USDA grants renewable energy funds to six Delaware businesses

Rural Business-Cooperative Service Administrator Bette Brand announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is awarding grants for projects in all states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to reduce energy costs for farmers, ag producers, and rural-based businesses and institutions.

“Lowering energy costs helps rural businesses improve their bottom line and create jobs,” Brand said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is committed to increasing economic development in America’s rural communities through strong partnerships, because when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”

Under the announcement, USDA is investing $9.3 million through the Rural Energy for America Program for renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects across the nation. Congress appropriated $50 million for REAP grants and loan guarantees in fiscal year 2019. USDA will make additional funding announcements in the REAP program in coming weeks.

USDA Rural Development State Director Denise Lovelady said, “These investments will allow rural Delaware farmers, ranchers and small rural business owners to make significant savings that will improve their bottom line. The REAP program helps rural Delaware businesses prosper, which helps all of Delaware prosper.”

REAP funding can be used for renewable energy systems such as anaerobic digesters, biomass, geothermal, hydropower, wind and solar. It also can be used to make energy-efficiency improvements to heating, ventilation and cooling systems; insulation; and lighting and refrigeration.

In Delaware, six businesses and farms will receive a total of $103,500 in grant funds through the Rural Energy for America Program for the installation of renewable energy systems, supporting these rural small businesses:

ASA Properties LLC in Milton will receive  $20,000 to purchase and install a 32.45 kW roof-mount solar array. A rural dental practice, ASA Properties will realize $4,920 per year in savings and replace 35,144 kWh (97.62 percent) of energy per year. This project will save enough electricity to power three homes.

Bayside Exteriors LLC in Lewes will receive $8,202 to purchase and install a 20.46 kW roof-mounted solar array. A family-owned and -operated exterior contractor specializing in roofing and siding projects, Bayside Exteriors will realize $3,183 per year in savings, and will replace 26,520 kWh (110.50 percent) per year. This project will save enough electricity to power two homes.

Leroy Collins in Millsboro will receive $20,000  to purchase and install a 110.175 kW solar electric system. Beth and Leroy Collins, who own and operate a poultry farm, will save $9,317 per year, and will replace 139,074 kWh (93 percent) per year. This project will save enough electricity to power 12 homes.

CSC Auto Center LLC in Georgetown will receive $20,000 to purchase and install a 29.40 kW solar array. An auto repair shop, CSC Auto Center will realize $5,422 per year in savings and will replace 38,732 kWh (68.53 percent) per year. This project will save enough electricity to power three homes.

H & J Wright Family Farms in Delmar will receive $20,000 to purchase and install a 62.4 kW ground solar array. A family-owned and -operated grain and turkey farm, H & J Wright Family Farm will realize $10,051.80 per year in savings and will replace 78,081 kWh (108 percent) of energy per year.

Lomas Properties LLC in Rehoboth Beach will receive $15,298 to purchase and install a 28.2 kW roof-mounted solar array. Lomas Properties operates as Crosswinds Motel and will realize $4,673 per year in savings and will replace 32.68 kWh (100 percent) per year. This project will save enough electricity to power three homes.

For more information on the REAP program, contact Bruce Weaver, state energy coordinator, at 302-857-3629 or Bruce.Weaver@usda.gov.