COLUMBIA, S.C. — Four rural energy projects in South Carolina will receive just over $25.2 million total in loans and grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Energy for America Program.
The program helps farmers, agricultural producers, and entrepreneurs purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy-efficient improvements.
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the investment as part of a $285 million program nationwide to improve critical infrastructure to lower energy costs, expand access to clean energy across rural America, and combat climate change.
USDA is also making an additional $300 million available under the Rural Energy for America Program, including $250 million through the Inflation Reduction Act, to spur further investment.
In South Carolina, the Rural Energy for America Program will help fund the following projects:
- Heuser Enterprises Inc.: $113,279 grant to purchase and install 100 kilowatt (kW) and 91.2 kW roof-mounted solar arrays on the Heuser Ace Hardware stores located in Hardeeville and Bluffton. Heuser Enterprises Inc. is a local small business that has been in operation since 2013. This project will replace 265,900 kilowatt hours (88%) of electricity per year and realize $30,131 of savings per year.
- Hyman Paper Co Inc.: $24,564 grant to purchase and install a 42.7 kilowatt (kW) roof-mounted solar array. Hyman Paper Inc. is a local small business that has been in operation since 1979. This project will replace 68,134 kilowatt hours (99%) of electricity per year and realize $12,954 of savings per year.
- Thermo Heating Elements LLC: $65,025 grant to purchase and install a 130.1 kilowatt (kW) roof-mounted solar array. Thermo Heating Elements LLC is a local small business that has been in operation since 1997. This project will replace 197,248 kilowatt hours (99%) of electricity per year and realize $20,411 of savings per year.
- Landrace Holdings LLC: $25,000,000 loan to purchase and install a 74.27 megawatt direct current solar array. Landrace Holdings LLC is a newly created entity for the purpose of generating electricity in Horry County, South Carolina. The system is estimated to produce 137,217,693 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough electricity to power 12,662 homes.
