Two Shullsburg businesses are harnessing the power of the sun to go green and save on energy costs.

Platteville-based Timmerman's Talents recently installed a 20-kilowatt photovoltaic system in Shullsburg on the corner of Wisconsin 11 and Water Street. The system supplies electricity for two businesses -- Shullsburg Community Bank and Priority Insurance -- owned by Benton State Bank.

The $66,000 project is projected to supply most of the energy needed at the two buildings.

Installation began in mid-July and the panels have been providing electricity for the past two weeks. Todd Timmerman, of Timmerman's Talents, installed a similar 20-kilowatt system at the Tennyson/Potosi Community Bank -- a Benton State Bank branch -- in August 2010.

"We've monitored it and the ensuing report said it produced more energy than we had anticipated," said Steve Malone, Benton State Bank president and chief executive officer.

The decision to go green in Shullsburg was easy, he said.

"We decided it was a great opportunity to show the younger generation the need for alternative energy," Malone said. "We feel a responsibility to do everything we can for our shareholders and our communities. One of big things is obviously to reduce the cost of energy. We think investing in alternative energy sources, like solar, is a smart business investment.

"We encourage anybody interested in that type of energy -- that's a clean and simple source -- to pursue it. And we will continue to do loans for it."

Malone praised Timmerman's work.

"He's great to work with," Malone said. "He went out of his way to help us with a grant that was instrumental to the project. He's really in line with the people he works with."

Benton State Bank received an $18,185 Rural Energy for America Program Grant to install the solar panels. The electricity produced will offset power used at the bank and the insurance buildings. The system will generate more than 35,000 kilowatt hours -- about 80 percent of the energy needed for the two buildings.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers loans and grants for renewable energy and energy efficiency systems through the REAP Program.

The program assists small businesses and agricultural producers in rural areas, according to Brenda Heinen, of the USDA Rural Development department. Applicants can apply for a grant that would cover up to 25 percent of the total project costs. The competitive grants are scored and ranked.

Timmerman has been in business for 13 years and has installed more than 400 photovoltaic systems for homeowners and businesses. He said the City of Shullsburg was "easy" to deal with in terms of zoning and permitting, and has low utility rates.

"This is a major investment that you'll never walk away from," Timmerman said. "It's a big draw for businesses looking to expand. With all the tax incentives and grants, you're looking at a four-year payback."

Timmerman complimented Malone.

"You just can't ask for a better person to work with," he said. "I'm partial, I bank there. I'm 44 and I've banked there since I was 18. Steve said, 'This is what I'm looking for,' and give me a time line. You stick to a time line and we're good to go. There were no problems -- just good people to deal with."