The U.S. Department of Agriculture will begin accepting applications for the Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guarantees Loans and Grants.

Applications for grants of $20,000 or less and loan/grant of $20,000 or less are due by November 2.  Other applications due March 31, 2021.  Applications for loan guarantees are accepted on a continuous application cycle.

The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements.

Eligible applicants include agricultural producers with at least 50 percent of their gross income coming from agricultural operations and small businesses in eligible rural areas.

Eligible rural areas: Businesses must be in an area OTHER THAN a city or town with a population of greater than 50,000 inhabitants and the urbanized area of that city or town and agricultural producers may be in rural or non-rural areas.  Check eligible business addresses.

Funds may be used for renewable energy systems, such as:  Biomass (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels); Geothermal for electric generation or direct use; Hydropower below 30 megawatts; Hydrogen; Small and large wind generation; Small and large solar generation; Ocean (tidal, current, thermal) generation.

Funds may also be used for the purchase, installation and construction of energy efficiency improvements, such as: High efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC); Insulation; Lighting; Cooling or refrigeration units; Doors and windows; Electric, solar or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots; Switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor; Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment.

Applications for this program are accepted year-round at your local USDA office.  Questions should be directed to Rana Pfeil, USDA Rural Development, 359 East Park Drive, Suite 4, Harrisburg, PA 17111-2747, call 717-237-2288 send email to: rana.pfeil@usda.gov.

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[Posted: Sept. 15, 2020]

9/21/2020