The United States Department of Agriculture is providing 22 grants totaling $1.2 million for energy efficiency projects across the state.
Many of the projects allow farmers to install solar panels on their properties.
Michael Dora is the USDA’s Indiana State Director. He says the grants have been in existence for a long time, but Hoosier projects this year are receiving more funds than any year in his memory.
"We’re looking for the most efficient use of energy, and the most cost effective generation of electricity. It’s going to come from a lot of sources," he says.
These incentives come at a time when the durability of policy for solar projects has been threatened. Indiana recently removed its net metering provision which allowed a greater return for those selling electricity back to the grid.
Despite that, Dora believes farmers can play a key role in future energy generation.
“It’s all about capturing energy. So if we can capture in a kernel of corn or a grain of wheat or we can capture energy on a solar array.”
Money has already been allocated, and recipients will be awarded once their projects are complete.
