Winery Energy Efficiency

The primary energy source at wineries is electricity, though many facilities also rely on natural gas, heating oil and petrol. Most farming equipment utilizes diesel or gas fuel, making harvesting expenses particularly vulnerable to pricing fluctuations.

Electricity powers many of the core operations of a winery, including:

  • Refrigeration – 39%

  • Processing equipment – 24% (includes pumps, fans, bottling and packaging)

  • Lighting – 24%

  • Compressed air – 8%

  • HVAC – 7%

  • Other applications – 8%

Building a Solar-Powered Winery:

A winery that harvests solar energy to power its operations can substantially reduce energy expenses.

Installing roof-top solar panels and small-scale solar fields supply year-round power to supplement other energy sources. These systems often include on-site energy storage capabilities to provide power during peak pricing hours or when energy demand is low.

See how this local Michigan winery has become the first vineyard outside the state of California to earn a Sustainability in Practice (SIP) certification

KEEN is proud to partner with the Michigan Wine Collaborative, an organization committed to making sustainable agricultural practices accessible to wineries across the state.