USDA awards eight Arkansas businesses funding to produce solar power

Several Arkansas farms and small businesses will receive federal funds to produce solar power.The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Thursday it’s investing $104 million to support more than 300 clean energy projects in 34 states through its Rural Energy for America program.

$2.1 million will go towards funding eight projects in the natural state. The USDA said that by funding energy innovations, the program helps agricultural producers and small business owners increase their income, grow their businesses and address climate change while lowering energy costs.

Grant recipients are:

-Community Venture Foundation, $250,000 for REAP application assistance for farmers and rural small businesses throughout Arkansas. Potential applicants will be given information on how to improve the energy efficiency of their operations and how to use renewable energy technologies and resources, followed by guidance on moving through the application process. Targeted projects include those in distressed or disadvantaged communities and farmers, who will be guided through the process by the foundation.

-Keo Fish Farm Inc., $751,842 to install an 856.8-kilowatt solar array for their fish hatchery in Keo. This project is expected to save $109,995 and replace 1,221,288 kilowatt hours annually.

-Whitaker Grain LLC, $251,136 to purchase and install a 288-kilowatt solar system. The energy generated from this project will offset electrical usage for on-site grain bins used for drying and storage. This project is expected to save $38,642 and replace 429,350 kilowatt hours annually.

-South Central Pallets, Inc., $250,000 to help the Hatfield pallet manufacturer purchase and install a 207-kilowatt solar array. This project is expected to save $12,530 and replace 313,258 kilowatt hours annually.

-Mountain Home Lumber LLC, $223,914 to purchase and install a 203-kilowatt solar array. This project is expected to save $12,672 and produce 262,443 kilowatt hours annually.

-Dusty Lane Poultry Farm LLC, $149,818 to purchase and install a 161-kilowatt solar array for their poultry operations in Independence County. This project is expected to save $13,180 yearly and generate 219,682 kilowatt hours annually.

-Jared Smith, $144,564 to help install a 168-kilowatt solar array for his poultry operation in Batesville. This project is expected to save $9,547 and generate 232,736 kilowatt hours annually.

-Parker Farm LLC, $86,250 to install a 75-kilowatt solar array for their poultry farm in Omaha. The project will generate 104,044 kilowatt hours of energy annually.

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