Renewable energy initiatives and opportunities are growing throughout the Midwest. Various types of organizations, both private and municipal, are evaluating open agricultural lands, under-utilized brownfields, closed landfills, and other open space for the potential installation of ground-mounted solar generation and battery storage projects. However, these initiatives like other projects, often come up against funding hiccups.
Many funding options may be available to help you cost share your energy project, allowing for a more aggressive return on investment. Community-scale solar farms may be eligible for construction loans and grants, especially if a project is being developed in cooperation with rural utility cooperatives, school systems, and municipalities. Often, smaller-scale energy facilities are 2 megawatt (MW) or less, requiring only 10-20 acres of land.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) agency provides loans and grants through the Rural Energy for America Program for eligible Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement projects. Financial assistance, as well as technical and educational guidance is available to rural communities and cooperatives to help with sustainability, infrastructure, and economic initiatives.
Rural communities may qualify for these programs. Applicants will need to submit environmental and engineering details for their proposed projects, as required by the USDA under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Our R/M team of scientists, engineers and financial specialists are available to assist you with your project. We can help by aiding with the USDA applications. R/M is also experienced with providing siting assistance:
Assessment of natural resources
Drone assessment of site conditions and topography
Zoning and permitting guidance
Boundary and tile line surveys
Many other services
Our reporting will help you prepare the technical information you need, as well helping to evaluate, summarize, and present the benefits of your project. Based on the site-specific attributes, we can help you avoid impacts to the environment with careful siting and planning.
About The Author
GINNY M. PLUMEAU, REM
ENVIRONMENTAL TEAM LEADER
Ginny is a Senior Ecologist and Registered Environmental Manager with extensive experience managing projects in the Midwest. She is a regional leader for ecological services and permitting, leading teams engaged in siting, permit planning, environmental assessments, and all aspects of critical issues analysis related to energy projects and development.
