Seven Maine businesses land renewable energy grants
Seven Maine businesses will receive $77,500 in USDA funds to purchase and install renewable energy systems.
USDA Rural Development Acting State Director Tommy R. Higgins said the companies were recognized through the Rural Energy for America Program.
“The Rural Energy for America Program helps rural Maine small businesses and agricultural producers utilize renewable energy sources and reduce overall energy consumption while substantially reducing their operating costs,” Higgins said. “Keeping more hard-earned dollars in the pockets of Maine business owners also helps retain jobs, increase profitability, and aids in a cleaner environment for Maine communities.”
The seven companies are:
FEDCO Seeds Inc., Clinton: $20,000 to purchase and install a 54.6 kWh ground-mounted solar photo-voltaic system to benefit its storage facility for seeds, plants and gardening supplies.The system is projected to produce 70,793 kWh annually, replacing 96% of its energy demands, or enough electricity to power six homes.
Solar Center LLC., Arundel: $19,391 to purchase and install a 26.1 kW solar photo-voltaic system on three ground-mounted trackers to benefit a newly constructed greenhouse for organic farmers. The system is projected to produce 44,620 kWh annually, replacing 140% of its historical energy demands, or enough electricity to power four homes.
Wilbur B. Bradbury, dba Bradbury Maple, Bridgewater: $3,567 to purchase and install a new reverse osmosis system for this maple syrup farm which will concentrate the sap, resulting in decreased fuel oil use for boiling. The system is anticipated to reduce energy demands by 46%, saving 11,392 kWh annually, or enough energy to power one home.
Trippcrest Farm LLC., Harrison: $8,081 to purchase and install a 14.85 kW roof-mounted solar photo-voltaic system to benefit its horse farm. The system is projected to produce 13,961 kWh annually, replacing all of its business energy demands, or enough electricity to power one home.
Harpswell Freezers LLC., Harpswell: $2,534 to purchase and install a 26.5 kW roof-mounted solar photo-voltaic system at one of its commercial rental real estate properties. This system is expected to produce 29,885 kWh annually, replacing 17% of its historic business energy demands, or enough electricity to power two homes.
Power Gripps USA Inc., Sorrento: $13,228 to purchase and install an 18.4 kW roof-mounted solar photo-voltaic system to benefit the owner’s business. This system is projected to produce 19,544 kWh annually, replacing all of its energy demands, or enough electricity to power one home.
Waldoboro Environmental Park Inc., Waldoboro: $10,699 to purchase and install a 12.48 kW building-integrated solar photo-voltaic system on a proposed new structure in the business park. This system is predicted to produce 15,622 kWh annually, or enough electricity to power one home.
USDA Rural Development has offices in Presque Isle, Bangor, Lewiston and Scarborough, as well as a state office in Bangor.
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