With energy costs going up, it makes a lot of sense to switch to a more energy-efficient material for your greenhouse covering.  This isn’t just a good idea – it’s an investment that pays off big time. You’ll see long-term savings that are easy to measure, and the return on investment is usually really quick.

Sure, there’s a catch – the upfront cost of upgrading to a better covering can be hefty, running into thousands of dollars. That’s the main reason many growers are holding back. But here’s the good news: the federal REAP grant is here to help your greenhouse business. It’s the solution you need to kickstart your project without breaking the bank. Find out how this grant can supercharge your project, saving you some serious money in the long run.

What is the REAP grant?

The REAP grant, or Renewable Energy for America Program, is designed to benefit rural communities and agricultural producers by encouraging the adoption of clean energy technologies and fostering economic development.

The primary goals of the REAP program are to promote energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy technologies, reduce energy costs, and help meet the country’s energy needs in a sustainable manner. Eligible projects include the installation of solar panels, wind turbines, energy-efficient lighting, heating, ventilation, and insulation, among other energy-related improvements.

How does the REAP grant offset greenhouse covering improvement costs?

One of the qualifying REAP criteria involves energy savings. By switching to a more energy-efficient greenhouse cover like Solexx, your recovering project is positioned to qualify for a grant award. Because Solexx saves a minimum of 33% energy over every other greenhouse covering, your will achieve a higher score on the grant application. A high score increases the likelihood of being awarded a REAP grant.

In some cases, the grant can also be used to pay for 50% of the installation labor costs. Ask us for details!

How much money will I get to improve my greenhouses?

The amount of the grant depends on the size of the project. REAP matches 50% of the cost, with a maximum award of $500,000. This makes your energy saving greenhouse upgrade even more affordable and beneficial. Your initial improvement investment is substantially lower and you quickly recover the rest of the investment in your long-term energy savings.

Does my greenhouse upgrade qualify for the REAP Grant?

Below is a list of the criteria to qualify for the REAP grant. If you have questions about any specifics of the REAP grant, we are happy to help walk you through it.

1. Agricultural Producers: Agricultural producers, including farmers and ranchers, are eligible for REAP grants. These individuals or entities must generate at least 50% of their gross income from agricultural operations.
2. Energy Efficiency Improvements: REAP grants can also be used for energy efficiency improvements. These include projects that reduce energy consumption and costs, such as upgrading lighting, HVAC systems, insulation, and more.
3. Energy Audits: Grants can be used for energy audits, which help identify areas for energy efficiency improvements.
4. Project Size: There are no specific size restrictions for REAP grants, but the program prioritizes smaller projects. Larger projects may be eligible, but the applicant should demonstrate how the project benefits the community and the environment.
5. Cost-Share Requirement: Applicants are generally required to provide a cost share, which means they must contribute a portion of the project costs themselves. The specific cost-share percentages may vary depending on the type of project and the size of the applicant.
6. Environmental Compliance: Applicants must comply with all federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations.
7. Eligible Costs: Eligible project costs include expenses related to the purchase, installation and construction of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements.

How to apply

To apply for the REAP Grant, businesses and farmers must first complete an application. The application must include information about the proposed renewable energy project, including the estimated cost of the project and the expected benefits. Once the application is complete, it must be submitted to the REAP Grant program for review. If the application is approved, the grower will receive a grant award to cover 50% of the cost of the project. Go to the REAP application.

Application Deadlines

The USDA will now rewarding the available funds across six quarterly cycles (two have already passed). This means that applicants still have four opportunities to submit their applications for funding. The next application deadline is coming soon. It closes on March 31, 2024. The remaining deadlines in 2024 are June 30 and September 30. The sooner you apply, the more chances you have to receive funding. If you aren’t selected for the first deadline, you will still be in the running for each remaining cycle.

There is no time to delay. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity.

Can someone complete the REAP grant application for you?

Yes! If you think it will be too much work or time consuming to do it yourself, Adapt8 can help. We have spent nearly a year and hundreds of hours learning the ins and outs of the program so we can help you.  Our experienced staff will work with you to collect documents, prepare the application and submit it on your behalf.  We aim to make it extremely easy for you to succeed in getting the funding you need for to invest in greenhouse energy improvements.

Adapt8 can help

Adapt8 is here to help you fund your Solexx upgrade project. We are familiar with the REAP Grant process and we are happy to help.  Adapt8 can:

• Help you fund a project that will result in immediate cash savings
• Explain the requirements and conditions
• Complete a majority of the application for you
• Conduct the energy assessment needed for applications under $80,000. Assist in scheduling an energy audit for larger applications
• Provide 100% ROI for the application process. The flat fee for our application assistance can be applied directly to any Solexx order, so our work is essentially free to you!

Contact us by email or call Michelle Moore at 1-503-400-6825 to begin the conversation about your REAP Grant eligibility.