If you run a farm or rural small business, a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) REAP grant can help you save up to 50% on commercial solar panel installation! Solar REAP grants and loans make solar significantly more affordable for your business. Plus, they can be combined with the 30% federal solar tax credit and MACRS accelerated depreciation for even greater savings up to 85%!
Solar Energy Solutions has been installing commercial solar energy systems for farms and businesses throughout the Midwest since 2006. We can help you maximize your savings with the USDA REAP grant for solar in 2023.
What Is a REAP Grant?
The USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides grants and loan financing to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to help them install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. In 2023, eligible applicants can receive:
- Loan guarantees on loans up to 75% of total eligible project costs
- Grants for up to 50% of total eligible project costs.
- Combined grant and loan guarantee funding up to 75% of total eligible project costs
Funding may be used to purchase and install qualifying renewable energy equipment such as solar panels and energy efficiency improvements such as high-efficiency HVAC equipment, insulation, energy efficient cooling or refrigeration systems, and more.
USDA REAP Grant Eligibility: Who Qualifies?
Agricultural producers and rural small businesses that meet the program requirements are invited to apply for REAP grant funding or loan financing.
Agricultural Producers
To be eligible for the USDA REAP grant in 2023, agricultural producers must be directly engaged in the production of agricultural products. At least 50% of their gross income must be generated by their agricultural operations.
Rural Small Businesses
Rural small businesses must be located in an eligible area with a maximum population of 50,000 to get a REAP grant or loan. They must also meet size standards set by the Small Business Administration.
The following types of small businesses and entities are eligible:
- Private for-profit businesses
- Cooperatives
- Electric utilities that provide service to rural consumers and operate independently of direct government control
- Tribal corporations or other Tribal business entities that are chartered under Section 17 of the Indian Reorganization Act (25 USC 477) or have similar structures and relationships with their Tribal entity without regard to the resources of the Tribal government
To qualify for USDA REAP grants and loans, agricultural producers and small businesses must have no outstanding delinquent federal taxes, debt, judgment, or debarment.
Find Out If You Qualify for a USDA REAP Solar Grant or Loan
Solar Energy Solutions installs commercial solar panels for farmers and small businesses in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Virginia, and Illinois. We work with grant writers that can assess your project and its likelihood of receiving grant funding and assist in the grant writing. Reach out to our team today to learn more about commercial solar incentives like the REAP grant and how they can reduce the cost of your solar panel installation.
