ROCKPORT — Avena Botanticals is among 12 Maine businesses receiving USDA Rural Development grants, and will use the designated $14,385 to purchase and install a 15.36 kW solar PV array to benefit this small business.

Avena Botanicals is an herbal apothecary that grows and produces botanical products along with providing training in traditional herbal medicine. This project will save $3,256 in savings per year and generate 20,932 kWh annually, replacing all of the business energy needs, according to a news release regarding the federal grants.

In this latest round of grants from the USDA under the rural development program, $156,000 will go toward energy projects.

The Rural Energy for America (REAP) program assists with renewable energy development and supports Maine’s rural small businesses.

“Small businesses are the cornerstone of our rural communities, but high energy costs can tighten margins and make it difficult to operate without economic anxiety,” said U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, in the release. “REAP grants allow these small businesses to save on energy costs, cut fossil-fuel consumption, and lower their carbon footprint—meaning we’re helping both our local economy and environment with these investments. Our rural businesses benefit so much from this support, and I’m glad to see the USDA continuing their support for the vibrancy and character of our small towns.”

Recipients include:

• Andy’s Agway (Dayton): $14,215
  • This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 24.96 kW solar PV array to benefit this family owned business. Andy's Agway supplies the local area with livestock feed, hay, animal bedding and pet food and supplies along with farm equipment, gardening tools and vegetable and flower seedlings. This project will save $2,700 per year and generate 28,861 kWh annually, replacing all of the business energy needs.
• Avena Botanicals (Rockport): $14,385
  • This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 15.36 kW solar PV array to benefit this small business. Avena Botanicals is an herbal apothecary that grows and produces botanical products along with providing training in traditional herbal medicine. This project will save $3,256 in savings per year and generate 20,932 kWh annually, replacing all of the business energy needs.
• 650 Cape Road Holdings, LLC. (Standish): $11,371
  • This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 20.16 kW solar PV array to benefit this small business. 650 Cape Road Holdings, LLC is a real estate holding company owning and leasing property. Tower Publishing, a leading independent publisher of legal and business books in the New England area, will benefit from this solar installation. This project will replace 16,353 kWh (77 percent) and save $2,584 year.
• Chloe Allegra Holding, LLC., dba Modernist Pantry (Eliot): $5,568
  • This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 41.6 kW roof-mounted solar array. Chloe Allegra Holdings, LLC is a real estate holding company that owns Modernist Pantry, LLC which supplies hard to find ingredients and culinary tools for everyone. This project will replace 416,526 kWh (95 percent) and realize $8,375 in savings per year.
• Shawnee Peak Holdings, LLC. (Bridgton): $12,991
  • This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 20.48 kW roof-mounted solar array. Shawnee Peak Holdings, LLC owns and operates a Shawnee Peak, a ski recreational facility in operation for more than 80 years. This project will save $3,675 in savings per year and generate 22,971 kWh annually, replacing all the business energy needs.
• Foreign Autoworks, Inc. (Kittery): $15,761
  • This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 24.09 kW solar PV array to benefit this small business. Foreign Autoworks Inc. has been providing automobile and light truck repairs services for over 43 years in Southern Maine. This project will save $3,924 per year and generate 27,149 kWh annually.
• 32 Lovers Lane, LLC. (Cushing): $20,000
  • This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 67.62 kW ground-mounted solar array. 32 Lovers Lane, LLC is a real estate holding company. This project will realize $13,533 in savings per year and replace 90,223 kWh (99percent), which is enough electricity to power eight homes.