What are REAP grants?

To help increase American energy independence, the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), administered by the USDA, provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. There are three types of funding available: 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 Renewable energy system grants can be anywhere from $2,500 to $1 million, and energy efficiency grants can range from $1,500 to $500,000. It is important to note that only non-residential costs are eligible to be reimbursed . For example, the electrical service for a farm property serves the agricultural side of things and the residence. Even though the costs are in one utility bill, you can only report the costs from your agricultural and business operations.

Who is eligible for REAP grants?

Agricultural producers with at least 50% of their gross income coming from agricultural operations and rural small businesses can apply for the program. If you are not sure if you qualify as a small business, you can search by your NACIS code . Once you have verified you are a small business, you can check whether or not you are in a rural area . Projects must be in rural areas with populations of 50,000 or less.

When do I apply for REAP grants?

APPLY BEFORE YOU BUY You should apply for REAP funding after you determine project design and cost but before you have spent money on equipment or contracts . Any costs prior to your application are not eligible for REAP reimbursement. Before applying, you should do the following: Gather financial information for the last three years Work with your preferred solar installer to complete your design Get quotes for work that needs to be performed Gather spec sheets of all major equipment Research your required permits Contact your utility if you need an interconnection agreement or Power Purchase Agreement . USDA accepts applications year-round. The application windows for 2024 are March 31, June 30 and September 30. To apply for REAP, you must have a Dun & Bradstreet (D-U-N-S) number, pre-register with the System for Award Management (SAM) , and have a Unique Entity ID. Registration costs nothing, but it can take a month or more, so take care of it as soon as possible. If you are already registered with SAM and have a Unique Entity ID, just make sure your registration is active.

How do I apply for REAP grants?

There are three application forms, and which one you use depends on the project size (not the grant size requested). To find these forms, visit the REAP website , choose your state and click the tab that says “To Apply.” You will find instructions for completing each application and the applications themselves. These are the application forms you should use depending on your total project cost: Under $80K: 4280-3A $80K to $200K : 4280-3B Over $200K: 4280-3C Many people utilize consultants and grant writers to complete the necessary paperwork. Under the “To Apply” tab, you will find a list of energy auditors, consultants and grant writers in the state you selected.

Who should I apply for REAP?

Would you like to reduce the capital expenditure you have to make? If your project is a renewable energy system that produces zero greenhouse gas emissions ( solar PV is zero emissions! ), you are eligible for a 50% grant. It’s not just solar. Energy efficiency improvements also qualify for a 50% grant. For example, one of our customers is an agricultural operation that uses the ingredients they grow to make and package different sauces from their farm. Because it is an energy efficiency expense for their business, they were able to finance part of their kitchen and packaging operation with REAP grant money.

Top Four Ways The K2 Systems Tool-Less Rail Connector Can Help Solar Installers Save Time

December 12, 2024
Best Practices
Solar Energy

When researching the best solar racking and mounting system, is a quick and easy installation at the top of your list? You are not alone. For installers, details like rail connectors can make or break the time spent on the jobsite. Knowing that, K2 Systems engineered a rail connector for their CrossRail System specifically designed for convenience and efficiency. The Tool-less Rail Connector uses a simple slide-in technology for connecting rails. And as the name implies, there’s no need for tools!

Tested and listed to the UL2703 Listed System for Fire and Bonding Standard for Safety, the connector provides structural integrity, electrical grounding and bonding. It’s also rated to withstand environmental conditions like wind, snow and seismic loads.

#1: NO TOOLS = QUICKER INSTALL

The Tool-less Rail Connector uses slide-in technology for connecting rails, meaning you can quickly install your solar racking in-between the span of your attachment feet without needing to reach for your tools. This saves time and could also mean additional cost savings on labor.
#2: STRAIGHTFORWARD SPLICE DESIGN

One small but important detail of the Tool-less Rail Connector is the alignment tab in the middle of the rail that places the rails in the perfect 50/50 position. This ensures the connector is centered between both rails and the bonding teeth are in contact with the bottom of each rail. The clear-cut design lets you know that the connector is installed correctly.
#3: OPTIONAL CANTILEVER INSTALLATION

When installing on a cantilever out past one of the attachments, there’s no need to use a different rail connector. Simply add two of the same t-bolts you used to mount the feet onto the Tool-less Rail Connector. Once you've added that hardware, it has the same strength as if that rail was continuous. Reducing the number of different products needed on the jobsite helps keep you organized and efficient.
#4: MINIMIZE RISK WITH WIRE MANAGEMENT

The external splice design provides uninhibited wire management capacity within the rail. This extra space minimizes the risk of damage to cables, which could lead to electrical faults, system downtime and reduced efficiency. Dedicated, protected space for cables helps extend the lifetime of your system, improves the appearance of the installation and allows for a more efficient install process.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SOLAR INSTALLER SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS

To learn more about the K2 Systems Structural Rail Connector or any other solar services or solutions featured at Van Meter, contact us or call 1-800-247-1410.

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Simplify solar installs with the k2 systems cross rail micro inverter and optimizer mounting kit

October 17 , 2024
Best Practices
Solar Energy

Have you ever noticed the smallest details can make or break your solar installation? The K2 Systems Cross Rail Micro Inverter and Optimizer Mounting Kit has been specifically created to minimize frustration when mounting your MLPE to the rail. The new design eliminates all washers and uses a UL-listed and approved single bonding bolt. From the secure fit, easy installation, and bonus benefits – you can trust that this bolt has been carefully crafted with the installer’s experience in mind.

How to use the hoymiles 2-in-1 vs 4-in-1 microinverters to increase efficiency

September 10 , 2024
Best Practices
Solar Energy

When it comes to microinverters, are you used to using a 1-in-1 device, which doesn’t require much thought or planning? What if you could increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness by utilizing 2-in-1 and 4-in-1 microinverters? This requires being a bit more strategic about your microinverter placement – but it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Top Four Ways The K2 Systems Tool-Less Rail Connector Can Help Solar Installers Save Time

#1: NO TOOLS = QUICKER INSTALL

#2: STRAIGHTFORWARD SPLICE DESIGN

#3: OPTIONAL CANTILEVER INSTALLATION

#4: MINIMIZE RISK WITH WIRE MANAGEMENT

LEARN MORE ABOUT SOLAR INSTALLER SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS

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