We are happy to announce our Energy Conservation Assistance Program (EnergyCAP), has received its third Tobacco Trust Fund grant since 2008. Initially, this cost-share program assisted with just solar photovoltaic (PV) projects, over the years and other types of energy saving projects have been added in response to individual farm energy needs. Our goal is to install low maintenance projects that make farms more energy efficient and reduce bottom-line operating costs. EnergyCAP has been a welcome and needed resource for WNC farmers seeking to transition into a cleaner future that is also more economically sustainable.
This new funding opportunity combined with grants from the NC Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund and USDA-Rural Energy for America Program comes very close to covering all the project costs for farms interested in significantly reducing their energy bill.
Not a farm? Small businesses are also eligible for the USDA Renewable Energy Development Assistance (REAP) Grant that covers 25% of project expenses. More information on EnergyCAP and resources for cost-saving energy upgrades can be found on our website, or at www.energycap.org.