Construction Begins on a 500 kW Solar Power System for Giumarra Vineyards

BAKERSFIELD, Calif., Feb. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- HelioPower, an integrated energy solutions company with over 1600 solar and clean energy systems engineered and installed since 2001, today announced the commencement of construction on a 516 kilowatt (kW) dc commercial solar power system for Giumarra Vineyards Corporation. The solar photovoltaic (PV) system will be adjacent to Giumarra's main production and cold storage facility in Bakersfield, CA.  Using 2296 PV modules, the system will deliver 1 gigawatt-hour of electricity annually, enough to power over 200 homes.  The system will offset more than 24,000,000 pounds of CO2 emissions over the next 20 years.

The Bakersfield solar power installation is a key milestone in the Giumarra sustainability program.  The program's energy strategies include the reduction of electricity consumption throughout its growing and packing operations and the generation of clean energy to bring down costs and carbon emissions.

"Its a great feeling when we can reduce our operating costs and do the right thing for the environment," said fourth generation grower and shipper John Giumarra III.  "Growers are being squeezed by escalating costs on all fronts. We must be diligent in controlling costs in every aspect of our business, with our new solar power system being the first step in holding the line on our ever increasing energy costs, while at the same time doing our part to become a more sustainable family farming operation."

HelioPower is providing turnkey energy solutions for the Giumarra solar power project out of its Bakersfield based operations.  The system configuration is ground mounted, with a single-axis tracker system.  Completion, utility interconnection and commissioning of the Giumarra solar power system is slated for early this summer.  Energy generation will be monitored and analyzed by the HelioPower proprietary energy analytics software to ensure production capacity is fully utilized.

"Giumarra is setting an important example in the agricultural community," said Ty Jagerson, President of HelioPower.  "They have created a high bar for their energy solutions program.  We are very pleased to empower them to generate their own clean energy, beginning with solar electricity."

About Giumarra

Los Angeles based 'The Giumarra Companies,' along with parent company Giumarra Vineyards represent a leading international network of fresh produce growers, distributors and marketers that encompasses a world of freshness. Since its inception in 1922, the Giumarra group of companies has taken pride in a longstanding commitment and tradition of quality, reliability and innovation to feed the world in a healthy way. For more information, visit: www.giumarra.com.

About HelioPower

HelioPower is an integrated energy solutions company with over 1600 solar and clean energy systems engineered and installed since 2001. We reduce energy costs and develop energy assets by leveraging renewable energy production, demand side management and return on investment strategies for clients in the U.S. and abroad.  For more information, visit http://www.HelioPower.com.

SOURCE HelioPower

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