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USDA Rural Development is now accepting applications for the Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvements (REAP RES/EEI), with an application deadline of March 31, 2021.
Eligible applicants include agricultural producers and rural small for profit businesses. Applicants may apply for funding to purchase and install renewable energy systems such as solar, wind, geothermal, renewable biomass, hydro-power, hydrogen or anaerobic digesters. Energy efficiency improvements outlined in an energy audit or assessment which reduce energy consumption on an annual basis may include improvements such as: heating ventilation and conditioning (HVAC), lighting, refrigeration, computerized controls or variable frequency drives, irrigation systems and grain dryers.
Grant funding is available for up to 25 percent of total eligible project costs with a maximum of $500,000 for renewable energy systems and a maximum of $250,000 for energy efficiency improvements. Guaranteed loan funding is also available in conjunction with grant funding.
Program funding for fiscal year 2021 of approximately $9 million is set-aside for grants requesting $20,000 or less and funding for grants of any size is approximately $32 million. Each state receives an allocation of grant funds to administer to projects located within the state.
You may also contact the State Energy Coordinator for the state where the project will be located for more information.
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