Verde Valley winery uses solar energy to power all operations - Arizona's Family

Verde Valley winery uses solar power

Verde Valley winery uses solar energy to power all operations

VERDE VALLEY, AZ (3TV/CBS 5)—There’s a lot of work and energy that goes into winemaking, from the actual production to keeping the lights on in the tasting room. However, thanks to solar panels and new Tesla batteries, a Verde Valley winery is completely green when it comes to electricity.

“Wines are liquid landscapes,” Eric Glomski says. Wines are artistic expressions of places. I was a scientist before, and I had an opportunity to become an artist and kind of fuse those two worlds together, and this is an expression of that. Glomski started his career studying river ecology, but after he made his first wine, his life was forever changed, and he founded Page Spring Cellars.

Because of his eco-friendly background, he wanted to ensure that his vineyard had the smallest environmental footprint possible.

So they created their own water treatment system, started composting and recycling, and switched to solar power. “Everything should be a give-and-take, and I think we often take too much and don’t give back enough,” Glomski said.

However, with the rural location, Glomski said the solar panels weren’t always reliable. “We’re kind of in a rural area and our power goes out a lot and every time the power goes out there’s nothing worse than telling somebody enjoying their wine and their food that we’re going to close,” he said.

That’s where new Tesla batteries come in. They act as a sort of generator if the solar fails. Operations can carry on as normal, and there’s no damage in the wine-making process.

The winery can get this new technology thanks to the Rural Electrification America Grant(REAP), a program that helps rural small businesses afford the switch to renewable energy systems.

Glomski said federal programs like this are important not only for small rural businesses but also for the future of the environment. “I think it’s huge because it’s our future, right,” he said. “I’ve got four kids and I’ll probably have grandkids soon. It’s hard to not think about ‘what are their kids going to inherit from us.”

Glomski’s hope is more people see their progress and make changes in their lives for the betterment of the environment. “I think it’s another thing to make money and do it in a way that aligns with your beliefs,” he said. “It’s harder but it’s also way more satisfying and fulfilling you know.”

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