Solar Energy Project Completed on 40th Anniversary of Earth Day

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development joined in the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day by honoring the completion of the new solar energy project on Kuehn Dairy Farm in Egg Harbor.

The day included a formal program where USDA Rural Development State Director Stan Gruszynski presented Gerald Kuehn with an Earth Day Award, recognizing his initiative and accomplishment in successfully acquiring and utilizing alternative energy for his farming operations. Additionally, third graders from the Gibraltar School District participated in an Earth Day 2011 Logo Design Contest and had an opportunity to tour the farm, learning about alternative energy and its positive impact on the environment.

In 2009, Kuehn Dairy Farm received a Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency grant from USDA Rural Development to help purchase a 6.56 kW photovoltaic, or solar, system on their small grain and dairy farm in Door County. The estimated annual energy production from this installation is 8,239 kilowatts. Excess energy produced will be sent back to the grid, helping to lower energy costs for area residents.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. For more information on USDA Rural Development programs visit USDA’s website at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/wi.