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Solar Panel System Displayed by JJ & SE Jenkins, LLC

Name
Kelley Messenger
City
Callaway
Release Date

USDA Rural Development Business Programs Specialist, Kelley Messenger,  visited JJ & SE Jenkins, LLC today at the Jenkins Ranch in Callaway, Nebraska to see first-hand the renewable energy project made possible in part by funding from the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).  JJ & SE Jenkins, LLC recently received an $18,750 REAP grant. These funds were leveraged with $56,250 from Cornerstone Bank.

“It is great to see how USDA dollars help to establish more renewable energy systems in Nebraska,” said Messenger.  “With the savings in energy costs that is being replaced with this solar system, those dollars can be reinvested back into the borrower’s operations.”

Funding purchased and installed a 25 kw solar panel system that consists of one hundred 255 watt panels mounted on aluminum racks.  It is estimated the system will replace 112 percent of their annual energy usage, producing 122,832,000 BTU’s, and increasing profits by $4,051 per year.

“Our ranch has been in the family since 1876 and we are constantly looking at how we can make our operation more sustainable and efficient.  This project was a natural fit with our values and we’re happy to work with the USDA, Nebraska Energy Office, Public Power, and others to make this a successful endeavor,” said Jim Jenkins, JJ & SE Jenkins, LLC.

In federal fiscal year 2015, USDA Rural Development’s Rural Energy for America Program delivered funds to 70 Nebraska projects for $1,806,905 for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. 

For more information contact Kelley Messenger at 308-237-3118 or Kelley.messenger@ne.usda.gov

Visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/all-programs for information on all of Rural Development’s programs.

President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.