The SGIP-funded project is located at Violich Farms in Orland, California. The California Self-Generation Incentive Program provides financial incentives for the installation of energy storage in order to reduce green-house gas emissions and improve the stability of the grid.
Violich Farms manages 9000 acres of almond and walnut orchards in the Sacramento Valley. “The Adara Power energy storage system provides Violich Farms with the flexibility to run our operations at any time on clean, sustainable energy without the penalty of high on-peak energy and demand charges,” stated Julia Violich, CFO, Violich Farms.
a farmers and commercial building owners are deploying energy storage to reduce peak demand charges and on-peak energy usage from large motors, air conditioning and heavy equipment. New time of use electricity rates have moved the peak period to 8pm or 9pm in California. This creates a situation where solar alone does not have the same benefit it once had. Now solar plus storage is seen as a more economical combination to reduce customer electricity bills and at the same time help the overall grid by reducing peak electricity requirements across the state.
“Our client was looking to reduce the costs of their ongoing operations, a significant portion of which was electricity demand charges for their irrigation pump loads. Teaming with Adara brought battery expertise to the table throughout the entire process and ultimately we delivered the right solution to Violich Farms,” said Norm Nielsen, CEO, Chico Electric.
