Opportunity for Small RURAL Renewable Energy Projects

Resource: USDA

The USDA Rural Development (RD) opened its application period for Section 9006 (§9006) grants on Thursday, March 6th. If not, details follow and are also available on Oregon-RD’s web site.

Did you know that one of the “sweet spots” for §9006 grant funding is small renewable energy projects costing less than $200,000 that use well-known, reliable technologies - e.g., small wind and rooftop solar installations? This is because such applications are allowed to submit a simpler application, and because such projects generally receive higher, more competitive scores than larger projects.  You can view an example of a successful small wind §9006 application and Oregon-RD has an application template on its web site.

The opportunity represented by small wind has already been noticed by Energy Trust, which has undertaken a “small wind initiative.” Its web site has lots of good resources. Similar information about rooftop solar is available at the Energy Trust's solar electric site.

And of course, excellent incentive programs exist through the Oregon State Department of Energy for both wind and solar.

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

The §9006 program offers grants and/or loan guarantees for the purchase and installation of renewable energy generation and energy efficiency improvements. Assistance is limited to small businesses and farmers & ranchers. Projects must be located in a rural area. §9006 grants and guarantees may be used individually or in combination. Together they may finance up to 50% of a project’s cost. Grants can never finance more than 25% of the project or $500,000 (for renewable projects) or $250,000 (for efficiency projects) - whichever is less.

HOW TO PROCEED:

Detailed information on the §9006 program and how to apply is available on RD-Oregon’s web
site. For more information, you may contact RD’s Energy Coordinator Don Hollis at 541-278-8049 x129. or any of RD’s Business Programs staff .

We look forward to working with rural Oregonians on their proposals!

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