'Triple Green' Canopy and Solar Array
The Largest Solar Project in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Silver Mountain has just constructed one of the largest solar arrays in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and in Santa Cruz County. Involved is a new 6000 square foot roof and 46 kilowatt solar array. This 'Triple Green' project will reduce energy requirements, save resources, make Silver Mountain entirely energy self-sufficient, and generate extra energy to the power grid. Its construction is in keeping with the organic and sustainable philosophy that Jerold O'Brien has practiced with his vineyard and winery since the inception of Silver Mountain.
The 'Triple Green' installation supports three major green benefits at Silver Mountain: the roof shades the winery, previously exposed to full sun, and reduces refrigeration requirements in the summer; it has also been designed as part of a rainwater collection system to be used for vineyard irrigation and winery operations (such as barrel cleaning); and the solar array will support the energy requirements of the winery operations, office and residence. The solar project, designed and built by Akeena Solar in Los Gatos, includes 264 panels mounted on the roof, each generating 175 watts at peak power.
Jerold O'Brien intended to construct a roof over the winery ever since the Loma Prieta earthquake destroyed the original winery in 1989 and he had to rebuild. The roof covers and integrates all the winery operations. It had to be designed and engineered to cover three levels of winery operations, including the 'loading dock'; the crush pad and settling tanks; and the fermenters and bottling operation on the lowest level. It had to withstand winds of at least 100mph, and meet the highest seismic standards. 
And despite its size, it had to have the least impact possible on the expansive views overlooking the mountains, so enjoyed by visitors to the winery. The steel structure and roof was built by Star Building Systems in Lockford; Karl Coombs of ACS Architects in Palo Alto was the architect. 
info@silvermtn.com · 408-353-2278 · fax 408-353-1898
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