Rural Energy for America Program Workshop-2023

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Loans & Grants in Tennessee provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.


Virtual Workshop

January 30, 2023


Workshop participants learned what’s needed to develop a successful application and how to get started in the grant application process. Presenters explained how to complete the application and how proposals are reviewed and scored. Participants heard from a lender about their perspective and a rural businessman, who previously received a REAP award, about lessons learned from his experience. Participants also learned about the beneficial energy program offered by the Tennessee Valley Authority and by the state of Tennessee.

Presentations and Workshop Video

NOTE: Video is 3 hours 16 minutes. Presentations are in order as listed below.

REAP Basics
Chuck Morris
Rural Business-Cooperative Service/Energy Coordinator for USDA-Rural Development

Presentation

Preparing Your REAP Proposal
David Hughes
Professor and Greever Endowed Chair in Agribusiness Development, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Tennessee

Presentation

Tennessee Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Resources
Sreedhar Upendram
Assistant Professor and Community Economic Development Specialist, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Tennessee

Presentation

Lenders Perspective
Brandon England
Pathway Lending

Presentation

Federal Solar Tax Credits for Businesses
Craig Lammlin
MossAdams

Presentation

Lessons Learned from REAP Recipient – Farming the Sun for Solar Power
James Riddle
Winery at Seven Springs Farm, Union County

Presentation


Resources

Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants


Past Workshops