Domaine Carneros Boosts Energy Savings and Resilience With Renewable Microgrid

Domaine Carneros is an award-winning winery nestled on 400 acres in California’s Napa Valley, renowned for its sparkling wine and Pinot Noir. As a subsidiary of the French winemaker Taittinger, the estate is committed to sustainable practices, including water recycling, composting, and the use of solar energy. Facing increasing threats from utility power shutoffs, Domaine Carneros turned to innovative clean energy solutions to protect its operations and maintain its reputation for excellence.

The Challenge

Power Shutoffs Threaten Premier Winery’s Profits

Like many businesses in Napa Valley, Domaine Carneros faced significant disruptions from public safety power shutoffs — precautionary outages implemented by utilities during wildfire conditions. Extended blackouts forced the winery to rely on costly diesel backup generators and compete with other local businesses for limited fuel supplies. These challenges put both daily operations and the estate’s bottom line at risk, highlighting the urgent need for a more reliable and sustainable energy solution

PowerFlex’s Solution

A Self-Sustaining Microgrid for Energy Security and Cost Savings

INSTALLATION TYPE

Carport & Ground-Mounted Solar
Battery Energy Storage
EV Charging
Microgrid

INSTALLATION SIZE

250-kW Solar
280-kW / 540-kWh Battery
9 Level 2 EV Chargers

LOCATIONS

Napa, CA

INCENTIVES

Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP)

To ensure uninterrupted operations and reduce energy expenses, Domaine Carneros partnered with PowerFlex to implement a renewable microgrid solution. PowerFlex installed a combination of ground-mounted and carport solar arrays, which generate clean electricity while providing shade for parked vehicles. These solar systems are integrated with a 250-kilowatt (kW) / 558-kilowatt-hour battery (kWh) energy storage system that captures excess solar energy for use during outages or peak demand periods. The project also includes nine smart EV chargers, with the flexibility to expand as needed. In the event of a power outage, solar energy powers the facility during the day, the battery supplies energy at night, and a diesel generator serves as a backup to recharge the battery and support essential loads — running far less frequently and more efficiently than before.

Delivering Lasting Environmental and Financial Impact

By integrating renewable energy and advanced storage, Domaine Carneros has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions during power outages by 65% and doubled its onsite fuel reserves, enhancing both sustainability and resilience. The microgrid solution delivers $70,000 in annual utility savings, amounting to an estimated $1.5 million over its lifetime. This forward-thinking approach not only safeguards the winery’s operations but also reinforces Domaine Carneros’s commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term financial health.