Banner Greenhouses of Nebo, NC received a grant from USDA’s Rural Energy For America Program (REAP), for energy efficiency upgrades.  The grant provides for 25% of the project costs, which amounts to $16,840. 

Waste Reduction Partners provided the energy audit used in the grant application.  Total annual energy cost savings for this project is $34,976.  Net project costs (Total cost – USDA grant) of $49,347 results in a 1.4 year payback.

The grant helps fund the following upgrades:  

1. Energy retention curtain, for Greenhouse Range 3.  Projected annual saving is $6241.
   
   
2. Replace old heaters in Range 3 with ADP greenhouse heaters, 80% efficiency vs 60% efficiency for old heaters.  Projected annual saving is $3886.
   
   
3. Install digital Environmental Control System for Ranges 1 – 8. Projected annual saving is $24,749.