Industry Spotlight

Powering Wineries With Sustainable Energy

Solar panels on the roof of Stoller Family Estate’s tasting room with sunset in the background. Text reads, “Turning Sunlight into Wine & Electrons.”<br />

Comprehensive Solar Services

From initial consultation to ongoing support, we provide a full suite of services to ensure your solar investment delivers maximum value.

Vineyards harness sunlight for grape growth and solar-powered operations, blending traditional viticulture with modern sustainability.

An illustration showing a solar panel and grapevine connected in a circular feedback loop, with an arrow from the grapes to the solar panel and sun, symbolizing the Solar + Wine Feedback Loop

The sun powering grape growth while also generating electricity which then in turn powers wine manufacturing processes.

House with solar panels and upward arrow showing 4% property value increase with solar installation.

Studies show that installing solar panels can boost winery property values by over four percent, enhancing energy productivity and sustainability.

Solar panel and wine glass icon promoting sustainable wine trends with solar energy.

Be a Solar + Wine Trend Starter and capture a branding opportunity that brings new customers to your product.

Icon showing dollar symbol, tax benefits, and grant elements, representing corporate tax and cash benefits with solar.

Maximize returns with grants  (RECAP, Avg $50,000) , tax rebates ($5000+), and credits (30%) for sustainable business practices.

Icon showing stacked coins and dollar symbols, illustrating utility bill savings with solar energy.

Maximize utility bill cost savings with solar energy, significantly reducing expenses by potentially offsetting all winery manufacturing and guest and office heating needs.

Icon showing solar panels above crops, symbolizing dual-use farming with solar energy.

Dual-purpose agrivoltaics integrates solar panels with agriculture, lowering vineyard energy costs and enhancing plant health.

Icon showing sun over vineyards, representing the environmental impact of solar energy on wine terroir.

Explore the environmental impact of solar on wine terroir, harnessing the sun to improve vineyard health and wine quality.

How Many Light Bulbs Does It Take? — Discover the Solar Energy Light Bulb Equivalent of Producing One Bottle of Oregon Wine

This infographic illustrates the energy consumption across key stages of wine production, from grape reception to bottling. It breaks down the percentage of total energy used and watt-hours consumed per bottle for each major process, highlighting the energy-intensive nature of winemaking. The chart provides valuable insights for wineries looking to optimize their energy usage and explore sustainable practices, such as solar power integration, to reduce costs and environmental impact.

 

Annual Electricity Usage and Costs

Electricity Consumption and Costs for the Average Oregon Winery: A Solar Energy Perspective

As an Oregon winery owner, understanding your electricity consumption and costs is crucial for efficient operations and sustainability planning. The figures below reflect real-world data from an Oregon winery, factoring in both production facilities and tasting room needs.

Total Annual Consumption: Approximately 272,640 kWh1

Total Estimated Annual Cost: ~$33,4562


(Based on an average commercial rate of about $0.1226 per kWh in Oregon2)

Primary electrical energy uses include refrigeration systems for fermentation cooling, cold stabilization, and cold storage (45–90% of total energy use3), electric pumps for moving wine and must (18% of consumption3), electric-powered presses and crushers, bottling line equipment (18% of overall energy use3), compressed air systems (7%3), and the energy needs for lighting, HVAC, and point-of-sale systems in the tasting room.

 


 

How Many Solar Panels Does the Average Winery Have—and What Might It Cost?

For an average Oregon winery at 30 acres using about 272,640 kWh per year and producing around 60,000 bottles,  a 200 kW capacity generally aligns with offsetting a significant portion of a typical winery’s yearly electricity usage. Because most commercial panels range between 400 W and 500 W each, a 200 kW system might require around 400–500 panels. The exact number depends on factors such as brand, model, and the amount of roof or ground space available. Oregon wineries can further capitalize on incentives like the Federal Tax Credit and USDA REAP grants to substantially reduce their net solar investment. 

Investment Incentives

  • Federal Investment Tax Credit: 30% off the installation cost6
  • Energy Trust of Oregon incentives: Up to $15,000 available for businesses7
  • USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants: Can cover up to 50% of project costs8

Estimated Payback Period

Many Oregon wineries have seen payback periods ranging from 5 to 10 years, depending on system size and incentive utilization9.

