U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Https

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Trump Administration Invests Over $10.8 Million to Help Rural Arizona Businesses Make Energy Efficiency Improvements, Adopt Renewable Energy Systems

Name
Heather Stacy
Email
heather.stacy@usda.gov
City
Phoenix
Release Date

Investments will Help 18 Businesses in Seven Counties Boost Their Bottom Line
 

PHOENIX, Oct. 26, 2020 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Arizona State Director Jack Smith today announced that USDA is investing over $10.8 million to help farmers, ag producers and rural-based businesses throughout Arizona lower energy costs. USDA is providing the funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

 

“Combining renewable energy systems with conventional sources can help Arizona’s agricultural producers and business save on utility costs, allowing them to improve their bottom line.” said Smith “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Arizona by building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America prospers, all of America prospers.”

 

Recipients can use REAP funding for energy audits and to install renewable energy systems such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower and solar. The funding can also be used to increase energy efficiency by making improvements to heating, ventilation and cooling systems; insulation; and lighting and refrigeration.

 

In Maricopa County:

 

  • Arizona State University will use a $100,000 grant to conduct Energy Audits for small businesses in rural areas of Arizona and agricultural producers of any size throughout the state. The goal is to identify potential energy efficiency improvements and quantify the projected cost savings to the business. Additionally, those receiving audits are made aware of the availability of grants through the REAP to pay up to 25% of the cost of making the suggested energy efficiency improvements. ASU hopes to conduct at least 10 audits over a two-year period.

 

  • Northern Gateway LLC will use a $12,980 grant to install LED lighting in their parking lot. The company leases facilities to a popular family entertainment venue on the Salt River-Maricopa Indian Community. The new lighting is expected to save an estimated 35% of their existing lighting costs for a savings of about $5,412 annually.

 

  • Sunoma Renewable Biofuel LLC will use a $10 million loan guarantee investment for the construction of a $29.5 million anaerobic digester (AD) co-located with the Paloma Dairy near Gila Bend, Arizona. The AD is expected to produce in excess of 150,000 million British thermal unit (MBtu) of renewable natural gas as well as generate revenue from low carbon fuel standards and renewable index number credits. The addition of an AD will not only provide a new stream of income but will also benefit the environment by capturing methane gas currently being released into the atmosphere by the decay of animal waste.
  • Northern Gateway LLC will use a $46,750 grant to install a 100 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic array near Tonapah, Arizona. The system is expected to generate 173,451 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually at a value of about $10,300 to this business each year.

 

In Yavapai County:

 

  • Vortex Water LLC will use a $19,980 grant to install a 12.78 kW solar photovoltaic system at their facility. The system is expected to generate 26,569 kWh of electricity annually, saving the business around $4,251 annually in electric utility bills. 
  • Rancho Vida LLC will use a $19,980 grant to install a 36 kW solar photovoltaic array at in Kirkland, Arizona. The system is expected to generate 76,845 kWh of electricity annually and save the business $14,980 in utility bills each year. 

 

  • Sonrise Plaza LLC will use a $27,528 grant to install a 34.84 kW solar photovoltaic system on their office building in Sedona, Ariz. The system is expected to generate 51,640 kWh of electricity annually saving the business about $8780 each year. 

In Coconino County:

 

  • Western Truss and Components Inc. will use a $20,000 grant to install a 37 kW solar photovoltaic system. The system is expected to produce 57,786 kWh or 37% of their current usage each year. This will result in an $8,668 annual savings on their utility bills.

 

  • Blazing Oak Inc. will use a $20,000 grant to install a 48.425 kW solar photovoltaic system. The system is expected to generate 75,082 kWh or 60% of their annual electricity usage. This represents a savings on their utility bills of $6,870 per year.

 

  • Flagstaff Family Farm LLC will use a $6,048 grant to install a 37 kW solar photovoltaic system. The system is expected to produce 57,786 kWh or 37% of their current usage each year. This will result in an $8,668 annual savings on their utility bills.

 

  • Flagstaff EcoRanch Inc. will use a $12,739 grant to install a 14.1 kW solar photovoltaic system at their facility. The system is expected to generate 22,840 kWh of electricity annually, saving the ranch around $3,088 per year in electric utility bills.

 

In La Paz County:

 

  • River Fever LLC will use a $7,500 grant install a 3.25 kW solar photovoltaic system with a 28 kWh battery backup. The system is expected to generate 5,814 kWh of electricity annually, representing a $872 savings on utility bills each year. Additionally, the battery backup will store electricity generated by the new solar panels as well as from a previously installed system. This will allow the business to store the excess energy it produces during daylight, after sunset or during cloudy periods, rather than selling that energy to the grid for a lower price.

 

  • Holt Arizona Rentals LLC will use a $6,250 grant install a 7.8 kW solar photovoltaic array on the applicant's business in Parker, Arizona. The system is expected to generate 13,562 kWh of electricity annually representing a savings of $949 on their utility bills. 

 

In Mohave County:

 

  • Cella Winery LLC will use a $20,000 grant to install a 22.4 kW solar photovoltaic system. The system is expected to generate 42,383 kWh annually or about 104% of their current electrical usage. This represents a savings on their utility bills of $4,473 annually.

 

In Pinal County:

 

  • Western White Pine Holding LLC will use a $155,000 loan guarantee to purchase a 105.6kW solar photovoltaic system to produce electricity for Western White Pines Holdings LLC to be sold to the City of Eloy, Arizona. The system is initially expected to generate 188.6 kWh of electricity with a value of $18,864 annually and is projected to operate for a minimum of 25 years.

 

In Santa Cruz County:

 

  • Avalon Universal Enterprises will use a $20,000 grant to install a 24 kW solar photovoltaic system at their existing facilities near Tubac, Arizona. The system is expected to generate 42,467 kWh of electricity annually. This will save the business $3,930 off their utility bills each year.

 

  • Maritel Properties II LLC will use a $183,948 grant to install a 290 kW solar photovoltaic system on its hotel in Nogales, Arizona. The system is expected to generate 517,381 kWh of electricity annually representing a savings of almost $62,000 on its utility bills each year.

 

  • Agri Packing Supply Inc. will use a $157,569 grant a 365.16 kW solar photovoltaic system at its location in Nogales, Ariz. The system is expected to generate 638,143 kWh of electricity annually representing a savings of just under $75,000 per year.

 

To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, interested parties should contact their USDA Rural Development state office. USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs 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 areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

 

###

 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.