Feb. 28--HARRISVILLE -- A fledgling solar generator company headed by Harrisville's mayor hopes to secure federal funds to set up renewable energy systems on local farms.

However, company officials need to find several interested farmers before May 12, when grant applications are due.

"Eight to 10 would be a good start," said Gary L. Williams, Harrisville's mayor and vice president of operations of North Star Energy Services Inc.

Mr. Williams's company -- which he started with his son, Anthony H. Williams of Florida -- plans to produce portable solar generators as an environmentally friendly alternative to gas-powered models or a primary power source for camps, farms or other locations.

While conducting research for the business venture, Mr. Williams learned about the federal Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program, which is administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development office.

And he discovered that most of that program's grant funding last year went to Midwestern states including Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska, while only two projects in New York -- neither in the north country -- were funded.

Since agriculture remains one of the area's most important industries and provides "a good share of the tax base," Mr. Williams said, he felt some of that money should go to this region. And by working with an existing farmer cooperative or a new "energy cooperative" of farmers, he hopes to develop a proposal for USDA funding.

"The proposal will identify large solar energy or solar-wind energy systems that will be designed to be grid-tied, provide emergency power in the event of grid failures, provide stand-alone power for remote applications and be portable," according to the company's Web site.

"Portable doesn't mean it's got to be small," Mr. Williams said, noting that some solar generators are the size of a trailer.

While solar panels may be roof-mounted, he said, a portable solar generator can be adjusted to receive maximum sunlight and, being at ground level, is easier to clean off following a snowstorm.

North Star will conduct energy assessments for interested farmers, apply for grant funding, manufacture systems and assist in fund administration, according to the Web site.

The company can design complete systems, including hybrid ones, using a combination of its products and those from other companies, Mr. Williams said. However, he said, farmers who receive grant money won't be required to do business with North Star.

Through the USDA program, grant funding is available to farmers and rural small businesses to cover up to 25 percent of the costs for renewable energy system development and energy efficiency improvements, while low-interest loans are available for up to 50 percent of project costs. Renewable energy grants can range from $2,500 to $500,000, while energy efficiency grants may range from $1,500 to $250,000.

This year, $11.39 million in grants and $176.5 million in loans are available nationwide. Guaranteed loan funds not used by Aug. 1 will be distributed as grants in a second round of funding.

Extra funding for such projects may also be available through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

Farmers may sell excess electricity back to National Grid, and other farmers within the same cooperative could then purchase it at a reduced rate, Mr. Williams said.

Anyone interested is asked to call Mr. Williams at 543-2137 or visit the Web site.

Company production plans have been delayed by a pending lawsuit filed last August in state Supreme Court in Lowville against Gary and Anthony Williams by Harrisville-area resident Jerry W. Tucker. Mr. Tucker claims the Williamses are using solar "trade secrets" he developed and a customer list that belongs to him in violation of a confidentiality agreement.

While declining to comment specifically on the lawsuit, Mr. Williams has said that Syracuse law firm Bond, Shoeneck & King conducted complete patent research on North Star's behalf.

An increase in "backyard power" production will not only reduce America's dependence on foreign fuel sources but also relieve the burden on the country's electrical grid, Mr. Williams said.

"Everybody's backyard is a potential source of energy," he said.