Contract winemaker, Winemaking Tasmania, is now producing 30 per cent of its power through a recently installed solar power system at its Cambridge wine and cider production facility.

I Want Energy, Hobart’s renewable energy specialist, developed and installed the innovative solar technology, reducing Winemaking Tasmania’s electricity costs and cutting a significant amount of carbon dioxide produced in the wine making process.

Winemaking Tasmania CEO Julian Alcorso is very pleased with the initial results delivered by the installed system.

“In the first month the system saved us $3,500 in power costs and reduced our carbon emissions by 8.5 tonnes, which is remarkable and promises even greater savings,” Mr Alcorso said.

Annually, the new solar power system is estimated to save power costs by $42,000, while the carbon abatement is an estimated 48 tonnes per year.

Solar panels at Winemaking Tasmania.

Solar panels at Winemaking Tasmania.

“As a business, we have a commitment to clean green wine production, however, this needs to be in line with sustainable business practices. With the financial savings we have received as well as our forecasted savings, we are confident our investment will be paid back in four to five years,” Mr Alcorso said.

Winemaking Tasmania’s solar system is the largest single system installed by I Want Energy to date, with 400 panels covering 630 square meters, a step forward for solar energy in Tasmania.

I Want Energy Managing Director Rob Manson said the development and installation of solar technology was straightforward and easy addition to the business.

“From when we were first approached by Winemaking Tasmania it only took six weeks to design and develop the system, including two weeks for the installation,” Mr Manson said.

Winemaking Tasmania and I Want Energy will continue to work together to monitor the system to optimise its output.

“As a proud Tasmanian business, we have been delighted to work with another, equally proud Tasmanian business, I Want Energy, which has delivered highly professional advice, guidance and ultimately this environmentally friendly purpose built solar power system,” Mr Alcorso said.