Nearly $90,000 Awarded for
Renewable Energy Investments
 |
| Earth Care Farm founder Mike Merner has always been passionate about the environment (Photo by Will Collette) |
The awards, funded through the Rhode Island Farm Energy Program
(RIFEP), will support solar projects at seven local farms across the state.
"I am thrilled to announce these awards, which are a win
for our environment and for our farmers," said DEM Director Janet Coit.
"What an excellent example of the role each of us can play in
strengthening our climate resilience and promoting healthier communities. Rhode
Island is charting a bold course in clean energy, which is exciting and vital.
We must continue to invest in our green economy for the benefit of our state,
our environment, and our families. Congratulations to our grant recipients and
to all partners involved in this effort."
Funded projects include:
Earth Care Farm, Charlestown -
$20,000 Installation of a 15.6 kW solar photovoltaic system that will offset
power used by the farm's composting and agricultural operation.
Goodwin
Brothers Farm, North Smithfield - $15,000 Installation of
a 10.54 kW roof-mount solar photovoltaic system that will offset power used by
farm stand display coolers, two walk-in storage coolers, and two greenhouse
furnaces.
Grandin
Landscapes and Supply, South Kingstown - $8,000 Installation of
a 13.2 kW roof-mount solar photovoltaic system that will offset power used by
the garden center and greenhouses.
Planeview
Farm, West Kingston - $20,000 Installation of a 5.8 kW roof-mount solar
photovoltaic system that will offset power used by farm operations and
thermostatically-controlled outdoor water heaters.
Seven
Cedars Farm, Smithfield - $6,635 Installation of a 7.2 kW
solar photovoltaic system that will offset power used by agricultural
operations.
The
Good Earth Organic Gardening Center, Hope - $15,000
Installation of an 8.64 kW roof-mount solar photovoltaic system that will
offset power used by the garden center and farm operations.
"Farmers are in a great position to take advantage of
recent advancements solar technology," said State Energy Commissioner
Carol Grant.
"Solar panels have become cheaper and more powerful, with
shorter payback periods, allowing farmers to offset more of the energy they use
for th
DEM continues to work across many fronts to strengthen Rhode
Island's green economy and assist local farmers in growing their businesses.
Rhode Island is one of few states nationally where the number of
farms is on the rise. There are more than 1,200 sprinkled across the state, a
44 percent increase since 2002.
The state's green industries account for more than 15,000 jobs
and contribute $2.5 billion to the economy each year.
Last year, $52,245 was awarded under the RIFEP's initial grant
round; the awards supported renewable energy and energy efficiency projects at
Harmony Hill Farm in Glocester, Red Planet Vegetable Farm in Johnston, and
Pat's Pastured in East Greenwich. Funding for RIFEP is made possible through
the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit
www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) or Facebook at
www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM for timely updates.
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