EAST LANSING — More than $1 million in grants has been awarded to northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula agriculture producers and rural businesses to make investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

“These projects will help lower costs, enhance incomes and strengthen the resilience of rural businesses,” said U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan Brandon Fewins. “While solar panels are a common improvement, considerable benefits can be gained from upgrading to more energy-efficient equipment.”

The grants are made available through the Rural Energy for America Program, and total Michigan funding in this announcement is $1,032,853. In the Upper Peninsula, they include —

— Bunches of Blessings LLC, a wine grape producer in Baraga County, will use a $9,975 grant to purchase and install a 4-kilowatt photovoltaic system. This project will produce 4,952 kilowatt hours per year. Project payback is 29 years.

— Elmer’s County Market Inc. in Delta County, will use an $857,878 grant to purchase and install a 380.89 kW roof mount solar PV system. Elmer’s County Market is a small, independently owned retail grocery store that has been operating for 17 years in a disadvantaged area. This project will realize $28,679 per year in savings and will replace 461,814 kWh (17%) per year, which is enough energy to power 42 homes.

The others in northern Michigan are —

— Van Dam Enterprises Inc. in Charlevoix County will use a $108,000 grant to purchase and install a 58.8 kW roof mount solar photovoltaic system. Van Dam Enterprises has been operating for 10 years and they design, build and restore wooden boats. This project will realize $10,720 per year in savings and will replace 71,899 kWh (91%) per year, which is enough energy to power six homes. Project payback is 21 years.

— Boyne Boat Yard, Inc. in Charlevoix County, will use a $53,500 grant to purchase and install a 28 kW roof mount solar photovoltaic system. Boyne Boat Yard is a marine service and storage company that has been operating for 10 years. This project will realize $5,256 per year in savings and will replace 34,130 kWh (100%) per year. Project payback is 21 years.

— Leelanau Company LLC in Grand Traverse County, will use a $35,000 grant to purchase and install energy-efficient lighting. This project will realize $6,057 per year in savings, reducing consumption from 237,182 kWh to 61,240 kWh per year. Project payback is five years.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas.

For more information, go to www.rd.usda.gov.