U.S. FEDRegulation
USDA moves REAP grants to post-completion, performance-validated model
USDA's Rural Business-Cooperative Service published a final rule Oct. 1, 2026, restructuring the Rural Energy for America Program into a post-completion, performance-validated model. Projects must be fully built and operational before applying, with 12 months of pre-installation data and 12 months of production data. Ground-mounted solar and wind systems on certified cropland become ineligible. The rule (91 FR 62600) takes effect Oct. 16, 2026, with a 30-day comment period.
Text (Federal Register) → · Solar Power World, Michigan Farm News
Key points
- Amends 7 CFR part 4280; published Oct. 1, 2026 (doc. 2026-20178), effective Oct. 16.Federal Register
- Solar and wind systems with any component made in a foreign-adversary country are ineligible, whether ground or roof mounted.Federal Register
- Grants range $1,500 to $500,000 and may cover at most 25% of a project's total cost, per Solar Power World.Solar Power World
- USDA issued no proposed rule; the 30-day comment period runs after publication.Federal Register
- USDA said the rule will simplify and streamline REAP requirements and shorten application length and review times.Michigan Farm News