Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvements Grants
The United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Program announces grant (and loan) funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Funds may be used for renewable energy systems such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower, hydrogen, and small and large wind or solar generation. Funds may also be used to purchase, install, or construct energy efficiency improvements such as high efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, insulation, lighting, cooling or refrigeration units, doors and windows, electric, solar or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots, switching from diesel to electric irrigation motors, and replacement of energy-inefficient equipment.
Eligible Applicants: Agricultural producers with at least 50 percent of gross income coming in from agricultural operations and small businesses in areas with population of less than 50,000 inhabitants
Match: 75 percent for grants only and 25 percent for loan/grant combinations
Award Ceiling: $500,000 for renewable energy systems and $250,000 for energy efficiency grants
Deadline: Grants of less than $20,000 are due October 31, 2016 or March 31, 2017. Grants up to $500,000 are due by March 31, 2017.
Contact: Each state has a designated contact which can be found at this link: http://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RBS_StateEnergyCoordinators.pdf
For further information or assistance in applying for funding opportunities, contact KLJ at 701 355 8400.
