GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. (KFGO) – Minnesota is in the top five states for local investments under the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program, which provides grants and loans to farmers and rural small businesses that install clean energy systems or take on energy efficiency projects.
Grand Rapids berry farmer Stuart Lavalier says after the first year of getting solar panels up and running, the financial benefits were clear.
“We don’t have a large electrical bill here, but it paid for the electrical bill, and each month since then we’ve gotten a refund, so it’s been very nice.”
Lavalier says installing a solar array didn’t just impact the farm’s bottom line; it provided a way for his operation to be more self-reliant, aligning with his values for local, non-polluting energy production.
“For anyone interested in going solar, I think now is the time to do it.”
In the latest round of REAP funding, applicants have until September 30th to sign up for grants, which could help cover 25%–50% of solar array costs.
Between 2018 and 2022, Minnesota saw nearly 140 million dollars in REAP funds awarded to landowners.
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