Area solar projects receive grants

OTHELLO – More than $1 million has been earmarked to help four area businesses develop and maintain solar arrays to generate power.

The USDA has announced Othello-based Basin Farmworks, Weyns Farm and Sage Hill Electric will receive Rural Energy for America Program grants. Big Bird Farms of Harrington is also receiving a grant.

Weyns Farm, 8289 Kulm Road S.E., was awarded $1 million to purchase and install a 1080 kilowatt solar array.

The project is expected to generate 1.49 kilowatt-hours and save the farm $152,384 annually, the USDA reported.

Basin Farmworks, 2076 West Blueberry Flats Lane,...