Policy Proposal to Expand USDA REAP Grant Program with Agrivoltaic Systems + Regenerative Agriculture + Precision irrigation Focus
The USDA REAP (Rural Energy for America Program) Grants and Loan Programs was expanded in the IRA and has become one of the most powerful incentives for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to upgrade, replace, or construct renewable energy systems and make energy-efficient improvements to existing facilities.
Supports Agrivoltaics: Agriculure and Solar systems is a fast expanding integration across The US that Support Farms & Ranches Transforms core structural challenges into long term regenerative solutions in:
Floating solar on ponds
Energy: A more decentralized energy system with Micro-grids at Farms + Ranches in Rural Areas creates
* Permanent Reduction in electrical energy Expenses
* Long Term stable Revenue from
* Onsite Energy Businesses
* Solar PPA
* Energy Storage Services
* EV Charging
Water:
* Reduction of water use through water conservation and efficiency from Solar shading
* Precision irrigation system integration
Huge emphasis on regenerative farming!!! It is an essential practice that will bring jobs back to the us, help maintain our soil and ecosystems AND help with the climate crisis. Not only is it beneficial for the collective but it also allows farmers to produce MORE on their lands!!!
As much as I love the intention behind this, the USDA needs to be overhauled for this to be feasible. I am a Sr Project Manager in the Solar Industry. I currently have clients from Q4-2023 and Q1-2024 who still don’t have decisions back on their REAP grants. They’re literally almost a year behind as it is.