In honor of Earth Day 2024, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Maine State Director Rhiannon Hampson announced that USDA is awarding $2.1 million in grants to Maine farms and rural small businesses. The grants will help pay for projects that will lower energy costs for the businesses and increase their resilience. Seven of the awards are for businesses in Knox and Waldo counties. 

“We’re excited to help 20 Maine farms and businesses transition to clean energy with these awards,” said Hampson, in the release. “Most of the grants we’re announcing today will help fund roof-mounted photovoltaic panels which is an innovative way to make the best use of infrastructure in rural communities. Reducing our state’s reliance on fossil fuels and limiting greenhouse gas emissions, while also preserving critical farmland and valuable natural habitats, will benefit all Mainers.”

At the end of March, another group of businesses likewise received grants. Read: Federal officials tour small local businesses as they announce USDA grants

Among the 20 grant recipients statewide are five farms, four builders, two contractors, two heating companies, three auto businesses, and four other small businesses. Currently, REAP pays for no more than half of any given project, so each company will be contributing at least as much as the grant they receive. Together the businesses will be investing $2.4 million to match the $2.1 millionawarded in grants. Examples of projects are:

• Jeffrey F. Littlefield in Belfast will receive a $13,600 grant and contribute $66,000 for a project to add a 24kW solar array to the real estate company’s roof.

• Reid Family Beef Farm in Thorndike will receive a $30,190 grant and contribute $78,000 for a project to add a 28.8kW roof-mounted solar array at the farm.

• Searsport Motor Company Inc. in Searsport will receive a $62,825 grant and contribute $63,000 for a project to add a new 53.87kW roof-mounted solar array.

Taylor-Made Buildings, Inc., Northport, will receive $168.709 and contribute $191,291 to install a new 119 kilowatt (kW) roof mount solar photovoltaic (PV) system. This project is expected to save $36,668 per year. It will generate 149,105 kilowatt hours (kWh) (100+ percent) of the business energy use) per year.

G+Logic LLC, Belfast, will receive $77,397 and invest $82,197 install a new 48 kilowatt (kW) roof mount solar photovoltaic (PV) system. This project is expected to save $12,430 per year. It will generate 52,780 kilowatt hours (kWh) (100+ percent) of the business energy use) per year.

Through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), USDA provides grants and loans to help ag producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar and other forms of clean energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses, address climate change and lower energy costs for American families.  

The Department expects to make additional awards in the coming months. The next deadline for REAP applications is July 1, 2024. USDA continues to accept applications and will hold funding competitions quarterly through Sept. 30, 2024. The funding includes $144.5 million for underutilized renewable energy technologies. For additional information on application deadlines and submission details, see the REAP Program Fact Sheet or contact Katrina Shaw, USDA Rural Development Maine State Energy Coordinator (email Katrina.shaw@usda.gov or call 207-990-9129).

The REAP program is part of the President’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy and other investment areas flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.