Add Solar to Your Farm with REAP

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).

What is the REAP program?

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.

• Renewable energy systems may include:
  • Geothermal, hydrogen, wind, or solar!
• Energy efficiency upgrades may include:
  • HVAC, insulation, doors and windows, or replacement of energy-inefficient equipment. See the full list here.

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!

When is the application deadline?

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.

Who is eligible?

• Agricultural producers with at least 50% of their gross household income coming from agricultural operations.
• Small businesses in eligible rural areas. Follow this link to check your eligibility.

What does the whole process look like?

1. Check eligibility.  Follow this link to check your eligibility.
2. Enroll in the System for Award Management (SAM) to register your business entity.
   1. Roughly 2-week process, do ASAP!
   2. Enroll here
3. Contact your preferred contractor based on the type of energy system or upgrade you wish to make.
   1. If you choose Shinnova for solar installation, they will manage the REAP application process and submit the grant on your behalf.
   2. For solar, the installer will conduct a site assessment and discovery consultation to determine the best system for your needs.
   3. The installer will provide a proposal to be agreed upon with the business owner, then submit the REAP application.
   4. Awarded projects are selected approximately 30-60 days after March 31st.
4. Once a project gets awarded by REAP and greenlit by the applicant, the installer moves into project management and installation.
5. Grant funds are released 30 days after the system is operational.
6. Shinnova warranty and customer service cover the life of your system.

Am I still eligible for the 30% federal solar tax credit?

Yes! This means you would get 40% from REAP plus the 30% tax credit, which means 70% of the system would be paid for.

How do I pay for the rest of the system?

Shinnova offers both cash and finance purchase options that will be reimbursed through the grant and federal tax credit.

Where can the solar panels go?

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).

Who can I contact for more information?

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.