The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides grants to agricultural producers and rural small businesses interested in saving money as they save energy. The Rural Energy for American Program (REAP), which aims to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas pollution that affects the climate, helps businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy-efficiency improvements.

Grants may pay up to 25 percent of total eligible project costs. Eligible businesses must be located in a rural area with population of 50,000 residents or less. Agricultural producers may be in rural or non-rural areas. Applications are accepted year -round on a revolving basis.

Slope Side Dreams, a hospitality business located in Angel Fire, received a $20,000 REAP grant to offset the installation of a $80,000 solar array. The company is expected to see $3,529 in annual electricity savings — almost 90 percent of its entire annual electricity bill.

Everything about USDA REAP.