Long-term Savings

Over a 25-year lifespan (the typical warranty period for solar panels), your winery could potentially save over $500,000 on electricity costs10—making solar a financially attractive and sustainable investment.

Additional Benefits

1. Hedge Against Rising Electricity Rates

Commercial electricity rates in Oregon have climbed by an average of 2–3% per year over the past decade (source: U.S. Energy Information Administration). By generating your own power, you shield your winery from these ongoing price increases and stabilize a core operational expense. This predictability can be vital for financial forecasting, particularly in an industry prone to fluctuations in grape yields and market prices.

2. Reduced Risk of Production Interruptions

During Oregon’s peak harvest season (typically August through October), wineries often see significant spikes in electricity usage. Fermentation tanks and cellars must be cooled to precise temperatures for yeast activity; pressing, pumping, and filtration equipment runs daily; and additional refrigeration may be required for must stabilization and storage. In fact, some wineries report that 40–60% of their annual energy consumption can occur in this concentrated harvest window (anecdotal reports from various Oregon wine producers).

Grid instability—such as brownouts or blackouts—during these critical weeks can jeopardize entire batches, leading to tens of thousands of dollars in product loss if fermentations go awry or if stored wine warms past safe thresholds. By installing solar (often paired with battery storage), wineries can partially insulate themselves against these risks. Even if solar alone doesn’t supply all power during an outage, the ability to offset a portion of the load can help prevent refrigeration systems from failing and protect key fermentation processes. This stability not only secures production but also safeguards a winery’s reputation for consistent quality—a must in a competitive market.

3. Enhanced Sustainability Credentials

Sustainability resonates strongly with today’s consumers, especially in markets like wine where brand narrative is influential. Research by the Wine Market Council indicates that over 70% of surveyed wine drinkers consider environmental practices a factor when choosing a brand. By showcasing solar-powered operations, wineries distinguish themselves in a crowded market, gaining positive media coverage and an eco-conscious reputation. This not only garners goodwill but can also drive higher direct-to-consumer sales and strengthen relationships with distributors seeking green-minded producers.

4. Potential Increase in Property Value

In a report by the Rocky Mountain Institute analyzing green building features—which included on-site renewables—properties often had 2–7% higher sale prices or improved net operating income when compared to non-green equivalents. Another analysis by the Appraisal Institute highlights how solar installations lower operating expenses, thus improving capitalization rates—a key factor in commercial real estate appraisals.

While these studies focus on commercial and mixed-use buildings rather than wineries specifically, the underlying principle remains relevant: onsite renewable energy assets signal stronger long-term cash flow, lower utility costs, and enhanced environmental responsibility. All of these attributes can resonate with potential buyers or investors in vineyard and winery properties, contributing to an overall premium in valuation—just as many residential homes with solar demonstrate in more widely published data (such as the 4.1% figure from Zillow’s analysis).


 

Real-World Examples from Oregon Wineries

  • Large Winery in Oregon: Generates over 24,000 kWh monthly, with electricity costs exceeding $2,900 during peak periods4.
  • King Estate Winery (Eugene): Installed a large-scale solar system generating around 1,000,000 kWh per year14.
  • Belle Fiore Winery (Ashland): Achieved 100% solar power with over 500 panels generating approximately 250 kW15.
  • Troon Vineyard (Grants Pass): Powers the entire farm with solar6.
  • Stoller Family Estate (Dayton): Installed a 309 kW system, offsetting 40–50% of energy use7.
  • Sokol Blosser Winery (Dayton): Uses solar to cover 30% of its annual energy needs8.
  • Pfeiffer Winery (Junction City): Operates a 27.3 kW solar system, providing nearly 100% of the vineyard’s energy needs14.
  • Kriselle Cellars (White City): Powered entirely by solar ground arrays, covering both production and tasting rooms15.
  • Padigan (Medford): Supplies about 75% of its facility’s power through solar panels16.
  • Left Coast Estate (Rickreall): Utilizes a 62 kW roof-mounted solar array that generates the majority of its electricity17.

 

Pfeiffer Vineyards

Discover how Pfeiffer Vineyards, one of Oregon’s oldest and most renowned wineries, became a pioneer in sustainable winemaking. As the first Oregon winery to go solar, Pfeiffer’s 27.3 kW solar system, installed by Advanced Energy Systems in 2008, provides nearly 100% of the vineyard’s energy needs. This custom installation includes 122 Sharp modules, carefully positioned to maximize efficiency, with energy production monitored through DECK to track environmental impact.

