
Farmer Interview – Brien Darby, Cultivate KC
Cultivate KC and Shinnova Solar are joining teams for a cleaner, greener future and spreading the word about the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
The REAP grant is a federal grant that awards 40% back on new renewable energy systems and energy efficiency upgrades for businesses in rural areas, as well as for agricultural businesses in urban areas. Each business can apply for one energy system and one energy efficiency upgrade.
This year, the REAP program is receiving a 5x increase in federal funding and needs people like you to give it to. Last year they awarded every applicant in Missouri, so this year they are looking for more applicants to give money to!
The application deadline is March 31st, so you need to move quickly for funding this year. The additional funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will continue for the next 4-5 years, so you can submit your application anytime for the following year’s pool.
Yes! This means you would get 40% from REAP plus the 30% tax credit, which means 70% of the system would be paid for.
Shinnova offers both cash and finance purchase options that will be reimbursed through the grant and federal tax credit.
Solar panels can be installed on the roof of your home, business, barn/outbuilding, or pergola structure. They can also be mounted on the ground, or other similar ground-mounted structures. Systems can be grid-tied, or or standalone off-grid systems to power equipment in areas without electrical access (pumps, etc).
If interested in a solar project or energy efficient windows, door, or siding project, please contact Christian Zirbel at Shinnova at 913-392-8891 or christian@shinnova.solar.
With other general questions about REAP, contact Nathan Tutt at 573-876-9327 or nathan.tutt@usda.gov.