USDA Invests $1 Million to Support Renewable Energy in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan Brandon Fewins today announced more than $1 million in grants to northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula agriculture producers and rural businesses to make investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

“These projects will help lower costs, enhance incomes and strengthen the resilience of rural businesses,” said Fewins. “While solar panels are a common improvement, considerable benefits can be gained from upgrading to more energy efficient equipment.”

The grants are made available through the Rural Energy for America Program, and total Michigan funding in this announcement is $1,032,853.

Bunches of Blessings LLC, in Baraga County, will use a $9,975 grant to purchase and install a four kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic system. This project will produce 4,952 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year. Project payback is 29 years.

Van Dam Enterprises Inc., in Charlevoix County, will use a $108,000 grant to purchase and install a 58.8 kW roof mount solar photovoltaic system. Van Dam Enterprises Inc. has been operating for 10 years and they design, build, and restore wooden boats. This project will realize $10,720 per year in savings and will replace 71,899 kWh (91 percent) per year, which is enough energy to power six homes. Project payback is 21 years.

Boyne Boat Yard, Inc., in Charlevoix County, will use a $53,500 grant to purchase and install a 28 kW roof mount solar photovoltaic system. Boyne Boat Yard, Inc. is a marine service and storage company that has been operating for 10 years. This project will realize $5,256 per year in savings and will replace 34,130 kWh (100 percent) per year. Project payback is 21 years.

Elmer's County Market, Inc., in Delta County, will use an $857,878 grant to purchase and install a 380.89 kW roof mount solar PV system. Elmer's County Market Inc. is a small, independently owned retail grocery store that has been operating for 17 years in a disadvantaged area. This project will realize $28,679 per year in savings and will replace 461,814 kWh (17 percent) per year, which is enough energy to power 42 homes.

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