The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recently announced generous grants totaling nearly $1 million for renewable energy upgrades in rural agriculture producers and small businesses across Michigan. The largest portion of this funding is being directed towards a farm in Gratiot County.
The USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program is allocating $956,473 to four recipients in Michigan, in addition to the $1.7 million awarded to western Michigan last week. One of the beneficiaries is Milk Star LLC, a dairy farm in Gratiot County that has been operating for nine years.
Milk Star LLC will utilize a grant of $823,219 to acquire and install a 1,036.80 kW solar photovoltaic system, according to the USDA. The installation of this solar power system is expected to result in annual savings of $133,492 and replace 1,376,202 kWh (equivalent to 41 percent) of energy consumption each year. This amount of energy is sufficient to power 126 homes. The USDA estimates that the project will pay for itself in 16 years.
In addition to Milk Star LLC, three other recipients have been selected for grants across the state of Michigan. Bur’s Maple Syrup LLC in Cheboygan County will receive $26,000, Farm & Forest LLC in Ingham County will receive $11,836, and Sunrise Farms Inc. in Lenawee County will receive $95,418.
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