Perpetual Energy Systems and Foster’s Wine Estates Activate Largest Solar Energy Installation Hosted by a United States Winery

NAPA, Calif. & HARRISON, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Perpetual Energy Systems (PES), comprehensive financier and developer of solar powered renewable energy systems, and Foster’s Wine Estates Americas (Foster’s), a subsidiary of Foster’s Group in Australia, today announces the activation of four solar installations including the largest solar energy system hosted by a United States winery.

“This is a smart way for us to do the right thing for the environment”

Beringer Vineyards hosts a 1,341,200 W DC solar energy system, the largest operational solar installation at a winery in the country. Additionally, Beringer’s sister winery at Asti, home to brands Souverain and Cellar No. 8, hosts the third largest system of its kind, producing 1,152,144 W DC. All four active rooftop installations, including Etude and Stags’ Leap Winery, will generate 3.85 million Kilowatt hours (KWh AC) of energy annually.

PES combined conventional financing, construction and permanent debt and equity, with the federal energy tax credits program to fund the entire installation without capital investment from Foster’s. As the financier, PES retains ownership of the solar panels as well as the renewable energy certificates and carbon credits determined by the system’s actual kilowatt hour output.

“Partnering with Foster’s to host the largest solar energy project at a U.S. winery is an honor for us,” says Laurance Friedman, co-chair of Perpetual Energy Systems. “The importance of renewable energy is gaining momentum in the corporate arena. Through this collaboration, Foster’s gains a reduction in energy costs and elevates its role as a responsible corporate citizen.”

Foster’s will host the system for a 25-year term and will have access to renewable energy at a reduced rate for each of the sites for the duration of the relationship.

“This is a smart way for us to do the right thing for the environment,” commented Scott Weiss, Managing Director of Foster’s Americas. “By hosting the solar energy systems at our wineries, we’re helping to leverage the beautiful climate that grows world-class wine grapes to also generate clean energy. This is a great example of Sustainability at work - it’s good for the environment, our community, and our business.”

The combined system occupies 400,000 square feet of total rooftop structures and will eliminate 2.0 million pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per year from the environment equating to:

• The removal of 183 passenger cars from the roads each year (per www.pge.com).
• More than 150,000 trees needed to eliminate this amount of CO2 from the environment per year (www.coloradotrees.org).

In conjunction with Perpetual Energy Systems, The Bright Group, Inc. and Stellar Energy Solutions served as co-developers for planning and construction of the project. The Bright Group, which specializes in integrated solar energy generation and innovative roof applications, founded Foster's Wine Estates solar initiative in March of 2007. The company conducted pre-development engineering, system design including building allocation and roofing specifications. Stellar Energy Solutions, a leading California-based solar energy integrator, served as the project’s engineer, co-developer and general contractor responsible for the day-to-day operations and oversight of all sub-contractors during construction. The company will also will serve as the leading partner overseeing continued maintenance and operations of the solar project during its 25-year term.

For more information about the Foster’s Wine Estates Solar Energy Project or to speak with a representative of Foster’s, Perpetual Energy Systems, The Bright Group or Stellar Energy Solutions, please contact Don Canfield at 303-682-3942 or don@linnelltaylor.com. Photos of the solar installation are available upon request.

About Perpetual Energy Systems

Perpetual Energy Systems is a comprehensive developer of solar powered renewable energy systems, providing solar energy power to industrial, commercial and municipal enterprises. Without the need for capital expenditure outlays, recipients benefit from reduced utility costs, access to sustainable energy sources and a significant reduction in carbon outputs through clean energy technology. Perpetual Energy Systems combines renewable energy tax credits with conventional financing to achieve the design, construction, installation and operations of large-scale solar energy systems. For more information, please contact Laurance Friedman at 914-777-2224 or visit them at www.goperpetual.com.

About Foster’s Wine Estates

Foster’s Wine Estates has a proud history that dates back to the 1800's. The winery group, owned by Foster’s Group in Australia, produces and markets an international portfolio of highly respected brands from iconic estates like Beringer Vineyards, Etude, Stags’ Leap Winery, and Chateau St. Jean in California, Penfolds, Rosemount and Wolf Blass in Australia, Castello di Gabbiano in Italy, and Matua Valley in New Zealand. Many of these estates were founded by pioneers in their regions and continue to craft wines at the forefront of quality, innovation and regional expression.

Our approach to sustainability at Foster’s recognizes the direct link between the effective management of our environmental and social impacts and our business success. On strong foundations, a passionate global team is building a sustainable future for Foster’s, our people, our environment and our communities. For more information, visit www.fostersgroup.com.

About The Bright Group

The Bright Group provides renewable energy development backed with more than 65 years of combined experience in project management and roofing expertise. Headquartered in the beautiful Napa Valley, Bright Group's comprehensive list of services includes integrated solar energy generation, innovative roof applications, financing arrangements, project management and ongoing maintenance. The experienced team at The Bright Group offers a proven track record of recognizing idealistic opportunities for green energy and providing corporations with a complete solar solution from start to finish. For more information, visit www.brightgroup.us.

About Stellar Energy Solutions

Stellar Energy is a leading California-based solar energy integrator. With comprehensive services including project financing, engineering and installation management, Stellar leads corporate, non-profit, educational and governmental clients toward a better energy future. For more information, please contact Chris Phipps at chrisp@stellarenergy.com or visit the Stellar website at www.stellarenergy.com.