The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) from USDA Rural Development is a great opportunity for Minnesota farmers and rural businesses to save energy with efficiency work and add renewable energy systems.
“For nearly 50 years, Richard Smith has lived and worked on his farm in Morris. No stranger to the area, he grew up four miles from his current farm, where his sister lives now. Smith grows a variety of crops on his farm—including corn, beans, wheat, and alfalfa—and raises cattle, lamb, and hens, among other animals.
“‘I put the solar array in there, and the sheep still have their pasture, but now they have shade,’ Smith said.
“After the grants and federal tax credits, Smith estimates that his solar array project will be paid off in 10 years, with another 15 years of life left afterwards under warranty. Smith’s 46 kilowatt (kW) solar array was completed and running in January of 2023. For the first year, Smith recorded $7,500 in annual energy savings.”
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