Rural Energy for America Program
(REAP)
Administered by USDA—Rural Development
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to complete a variety of projects. Offering both loan guarantees and grants, REAP helps eligible applicants install renewable energy systems, make energy efficiency improvements, and conduct energy audits and feasibility studies.
REAP Website
EQIP
On-Farm Energy Initiative
This program, through the UDSA NRCS, provides
funding for an energy audit (Agricultural Energy Management Plan, or AgEMP) or
energy efficiency improvements on the farm.
EQIP Website
Appalachian Regional Commission
(ARC)
ARC, a joint program of federal, state, and local governments in the Appalachians, provides a
range of assistance to help communities develop clean energy programs, a well as support to help new energy businesses expand and create local jobs.
ARC Website
Federal Tax Credit
Administrated
by the US Internal Revenue Service, Environmental Protection Agency and Department
of Energy
This program allows a tax credit on fuel cells, small wind turbines, geothermal heat pumps, solar water
heaters and photovoltaic systems through 2021 (with a gradual step down from 30% to 26% to 22% between 2019 and 2021, before being phased out completely). Homes, businesses, farms,
industrial facilities and other organizations may qualify.
Residential Website
Business Website
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System
(MACRS)
This tax strategy can be used by businesses to recover the cost of various renewable
energy technologies.