Through a TVA Energy for Farms Grant provided by Southwestern NC RC&D Council, Sheffield was able to install a complete passive solar hot water system. The way passive solar hot water works is by collecting solar energy in the form of heat through a panel outside the greenhouse.

With the help of a $5,917 TVA Energy for Farms Grant through Southwestern NC RC&D, Elmore was able to make major energy saving improvements to the greenhouse.

Chris Link, community farm and food program associate with SAHC, saw this need and partnered with Southwestern NC RC&D to receive a $6,000 TVA Energy for Farms Grant to install a solar panel system on the roof of the newly renovated community building.