USDA Rural Development Alaska State Director Julia Hnilicka announced on Thursday, Mar. 28, that the USDA is investing $460,000 in a Kenai Peninsula solar energy project to benefit the area’s small rural businesses.
“When rural small businesses make improvements, our neighbors and community as a whole benefit from their work,” Hnilicka said. “This investment made to Peninsula Solar LLC will have a ripple effect of energy and cost savings and is a great example of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to supporting rural Alaskans and the health of our rural communities.”
Peninsula Solar LLC will use a $460,000 Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant to install a 200 kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic solar system with 500 kW of battery storage in Soldotna, Alaska. This is a phase two project to enhance previously deployed renewable energy projects on the Kenai Peninsula. The system will generate electricity to sell to Fresh365, a locally-owned greenhouse, and three other businesses. The system is estimated to produce 220,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough electricity to power 19.5 homes.
The primary beneficiary of the $460k is Whistle Hill, where an already extensive solar project stretches across the back of the developing property.
“It’s so great just to see how this local business is being able to thrive because their energy costs are reduced through the solar and through this program that that we’re funding,” said project lead Misty Hull. “So it’s just great to see as a community member how the reprogram really is affecting the lives of rural America by helping these businesses thrive, they can produce. Quality products for the community to enjoy.”
Through the REAP program, USDA provides grants and loans to help ag producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar, and other forms of clean energy and improve energy efficiency. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses, address climate change, and lower energy costs.
Today’s investment is included in a national USDA announcement totaling $120 million in 541 REAP projects across 44 states.