Chesterfield, Virginia – As we mark the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a local vegetable farm is showcasing the transformative power of solar energy in rural America. Janet Aardema, co-owner of Broadfork Farm, has successfully transitioned her agricultural operations to solar power with the support of the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant, making a significant impact on her farm’s sustainability and bottom line.
The IRA has allocated substantial funds to programs like REAP, which help rural and small businesses develop renewable energy solutions. With this grant, Janet has been able to cut her energy bills in half, freeing up resources to reinvest in sustainable farming practices. Broadfork Farm’s story is not just a testament to environmental stewardship but also highlights the growing influence of federal initiatives on rural communities.
“The REAP program showed a path for us to follow in making solar power a reality here on our farm,” said Aardema. “Knowing that we were entering into a program that others had experienced made it a lot more accessible to us.” See this video about her solar story for more.
Why This Matters to Virginia
The success of Broadfork Farm is particularly relevant to the environmental reporters in Virginia, as it exemplifies the broader impact of renewable energy adoption in the state. Solar power is becoming a crucial tool for rural businesses, offering a way to lower operational costs while contributing to environmental conservation. Virginia’s agricultural sector, with its diverse range of small and medium-sized farms, stands to benefit significantly from such programs.
By highlighting Janet Aardema’s journey, we hope to inspire other farmers and rural businesses across Virginia to consider similar transitions to renewable energy. The REAP grant has made solar power not just a possibility but a smart business decision for rural entrepreneurs.
A Nationwide Movement
Janet’s story is one of many successes facilitated by the REAP program across the country. For instance:
- Michigan: Adam Schaller of Lakeshore Die Cast in Baroda, Michigan, utilized REAP to integrate solar power into his manufacturing operations, not only saving on energy costs but also making money by selling excess power back to the grid. [See video here].
- Minnesota: Art Thicke, a dairy farmer in LaCrescent, has achieved energy independence on his farm with the help of REAP. His solar panels now cover all his electricity needs, providing a buffer against rising energy costs and contributing to environmental conservation.
- Florida: John Kocol’s Island Hammock pet hospital in Key Largo represents the growing trend of rural businesses adopting solar power, driven by the enhanced incentives offered through REAP.
These stories reflect a larger movement towards sustainability in rural America, driven by federal support and grassroots efforts to embrace renewable energy.
Supporting Virginia’s Solar Transition
To support more farmers and rural businesses in Virginia in taking advantage of the REAP program, Solar United Neighbors (SUN) has launched the “Ready, Set, Solar, REAP!” initiative. This free program offers step-by-step guidance to navigate the REAP application process, ensuring that more businesses can access the financial support needed to make solar energy a reality.
For those interested in learning more, SUN has provided a suite of free resources, including an on-demand webinar, a comprehensive REAP guide, and personalized support through the Solar Help Desk.
More Information
“Ready, Set, Solar, REAP!” is a free program designed to make the application process easier by offering step-by-step guidance over 10 weeks to complete and submit a USDA REAP grant.
Those interested can join Ready, Set, Solar, REAP online here.
As part of the program participants receive:
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A week of emails introducing the REAP grant process and a REAP guide, followed by an email a week with bite-size to-do’s for the remaining 9 weeks
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Unbiased, installer-neutral advice and expertise
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Support from a network of peers, including SUN staff and previous REAP grantees
Solar United Neighbors has helped dozens of applicants apply for a REAP grant or loan. By highlighting these inspirational stories from Michigan, Minnesota, and Florida, SUN and REAP are not just advocating for solar energy but are actively participating in the rural renaissance of renewable power, proving that sustainability is within reach for communities nationwide.
To empower and educate potential REAP beneficiaries, SUN has curated an extensive suite of additional free resources:
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An on-demand webinar ‘REAP Solar Grants & Your Rural Business’, in English and Spanish
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Solar Help Desk with hands-on support
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USDA website map to see if a rural business is in an eligible area (NOTE: qualifying farms are available regardless of location)
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USDA REAP FAQ (at the bottom of the page)
About Solar United Neighbors
Solar United Neighbors is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people go solar, joining together to fight for their energy rights, and transforming our energy system. Our mission is to make solar power accessible and affordable for everyone, especially those in rural and underserved communities. We support solar co-ops, advocate for fair solar policies, and provide expert guidance to help people navigate the solar installation process.
