U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan Brandon Fewins today announced more than $228,000 in grants to Thumb area agriculture producers and rural businesses to make investments in renewable energy.
“These investments will improve the energy independence of Thumb area businesses,” said Fewins. “While solar panels are an excellent investment, USDA also offers funding to upgrade to more energy efficient equipment.”
The grants are made available through the Rural Energy for America Program, and total Michigan funding in this announcement is $228,518. In April, USDA announced $1,032,853 in REAP grants for Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula for a total of $1,261,371 in this funding cycle.
Thelen, Inc., in Bay County, will use an $84,366 grant to purchase and install a 78.48 kilowatt (kW) roof mount solar PV system. The recipient is a car dealer that has been operating for 60 years in a disadvantaged and underserved area of Michigan. This project will realize $12,741 per year in savings and replace 72,600 kWh (100 percent) per year, which is enough energy to power six homes. Project payback is 14 years.
North Lapeer Recycling, Inc., in Lapeer County, will use a $67,238 grant to purchase and install a 50.74 kW solar photovoltaic system. The recipient an individually owned recycling business that has been operating for 25 years. This project will realize $8,486 per year in savings and will replace 66,449 kWh (99 percent) per year, which is enough energy to power six homes. Project payback is 16 years.
Rayl Ag, Inc., in Tuscola County, will use a $76,914 grant to purchase and install a 43.20 kW ground mount solar photovoltaic system to help an agricultural producer. This project will realize $10,906 per year in savings and will replace 55,783 kWh (99.48 percent) per year. Project payback is 15 years.
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. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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