Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Grants in Michigan

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing. Eligible applicants include agricultural producers with at least 50 percent of their gross income coming from agricultural operations, and small businesses located in eligible rural areas (populations of 50,000 residents or less). Small businesses must be private for-profit entities, cooperatives, electric utilities, or Tribal corporations. Eligible projects include the purchase and installation of renewable energy systems (biomass, geothermal, hydropower, hydrogen, wind, solar, ocean) and energy efficiency improvements (HVAC, insulation, lighting, cooling, doors/windows, pumps). Energy efficiency projects require an energy audit or assessment. All projects must have technical merit, utilize commercially available technology, and require an environmental review prior to award or construction. The Agency is currently not accepting REAP grant applications, though guaranteed loan applications may be submitted on an ongoing basis.