ATLANTA, October 1, 2009 – Persimmon Creek Vineyards officially launched solar power efforts today at its winery in Rabun County, Georgia. Co-owners Mary Ann and William “Sonny” Hardman partnered with Atlanta-based Radiance Solar to install an eight-kilowatt solar system on the roof of the winery, trapping energy from the sunlight and converting it into a usable form to power the vineyard’s many functions.
The system is comprised of 36 photovoltaic SunPower panels, the most efficient solar panels in the world, and is expected to offset roughly 11,200 kilowatt-hours per year and approximately 50 percent of the facility’s energy needs with clean, renewable power for the vineyard. Persimmon Creek is the first Georgia vineyard to make an investment in solar energy, and one of very few in the Southeast to incorporate renewable energy into a vineyard’s operations. This distinction demonstrates the Hardman’s commitment to setting the bar for wine making in Georgia and proving that renewable energy is a viable alternative for Georgia residents and businesses.
“Taking this next step into solar power was a natural extension of the poly-culture used at Persimmon Creek Vineyards,” says Mary Ann Hardman. “Employing renewable energy only furthers our vision to grow high quality grapes in harmony with the surrounding environment. Since enough solar energy hits the earth in an hour to supply the energy needs of the entire populace, it only makes sense that we should harness this same clean, free, celestial energy for the winery operations.”
The Persimmon Creek solar array is the latest in a series of successful photovoltaic system installs by Atlanta-based Radiance Solar, and serves as an example of the momentum that renewable energy is gaining in the Georgia marketplace.
About Persimmon Creek
Persimmon Creek Wines are served in more than 25 leading restaurants and hotels in Atlanta and the southeast including Bacchanalia, Restaurant Eugene, The Cloister at Sea Island, Bluepointe, Chops Lobster Bar, St. Regis, Woodfire Grill and many more. The wines are available for retail purchase at Sherlock’s Wine Merchants and Whole Foods Markets. Private tastings, educational tours and custom luncheons at the vineyard are available by appointment only. The Cottages at Persimmon Creek Vineyards provide an elegant, relaxing retreat for guests looking to enjoy an extended visit. Persimmon on the Square offers a tasting room and culinary shop open to the public in charming downtown Clayton. More information is available at www.persimmoncreekwine.com or by calling (706) 212-7380.
About Radiance Solar:
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Radiance Solar designs, develops and installs turnkey solar energy systems that help commercial and residential customers save money while reducing their environmental footprint. Radiance is a triple bottom-line company: people, planet, profits. Their focus is on providing outstanding customer service and helping customers determine what they need to do to save money, reduce their environmental impact and help America become energy independent.
