More than $2.5 million in grants into Arkansas for solar power projects

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A federal program focusing on renewable energy in rural areas is placing more than $2.5 million in grants into Arkansas.

The United States Department of Agriculture has issued $2,573,271 for 13 solar power projects at various Arkansas commercial sites. According to USDA officials, the grants provided through the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) are intended to lower energy costs while providing jobs and clean energy.

The largest grant in Arkansas was $1 million to ZY-AX QOZB LLC for powering its Manila factory. According to USDA records, the funding will provide a 1270-kilowatt-hour solar array, enough to power 174 homes.

Another large grant in the package is $699,821 to Saul Minnow Farms, Inc. in Des Arc. This funding will provide a 698.9-kilowatt-hour solar array to power the business. USDA officials state the project will save $60,958 annually while replacing the current 1,105,981 kilowatt hours of historical usage.

A more typical Arkansas funding is going to the family-owned poultry producer Sunny Side Poultry LLC in Newark for a $187,500 grant to purchase and install a 148.5-kilowatt-hour solar array. The anticipated savings for the farm is $13,218 per year.

The smallest of the 13 grants is $80,803 to First Natural State Bank in McGhee. The funding will provide for an 80-kilowatt-hour solar array that is anticipated to save the bank $4,807 per year.

The Arkansas grants are part of a total package of $126,044,723 for 654 projects in 39 states announced on Friday. While all Arkansas projects were for solar arrays, other projects being funded include installing an energy-efficient grain dryer at an Ohio farm and a solar photovoltaic system at a Michigan dairy farm.

USDA officials said an additional $600 million is available for three funding rounds between 2024 and 2027.

For REAP information, including how to apply for grants, head to the USDA website .

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