Project Profile:

Our energy team provided comprehensive energy and sustainability services including grant acquisition services totalling over $500K in funding acquired through the REAP program, and energy analysis aiding in reducing their environmental impact to almost zero.

USDA REAP Energy Efficiency Grant | Our team acquired a $250,000 Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP) grant to purchase a new electric pump/dredge, to eliminate diesel fuel use.

USDA REAP Renewable Energy Grant | The second grant our team acquired for the client was in the amount of $327,000 for a solar photovoltaic array to power close to 100% of initial scope and reduce their environmental footprint. Aztec Materials has since expanded their operations, and the solar array covers the majority of the new total electricity demand. This solar array should last 20 to 25 years.

What does this program do? The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to rural small businesses and agricultural producers for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.

Who may apply for this program?

Agricultural producers – directly engaged in production of agricultural products where at least 50 percent of their gross income comes from agricultural operations
Small business located in eligible rural areas, meeting the Small Business Administration size standards and one of the following – private for-profit entity; a cooperative; an electric utility that provides service to rural consumers and operated independent of direct government control; a tribal corporation or tribal business entities

What is an eligible area?

Projects must be located in rural areas with populations of 50,000 residents or less
Click here to check eligible rural areas
Agricultural producers may submit project to be located in non-rural areas should project be associated
with an on-site production operation.

Funds may be used for the purchase and installation of renewable energy systems, such as:

Biomass (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels)
Geothermal for electric generation or direct use
Hydropower below 30 megawatts
Hydrogen
Small and large wind generation
Small and large solar generation
Ocean (tidal, current, thermal) generation

Funds may be used for the purchase, installation and construction of energy efficiency improvements:

High efficiency HVAC
Insulation
Lighting
Cooling or refrigeration units
Doors and windows
Electric, solar or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots
Switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor
Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment

What funding is available?

acquiring $500K for our clients: read the full project profile here

Loan guarantees on loans up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs
Grants for up to 50 percent of total eligible project costs
Combined grant and loan guarantee funding up to 75% of total eligible project costs

For full program details:
Rural Energy for America Program Energy Audit & Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants in Pennsylvania | Rural Development (usda.gov)

For assistance and to get started: Paul Spiegel, PE, LEED AP | paul.spiegel@ssmgroup.com

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