USDA Invests in Clean Energy Innovation for Small Businesses in San Juan County

Two new renewable energy projects in San Juan County will receive more than $275,000 from USDA Rural Development.
The investments will help small business owners install solar arrays to lower their energy costs.
William W. Simpson Enterprises Inc. will use a $235,374 grant to purchase and install a 87.2 kilowatt hour (kW) photovoltaic solar array at Twin Rocks Café in Bluff.
This system will be connected to a battery backup energy storage system to prevent power loss and is expected to realize $13,769 per year in savings, replacing 99 percent of the company’s annual energy use.
Arch Canyon LLC dba Blue Mountain Trading Post will use a $39,999 grant to help purchase and install a 24.82 kilowatt (kW) solar array.
It is anticipated this project will realize $4,004 per year in savings and will replace 96 percent of the company’s annual energy use.
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides grants and loans to help ag producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar and other forms of clean energy and make energy efficiency improvements.
These innovations help increase income, grow businesses, and lower energy costs.