RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: DEM, Partners Announce Recipients of Farm Energy Grants

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management issue the following announcement on April 29. 

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), in partnership with the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources and the Rhode Island Resource Conservation & Development Area Council, today announced $78,765 in grants to help farmers "green" their operations and save energy and money. The awards, funded through the Rhode Island Farm Energy Program (RIFEP), will support solar and energy efficiency projects at four local farms across the state.

"Kudos to our grant recipients and to all partners involved in our efforts to bring clean, reliable, and affordable renewable energy to Rhode Island farms," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "Farm Energy Grants are helping Rhode Island farming families grow their businesses and do their part to make Rhode Island cleaner and greener."

"These grants will help our local farms reduce their carbon footprint as well as to save money on their electric bills, which they can use to reinvest in their businesses," said State Energy Commissioner Carol Grant. "Each of these farm solar projects will contribute toward the Governor's goal to reach 1,000 megawatts of clean energy by the end of 2020. Congratulations to all the recipients."

Funded projects include:

Legends Creek Farm, Foster -- $20,000 Installation of a 19.75 kW, roof-mount solar array that will offset 98 percent of the energy needs of the farm operation, which includes goats, a line of goat milk products, honey, and a variety of high tunnel crops.

Verde's Vineyard, Johnston -- $20,000 Installation of a 10.56 kW/40 kWh hybrid system of backup batteries retrofitted to the existing solar/geothermal renewable energy system that will keep the solar system and thereby critical winery operations running during power outages.

Martinelli's Farm & Charcuterie LLC, North Scituate – $18,765 Installation of a 10.0 kW, roof-mount solar array that will help offset all the farm's retail operation energy use including freezer and refrigeration units, water heaters, and retail store electricity.

Ferolbink Farm, Tiverton – $20,000 Installation of a 41.25 kW, roof-mount solar array that will offset all the energy needs for the main barn and storage area at this potato and squash crop farm.

DEM continues to work across many fronts to strengthen Rhode Island's green economy and assist local farmers in growing their businesses. There are more than 1,000 farms sprinkled across the state; the state's green industries account for more than 15,000 jobs and contribute $2.5 billion to the economy each year. Last fall, $67,237 was awarded under the RIFEP's fifth grant round; the awards supported renewable energy and energy efficiency projects at Barrington Farm School, Pat's Pastured in East Greenwich, Windmist Farm in Jamestown, and Paris St. Pierre's equestrian operation in Little Compton. 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.

Original source can be found here.