Three local small businesses are included in a $180 million USDA investment into wind, solar and other forms of clean energy through the Rural Energy for America Program.
Staunton farmer Charles Schooley will use a $75,779 grant to install a 61.04-kilowatt photovoltaic system on his family farm.
The 112 solar panels are expected to produce around 83,085 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, generating enough energy to help this agricultural operation offset approximately 130 percent of current electrical usage for poultry production.
Augusta County business owner Mira Patel will use a $105,300 grant to install a 93.81-kilowatt roof mounted photovoltaic system on a community grocery store in Churchville.
The 159 solar panels in the system are expected to produce 122,728 kilowatt hours per year, which will save the company about $8,057 annually and generate enough energy to offset approximately 95 percent of current electrical usage.
Vintage Virginia Apples in Albemarle County will use a $85,293 grant to install a 94.77-kilowatt roof mounted solar array that will generate about 132,023 kilowatt hours per year, off-setting approximately 95 percent of energy usage for winery and orchard operations.
“We are pleased to partner with these small businesses and agricultural enterprises to help them lower energy costs and expand local market opportunities,” said Perry Hickman, USDA Rural Development Virginia State Director. “The investments announced today will not only increase the resiliency of these operations but also allow them to invest back into their communities.”
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Chris Graham
