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Since 2008, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been awarding grants to small and rural businesses that enable them to invest in solar energy through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August of 2022, the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) received $2 billion for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement grants. With this additional funding, eligible applicants can now ask for the grant to cover 50% of project costs.
Between now and September 30, 2024, there will be five competitive rounds for these grants. Although the grant application requires a wide array of information, including 12 months of electric bills, a property tax bill, and other financial information, it is a relatively straightforward process.
The storage facility roof at Noyes Family Farm will soon be covered in solar panels. “There’s different information about your business that you need to gather for the application,” explains Holly Noyes of Noyes Family Farm, a dairy farm in Albion, Maine. “It did take some time to go through the application process and the various steps, but it wasn’t difficult.” Noyes Family Farm’s solar array will be installed later this year.
ReVision Energy does recommend starting the process early, as we expect the later rounds to be more competitive. Since 2008, ReVision Energy has helped many businesses apply for and win REAP grants in both Maine and New Hampshire, including Pleasant Mountain Ski Resort (formerly Shawnee Peak), Andy’s Agway, Mook Sea Farm, McDougal Orchards, Goosebay Lumber, Mayfair Farm, Patrick’s Pub, and SportsStop USA.
Interested in pursuing a REAP grant for your business to go solar? Check out our FAQs below and then email jen@revisionenergy.com to get started. Get started early to ensure the best chances of receiving funding!
What kind of businesses are eligible for a REAP grant?
- Small: this is based on NAICS code of business
- Rural: must be located in an eligible area – use this map to check your address
What organizations are not eligible for a REAP grant?
- Municipalities
- Nonprofits
- Any businesses in the cannabis or gambling industry
What the REAP grant will cover:
A rooftop solar array or a ground mounted solar array (REAP grants will not cover a community solar farm share) - Structural upgrades to the roof (if required for solar project)
- Interconnection application costs
What are the deadlines to apply?
- September 30, 2023
- December 31, 2023
- March 31, 2024
- June 30, 2024
- September 30, 2024
How do I get started?
Email Jen Hatch at jen@revisionenergy.com. We will ask you for an electric bill, look at your address, and provide a preliminary estimate.
