The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded $103,500 in grants to six Delaware farms and agricultural businesses to help reduce energy costs.

"Lowering energy costs helps rural businesses improve their bottom line and create jobs," Rural Business-Cooperative Service Administrator Bette Brand said. "Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is committed to increasing economic development in America's rural communities through strong partnerships because when rural America thrives, all of America thrives."

The USDA is investing $9.3 million into the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) program, which supports renewable energy systems such as anaerobic digesters, biomass, geothermal, hydropower, wind and solar. It can also support efficiency improvements to heating, ventilation and cooling systems; insulation; lighting and refrigeration.

"These investments will allow rural Delaware farmers, ranchers and small, rural business owners to make significant savings that will improve their bottom line," USDA Rural Development State Director Denise Lovelady said. "The REAP program helps rural Delaware businesses prosper, which helps all of Delaware prosper."

The six Delaware recipients include:

• ASA Properties LLC, in Milton, has been selected to receive a REAP Grant in the amount of $20,000. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 32.45 kW roof mount solar array. ASA Properties, a rural dental practice, will realize $4,920 per year in savings and replace 35,144 kWh (97.62%) of energy per year. This project will save enough electricity to power three homes.
• Bayside Exteriors LLC, in Lewes, has been selected to receive a REAP Grant in the amount of $8,202. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 20.46 kW roof-mounted solar array. Bayside Exteriors, a family-owned and operated exterior contractor specializing in roofing and siding projects, will realize $3,183 per year in savings, and will replace 26,520 kWh (110.50%) per year. This project will save enough electricity to power two homes.
• Leroy Collins, in Millsboro, has been selected to receive a REAP Grant in the amount of $20,000. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 110.175 kW solar electric system. Beth and Leroy Collins, owners of a family-owned and operated poultry farm, will save $9,317 per year, and will replace 139,074 kWh (93%) per year. This project will save enough electricity to power 12 homes.
• CSC Auto Center LLC, in Georgetown, has been selected to receive a REAP Grant in the amount of $20,000. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 29.40 kW solar array. CSC Auto Center, an auto repair shop, will realize $5,422 per year in savings and will replace 38,732 kWh (68.53%) per year. This project will save enough electricity to power three homes.
• H & J Wright Family Farms, in Delmar, has been selected to receive a REAP Grant in the amount of $20,000. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 62.4 kW ground solar array. H & J Wright Family Farms, a family-owned and operated grain and turkey farm, will realize $10,051.80 per year in savings and will replace 78,081 kWh (108%) of energy per year.
• Lomas Properties LLC, in Rehoboth Beach, has been selected to receive a REAP Grant in amount of $15,298. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 28.2 kW roof-mounted solar array. Lomas Properties operates as Crosswinds Motel and will realize $4,673 per year in savings and will replace 32.68 kWh (100%) per year. This project will save enough electricity to power three homes.