USDA – Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) Grants

Jurisdiction:
Federal
Incentive Type:Grant Program
Industries:
Agricultural, Real Estate
Eligible Sector:
Business
Category:
Financial Incentive
Time Period:
FY 2015
Governing Body:U.S. Department of Agriculture
What’s it worth?:up to $500000

This program provides loans and grants to assist agricultural producers and rural small businesses to implement renewable energy sources and energy conservation technologies. Grant rewards are available between $1,500 and $500,000 These grants allow the purchase of:

  • Biomass
  • Geothermal for electric generation or direct use
  • Hydropower below 30 megwatts
  • Hydrogen
  • Small and large wind generation
  • Small and large solar generation
  • Ocean generation
  • High efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning
  • Lighting
  • Cooling or refrigeration units
  • Doors and windows
  • Electric solar, or gravity pumps
  • Switching fueling source for irrigation motor
  • Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment

Eligible participants must be located in an area with a population less than 50,000 people with the exception of agricultural producers. Potential participants include:

  • Agricultural producers
  • Small businesses within eligible communities
  • Grant applicants must fund 75% of their project cost
  • Loan applicants must fund 20% of their project cost
  • Technical reports are required for projects over $200,000
  • Energy efficiency projects require an energy audit or assessment.

To apply for this program you must contact your local USDA office.