Last Updated on September 6, 2024 by Anne Brock
Grant Deadline Looming
Up to a million dollars! Yes, that is possibly how much a single energy project could receive when Uncle Sam steps in to support your renewable energy efforts.
You have less than a month to submit your grant application for the Rural Energy for America Program. The next posted deadline is September 30, 2024. This is under the United State’s Department of Agriculture, where the REAP program is for Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements. The program also includes guaranteed loans.
USDA Energy Programs are Not Just for Farmers
While farmers earning more than half their income from agricultural operations may qualify for this grant, the REAP program is also for any rural business, meaning that business is in an approved area with population of 50,000 or less. You can check here to see if your small business is in an eligible area. However, if you farm for a living, the location is irrevelant to your application process; so an urban farm could qualify.
See here how the program has worked for different kinds of small business and agribusiness.
How Generous is this USDA Grant?
Recently, the USDA has been awarding the REAP grant at up to 50% of the cost of eligible energy projects. That is still the stated amount so far, but that is always subject to change. It is unclear if the REAP grant will continue to be award at 50% during subsequent rounds of applications and approvals.
What Are the Limits?
Renewable Energy System Grants: up to $1,000,000
Energy Efficiency Grants: up to $500,000
What Kinds of Projects Qualify?
Renewable Energy Systems Could Include:
- Biomass
- Geothermal
- Hyropowew below 30 megawatts
- Hydrogen
- Wind generation
- Solar generation
- Ocean generation
Energy Improvements Could Include:
- High efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC)
- Insulation
- Lighting
- Cooling or refrigeration units
- Doors and windows
- Electric, solar or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots
- Switching from diesel to electric irrigation motor
- Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment
Where Can I Learn More about This?
Here is more information directly from USDA Rural Development.
Here’s a fact sheet from USDA Rural Development.
What Kind of Paperwork is Involved?
Solar Alliance offers help with the grant process as part of our solar project services. Something you can do to prepare is be sure your business is registered at Sam.gov and has a Unique Entity ID in order to be able to apply for and receive federal grants.