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.

Van Meter Named a 2025 Top Workplaces USA Company

March 20, 2025
News

What makes this recognition so significant? Employee feedback alone informed the national ranking. Independent research firm, Energage, and national media company, USA TODAY, ranked the winning companies based on the results of engagement surveys they administered throughout 2024.

“I’m proud because this ranking is a direct reflection of Van Meter’s employee experience and how our employee-owners feel about being part of our company,” said Alicia Murphy, Chief People Officer at Van Meter. “It tells me they embrace our purpose, believe their voices are valued and understand how they create lasting value for the people we serve.”

Over 39,000 organizations were invited to participate in the recent Top Workplaces survey. The results factor in employee responses to questions based on 15 unique culture drivers proven to predict high company performance.

"A Top Workplace award brings a company's culture to the national stage, and it helps them differentiate themselves in a fiercely competitive market space," said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. "It's an honor for the workforce and an effective tool to attract the right talent to an organization."

Headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Van Meter is the nation’s 14th largest electrical distributor with 26 locations in what will soon be nine states.

“Being selected as a national Top Workplace is an incredible honor and helps us recruit, hire and retain top talent,” added Murphy. “Our people-first approach is special and is key in setting our company up for success and fostering our continued growth.”

In addition to the Top Workplaces USA recognition, Van Meter was named a 2024 Top Workplace in Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas City and the Great Plains. It also won cultural excellence awards for professional development, work-life flexibility, employee well-being, compensation, benefits and more.

To apply at Van Meter or learn more about the company, visit vanmeterinc.com/careers.

###

Van Meter Named a 2025 Top Workplaces USA Company

nearest branch

Van Meter Inc.

Updates

Training & Events

Mobile App