Southeast Green Roofs To Run Farm On Solar Power

Following is an excerpt from a USDA press release...

Secretary Vilsack announces $13 million for renewable energy projects

LiveRoof Grower makes the list

DECATUR, Ill., Sept. 2, 2009 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the department is providing more than $13 million in loans and grants for 233 renewable energy projects in 38 states under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), including one in Nashville, Tenn. Dallas Tonsager, Under Secretary for Rural Development, made the announcement on behalf of Vilsack during a speech at the Farm Progress Show.

"Under President Obama's leadership, USDA is working to increase the availability of renewable energy, which not only will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, but also strengthen our national economy," Vilsack said. "The funding announced today will help expand renewable energy in America , which is a key part of the nation's long-term strategy for continued economic prosperity and energy independence."

The loan guarantees and grants can be used for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvements, feasibility studies and energy audits. These funds are not part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. For more information on the REAP program, which is authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill, please visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/farmbill/index.html.

Nashville Natives Nursery, LLC, of Fairview , Tenn. , was selected to receive a $17,077 grant to help fund installation of a solar power system. The photovoltaic panels are expected to generate 8.28 kilowatts of electricity, enough to offset 100 percent of the company's average annual energy demand. The company specializes in native wildflowers, grasses and trees and is a Live Roof licensed grower. More information is available at www.nashvillenatives.com/.