Berner International of New Castle, Pennsylvania is receiving over half a million dollars to aid in the installation of a solar array at their facilities, according to a press release.

The company, more commonly known as Berner Air Curtains, says the grant of $537,000 was awarded by the US Department of Agriculture as part of their Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which was passed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.

Berner says they started work on the project in June with support from the Pennsylvania Solar Center, a nonprofit which helps businesses explore options for solar power. With the injection of the new funding and work ongoing, they expect the new solar array to be functional by the end of 2023. 

"This substantial solar investment helps us deliver on Berner's mission to create safe and comfortable environments; for our customers, employees and the planet." said Mikael Berner, Chairman of Berner's board. “By investing in the largest commercial solar grid in the area we hope to inspire others to follow.”

“As our company continues its net zero trajectory, this project is just another step in our efforts toward sustainability through reducing our carbon footprint. We greatly appreciate the USDA grant and the guidance of PA Solar Center while installing our system, with both together enabling our company to approach a net zero status more quickly,” said the company's president, David Rimbey.

The solar array, which is slated to produce nearly a gigawatt of power per year, will be enough to power their entire facility with additional room for expansion, according to Berner. Until expansions take place, Berner says, the excess energy will be routed back to First Energy.