Ladies and Gentlemen:

Thank you for the opportunity to present comments to the Rural Business 
Cooperative Service for the Implementation of Section 9006 of the Farm Security 
and Rural Investment Act of 2002.

My name is Mary Shaffner.  I represent Evergreen Solar.  We are a US 
manufacturer of photovoltaic - solar energy - cells and modules using our 
patented String Ribbon multi-crystalline technology.  This proven technology 
allows us to use less silicon and will allow us to achieve greater economies of 
scale in manufacturing.  Our 150 employees proudly manufacture American solar in 
Marlboro, MA.   

We laud your efforts in providing assistance to the rural communities of 
America.  Section 9006 will certainly build upon your tremendous efforts already 
in place and:
* Increase farmers and rural businesses economic competitiveness through 
efficiency and renewable energy applications
* Make environmentally benign technologies that are cost effective, but that 
have high upfront capital costs, accessible to the rural community.
* Increase US energy security, and
* Provide jobs in America

We at Evergreen ask that you take extra consideration when reviewing the 
potential for PV.   

PV is a proven, cost-effective, non-polluting, and scalable technology, 
perfectly suited for a myriad of agricultural applications:
* Remote Power -
* Waterpumping: livestock watering, irrigation, domestic use
* Fence Charging - 
* Fish Pond Compressors - 
* Lighting -
* Remote Buildings/Applications - 
* Ventilation Fans -
* Back Up Power - 
* Replacement of Diesel - 

PV although the most cost-effective technology to provide power is often 
overlooked in large programs:
-it provides small, scalable power.  It can be 1w to power a fence charger to 
kWs for waterpumping or larger.  These are not the single source MW often sought 
after in programs - However, PV puts power where it is needed, in multiple 
locations and where it can provide the most benefit.
-High up front Capital Costs associated with systems make purchases out of reach 
of individuals and small businesses without access to loans.  

Combating high upfront capital costs with loans and grants through Section 9006 
will allow farmers to attain the benefits of PV:
* PV is incredibly long lasting.  PV modules are guaranteed for 2 decades.
* PV is scalable - you can add more power/modules when necessary if your load 
becomes larger over time.
* PV is portable. Ranchers/farmers can trail the system out to where the cows 
are to provide pumping.
* PV requires little to no maintenance and no fuel - saving money in the long 
run.
* PV is economical - when compared to extending a line and step down 
transformers, PV often provides the lowest cost solution.  For small 
applications such as fencing and lighting, PV cells mounted on the equipment 
mean that no wires need to be run - the application can be installed where 
necessary.  
* PV causes no environmental pollution.  With electricity from the sun, unlike 
diesel and other fuels there is no air, noise or water pollution.  
* PV is a proven technology. Applications and modules are in the field and have 
been operational for decades.  

Implementing solar reduces our dependence on foreign fuels, increasing energy 
security, and does not produce the pollution associated with burning fossil 
fuels.  

The National Renewable Energy Labs in Golden has produced a book entitled 
"Photovoltaics for Farms and Ranches", available online, which provides detailed 
case studies for Agriculture applications.  

We at Evergreen Solar encourage the USDA to set aside a large percentage of 
section 9006 funds for Photovoltaic applications.  Because of its scalable 
nature, PV will especially help small rural farmers and businesses. 

High upfront capital costs associated with PV could be made manageable through 
9006 loans and grants, thereby providing access to a proven technology and 
enabling farmers throughout the country to implement proven, environmentally 
friendly and cost effective PV applications.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.  
Mary Shaffner
Government Liaison
Evergreen Solar
T:  202.939.0819
E:  govaffairs@evergreensolar.com
W:  www.evergreensolar.com