Energy Transition at the Winery: Photovoltaics Instead of Gas in South Tyrol

A 13.2 kWp photovoltaic system was installed on the east-, west-, and south-facing roofs of the commercial building. It supplies the winery with electricity, and the surplus is used for hot water generation via the photovoltaic power manager AC•THOR. A sensible step, as the winery has a high demand for hot water: five employees regularly shower on-site, and the production process also requires a continuous supply of hot water – especially during the harvest season, when daily consumption rises to as much as 190 liters. Given the current energy prices, the previously used gas boiler was no longer an economically viable solution.

By switching from gas to photovoltaic heat, energy costs for hot water have already been reduced by around 40%. In addition, an agricultural subsidy from the Italian government covered 80% of the investment costs, allowing for a payback period of less than two years – a clear example of economically viable sustainability in agriculture.

A key factor in the implementation was the technical solution with the AC•THOR, the only photovoltaic power manager capable of fully meeting the winery’s requirements. Detailed information about the technical implementation and the owner’s further plans for a complete energy transition can be found in the reference description.