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How to Apply for the REAP Grant

How to Apply for the REAP Grant

March 29, 2023 By In News No Comments

The demand for clean energy solutions in commercial buildings is on the rise, and solar energy is a popular choice for its cost-saving benefits and environmental sustainability. However, many businesses are deterred by the high initial costs of installing solar panels. Thankfully, there are federal grants available to assist in offsetting these costs. The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) offers grants for renewable energy systems, including solar, to agricultural producers and rural small businesses. Applying for a commercial solar REAP grant may seem daunting, but the process is straightforward. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps to apply for this federal grant, and help you take the first step towards a greener future for your business.

REAP Grant Overview

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is a federal grant program that provides funding to rural businesses and agricultural producers to help them develop renewable energy systems, including commercial solar installations. The program is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and offers grants of up to 40% of a project’s total eligible costs, with a maximum award amount of $1 million. These funds can be used to cover the costs of planning, designing, and installing renewable energy systems, as well as to make energy efficiency improvements to existing systems. In this blog post, we will outline the steps required to apply for a commercial solar federal REAP grant, which can provide significant financial support for businesses looking to invest in renewable energy.

What’s Required in the REAP Grant Application Process

Applying for the REAP grant can be a complex and time-consuming process, as there are various documents and information required to be submitted with the application. Below is an overview of the required information involved in the REAP grant application process, including obtaining a DUNS number, providing tax returns and electric utility bills, obtaining a SAM unique entity number, providing proof of ownership, and more. By following these steps, businesses and agricultural producers can increase their chances of obtaining financial support for renewable energy projects.

1. DUNS Number

Before beginning the application process, it is essential to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number for your business. A DUNS number is a unique identifier that allows potential funders to verify your business’s credibility and stability. This number will be used to track your business information throughout the grant process. You can obtain a DUNS number for free by visiting the Dun & Bradstreet website.

2.  Gather Business Information

You need to provide basic information about your business, including your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN), your address, country, and congressional district. This information is necessary to confirm your eligibility for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant.

3. Obtain a Federal SAM Unique Entity Number

To receive federal funds, you will need to obtain a SAM (System for Award Management) Unique Entity Number. This is a unique identification number that tracks your organization’s financial and administrative information. The SAM system is used to ensure your business’s eligibility for federal funding.

4. Provide Tax Returns for the Last 4 Years

You will need to provide your business’s tax returns for the last four years to verify your financial stability and eligibility for the grant. Your tax returns will be used to evaluate your business’s financial health and determine the amount of funding you may receive.

5. Provide Electric Utility Bills for 12 Consecutive Months

Providing 12 consecutive months of electric utility bills is necessary to determine your current energy usage. This information will be used to calculate the expected energy savings from your solar installation and determine the amount of funding you may receive.

6. Provide a Commitment of Funds

You need to obtain a signed letter from your bank stating that funds are available to cover your portion of the solar project costs. This commitment of funds demonstrates your business’s financial stability and ability to contribute to the solar installation.

7. Provide Proof of Ownership

You will need to provide proof of ownership of the property where the solar installation will take place. This could include a property deed or lease agreement. This information is necessary to confirm that your business has the legal right to install solar panels on the property.

8. Provide a Business Description

A detailed description of your business, including its history, products or services offered, and future plans, is necessary to evaluate your business’s eligibility for the REAP grant. This information helps funders understand your business and its impact on the local community.

9. Provide a Solar Project Budget

A detailed budget for your solar project, including the total cost of the installation, the amount of funding you are requesting, and any other sources of funding you are using, is necessary to evaluate your business’s financial needs and determine the amount of funding you may receive. This information will be provided to you by your commercial solar installer.

10. Provide an Interconnection Application

You will need to provide an interconnection application to your utility company. This application is necessary to connect your solar installation to the grid. The interconnection process ensures that your solar panels comply with local regulations and are connected safely and effectively to the power grid. Interconnection applications are handled by your commercial solar installer, so it’s important you find a partner who is experienced in the commercial solar interconnection process. 

Applying for a commercial solar federal REAP grant requires several steps, including obtaining a DUNS number, providing business information, obtaining a federal SAM unique entity number, providing tax returns and utility bills, obtaining a commitment of funds, providing proof of ownership, providing a business description, providing a solar project budget, and providing an interconnection application. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of receiving funding to help offset the cost of a solar installation for your commercial property.

Can someone complete the REAP grant application for you? 

At Genie Solar Energy, we understand that applying for a federal grant can be a complex and time-consuming process, which is why we offer to submit the REAP grant application on behalf of our customers. We have a team of experienced professionals who will handle the entire application process, from gathering the necessary documentation to preparing the application and submitting it to the appropriate USDA office. By taking care of the application process for our customers, we aim to make it extremely easy for them to access the financial support they need to invest in solar energy. Our goal is to ensure that our customers can focus on their business while we take care of the grant application process on their behalf.

Reach out to us today and we’ll come up with a plan and better understand your REAP Grant eligibility.

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Genie Energy Ltd., (NYSE: GNE, GNEPRA) is a global energy solutions company. We supply customers in the US and Europe with electricity, including electricity generated from renewable resources and with natural gas. Through Genie Solar Energy and Prism Solar, we design, construct and install commercial solar energy solutions. We provide commercial and industrial clients with energy brokerage and consultative services through our Diversegy brand.

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