The PA Solar Center will host a webinar on February 17 on how to apply for the USDA Rural Energy For America Program and the G.E.T. Solar Communities Programs.

In 2023, agricultural and other businesses located in rural communities can access up to twice as much grant funding than normal through the USDA’s widely coveted “Rural Energy for America Program” (REAP).

Overall funding has nearly doubled from $300 million to $550 million, and maximum grant amounts have increased from $500,000 to $1 million for renewable energy systems, including solar.

According to the agency, the maximum federal grant share is also increasing from 25 percent to 40 percent of total project costs.

The USDA Communities Facilities grants and loans are also available for tax-exempt entities located in rural areas.

This infusion of essentially free money might be the impetus for many businesses and organizations to flip the switch to solar. Combining these grants with the tax benefits in the federal Inflation Reduction Act will result in substantial and immediate energy cost savings for almost all applicants as soon as the solar is turned on.

We will review all this in February's webinar, as well as our G.E.T. Solar and G.E.T. Solar Communities programs, which offer businesses and tax entities technical assistance to go solar.

Click Here to register.  The webinar will be held from Noon to 1:15 p.m.

The Pennsylvania Solar Center is a nonpartisan, nonprofit effort to raise the awareness of the benefits of solar energy in Pennsylvania. Click Here to sign up for regular updates.

Resource Links:

-- DEP Energy Programs Office - Financial Options

-- PA Environmental Management Assistance Program

Related Articles:

-- PennTAP: Apply Now For USDA Rural Energy For America Renewable Energy, Efficiency Improvement Loans, Grants  [PaEN]

-- Apply For West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Funding Opportunities  [PaEN]

[Posted: January 31, 2023]

2/6/2023