Smart Energy Management in Agriculture
Funding Opportunities

In the face of skyrocketing energy costs and devastating environmental impacts, increasing energy efficiency and generating renewable power are becoming crucial tools to manage energy use. There are many funding opportunities available to aid in implementing these solutions.

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council maintains the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) which has a list of many opportunities to get help in funding renewable energy projects.

PG&E’s Agricultural and Food Processing Program has a variety of programs to help minimize energy use on farms, wineries, dairies, food processing facilities, and warehouses. PG&E also offers rebates, incentives and design assistance for retrofit projects and new construction to help save money and energy.

The California Energy Commission is offering cash rebates on eligible grid-connected renewable energy electric-generating systems through its Emerging Renewables Program. Through this program, the CEC provides funding to offset the cost of purchasing and installing new renewable energy systems using emerging renewable technologies. The Emerging Renewables Program is only appplicable to systems under 30 kilowatts. For larger systems contact PG&E about their Self-Generation Incentive Program.

Purchase power agreements are an exciting new opportunity emerging for funding the construction of solar and other energy improvements. PPAs involve getting a group of large investors to provide all of the capital necessary to fund a renewable energy system such as solar, wind, biomass and possibly energy efficiency improvements. The investors design, maintain and own the system, and the host receives renewable energy at less than market rates. The investors essentially operate as a second utility, and once their investment has been repaid the host may buy the system. The agreement is entirely negotiable and includes “off-ramps” for both parties. The process begins with a meeting to discuss the possibilities and an initial letter of agreement which allows for an investor funded feasibility study. If both parties areinterested then a final agreement can be negotiated. For more information contact Joe Jordan at jjordan@sky-power.org