Already finished an energy project? See if USDA will pay back up to 25%.
Starting October 1, 2026, REAP grants go to solar, wind, and energy efficiency projects that are already built and running. If you are a farm or rural small business, find out in a few minutes whether your project qualifies.
- Free, no obligation
- Built on the new USDA rule
- Instant result
Independent site run by Cleaner Greener Future LLC. Not USDA. Official program information is at rd.usda.gov. Is REAP open right now?
What changed in REAP
Last updated . Reflects USDA's October 1, 2026 final rule.
USDA published a final rule on October 1, 2026 that rewrites how REAP grants work. The biggest changes for applicants:
- You apply after the project is finished. The project must have been completed 12 to 24 months before you apply, so USDA can see a full year of real results. (7 CFR §4280.122(a)(1), (a)(6))
- Grants cover up to 25% of project cost. Up to $500,000 for renewable energy systems and up to $250,000 for efficiency upgrades. The minimum request is $1,500. (7 CFR §4280.122(a)(2)-(3))
- Ground-mounted solar and wind on cropland no longer qualify. Rooftop solar is not affected by this restriction. (7 CFR §4280.122(b)(11))
- No foreign-adversary parts in new solar or wind. Solar panels and wind turbines, rooftop or ground, installed on or after October 1, 2026 cannot include any component made in a country listed as a foreign adversary. Systems installed before that date are exempt. (7 CFR §4280.122(b)(19))
- One location per project. Projects installed at more than one location are not eligible. (7 CFR §4280.122(b)(10))
- One national competition. USDA ranks applications on a 90-point scale plus up to 10 priority points, with a 40-point minimum. (7 CFR §4280.140(d); §4280.150)
The rule takes effect October 16, 2026, and USDA is taking public comments through November 2, 2026, so details could still change. Read our complete guide to the new rule or the rule itself.
Two kinds of applicants can apply
Rural small businesses
For-profit businesses that meet SBA size standards and are located in a rural area (outside cities and towns over 50,000 people and their urbanized areas). (7 CFR §4280.104)
What counts as rural and small →Agricultural producers
Farms and ranches 100% owned by one person or one family (or wholly owned by a Tribe), where the majority owner earns at least half their income from farming. (7 CFR §4280.104)
The new ownership test →From finished project to grant check
Check eligibility
Answer a few plain-English questions. You'll see right away whether your business and project fit the new rule, and what to fix if not.
Estimate your score
Our estimator uses USDA's published point tables so you know how competitive your project is before you invest time in an application.
Apply with an expert
A REAP specialist helps you gather the 12 months of energy data, financials, and documents USDA requires, and submit on time.
Unbiased advice. We don't install, sell, or finance energy systems, so our read on whether your project is feasible and competitive is unbiased. We can also help you find and vet installers and lenders.
Know where you stand before you apply
Eligibility check
Instant likely-eligible result based on the October 2026 rule.
Start →Score estimator
Estimate your points out of 90 and compare to the 40-point minimum.
Estimate →Project financing
You pay for the project first. Get help funding the other 75%.
Get options →Grant Opportunity Snapshot
Not a REAP fit? See other grants, tax credits, and rebates for your facility.
Request →Common questions
Can I get a REAP grant before I build my project?
No, not under the new rule. The project must be completed between 12 and 24 months before you apply. For the first application window after the rule, projects completed up to 36 months earlier can apply. (7 CFR §4280.122(a)(1), (a)(6))
How much can a REAP grant pay?
Grant requests must be at least $1,500. The maximum is $500,000 for a renewable energy system and $250,000 for an energy efficiency improvement. (7 CFR §4280.122(a)(2)) You must cover at least 75% of the project cost yourself, so the grant can be at most 25%. (7 CFR §4280.122(a)(3))
Does ground-mounted solar on my farm qualify?
Not if it sits on cropland. Ground-mounted solar panels and wind turbines installed on cropland are ineligible under the new rule. (7 CFR §4280.122(b)(11)) Ground-mounted solar or wind elsewhere must also document historical energy use that matches the system. (7 CFR §4280.122(b)(13)) Rooftop solar is not affected by the cropland restriction. One rule covers both rooftop and ground systems: solar panels and wind turbines installed on or after October 1, 2026 cannot include any component made in a country listed as a foreign adversary in 15 CFR 791.4. Systems installed before that date are exempt. (7 CFR §4280.122(b)(19))
Is this website run by USDA?
No. USDAREAPGrant.com is an independent website operated by Cleaner Greener Future LLC. We help farms and rural businesses understand REAP and prepare applications. For official guidance, contact your USDA Rural Development State Energy Coordinator.
Find out if your project qualifies
Answer a few questions about your business and project. You will see your result right away, and a REAP expert can walk you through next steps.