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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

Looking for a job? Click here! ¿Buscas trabajo? ¡Haz clic aquí!

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cliff smith
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Just had Tampa Bay Solar install solar on our home and garage. Very pleased with the entire experience, starting with the sales person Sharon Louis who came to our home and provided an overview of the entire process, including benefits of solar, price and financing options. Sharon was very professional, no high pressure, just straight talk and honesty. The office staff at Tampa Bay Solar have also been attentive and helpful. The crew that installed the solar on our home last week did an amazing job. Kudos to the team leader Fanez and his team of Daniel, Luis, Jose, Sanchez, Carlos and Alejandro. It took three days from start to finish. During this time the crew members were very polite and courteous and respectful of our home. When finished, Fanez went over everything involving the new system (it's pretty much automatic) and answered any questions I had. Before they left, they made arrangements with the City of St. Petersburg to inspect the installation the very next business day. System is fully operational now and looks great on our roof. So glad I went with Tampa Bay Solar, their price was fair and the workmanship is first class all the way. Highly recommend this business.
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Ceantel Rubin
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Josh and his team did a great job installing the Solar Sol-Ark battery. Highly recommend the company and the professionals they employ.
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David Burrell
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I worked with Tim to get our Solar panel design going. Past several days we had James and his team installing the system. At the end, James explained everything, answered all of my questions, and made sure I was happy. Really good company, Tim, James and the team are all very professional. Please working with them!
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Drew Logue
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Fanez, Daniel, Luis and Jesus did a spectacular installation. Hard work, quality and attention to detail on every aspect of the job. Panels on the roof are straight as is the inverter and the rest of the gear. Engineer Dan and Sales from Tim also top-notch.
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Jose Tirado
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Great experience to date with TBS. The office staff is very helpful, Sharon our sales rep was very responsive throughout our process, and the install team led by Peterson the team lead were great as well. The install team were polite, respectful, efficient, and knowledgeable about the product they were installing. Very appreciative of Peterson making an additional trip out post-install to address a question. As a veteran, I always seek to support veteran owned businesses when possible. Highly recommend TBS.
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Janet Macek
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Keith and John from Tampa Bay Solar was so helpful in setting up my switch install inside my house if power goes out and made sure my inverter and all my solar panel was working properly. I just recently was able to move back into my house since Hurricane Helene. Tampa Bay Solar has always been helpful to me for years with anything I needed or had questions on. Their Staff is Outstanding!!!! If you want solar,Tampa Bay Solar is the one to trust and do the job right.
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Steve Grimes
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Fanez did our installer and was fantastic. He was fast and did a great job of communicating when he would be on site and when he could come back. He did a thorough job of explaining and demonstrating the system. I would recommend TB Solar and Fanez to anyone looking to add solar.
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