Federal energy grant gives $108K boost to Maine farms, businesses
Photo / Tim Greenway
A section of the 264 photovoltaic panels installed on the roof of the Portland-based Caravan Beads, an energy investment profiled by Mainebiz in a recent article that looks at the savings Maine businesses experience with energy efficiencies.
Thirteen Maine businesses and farms have been awarded a total of $108,001 in grant funding through the Rural Energy for America Program to assist in lowering energy costs and installing renewable energy systems.
USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Lisa Mensah and U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree made the announcement on Thursday at the 284-acre, Springvale-based McDougal Orchards, where Hanson Farm Inc., which operates the orchards, was awarded a $14,837 REAP grant to purchase and install a 20.14kW solar photovoltaic roof-mounted system. The solar system will supply all of the orchard’s energy demands, according to a release.
“Each dollar that a farm or rural business doesn’t have to spend on energy is another dollar that can go toward creating jobs or investing in their long-term sustainability. That’s why REAP is so vital in a state like Maine,” Pingree said in a statement. “For Maine to receive 13 awards in one year is very exciting news. I’m incredibly grateful to USDA Rural Development for investing in these farms and businesses so they can cut their energy costs and reduce their impact on the environment.”
The 12 other Maine companies and farms that were awarded federal grant funding are:
- Richard Jones, d/b/a Pine Tree LLC, in Poland: A $7,624 grant to purchase and install a 10.34kW solar PV roof-mounted system to benefit this real estate holding company. This system is projected to produce 11,903kW hours annually, replacing 93% of its energy demands, or enough electricity to power one home.
- Erna Smith d/b/a Smith Farms, in Lisbon Falls: A $3,379 grant to purchase and install an 8.32kW solar PV roof-mounted system to benefit this hay farmer. This system is projected to produce 5,555kWh annually to meet 100% of the business’s energy demands.
- Birch Haven Campground LLC, in Fort Kent: A $18,750 grant to install a 23.4kW solar PV tracker system array at this campground and replace 100% of its annual usage. The project proposes to generate 35,983kWh of electricity per year, or enough electricity to power the equivalent of three homes.
- Fat & Happy, Inc., in North Berwick: A $15,159 grant to install a 15.39kW ground-mounted solar array. This project will save $3,119 and replace 90% of the business electrical usage annually. Each year 17,345kWh will be produced, which is more than enough electricity to power an average home.
- Christopher Hahn LLC, in South China: A $6,895 grant to install a 14.04kW roof-mounted solar array. This project will save $1,518 and replace 100% of the business electrical usage annually. Some 10,961kWh will be produced each year, which is more than enough electricity to power an average home.
- Rollins & Sons Auto Body Inc., in West Rockport: A $6,224 grant to purchase and install an 8.75kW solar roof-mounted array. This project will realize $1,432 in savings and will replace 10,474kWh,or 60%, of business electrical usage annually.
- Robert Johanson, d/b/a Goranson Farm, in Dresden: A $2,939 grant to purchase and install a reverse osmosis system to decrease the volume of sap that needs to be boiled down to make syrup. This will save this maple syrup producer 66,216kWh annually or enough energy to power six homes.
- Moir Farms LLC, in Woodland: A $3,966 grant to install variable speed drives on fans and LED lighting at a potato storage facility. This project will save $2,727 and decrease business energy consumption by 52% annually. Each year 19,535kWh will be saved, which is more than enough electricity to power an average home.
- Harvest Gold Jewelry Company, in Lovell: A $4,043 grant to purchase and install a 9.12kW solar PV ground-mounted system to benefit this fine crafted gold jewelry maker and gallery of fine arts. This system is projected to produce 7,931kWh annually and meet 100% of the company’s business energy demands.
- Waugh’s Mountain View Electric Inc., in Rumford: A $4,572 grant to install a 7.50kW ground-mounted solar PV system. The proposed system projects to generate 10,466kWh annually and will displace 68% of its energy usage.
- Little River Veterinary Hospital, P.A., in Northport: A $15,856 grant to install a 27.56kW solar PV system that is projected to produce 35,730kWh annually and supply more than 98% of the company’s energy demands, or enough energy to power three homes.
- Frederick S. Whited in Bridgewater: A $3,757 grant to install variable speed drives on fans at a potato storage facility. This project will save $1,807 and decrease business energy consumption by 49% annually. Each year 12,710kWh will be saved, which is more than enough electricity to power an average home.
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