Located in Napa Valley, Domaine Carneros Winery has enhanced its energy infrastructure by integrating a microgrid system with solar arrays, battery storage, and backup generators. This system has doubled the winery’s energy generation capacity compared to its original solar installation, ensuring uninterrupted power for operations such as fermentation, bottling, and wine tastings.
The AI-powered microgrid software optimizes energy usage in real-time, storing excess solar power in an on-site battery for night-time or emergency use. The system also enables the winery to operate independently from the grid when needed, providing resilience during power outages caused by wildfires and extreme weather.
“Our ability to produce high-quality wines relies on a stable energy supply,” said Remi Cohen, CEO of Domaine Carneros Winery. “With advanced microgrid technology, we’ve strengthened our energy infrastructure to maximize renewable energy use. As power outages become more frequent, this ensures our winery remains operational.”
The microgrid allows Domaine Carneros Winery to function in “island mode,” disconnecting from the grid when necessary. In case of grid failures or peak electricity pricing, the system seamlessly switches to stored solar energy or the backup generator, cutting costs and reducing reliance on external power. The microgrid also reduces generator usage by up to 70% during outages, conserving fuel and lowering emissions.
Since implementing the microgrid in 2023, the winery has achieved:
Schneider Electric, a leader in energy management and automation, provided the advanced microgrid technology that powers Domaine Carneros Winery’s energy transformation. By leveraging Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure™ Microgrid platform, the winery has optimized energy use and improved resilience in the face of power disruptions.