The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently awarded three Pennsylvanian farms and one business $310,768 through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
The program is designed to help rural-based businesses, ag producers, and farmers lower energy costs. REAP funding can be used for improvements that increase energy efficiency, the installation of renewable energy systems, and energy audits.
The four awardees include Kurt Weiss Danville in Danville, who was awarded $99,482, which will be used for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient equipment. The project is expected to create $356,331 in energy savings.
Lloyd Zimmerman & Sons Farm in Danville was awarded $60,000. Funding will be used to purchase and install a roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system on the dairy barns. The project is expected to generate $31,728 in energy savings annually and will produce 99 percent of the farm’s electricity needs.
Penn View Farm in Perkasie was awarded $6,286 to be used for the purchase and installation of a 7,159-bushel capacity grain dryer. The project is expected to save $13,776 in energy costs annually.
Mercersburg Printing in Mercersburg was awarded $145,000. Funds will be used for the purchase and installation of a roof mount solar array. This is expected to save the company $39,224 annually.