Over time, Pfeiffer’s solar system will offset the equivalent of 800 tons of CO₂, 81,800 gallons of gasoline, or 2,400 trees.

Learn more about Pfeiffer Vineyards’ solar journey.

A bottle of Pinot Noir labeled “Solar Reserve” with the tagline “Crafted by the Sun, Perfected by Nature.” Description mentions notes of ripe cherry, earthy undertones, and subtle spice, reflecting sustainable Oregon winemaking powered by solar energy.

Be a trend starter and showcase your commitment to sustainability and innovation by embracing solar-powered winemaking. By incorporating a solar-themed label and image, you position your winery as a trendsetter in eco-conscious practices, appealing to modern consumers who value both quality and environmental responsibility. This branding not only strengthens your market position but also tells a story of forward-thinking values that resonates with today’s eco-aware audience. Stand out as a pioneer in the industry, attracting loyal customers who appreciate a wine that’s as sustainable as it is sophisticated.

High Efficiency Panels

Our solar panels are designed to maximize energy output, ensuring your business operates at peak efficiency.

Customizable Installations

Tailored solar installations that fit the unique needs of your winery or brewery, optimizing space and performance.

Real-Time Monitoring

Access live data and analytics to track your energy production and consumption, helping you make informed decisions.

Durable and Reliable

Built to withstand the elements, our solar systems offer long-lasting performance and peace of mind.

Quote from Dr. Emilio Roggero on the benefits of agrivoltaic systems for wine grape production, stating reductions in water stress and sugar content and improvements in yield and acidity.

This underscores the benefits of agrivoltaics, a system where solar photovoltaic panels are integrated with agricultural operations. The dual-use of land for both solar energy production and agriculture helps vineyards cut down on energy costs and improve plant health by modulating the microclimate. Read more about the source of this quote.

Hands holding a small grapevine plant with soil, set against a vineyard with solar panels in the background. Text above reads “Rooted in Terroir, Empowered by the Sun.”

Embrace solar energy to preserve the integrity of your terroir and reduce your environmental footprint. By harnessing the clean power of the sun, you maintain the natural balance of your vineyard, enhancing the unique characteristics that define your wines. Sustainable practices like solar power not only reflect a commitment to the environment but also contribute to the exceptional quality of your grapes. Let the sun empower your vineyard, ensuring your production never stops due to power outages.

Get Started with AES Today

Ready to harness the power of solar energy for your winery or brewery? Contact AES for a personalized consultation and discover how our solutions can benefit your business.

1 “2022 Oregon Vineyard and Winery Report.” Oregon Wine Board, industry.oregonwine.org/resources/reports-studies/oregon-vineyard-and-winery-report/. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

2 “Energy in Oregon.” Oregon Department of Energy, www.oregon.gov/energy/energy-oregon/Pages/Renewable-Energy.aspx. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

3 “Solar Resource Data, Tools, and Maps.” National Renewable Energy Laboratory, www.nrel.gov/gis/solar.html. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

4 “Oregon.” U.S. Energy Information Administration, 18 Apr. 2024, www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=OR. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

5 “Finding Your Way Along the Eco-Wine Trail.” 1859 Oregon’s Magazine, 24 May 2018, 1859oregonmagazine.com/live/food-drink/oregon-eco-wine-trail/. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

6 “Merkley, Wyden: Nearly $4.5 Million for Renewable Energy Projects to Lower Costs in Rural Oregon.” Jeff Merkley, United States Senator for Oregon, 15 Apr. 2024, www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-nearly-45-million-for-renewable-energy-projects-to-lower-costs-in-rural-oregon. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

8 “Solar Energy in Oregon Wine Country.” Oregon Wine Press, 1 May 2023, oregonwinepress.com/solar-energy-in-oregon-wine-country. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

9 “Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC).” Energy.gov, www.energy.gov/eere/solar/business-energy-investment-tax-credit-itc. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

10 “Solar for Your Business.” Energy Trust of Oregon, energytrust.org/commercial/solar. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

11 “Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants.” U.S. Department of Agriculture, www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.