California Vineyard’s Floating Solar System Powers Operation and Hosts Field Studies

Nelson Family Vineyards in Mendocino County, California, is powering 100% of its operations with renewable energy following the installation of a floating solar system on an irrigation pond. The innovative project enables the farm to operate entirely on clean energy without taking any agricultural land out of production. Together with an existing solar system on the roof of the winery, the floating photovoltaic system is expected to generate around 200,000kWh of electricity per year—enough to power the winery, agricultural pumps, tasting room, shop, and 12 on-site homes. This is projected to save Nelson Family Vineyards an estimated $90,000 annually. The floating photovoltaic installation will also host a study on the ecological impacts of this technology. Scientists from the UC Davis Wild Energy Center will use the system to examine how floating photovoltaic systems influence water quality, aquatic species, microclimates, and biodiversity in an agricultural setting.