The USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) seeks applications for loan guarantees and grants for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement projects.
Deadlines
- Applications for Grants of $20,000 or Less and Loan/Grant of $20,000 or Less Combo Applications due by November 2, 2020, or March 31, 2021.
- Applications for Unrestricted Grants or Loan/Unrestricted Grant Combo Applications due by March 31, 2021.
- Guaranteed Loans are accepted on a continuous application cycle.
Additional Information
Program Fact Sheet
Hoja Informativa del Programa en Español
Nebraska Contact Person
Jeff Carpenter, Business Program Specialist, State Energy Coordinator, 402-437-5554
ENERGY RESOURCES FOR NEW FARMERS & RANCHERS
The USDA sponsors the development of a new series of extension materials designed specifically with new farmers in mind. Called “Energy Answers for the Beginning Farmer & Rancher,” it utilizes farm energy experts from university extension programs across the country to answer hot-topic energy questions. The main product of the project is a series of short, engaging videos and resources that give useful tips and information on farm energy. Contributing extension programs include Illinois, Michigan State, Nebraska, Penn State, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, and Wisconsin.
- Learn more & see a list of the YouTube videos, including several about solar energy, here.
- Videos include: What is it like to apply for farm energy incentive programs like REAP?
Links to additional resources for solar-powering farm operations & farmhouses:
The federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is 26% to the end of 2020, dropping to 22% in 2021 and 10% for commercial and utility-scale projects and 0 for residential projects in 2022.
Source: Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)
Obtaining a REAP grant, which provides 25% of the cost of a renewable energy system or energy efficiency improvement project, plus the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) of 26% would reduce the price a little more than half. Equipment depreciation is an additional benefit available for businesses to cut the cost even more.
Nebraskans for Solar Resources
- Nebraskans for Solar Directory. Several businesses in our directory install small wind and geothermal systems in addition to solar projects.
- Nebraskans for Solar’s Solar Examples include a number of on-farm solar projects. See more photos on our Facebook page.
- Links to Incentives, Depreciation & Net Metering Resources (1-Page PDF)
Department of Energy Resource: Farmer’s Guide to Going Solar