RICHMOND, Va., Nov. 14, 2024 – Ten Virginia projects are included in today’s U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announcement of more than $256 million in Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) funding to help expand access to clean energy and strengthen American farms and small businesses in 40 states.
“USDA has funded 9,901 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvement projects nationwide since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration,” said Perry Hickman, USDA Rural Development Virginia State Director. “About $44 million of a total investment exceeding $2.7 billion directly benefitted working people who operate farms and businesses throughout the commonwealth. I’d consider that to be a big win for our rural communities and the environment.”
The following agricultural producers are receiving awards to make energy efficiency improvements that will help reduce their operating costs:
- Muse Vineyards in Woodstock is using a grant of more than $50,000 to install a 32.8-kilowatt (kW) roof mounted photovoltaic system that will generate enough energy to offset approximately 47 percent of the electric usage for two tasting rooms with a 25-year simple payback.
- Stephen Lohr is using a grant of more than $80,000 to install a 74.76-kW roof mounted photovoltaic system at Endless View Farms in Broadway. Lohr and his wife Jacqueline are past recipients of the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association’s Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award and are active proponents of sustainable agricultural practices. The 168 solar panels in this system should produce enough power to offset 93 percent of the electric usage on two poultry houses, saving the grantees about $13,914 per year.
- Micah Jon Heatwole is using a grant of more than $100,000 to install a 104.76-kW roof mounted photovoltaic system on his 100-acre turkey farming operation in Harrisonburg. The 216 solar panels in this system should produce 132,769 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power 12 homes. This project is expected to save the business approximately $14,604 annually by supplying about 96 percent of operation’s consumed energy.
- Seal Poultry in Luray is using a grant of nearly $80,000 to install a 65.475-kW roof mounted photovoltaic system that should reduce operating costs by generating approximately 100 percent of the annual electric usage for one poultry house on the 14.52-acre parcel with a 21-year simple payback.
- Stone Hill Farm LLC in Harrisonburg will use a grant of more than $150,000 to install a 143.075-kW roof photovoltaic system on a poultry house. The 295 solar panels will generate 175,392 kWh of electricity per year, offsetting 100 percent of the farming operation’s annual electric usage. This project is expected to save the producer about $15,000 per year with an estimated 21-year simple payback.
- Paradise Holsteins LLC will use a grant of nearly $150,000 to install a 159.08-kW ground photovoltaic system on two tracts in Rockingham County. This Shenandoah Valley dairy was established in 2016 and has expanded farming operations to include poultry production. The 328 solar modules will generate 196,525 kWh per year and offset approximately 100 percent of electrical usage for a poultry house and dairy barn, lowering annual energy costs by $22,000.
These rural small businesses will implement energy-saving innovations to help increase their income and grow their companies while also combating climate change:
- Winchester Metals Inc is using a grant of more than $500,000 to install a 461.39-kW roof mounted photovoltaic system that will help the third-generation owners operate the family business more sustainably. The integrated fixed-tilt array of 1,073 solar panels, 537 optimizers, and five inverters will generate renewable energy to power operations in two buildings, offsetting approximately 109 percent of the company’s electric usage.
- Pendleton Community Bank is using a grant of more than $25,000 to install a 20.025-kW roof mounted photovoltaic system at its 14th location in Staunton. Originally established to serve the residents of Pendleton County, West Virginia, this rural business expanded its footprint into Virginia in 2006. The 45 solar panels will generate enough power to offset approximately 85 percent of the building’s electric usage with a 21-year simple payback.
- Rockingham Eye Physicians and Associates is using a grant of nearly $140,000 to install a 127.07-kW roof mounted photovoltaic system at the practice’s Harrisonburg office. The 262 solar panels in this system will produce 142,568 kWh of electricity per year, offsetting about 38 percent of the facility’s electric usage. This project is expected to save the practice approximately $12,682 per year.
- Partners Excavating Company is using a grant of nearly $100,000 to install a 97-kW roof mounted photovoltaic system on a leased property in Mt. Crawford. This business provides underground utility installation, asphalt paving and other site preparation services for a mix of commercial and residential customers. The 200 solar panels in the system are expected to generate 106,333 kWh per year, which is enough energy to offset approximately 100 percent of the company’s electrical usage.
Secretary Tom Vilsack announced more than 1,100 clean energy projects to benefit farmers, entrepreneurs and others in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas.
To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ or contact the Virginia Rural Development state office. More information on how and where these investments are impacting rural America is available on the Rural Data Gateway. Also visit our GovDelivery subscriber page to receive regular USDA Rural Development updates.
