(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded more than $27 million to rural Wisconsin business owners for renewable energy projects.
Multiple farming operations, a dental office and a pharmacy are among the 15 rural businesses that received funding to install solar panels or energy efficient machinery.
The money comes from the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program, which offers more than 70 funding programs. “President Biden is laser focused on creating jobs, lowering costs, and ensuring Americans living in rural communities have access to economic opportunity right here at home,” said White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neers Tanden. “The Rural Energy for America Program awards announced today will invest directly in Wisconsin farmers and small business owners, helping them lower their energy costs.” Total solar investments in the state have now passed $2.7 billion, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. In April, Wisconsin received more than $62.4 million in federal funds for solar projects.
As of June, less than 3% of Wisconsin’s electricity came from solar, according to SEIA.
