What is the Rural Energy for America Program? – Investopedia
Rachel Murphy is a Kansas City, MO, journalist with more than 10 years of experience.
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) encourages the transition to renewable energy sources in rural and agricultural areas. Created by the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, REAP offers grants and guaranteed loans for developing clean energy systems and installing energy-efficient infrastructures such as lighting, insulation, cooling, and more.
REAP is a combination of grants and loans available to agricultural producers that earn at least 50% of their income from agricultural operations or small businesses in rural areas that have 50,000 residents or fewer. All applicants must be American citizens or have a permanent residence in the U.S, Private entity borrowers must show that the funds will be spent inside the United States as well.
The program offers two options: guaranteed loans are available for up to 75% of the project costs, while grants are available for up to 25% of the total eligible project costs. Applicants may apply for both loans and grants, but the total amount awarded may not exceed 75% of the total project costs. Interest rates on loans are negotiated between the lender and borrower, so there is no guarantee of a low-interest rate, only a guarantee of the loan.
Applications are accepted during two open periods each fiscal year—for the fiscal year 2023, the deadlines are Oct. 31, 2022, and March 31, 2023. Interested parties can apply through their local Rural Development office. Applicants must undergo a credit evaluation, and the proposed project will be analyzed to determine whether it is eligible for a REAP loan or grant.
Applicants to Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants or loans may have to undergo an energy audit to determine whether their proposed project is eligible for a loan or grant.
REAP funding is intended to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses take advantage of renewable energy generation technology, such as:
Businesses may also use funds to upgrade their current infrastructure to energy-efficient technology such as:
For example, if a farmer growing soybeans wanted to purchase a $75,000 electric tractor to replace their diesel tractor, they could apply for a loan of $56,250, or 75% of the purchase price. Conversely, they could pay the $56,250 themselves and qualify for a grant for the remaining $18,750.
Grants for renewable energy systems start at $2,500 and have a maximum cap of $500,000. Grants for energy efficient improvements start as low as $1,500 and go up to $250,000.
The lender and borrower will decide the loan term for loans from the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Loan terms cannot exceed 40 years.
If you have a hobby farm, you can potentially apply for a Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) loan or grant. Agricultural producers must be able to prove that 50% of their income is derived from agriculture. If your hobby farm is in an approved rural area, you may still qualify even if you earn more than half of your income from somewhere else.
The Rural Energy For America Program (REAP) makes energy-efficient upgrades and renewable energy systems more attainable for small rural businesses and agricultural producers. The procedure for application is straightforward and is administered through local rural development offices, making it easy for applicants to find help in their area. With either grants or loans, the program offers flexibility for rural businesses and agricultural producers ready to switch to renewable energy.
U.S. Department of Agriculture. "Rural Energy For America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans and Grants."
Government & Policy
Government & Policy
Government & Policy
Government & Policy
Government & Policy
Deductions & Credits
When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site.
