North Fork winery receives $100k solar panel rebate

The Long Island Power Authority handed over a $97,830 check the size of a solar panel to help fund a 40 kilowatt solar energy array at Peconic Bay Winery in Cutchogue.

The $300,000 system, which will save the winery around $9,000 a year on its energy bill, comes just in time for harvest season. It also comes as LIPA's budget for solar system rebates is just about depleted. Officials at the event said they are appealing to state and federal governments to help shore up the budget through the end of the year.

Last week, LIPA cut the solar rebate to $1.75 a watt, the fifth cut this year, from a previous $2. The 25 cent cut translates to around $2,500 for a 10-kilowatt system.