With $600K in grants, 13 Maine businesses will install renewable systems

File photo / Laurie Schreiber Cranberry Isles Fishermen’s Co-op was one of 13 Maine businesses awarded funds by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America program to install renewable energy systems.

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By Staff

Thirteen rural businesses in Maine will receive a total of $606,696 in federal grants to install renewable energy systems.

The grants were awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America program, according to a news release.

Recipients can use the funds for energy audits and to install renewable energy systems including those that use biomass, geothermal, hydropower or solar technology. The funding can also be used to increase energy efficiency by making improvements to heating, ventilation and cooling systems; insulation; and lighting and refrigeration.

“Investing in Maine’s rural businesses by funding renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements helps reduce their operating costs, and can help them to be more profitable,” USDA Rural Development State Director Timothy Hobbs said in the release. “I am pleased USDA Rural Development can help strengthen rural economies through its business programs.”

In Maine, the recipients were:

• Balfour Farm LLC, Pittsfield, $11,362 to purchase and install a 9.6-kilowatt solar photovoltaic array. The project will replace 7,538 kilowatt-hours of its energy use and save $10,347 per year.

• Brooks Inc., Thomaston, $50,000 to purchase and install a 115.9-kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will replace 123,877 kWh (86% of Brooks' energy use) and save $16,104 per year.

• Brown Enterprises LLC, Monmouth, $27,500 to purchase and install a 56.88-kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will save $8,706 per year and generate 66,968 kWh annually, replacing all of the business’ energy needs.

• Cranberry Isles Fishermen’s Co-op, Islesford, $31,047 to purchase and install a 45.36-kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will save $8,020 per year and generate 51,088 kWh annually, replacing all of the business’ energy needs.

• Edwin Pelletier and Sons Inc., Frenchville, $37,710 to purchase and install a 61.6-kW solar PV ground-mounted system. This project will replace 74,237 kWh (95% of the energy use) and save $10,393 per year.

• Leavitt Farms LLC, Limestone, $89,615 to purchase and install a 153-kW solar PV ground-mounted system. This project will save $35,900 per year and generate 274,963 kWh annually, replacing all of the business’ energy needs.

• Lubec Brewing Co. LLC, Lubec, $34,456 to purchase and install a 42 kW solar PV ground-mounted system. This project will save $5,485 per year and generate 50,220 kWh annually, replacing all of the business’ energy need.

• Maine Beer Co. LLC, Freeport, $90,878 to purchase and install a 193.71kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will replace 223,762 kWh (51% of energy use) and save $33,027 per year.

• Morningstar Marble and Granite Inc., Topsham, $60,000 to purchase and install a 161.28-kW solar PV roof-mounted system. This project will replace 171,112 kWh (92% of energy use) and save $22,245 per year.

• Pol Inc., Millinocket, $92,839 to purchase and install a 171-kWh solar PV ground-mounted system. This project will save $18,515 per year and generate 205,420 kWh annually, replacing all of the business’ energy needs.

• Sheepscot General LLC, Whitefield, $26,750 to purchase and install a 54.6-kW solar PV roof-mounted system. This project will replace 70,856 kWh (74% of energy use) and save $9,636 in per year.

• Baker Company LLC, Sanford, $18,146 to purchase and install a 219.52-kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will replace 241,958 kWh (15% of energy use) and save $31,455 per year.

• Milkhouse LLC, Monmouth, $36,393 to purchase and install a 72-kW solar PV roof-mounted system. This project will save $10,249 per year and generate 71,410 kWh annually, replacing all the business' energy needs.

The grants were part of a total of $237 million awarded by the USDA to 640 applicants throughout the country.