A new self-storage facility with a solar electric system that will offset 116 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually — equivalent to taking 25 cars off the road — has opened in the city of Sonoma.
Vineburg Wine & Self Storage on Napa Road installed 298 high-efficiency 380 kW solar panels on the roof in a project with SolarCraft, a local Sonoma County contractor, financed through the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program.
The 113.2 MW system is expected to provide more than 95 percent of the company’s electrical demand. This impact is equivalent to removing 25 cars off the road or the pollutants removed by planting 142 acres of trees annually, according to the county.
“I am proud that our county provides financing for companies to achieve their energy goals,” said Lynda Hopkins, Chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, in a statement.
“Vineburg’s low electricity bills and reduced carbon footprint is a win for both their business operation and the community as a whole,” Hopkins said.
The county’s Energy Independence Program allows property owners to finance permanent energy, water, wildfire safety and seismic improvements. The program has funded more than 4,560 residential and commercial projects, many of which have been solar. With 10- and 20-year terms, the financing helps to make improvements more accessible and affordable.
The public is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new facility Dec. 7 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.