Farmers and Rural Small Business Missing Out On Big Savings

Most farmers are familiar with the USDA. With USDA grants, that’s a different story.

Currently, there are grants available to agriculture producers and rural small businesses, that offer 50% of the costs of installing solar and batteries in grant funds. In addition, there is a 30% tax credit they can also take advantage of.

For example, if a farmer or rural small business wants to install a solar + battery system to reduce or eliminate their electric costs and avoid power outages, and the total cost is $100,000, their net cost after grants and tax credits would be only $20,000. Typically, these systems pay back in 1 - 3 years from the electric bill savings.

It sounds too good to be true, but this is one of those rare cases where it is actually true. Here’s how it works:

Farmer/Rural small business receives a quote for solar + battery system. A grant application is written to the USDA REAP program based on the cost and benefits. Once the grant is approved, (and the vast majority of them are) the farmer/RSB will receive the funds.

If we use our example from above the farmer/RSB would need to fund the remaining $50,000/50% and would receive $30,000/30% tax credit when they file their taxes the following year. There are even loan guarantees that can assist if they need a loan to cover the $50,000.

Many years the grant funds have gone unused. Likely due to people simply being unaware that they exist and how to apply for them.

If you are curious whether you would qualify, reach out to us and we will provide a no cost, no obligation assessment.