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USDA expands program, boosts clean energy initiatives

Celebrating Shell We Bounce’s grant are (l-r) Lisa Fitzgerald, business programs director, USDA Rural Development; Jim Derrick, owner of Shell We Bounce; Bruce Weaver, program specialist and state energy coordinator, USDA Rural Development; Son-Djerry Cameus, outreach representative for Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester; Andrew Dinsmore, state director for Delaware-Maryland, USDA Rural Development; and Colleen Reed, business and cooperative specialist, USDA Rural Development. TED PFIRRMANN PHOTOS
Ted Pfirrmann
August 31, 2024

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced an expansion of its Rural Energy for America Program, aimed at helping farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses in Sussex County invest in renewable energy systems and energy-efficiency improvements such as solar panels.

The program, which provides grants and loan guarantees, is a key part of the USDA's efforts to promote sustainable energy practices in rural communities. With the expansion, the USDA is increasing funding opportunities and streamlining the application process, making it easier for rural enterprises to access the resources they need to reduce energy costs, transition to greener practices, and contribute to national energy independence.

USDA representatives visited two grant recipients Aug. 19 in Lewes. Shell We Bounce near Lewes received a $341,817 grant to purchase and install a 794,410 kilowatt roof-mounted solar array. This system is expected to save $44,441 per year in electrical costs.

Deerfield Farm Inc., also near Lewes, received a $20,000 grant to purchase and install a 75.44 kilowatt solar array. This system is expected to save $7,335 a year in electrical costs.

 

Shell We Bounce has a roof mounted solar array that is expected to save around $44,441 in electrical costs annually.
Shell We Bounce has a roof-mounted solar array that is expected to save around $44,441 in electrical costs annually.
Jim Derrick, owner of Shell We Bounce, talks about the solar array.
Tatiana Baker, public affairs specialist, USDA Rural Development, left, interviews Andrew Dinsmore, Delaware-Maryland state director, USDA Rural Development, and Jim Derrick, owner of Shell We Bounce, for a video she is producing for the USDA.
The solar array at Deerfield Farms Inc.
Laura and Roland Hill, owners of Deerfield Farms Inc., stand in front of their solar array.
Celebrating Deerfield Farm Inc.’s grant are (l-r) Andrew Dinsmore, state director for Delaware-Maryland, USDA Rural Development; Roland and Laura Hill, owners of Deerfield Farm Inc.; Bruce Weaver, program specialist and state energy coordinator, USDA Rural Development; and Linette Sykes-Spacey, grant management specialist for Delaware-Maryland, USDA Urban Renewal.
Bruce Weaver, program specialist and state energy coordinator for the USDA Rural Development, talks about any additional assistance that Laura and Roland Hill may need in the future.
Roland and Laura Hill, owners of Deerfield Farms Inc. stand with Andrew Dinsmore, state director for Delaware-Maryland, USDA Rural Development.

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