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§ Grant
Grants & loans for ag producers & rural small businesses to fund renewable energy & energy efficiency.
The USDA Rural Energy for America Program is a grant and loan guarantee initiative administered by USDA Rural Development to finance renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. The initiative provides renewable energy grants ranging from $2,500 to $1 million for technologies like solar and biomass, alongside efficiency grants between $1,500 and $500,000 for HVAC and insulation upgrades. Applicants can receive grants covering up to 50 percent of project costs or combined funding up to 75 percent, with applications accepted continuously subject to quarterly deadlines. Supported by entities including the Small Business Administration, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, the program received a $2 billion expansion through the Inflation Reduction Act. The resource targets agricultural producers and rural small businesses seeking capital to lower operational costs and reduce environmental impacts through infrastructure modernization.
The USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides $1,500 to $1,000,000 in grants to rural small businesses and agricultural producers for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. REAP is one of the most popular USDA programs, helping rural Americans reduce energy costs and adopt clean energy technologies. The program also offers loan guarantees for larger projects, extending the available financing significantly beyond the grant amounts.
Rural small businesses and agricultural producers in USDA-eligible rural areas are eligible. Agricultural producers must derive at least 50% of their gross income from agricultural operations. Small businesses must be located in rural areas with populations under 50,000. Eligible projects include solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal systems, biomass energy, and energy efficiency improvements to existing buildings and equipment.
Grants range from $1,500 to $1,000,000, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs for renewable energy systems and up to 50% for energy efficiency improvements. Loan guarantees can cover up to 75% of project costs for larger installations. Combined grant and loan guarantee funding can reach significant amounts for substantial renewable energy projects. The program has been instrumental in bringing solar, wind, and efficiency improvements to rural communities across America.
Applications are submitted to the local USDA Rural Development state office. The program operates on an annual cycle with published deadlines. Applications require a project description, energy assessment or energy audit, cost estimates, and documentation of rural location and eligibility. For renewable energy projects, a technical assessment from a qualified professional is required. USDA scores applications based on energy saved or produced, project cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits.
REAP has funded thousands of projects across rural America, including solar installations on farms and ranches, wind turbines for agricultural operations, energy-efficient grain dryers, upgraded irrigation pumps, LED lighting retrofits for rural businesses, and geothermal heating systems. The program has helped reduce energy costs for rural operations while supporting the growth of clean energy infrastructure in underserved communities.
REAP provides $1,500 to $1,000,000 in grants to rural small businesses and agricultural producers for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements, plus loan guarantees for larger projects.
Rural small businesses in areas under 50,000 population and agricultural producers earning 50%+ of income from farming. Eligible projects include solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and efficiency upgrades.
Grants of $1,500 to $1,000,000 covering up to 50% of costs. Loan guarantees up to 75% of costs for larger projects. Combined funding can reach significant amounts for substantial installations.
Apply to your local USDA Rural Development office with project descriptions, energy assessments, cost estimates, and eligibility documentation. Technical assessments required for renewable energy projects.
Thousands of projects including farm solar installations, agricultural wind turbines, efficient grain dryers, irrigation pumps, LED lighting, and geothermal systems across rural America.