USDA REAP grants enable cost savings for solar adoption among Indiana hog operators

Emergent Solar Energy, a leading provider of commercial solar solutions based in the Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette, has installed more than one megawatt of onsite solar capacity across Indiana pork farms in the last 12 months.

Jeremy Lipinski, managing partner, said the achievement underscores a growing commitment to sustainability and cost savings within Indiana’s agricultural sector.

“Each of the projects was made possible through partial financing from the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants, making renewable energy more accessible and affordable for Indiana’s pork producers,” he said. “By utilizing the available grant program, farms can generate clean energy on-site. This lowers their dependence on traditional energy sources, reduces their carbon footprints and insulates their operation against energy inflation costs.”

Lipinski said Emergent Solar Energy can offer best-in-class, economically compelling on-farm solar solutions to Indiana’s agriculture sector through USDA REAP support.

“We are helping commercial operations utilize available solar incentives, while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable pork production chain,” he said.

USDA REAP grants: fueling rural sustainability

The USDA’s REAP grant program is an essential tool for rural businesses looking to adopt renewable energy technologies. By covering up to 50% of total project costs, REAP grants reduce financial barriers by empowering farms to invest in sustainable energy solutions.

“USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program is crucial to the success of rural farms and small businesses across Indiana,” said USDA Deputy State Director Curtis Johnson. “This program allows Hoosiers to adopt renewable technologies, cutting operational costs and strengthening our rural economy for future generations.”

Solar project highlights

Lipinski said the USDA REAP grants have enabled Emergent Solar Energy to place in service a range of solar projects that cater to diverse pork production operations, from feed mills to sow facilities and hog finishing barns.

“These projects are helping Indiana’s pork producers cut energy costs by an average of 90% while collectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 1,148 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year,” he said.

Emergent Solar Energy’s projects over the past 12 months include:

• A 364-kilowatt peak solar project at Laidig Custom Services in St. Joseph County, Indiana

“High utility expenses and concerns of future inflation of electricity cost encouraged us to look into solar power,” said Tim Laidig, independent grower. “With the USDA REAP grant and tax credits, it made sense to invest in a solar array for our farm. We have reduced our electric expenditures by 50%.”

 

• A 130-kilowatt peak solar project at Arrowhead Pork in White County, Indiana

“Once I saw the project return numbers after the application of the solar tax credits and the USDA REAP grant award, the decision to invest in solar for my dual quad was an easy one,” said Cody Snyder, contract grower.

 

• A 110-kilowatt peak solar project at Golden Pig Farm in Clinton County, Indiana

“The USDA REAP grant offered us the most cost-effective path for installing the solar project on our farm,” said owners Tim and Beth Wyrick. “We reduced our energy costs by well over 90% at our hog site. The REAP grant program gives farmers a competitive advantage.”

 

The impact of Emergent Solar Energy on Indiana’s pork industry

Zac Martinez, lead of commercial business development, said Emergent Solar Energy’s mission is to deliver economically feasible solar solutions to Indiana’s agricultural sector.

“Our company is proud to support local farms by reducing their energy costs and helping them achieve energy independence,” he said. “Each project is customized to the site-specific energy needs of our clients, ensuring long-term financial and environmental benefits.”

Lipinski said Emergent Solar Energy has a strong record of partnering with agricultural clients to develop custom solar solutions tailored to the unique needs of farms.

“By collaborating with local farmers and leveraging USDA support, we’re committed to driving renewable energy adoption in Indiana’s agricultural sector,” he said. “We believe Indiana farmers can lead the way in sustainable agriculture, with solar energy playing a critical role in that future.”