WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today (Friday 8/7) announced North Carolina projects will receive more than 76 percent of the $63 million in loans and grants for 264 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects nationwide that USDA is supporting through its Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
"This funding will have far-reaching economic and environmental impacts nationwide, particularly in rural communities," Vilsack said. "Investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects supports home-grown energy sources, creates jobs, reduces greenhouse gas pollution and helps usher in a more secure energy future for the nation."

The USDA is providing nearly $49 million in loans and grants to 13 solar power investments in North Carolina:

ANDREW SOLAR, LLC $4,177,996
ANGEL SOLAR, LLC $4,052,807
APPLE ONE, LLC $4,271,864
BG STEWART SOLAR FARM, LLC $3,827,227
ELLIANA SOLAR, LLC $3,835,761
GERMANTOWN SOLAR, LLC $1,000,000
INNOVATIVE SOLAR 6, LLC $2,900,000
KIRKWALL HOLDINGS, LLC $4,186,993
MILLIKAN FARM, LLC $3,979,512
OLD PAGELAND-MONROE ROAD SOLAR FARM, LLC $3,873,891
SONNE ONE, LLC $4,000,000
SOUTH WINSTON FARM, LLC $4,000,000
SUNFISH FARM, LLC $4,241,931

Funding for the projects announced on Friday is contingent upon the recipients meeting the terms of the grant or loan agreement.

The Solar Energy Industries Association says North Carolina has more solar capacity than all other Southeast states combined and ranks fourth in the country. A state law requires Duke Energy to get 6 percent of electricity it sells this year from renewable energy.