In Ohio, two rural businesses, Poultry farmer Matthew Miller and Weaver Group in Sugarcreek, have been awarded funding from the USDA Rural Development program. The program granted $1.2 million to six agricultural producers and rural businesses through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). This program invests in renewable energy systems and makes energy efficiency improvements.
During the fiscal year ending September 30, the USDA awarded over $22.9 million in REAP grants to 168 rural small businesses in Ohio. Matthew Miller received a $58,000 grant to purchase and install a 41-kilowatt solar array for his poultry growing operation. This solar array is expected to generate over 48,000 kilowatt hours of electricity, which is 120 percent of his business’ total annual energy consumption.
Weaver Group in Sugarcreek also received funding amounting to $663,000 to purchase and install a 619-kilowatt roof-mounted solar array at their barn and furniture building business. This project is projected to save the business nearly $90,000 in annual energy costs and generate 642,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity, which is equal to 100 percent of its annual energy consumption. This funding will help both businesses reduce their energy costs and improve their sustainability.
