Domaine Carneros: Harvesting Energy Independence with a Schneider Electric Microgrid
In the heart of Napa Valley, where vineyards reach for the California sun, Domaine Carneros has embarked on a journey not just of winemaking, but of energy independence. Partnering with Schneider Electric, the world's premier energy solution company, this esteemed winery has taken its existing solar and generator infrastructure and transformed it into a state-of-the-art, resilient microgrid. Actually, the step underscores a need that is increasing in a region increasingly imperiled by grid instability and the threat of wildfires.
Riding the Stormy Waves of Grid Instability
The new normal for the majority of Californians, and indeed for Domaine Carneros, is one marked by more power shutdowns. Public Safety Power Shutoffs, although necessary in averting wildfire danger, have been ubiquitous. Consequently, businesses suffer not only disruption but also significant economic exposure. For a winery, where precise environmental conditions are paramount, such outages can jeopardize entire vintages. Therefore, Domaine Carneros' decision to take up a microgrid is an ambitious response to such uncertainties.
"Deploying a strong and energy-resilient microgrid solution has been critical to the winery's operations during an increasing number of Public Safety Power Shutoffs and extreme weather events that have imperiled the sustainability of the winemaking industry in California," said Jana Gerber, North American President of Microgrids for Schneider Electric. "The system allows the winery to manage power from its solar array, battery, and generator, with backup power. It's all managed by our microgrid controls, which allows seamless power to be provided to the winery."
Sustaining a Legacy of Environmental Stewardship
Domaine Carneros has been a long-standing supporter of sustainability. From initial solar installations dating back to 2003 through reducing packaging waste, their commitment to the environment is deep-seated. And, more recently, the addition of energy storage to their solar array in 2020 demonstrated their forward thinking. Now, with the Schneider Electric microgrid, they're taking sustainability to new levels.
The upgrade included repowering their original solar installation, doubling its capacity. This, combined with new inverters, enables seamless integration into the microgrid system. The microgrid essentially acts as the intelligent orchestrator, balancing power from solar, storage, and the generator to deliver uninterrupted operation. It's a testament to the power of thoughtful innovation.
Harvesting the Fruits of Solar Investment
The economic benefits of this microgrid are as tangible as those environmental. By maximizing solar generation, Domaine Carneros has reduced its reliance on diesel generators by a significant percentage. In 2024, the solar array met nearly 80% of the winery's energy needs. Although the initial $2 million investment was sizable, federal and state rebates have accelerated the return on investment, now calculated at around seven years.
Additionally, the winery is achieving more than $100,000 in annual savings, mostly from solar generation. Aside from the economic benefits, the microgrid offers priceless resilience, protecting operations from grid outages. It's peace of mind that cannot be bought.
Standardizing the Future of Microgrids
Historically, microgrids have been bespoke solutions, engineered for a particular set of requirements, and thus costly. Schneider Electric is changing this state of affairs by standardizing microgrid designs and hardware. They will offer a core line of four standard microgrid systems, lowering the costs through volume production.
Their state-of-the-art testing and validation lab ensures the reliability of these systems, allowing for confident deployment. By using modular components, they can make implementation simpler, bringing microgrids within reach of businesses of any size. While custom solutions are still an option, these standardized systems offer an affordable path to energy independence.
A Vision for an Electrified Future
The Domaine Carneros microgrid stands as a shining example of what is possible with the combination of renewable energy and smart technology enabling business. As grid instability continues to pose a challenge to communities, microgrids offer a reason to be hopeful. Schneider Electric's innovation leadership and standardization are paving the path towards a more sustainable and resilient tomorrow.
The future is indeed electric, and with pioneers like Domaine Carneros and technology pioneers like Schneider Electric, that future is unfolded before us.