USDA Rural Development has available the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to help rural, small, for-profit businesses and farmers install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 provided the program with $250,000,000 for REAP grants. Additional funding is available for REAP loan guarantees.
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Energy Efficiency Improvement projects may be eligible for up to $500,000 or 40% of eligible project cost, whichever is less.
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Renewable energy projects may be eligible for up to $1,000,000 or 40% of eligible project costs, whichever is less.
Submission of a REAP application is strongly encouraged due to the increased availability of funds. Applications for this program must be received by March 31, 2023.
Eligible grocery retailers must have annual receipts of less than $40,000,000 and be located in a rural area.
Energy Efficiency Improvement projects can include: HVAC upgrades, cooler and freezer replacements, compressors, lighting replacements, fans and motors, along with other improvements as outlined in the energy audit.
Renewable energy projects can include: Solar Photovoltaic, Solar Thermal, Wind, Geothermal and Biomass.