Apr. 19—DANVILLE — Danville's Aaron W. Patten's excavating/earthmoving business received a $16,469 investment to purchase and install a 12kW solar array.

This will result in more than $2,000 in energy cost savings per year and will replace more than 17,000 kilowatt hours(kWh) yearly, which is enough energy to power one home.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Acting State Director Molly Hammond on Friday announced the latest investments USDA Rural Development has awarded rural Illinois businesses, including the Danville business.

"This funding is paramount to helping rural Illinois businesses, farmers and ag producers stay profitable while also reducing energy consumption and enabling high energy users to convert to renewable energy sources," Hammond said. "People often underestimate the significance of a $50,000, $20,000, or even $10,000 grant and how much relief it can give these local business owners."

The department is awarding $567,000 in Illinois for projects through the Rural Energy for America Program.

Through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), USDA 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 them increase their income, grow their businesses, address climate change and lower energy costs for American families.

These investments will cut energy costs for farmers and ag producers that can instead be used to create jobs and new revenue streams for people in their communities.

USDA continues to accept REAP applications and will have funding competitions quarterly through Sept. 30. The funding includes a dedicated portion for underutilized renewable energy technologies.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas.