Turning Page Farm, Rowell’s Garage receive solar grants

The Trump Administration announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $973,172 to help 33 rural businesses, farms, and organizations in Maine with lowering energy costs. Area recipients are:

Lana Joy Bueschen of Turning Page Farm in Monson, selected to receive a grant in the amount of $7,461. This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 13.5 kW solar array for Turning Page Farm. This project will replace 18,602 kWh (94 percent) of business energy usage and realize $3,049 of savings annually.

Rowell’s Garage of Dover-Foxcroft has been selected to receive a grant in the amount of $37,704. This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 54.28 kW solar array for Rowell’s Garage. This project will replace 53,099 kWh (56 percent) of business energy usage and realize $16,060 of savings annually.

“I am pleased USDA Rural Development is able to provide these vital funds for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvement, and energy audits for 33 Maine businesses, farms, and organizations,” said USDA Rural Development Maine State Director Timothy P. Hobbs. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Maine in building stronger and healthier communities. Today’s investment underscores this commitment.”

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Through the REAP REDA the agency funds intermediaries who use the funding to assist rural small businesses and agricultural producers by conducting and promoting energy audits.