The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development today announced eight renewable energy investments in Michigan totaling more than $94,000.
“In addition to funding large-scale infrastructure, USDA Rural Development also supports small businesses,” said USDA Rural Development Caro Area Director Paula Gromak. “These projects will boost the rural economy, make Michigan more energy self-sufficient and help protect the environment.”
The funds are part of a $78 million investment in renewable energy infrastructure in 30 states through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). This program helps agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. Projects financed under this program can help to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas pollution that affects our climate.
Darin Emelander, in Calhoun County, will use a $15,164 grant to purchase and install a 25.41 KW solar PV system. The sole proprietor has a small livestock operation in which the solar panels will be offsetting 100 percent of the energy usage of the farm site. This project will save $4,042 per year and will replace 33,048 kWH per year, which is enough energy to power three homes. Project payback is 16 years.
Coulings Creations LLC, in Jackson County, will use a $10,144 grant to purchase and install a 14.20 KW roof-mounted solar PV system. This is a commercial printer that is erecting a new building for its expanding business. This solar generation project will save $2,896 per year and will generate 18,281 kWH per year. Project payback is 17 years.
The Apple Barrel Cider Mill LLC, in Gratiot County, will use a $20,000 grant to purchase and install a 26.18 KW solar PV system. This business has been in operation for more than 10 years. The project will save $4,992 per year and will replace 34,595 kWH (53 percent) per year, which is enough energy to power three homes. Project payback is 17 years.
Gemini Capital Management IX LLC, in Gratiot County, will use a $10,466 grant to purchase and install a 13 KW roof-mounted solar PV system. The start-up business is installing the solar panels to power the office and common areas of a new building development. This project will save $2,423 per year and will generate 16,177 kWH per year. Project payback is 18 years.
Lilly Farm LLC, in Ottawa County, will use an $11,384 grant to purchase and install a 16.17 KW roof-mounted solar PV system. This is a horse boarding/care facility that has been in operation 12 years. The project will save $2,825 per year and will replace 19,994 kWH (94 percent) per year. Project payback is 19 years.
Joseph M. Birchmeier, in Genesee County, will use a $7,875 grant used to purchase and install a 15.60 KW roof-mounted solar PV system. This small business provides financial advice. This project will save $2,407 per year and will replace 17,754 kWH (99 percent) per year. Project payback is 14 years.
Boerma Family Real Estate Investment Co., in Berrien County, will use a $9,748 grant to purchase and install a 10.27 KW solar PV system in a rental commercial building which houses a yoga studio. This project will realize $1,745 per year in savings and will replace 13,793 kWH (61 percent) per year. Project payback is 23 years.
Erin Papoi, in Isabella County, will use a $9,500 grant to purchase and the install a geothermal heating & cooling system for a farm shop. This project will realize $2,383 per year in savings and will generate 42,288 KWH per year, which is enough energy to power 3 homes. Project payback is 20 years.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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