What is the REAP Grant?
For those interested in investing in solar for their farm or small business, the USDA’s REAP program offers solar panel grants that can help offset the upfront costs. Making the transition to solar is simpler and less expensive with REAP.
As a leading provider of solar energy solutions, Delta Solar is committed to helping our clients take advantage of financial assistance programs like the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant to make the transition to renewable energy more affordable.
What is the REAP Program?
The REAP (Rural Energy for America Program) grant is a financial assistance program offered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help rural small businesses and agricultural producers purchase and install renewable energy systems, including solar energy systems. The purpose of the REAP grant is to promote energy independence and economic development in rural areas by supporting the adoption of clean, renewable energy technologies. The grant is equivalent to receiving a 50% discount on your new solar panel installation.
To be eligible for the REAP grant, applicants must be a small business or agricultural producer located in a rural area, and the renewable energy system must be used primarily for business purposes. You can head to the USDA website to determine if your business is located in an eligible area.
Note: When you click the link, you’ll be prompted to accept their terms before being taken to a map. In the upper left, enter your address and click “go,” and it will tell you if your location is eligible for the REAP.
The maximum amount that a REAP grant can cover is 50% of the total cost, up to $1 million dollars. But if you can combine a REAP grant or loan with state, local, or federal tax incentives, you can significantly reduce the already-low costs of a solar array installation.
How Do I Apply for a REAP Grant?
More information can be found on the USDA’s website.
Note: After clicking this link, go to the “Forms and Resources” tab to see the application options (there are a few, depending on what you’re applying for).
If you are a small business or agricultural producer in a rural area and are interested in using solar energy for your business operations, the REAP grant may be a great option for you. Delta Solar can help you navigate the application process and provide the necessary documentation to ensure that your grant application is successful.
Contact us today and we’ll assist you in answering some initial REAP questions, such as:
- Is my farm eligible for a REAP grant?
- If so, for how much?
- What information do I need to have ready for the application?
- When’s the deadline for this year?
- And much more
If you’re considering solar for your farm or rural business and want to apply for a USDA REAP Grant, let Delta Solar’s team of experts do the legwork so you can start saving money with solar energy right away!