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Farmers can now REAP the Benefits of Renewable Energy

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides funding for farmers and rural small businesses to install renewable energy systems and energy-saving upgrades. Funded through the Inflation Reduction Act and administered by the USDA, REAP offers grants up to 50% of project costs and guaranteed loans to boost energy resilience and lower operating expenses.

A pause is scheduled until Sept 30, 2025, to process backlog. Applications will reopen on October 1, 2025, for Fiscal Year 2026 funding.

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Who is Eligible?

REAP acts as a catalyst for adopting clean energy in rural areas by agricultural producers and small businesses. It also offers grants and loan guarantees for renewable energy systems.

Agricultural Producers: Florida farmers and ranchers must have at least 50% of their gross income derived from agricultural operations. Florida’s diverse agricultural sector, including citrus, vegetables, and livestock, can benefit significantly from REAP-funded projects.

Rural Small Businesses: Must be located in eligible rural areas of Florida with populations of 50,000 or fewer and meet the SBA definition of a small business. Applicants must show financial stability, own their business, and follow federal rules to qualify.

How Does REAP Work?

The Program provides financial assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for the installation of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements in the form of:

Grants: Financial assistance covering up to 50% of the total project costs for renewable energy systems or energy efficiency improvements.

Guaranteed Loans: Loans provided through lenders, backed by a federal guarantee, covering up to 75% of the total project costs.

Combination of Grants and Loans: Applicants can apply for both a grant and a guaranteed loan to cover a significant portion of the project costs.

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Why REAP?

Environmental Sustainability: The Program is a significant step towards environmental responsibility for small businesses and farmers in rural areas nationwide.

Financial Support: It provides them with financial support to install renewable energy systems like solar panels and improve the energy efficiency of their buildings.

Saves Energy Bills: It saves money on energy bills and is crucial in protecting the environment by utilizing clean energy sources like the sun and wind.

Supports Local Communities: REAP also creates jobs and supports local communities by improving how we use energy in rural areas. It’s like boosting farms and small businesses so they can save money and help take care of the Earth simultaneously.

How to Apply for this Program?

For more details on the grants and financing available, fill in the form.
At Tampa Bay Solar, we are a local veteran-owned installer, offering tailored solutions to meet each project’s needs, providing expertise in solar technology and local regulations throughout the installation process.

Our team will help you through the application, ensuring compliance with environmental standards and increasing chances of securing funding for energy projects.

Information form for REAP Program

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Shirley Lacey
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They worked quick very helpful
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Sean Read
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I’ve been using Tampa Bay Solar for almost 10 years now, and I’ve always been very happy with their work. I recently had to replace my roof because of its age, so I needed to have my PV panels removed and then reinstalled once the new roof was completed. As usual, Tampa Bay Solar did an excellent job. They were professional, took care of everything, and paid attention to the details. Their work has always gone above and beyond what I’ve expected, and this job was no different. After nearly 10 years of dealing with them, I can honestly say they’re a company I trust. It’s nice to have a company you can call years later and know you’re going to get good service and quality work. I would definitely recommend Tampa Bay Solar to anyone looking for a solar company. They’ve taken great care of me and my system over the years.
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Lauren Sacks
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We had a great experience with Tampa Bay Solar from start to finish. They installed solar on our home and really did their due diligence throughout the entire process, making sure everything was up to code, incorporating the latest equipment, and helping us maximize the number of panels we could install. The team was always on time, friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely great to work with. They felt like true partners throughout the process rather than just installers. Huge shout-out to Pete, Josh, Frannie, and Francois, who all rocked it! They also patiently handled all of my husband’s very detailed questions and made sure everything was working exactly as it should, which was especially important since we needed enough power for his mini data center. :) We really appreciated the level of care, communication, and attention to detail. Highly recommend Tampa Bay Solar!
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John Sacks
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You need solar and you need it installed by Tampa Bay Solar. They are incredibly professional and thorough with their install and service and work with you to fully understand what you are getting in a system and how to use it.
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Matt Dresher
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Timothy Oldfield
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Crew removed And reinstalled existing solar panels for roof replacement. Added additional new panels during reinstall. Crew was very knowledgeable and friendly. They showed up when scheduled, work hard and cleaned the area prior to leaving each day. Will use Tampa Bay Solar if the need arises in the future and would highly recommend them if you’re looking to install solar.
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