CHINO VALLEY, Ariz. (July 8, 2024) – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Arizona Charlene Fernandez today announced a $425,520 Rural Energy for America (REAP) Renewable and Energy Efficiency Program grant to small business Thermal-Vac Arizona Inc. in Chino Valley to install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system on its roof, saving the company nearly $15,000 annually. The company serves the aerospace and other industries through brazing, heat treating, and testing support services.
“Rural green energy initiatives & investments from the USDA to small businesses such as Thermal-Vac are not just an environmentally responsible choice, but a strategic move that promises economic revitalization, job creation, and sustainable development,” says State Director Fernandez. “Through the commitment of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA Rural Development can stimulate local economies through small business investments. This is a win for rural communities such as Chino Valley, as they are empowered to take charge of their energy future and can drive progress to create prosperity for all.”
A USDA-funded 213-kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic (PV) system on the roof of the Thermal-Vac Arizona Inc grants the ability to reduce the company’s energy usage, plan for future growth, and maintain existing jobs with the opportunity to add new jobs.The PV system will be roof-mounted, fixed-tilt, and grid-tied, and is expected to save this business $14,774.92 annually. The solar PV will produce and use 349,645 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year – enough energy to power 48 homes annually. The system was designed to displace 329 percent of the current annual electric demand.
Background: REAP
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced nearly $100 million in loans and grants through REAP to support 473 projects in 39 states and Puerto Rico.
The REAP program helps agricultural producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar, geothermal and small hydropower energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses, address climate change and lower energy costs for American families.
These investments will cut energy costs for family farms and other businesses, increasing their resiliency and allowing them to invest back into their communities by creating new jobs and other opportunities. For example:
USDA is making the REAP awards in Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming and Puerto Rico.
Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA has invested more than $2.1 billion through REAP in 7,216 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements that will help rural business owners’ lower energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen their resiliency of operations.
USDA continues to accept REAP applications and will hold funding competitions quarterly through Sept. 30, 2024. The funding includes a dedicated portion for underutilized renewable energy technologies. For additional information, contact a local energy coordinator.
A complete list of all REAP projects can be found online.
###
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.