One of three solar panels recently installed at Peconic Bay Winery (Photo courtesy of Peconic Bay Winery)

Peconic Bay Winery's new solar panels aren't the first in wine country, but they are among the largest.

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony this afternoon, the winery will unveil a solar electric generating photovoltaic (PV) system that will produce approximately 47,826 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity annually saving the winery $8,895 in annual electricity costs at today’s rates.

The 180-panel PV system cost $327,760, but Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), through its Solar Entrepreneur Program, provided a significant rebate of $97,830 which helped to reduce the out-of-pocket expense for the system. Peconic Bay Winery may also be able to further reduce the cost of the system via Federal and State tax incentives.

Jim Silver, the winery's general manager (and frequent visitor to this site) said that the winery "Intend(s) to offset more than 70% of our energy needs with this new equipment," adding that "Cutchogue
is the sunniest
spot in all of New York State. That not only makes for outstanding
grape-growing conditions, but makes solar collection a natural and obvious choice."

Congratulations to owners Paul and Ursula Lowerre, to Jim Silver and the entire gang at Peconic Bay.

The owners of Peconic Bay Winery, Paul and Ursula Lowerre, are wholeheartedly committed to reducing non-renewable energy usage at the winery. They believe saving energy and protecting the environment shows sensible stewardship of this beautiful land. .”