Poultry Farmer and Furniture Maker: How Renewable Energy is Helping Rural Small Businesses in Ohio Save Money and Reduce their Carbon Footprint

In the fiscal year ending September 30, the USDA awarded over $22.9 million in grants to 168 rural small businesses in Ohio through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Two such businesses, Poultry farmer Matthew Miller and Weaver Group in Sugarcreek, received funding to invest in renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements.

Matthew Miller received a $58,000 grant to purchase and install a 41-kilowatt solar array for his poultry growing operation. This solar array is expected to generate over 48,000 kilowatt hours of electricity, which is 120 percent of his business’ total annual energy consumption. By investing in renewable energy, Matthew Miller aims to reduce his energy costs and improve the sustainability of his poultry farming operation.

Weaver Group in Sugarcreek also received funding, amounting to $663,000, to purchase and install a 619-kilowatt roof-mounted solar array at their barn and furniture building business. This project is projected to save the business nearly $90,000 in annual energy costs and generate 642,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity, which is equal to 100 percent of its annual energy consumption. By investing in renewable energy, Weaver Group aims to reduce their carbon footprint and improve the sustainability of their business operations.