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USDA Announces Support for Northern California Renewable Energy Projects

Name
Sarah Marquart
City
Davis
Release Date

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced earlier today three Northern California businesses received grants totaling nearly $60,000 to support solar energy projects.  The funds were provided through USDA Rural Development's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

"This funding will have far-reaching economic and environmental impacts nationwide, particularly in rural communities," Vilsack said. "Investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects supports home-grown energy sources, creates jobs and helps usher in a more secure energy future for the nation."

California recipients included:

  • Tehama Tire Services, Inc. of Red Bluff received $20,000 for a 33 kilowatt hour (kWh) roof-mounted solar system that is expected to generate 100% of their estimated annual energy use.

  • Glenn Growers, Inc. of Princeton received $20,000 for a 14 kWh ground-mounted solar system that will replace 73% of their estimated annual energy use.

  • Pisani Auto Parts of Winters received $19,200 for a 21 kWh roof-mounted solar system that will generate 48% of their estimated annual energy use.

Nationally, USDA awarded $63 million in loans and grants for 264 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.  These REAP projects are expected to generate and/or save 207.8 million kilowatt hours of energy – enough to power more than 13,600 homes for a year.

Eligible agricultural producers and rural small businesses may use REAP funds to make energy efficiency improvements or install renewable energy systems, including solar, wind, renewable biomass (including anaerobic digesters), small hydroelectric, ocean energy, hydrogen, and geothermal.

The next application deadline for REAP grants is November 2, 2015. USDA will issue a notice of available funding with more details on how to apply in the coming weeks. REAP was created by the 2008 Farm Bill and was reauthorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.

Interested applicants in California can find more information online at www.rd.usda.gov/ca