Jump to the grants you can utilize!
Grant eligibility
Grants are generally available only to companies or institutions, not to individuals. The exception is individuals whose income is from agriculture. NWES is eager to help you win approval for each of the grant opportunities listed here. We can provide technical details about the system and projected energy generation; you will need to determine if your entity is eligible and complete the grant application.
Please contact us if you have any doubts if these grants apply to you or your organization!
USDA REAP – Rural Energy for America Program
Through grants for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, the US Department of Agriculture helps businesses and agricultural producers reduce their operating costs.
To qualify, a business must be located in an eligible rural area. To find out if an address is rural, USDA offers a handy online map (select REAP program). An agricultural producer may be located anywhere.
A REAP grant can be used for solar power, biomass (biodiesel, anaerobic digesters, etc), wind energy, or for energy efficiency projects such as lighting, HVAC, refrigeration units, new doors and windows, switching from diesel to electric, etc.
The application form requires a short description of the business, some financial info (such as earnings for the past three years) as well as details about the renewable energy project and how much energy it will save.NWES will supply the energy savings and technical details for the application form while you focus on the business details.
- Grants are awarded twice per year with spring and fall application deadlines. If awarded, the grant is paid as a reimbursement of 25% of the total project cost, after the project is complete.
- Low-interest loan guarantees are awarded for up to 75% of eligible project costs. Loan applications are considered year-round.
Contact your USDA rep.
USDA representatives in Mount Vernon, Yakima, and Olympia are eager to help you define your project and apply for grants or loans. NWES knows the people in each of these three offices. We encourage you to contact us and your local USDA officials early in the process to make sure your business and your project meet eligibility requirements.
Past REAP award recipients include Skagit Valley Food Co-op, Lefeber Turf Farm, Edge Analytical, Monroe Business Services, Camano Island Coffee Roasters, Hamilton Cellars Winery, and many more.
USDA Community Facilities Program
A building or facility located in a rural area considered essential community infrastructure might receive a grant to help offset electricity costs or resiliency. Grants are available to tribes, community centers, police departments, fire stations, clinics, libraries, child care centers, museums, etc. The Grant is used to pay for solar systems, battery backup, energy efficiency, and other improvement or expansion projects. This program prioritizes small communities and low-income communities in rural areas. The local contact in the Mount Vernon USDA office can explore this program.
Grid Alternatives Tribal Program
Grid Alternatives sponsors the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund, which aims to catalyze the growth of solar energy and expand solar job opportunities on tribal lands across the United States. The Fund supports solar demonstration projects, builds workforce development resources, and develops long-term tribal energy plans aligned with their energy sovereignty goals. Selected tribes may receive:
- Technical assistance on solar project development and renewable energy strategy
- Direct installation of solar PV systems on tribal homes and community buildings
- Tribal workforce development partnerships with tribal colleges, high schools, and tribal enterprises
- Community outreach services and connections to energy efficiency resources
One of the first grants goes to the Spokane Tribe of Wellpinit, WA.
US Dept of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy
With a mission to maximize the development and deployment of energy solutions for the benefit of American Indians and Alaska Natives, the US DOE Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs provides technical assistance, training, and financial assistance to tribes for energy-plus-storage and resiliency projects.
PSE Community Solar
Puget Sound Energy provides awesome grants that allow organizations and large properties to install large solar energy systems! Through their Community, Solar programs, buildings like schools can become a huge source of local solar power.
PSE electric customers can subscribe to receive renewable electricity and help drive a clean energy supply for the whole state! No roof is required, home owners get energy credits, are 100% local, and help the environment!
Green Power Solar Grant
Established in 2017, over 75,000 Green Power and Solar Choice participants have provided annual funding to nonprofits, public housing athorities and tribal entities for new solar installations in PSE’s electric service area.
With over $3.4 million awarded, over 1.65 milluon kWh of energy generated annually and over 1.485 million pounds of carbon emission saved.
There are over 48 solar projects funded so far and the new application period will be opening in summer of 2023!