Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program
🏛 Rural Business-Cooperative Service
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for rural businesses, cooperatives, and agricultural enterprises seeking to implement renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements on their properties. Eligible applicants are typically rural businesses, agricultural producers, and cooperative organizations located in areas outside incorporated cities and towns with populations over 50,000. The program supports projects that reduce energy costs and consumption through renewable energy installations (solar, wind, geothermal, biomass) and energy efficiency upgrades. Geographic scope is primarily rural United States. Eligible activities include feasibility studies, planning, design, and installation of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency equipment, though funding typically requires projects to demonstrate environmental benefits and economic returns for the rural business or cooperative.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
REAP Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Program.Refer to Application Package AND Application Instruction links to obtain all necessary forms for a complete application.Contact State Energy Coordinators with questions: http://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RBS_StateEnergyCoordinators.pdf
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Standard Form 424 (SF-424) application form
- Detailed project narrative describing renewable energy/efficiency improvements and expected outcomes
- Energy audit or feasibility study documenting baseline energy use and projected savings
- Itemized project budget with quotes from vendors or contractors
- Financial statements and business plan
- Proof of rural eligibility (location documentation, population verification)
- Letters of support from equipment vendors, engineers, or industry partners
- Environmental impact assessment or sustainability benefits documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Maureen Hessel Business Loan and Grant Analyst
- 📧 maureen.hessel@wdc.usda.gov
- 📞 2024010142
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 10.868 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$2,000,000
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$1,000,000
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$1,000,000
-
$1,000,000
-
$1,000,000
-
$1,000,000
-
$1,000,000
-
$1,000,000
-
$1,000,000
-
$1,000,000
Top States by Funding
- MI 11 awards $11.0M
- CA 7 awards $8.0M
- PA 6 awards $6.0M
- NC 6 awards $6.0M
- IA 6 awards $6.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 10.868). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,203,498,709 | |
| 2025 | $566,525,866 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this RBCS renewable energy grant?
Eligible applicants include rural businesses, farmers, ranchers, agricultural producers, and rural cooperatives located in areas outside incorporated cities and towns with populations exceeding 50,000. Some applicants may need to be 501(c)(3) organizations or for-profit enterprises meeting USDA rural definitions.
Is there a deadline for applications?
This program operates on a rolling deadline basis, meaning applications are accepted and reviewed continuously throughout the year rather than on fixed dates. It is best to check the USDA-RBCS website for current deadlines and funding availability.
What types of renewable energy and efficiency projects are funded?
Typical eligible projects include solar photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, geothermal systems, biomass heating, LED lighting upgrades, HVAC improvements, insulation, and other energy efficiency measures that reduce operating costs and environmental impact.
How competitive is this grant?
Competition is typically moderate to competitive, depending on funding availability and quality of applications. Projects demonstrating strong economic returns, environmental benefits, and feasibility are more likely to be funded.
What is the typical funding range?
USDA-RBCS renewable energy grants typically range from $5,000 to $500,000 or more depending on project scope, though specific amounts vary by funding year and application round. Check current program guidelines for current funding levels.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Develop a strong feasibility study showing energy savings, payback period, and return on investment for your renewable energy or efficiency project before applying
- Clearly demonstrate how the project aligns with rural economic development goals and will improve your business competitiveness
- Include detailed project timelines, budgets with itemized costs, and letters of support from equipment vendors or contractors
- Emphasize quantifiable environmental benefits such as carbon emissions reduction or energy consumption decrease
- Ensure your organization meets USDA rural eligibility requirements (location, entity type) before investing application effort
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often fail because they lack rigorous financial analysis or credible energy savings projections. Many applicants underestimate project complexity or fail to clearly demonstrate how the investment will strengthen their rural business's economic position. Additionally, some applications do not adequately document that the applicant meets USDA's rural area definitions or provide insufficient detail on how renewable energy or efficiency improvements directly support business operations.
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