The largest solar power array at a New York winery is sprouting up on the west side of Seneca Lake. Fox Run Vineyards has begun installation of a 576 panel, 150 kiloWatt system, which is one of the largest solar energy projects to date in Ontario and Yates counties. The energy will be used to produce Fox Run's wine as well as power the facility's café, tasting room and administrative offices. The project will generate 100% 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 Rd.
Fox Run welcomes the public to help celebrate with them at an installation party on Thursday, June 4th from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. Guests will be able to see how a solar array goes together and, even install a panel themselves. Representatives from QwikSolar will also be onsite to provide information on residential solar installations. Guests are asked to park in the tasting room lot and Fox Run staff members will guide you to the installation location.
"The installation of solar power is another step for Fox Run to become more sustainable," says Fox Run Owner, Scott Osborn. "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, NY based company handling the installation of the system. Construction began on May 26th and will take about 5 weeks to complete. When complete the array will produce enough energy to power 23 homes, 1500 light bulbs and, most importantly, produce 15,000 cases of wine in a year.
Lyons National Bank is funding the project. "LNB is proud to partner with Fox Run Vineyards on this green energy initiative," said Ryan Hallings, VP, 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 NY-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.
