USDA Invests in Seven Renewable Energy Projects in Winneshiek County

WINNESHIEK COUNTY — On November 14, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a series of new funding initiatives aimed at reducing energy costs, expanding clean energy access, and strengthening American farms and small businesses. Winneshiek County is set to benefit significantly, with seven local projects receiving funding. As part of the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), these investments come in response to record demand driven by the funding provided by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act. "The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA are ensuring farmers, small business owners, and rural communities have the resources they need for the future," Vilsack said. "The investments I'm announcing today will help rural communities lead our country toward an economy that benefits working people everywhere with lower costs and clean energy jobs." The following Winneshiek County businesses and farms will receive USDA support through REAP: Winneshiek Wildberry Winery: $35,662 - This investment will help Winneshiek Wildberry Winery in Decorah install a 42-kilowatt solar array. The project will reduce energy costs by $4,561 annually and will replace 100% of the winery's electricity usage, enough to power five homes. Decorah Auto Center Inc.: $39,675 - Decorah Auto Center will use this funding to install a 30-kilowatt solar array at its auto dealership in Decorah. The project is expected to save $5,705 per year and replace nearly 99% of the dealership's energy use, enough to power three homes. S&R Real Estate: $26,950 - S&R Real Estate Partnership, a new energy-generation business in Decorah, will install a roof-mounted solar array. The project is expected to generate $4,631 in income from the sale of energy and produce 27,828 kilowatt-hours annually—enough to power two homes. Parker Beard: $20,000 - This investment will assist Parker Beard with the installation of a 16-kilowatt solar project at his sheep production farm near Decorah. The project will produce 21,293 kilowatt-hours annually, resulting in $2,337 in savings per year and enough energy to power two homes. Adam Tollefsrud: $96,936 - A major investment will enable Adam Tollefsrud to install an energy-efficient grain drying system on his farm near Decorah. This project is expected to save $25,691 annually and reduce energy use by 440,234 kilowatt-hours—46% of previous usage, enough to power 40 homes. Robert Cletus Uhlenhake: $38,562 - Robert Uhlenhake will use this funding to install a 28.8-kilowatt solar array at his grain production operation near Ossian. The system will save $6,366 annually and replace 98% of the energy used by the farm, providing enough power for three homes. Leeper Solar LLC: $40,925 - Leeper Solar LLC, a solar power generation company based in Winneshiek County, will install a 32.8-kilowatt solar array. This project will save $9,200 annually and produce enough electricity to power four homes, generating 45,063 kilowatt-hours per year. These investments are part of a broader effort to enhance rural infrastructure and promote renewable energy solutions across the country. More information on the Inflation Reduction Act found here. Feed your curiosity! Subscribe to the free newsletter and indulge in all that's local. Your friends will be impressed.