even ‘futureproofed the system to continue providing 100 percent of Niners energy needs even after an upcoming facility expansion is complete."

REC Solar is a leading provider of solar energy solutions to wineries. REC Solars recent acquisition of Stellar Energy expands the companys robust wine portfolio. REC now counts more than 30 winery customers, including Rombauer Vineyards, St. Supery Estate Vineyards & Winery, J&L Wines and Shale Oak Winery. Backed by Duke Energy, one of the largest energy companies in the world, REC Solar provides tailored financing packages and construction services to help wineries go solar with no money down and no business disruptions.

About REC Solar
REC is the only renewable energy provider focused exclusively on businesses and backed by Duke Energy, one of the largest energy companies in the world. Incorporating experience from more than 500 successful commercial solar installations over 17 years, REC Solar tailors financing and technology solutions to immediately deliver bottom line savings. REC Solar makes commercial solar simple, working seamlessly with customer operations to deliver clean energy for decades. For more, visit RECSolar.com or call 844-REC-SOLAR (844-732-7652).

About Niner Wine Estates
Niner Wine Estates produces 100% estate grown wines from three vineyards in Paso Robles and Edna Valley. Founded in 2001, Niner farms a total of 212 acres across three different SIP-Certified vineyards, and makes all their wine in their LEED Certified Winery at Heart Hill Vineyard. They provide unique wine country experiences at their (now) solar powered tasting room 7 days a week and invite all to visit. For more, visit ninerwine.com.

Media Contact
Sarah Mier
Antenna for REC Solar
415-977-1947
recsolar@antennagroup.com