The US Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy For America Program application period closes on July 31st. Grants and guaranteed loans are available to eligible agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems, make energy efficiency improvements and/or conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy systems.
Most rural projects that reduce energy use and result in savings for the agricultural producer or small business are eligible as energy efficiency projects. These include projects such as retrofitting lighting or insulation, or purchasing or replacing equipment with more efficiency units. Eligible renewable energy projects include projects that produce energy from wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydro power and hydrogen-based sources. The projects can produce any form of energy including, heat, electricity, or fuel.
The grants are awarded on a competitive basis and can be up to 25% of total eligible project costs. Grants will be awarded between $2,500 and $500,000 for renewable energy systems, and $1,500 and $250,000 for energy efficiency improvements.
Click here for more information.