USDA RD-Oregon REAP Renewable Energy program

Oregon
Business & Cooperative Programs

REAP Grants for renewable energy systems
(last updated August 18, 2011)

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REAP (Rural Energy for America Program, formerly known as the "§9006" program) offers grants and/or loan guarantees for the purchase and installation of renewable energy generating systems (including renewable fuel dispensers). Assistance is limited to small businesses and farmers & ranchers. Projects must be located in a rural area. REAP grants and guarantees may be used individually or in combination. Together they may finance up to 75% of a project's cost. Grants can never finance more than 25% of the project or $500,000 -- whichever is less. (The REAP program also supports energy efficiency projects.)

REAP applications are accepted year round, but they are typically only funded during specific funding windows.
The application deadline for FY2012 funding has not been announced; it will likely be in late spring 2012.
Note: Applicants seeking REAP grants of $20,000 or less are greatly favored in the selection process.

REAP renewable energy grants overview

Getting Started

2011 Federal Register notice inviting REAP applications - contains rules governing 2011 REAP application process; a similar approach is likely in FY2012.
What's "rural"? - REAP projects must be in a rural location (though urban farms may be eligible)
What is a "small business"? - only small businesses or farmers/ranchers qualify

Flexible fuel pumps (E85 or biodiesel)

Flexible fuel pumps - a new renewable energy technology category eligible for REAP assistance

Recent Projects

Energy projects funded recently in Oregon - both renewable energy & energy efficiency

Application Process

REAP application contents and thresholds - the larger your project is, the greater the professional technical documentation required
Forms for grant applicants (including information on DUNS#'s and CCR registration) - or use the applicable templates below

Application Templates

Whether seeking a grant or a guaranteed loan, the applicant must submit the following items to RD. The make-up of a complete application differs depending on the cost of the project being proposed.

Sample simple grant application (small wind project)

	Simple Applications (≤$200,000 total project cost)	Full Applications (>$200,000 total project cost)
Part I. Applicant Forms, Certifications, & Narrative	Part I Template - all of the Part I items in a single template or complete them individually: Cover letter Table of contents Form SF 424 Form SF 424C Form SF 424D Form AD-1047 n/a Form AD-1049 n/a n/a Form RD 400-1 Form RD 400-4 Certification of relationship Form RD 1940-20 Supplemental environmental information Organizational documents Project summary n/a Matching funds spreadsheet Self-evaluation score sheet	Part I Template - all of the Part I items in a single template or complete them individually: n/a Table of contents Form SF 424 Form SF 424C Form SF 424D Form AD-1047 Form AD-1048 Form AD-1049 Exhibit A-1, 1940-Q Form SF LLL Form RD 400-1 Form RD 400-4 Certification of relationship Form RD 1940-20 Supplemental environmental information Organizational documents Project summary Financial information Matching funds spreadsheet Self-evaluation score sheet
Part II. Technical Report	Biomass Anaerobic digester Geothermal, electric Geothermal, direct use Hydropower or Ocean Hydrogen Solar, hot water Solar, small electric (≤10kw) Solar, large electric (>10kw) Wind, small (≤100kw) Wind, large (>100kw) Biodiesel or E85 pumps - new!	Biomass Anaerobic digester Geothermal, electric Geothermal, direct use Hydropower or Ocean Hydrogen Solar, small electric (≤10kw) Solar, large electric (>10kw) Wind, small (≤100kw) Wind, large (>100kw) Biodiesel or E85 pumps - new!
Part III. Feasibility Study	n/a	Independent feasibility study
Part IV. Addendum - Important Supporting Documentation	aTax returns - applicant's last year's tax returns aWarranties for main components - to show commercial availability aEvidence of interim funds - to prove "readiness" to proceed aBETC application/award - to prove incentive aUtility or Energy Trust application/award - to prove incentive	aTax returns aWarranties for main components aEvidence of interim funds aBETC application/award aUtility or Energy Trust application/award

What is a feasibility study? - All REAP projects costing >$200,000 must provide an independent feasibility study with their application

REAP Guaranteed Loans for renewable energy - a stand-alone or companion program for REAP grants

REAP loan guarantees for commercial lenders

Regulations

REAP program regulations - rules governing the delivery and administration of the REAP program.

Links

RD-Oregon Energy portal - includes links to other renewable energy-supporting programs & agencies in Oregon
National USDA Rural Development REAP web site
Ethanol plant feasibility study guidelines

RD-Oregon contacts for the REAP program

Contacts
Sign up for e-mail notices about REAP opportunities
Not from Oregon? Find your local RD contact