SE Minnesota getting $250,000 for solar power projects | Local | kimt.com – KIMT 3

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar have announced $1.9 million in federal funding for clean energy technology at 27 farms and small businesses throughout Greater Minnesota.

“The clean energy transition is happening, the question is whether we lead or follow. I want us to lead,” says Senator Smith.  “But as we make the switch to cleaner, cheaper energy, we need to make sure everyone benefits. That’s one reason programs like REAP, which helps rural communities install renewable energy systems, are so important. These investments will save farms and small businesses across Minnesota thousands of dollars a year in energy costs while helping reduce harmful emissions.”

The funding is specifically set aside for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to install renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agriculture currently accounts for roughly one-quarter of Minnesota’s greenhouse gas emissions. 

“Minnesota’s farmers and rural small businesses are key to our state’s economy and it’s critical we continue to invest in them,” says Senator Klobuchar.  “These Rural Energy for America Program grants will support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects for farms and rural small businesses throughout Southeast Minnesota to increase their productivity and efficiency.” 

Receiving money locally are:

–          $57,500 for Adams to purchase and installation of a 48kW solar array, saving $16,100 and producing 75,200 kWh, enough to power seven homes.  

–          $147,153 for Austin to purchase and installation of a 99kW solar array, saving $13,600 and producing 137,400 kWh, enough to power 13 homes.  

–          $37,450 for Blue Earth to purchase and installation of 29kW solar array, saving $5,313 and producing 40,289 kWh per year, enough to power four homes.

–          $13,600 for Caledonia to purchase and installation of a 15kW solar array, saving $2,300 and producing 22,500 kWh, enough to power two homes.

–          $12,684 for Eyota to purchase and installation of 8kW solar array, saving $912 and producing 10,436 kWh, enough to power one home  

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