REAP grant status

Is REAP open right now?

USDA rewrote REAP in a final rule published October 1, 2026. The rule changes who qualifies and when you apply, but it does not open applications by itself. USDA publishes the dates of each application period on its website. (7 CFR §4280.133(a)) USDA issued the rule with a comment period before applications open (RFD-TV coverage).

Key dates

• October 1, 2026. USDA publishes the new REAP final rule (Federal Register 2026-20178).
• October 16, 2026. The rule takes effect.
• November 2, 2026. Public comment period closes. Details could still change after comments.
• Not yet announced. The first application window. USDA will post the dates on its website. (7 CFR §4280.133(a))

What changed for applicants

• You apply after the project is finished. It must have been completed 12 to 24 months before you apply. (7 CFR §4280.122(a)(1), (a)(6))
• For the first application window only, projects completed up to 36 months earlier can apply. (7 CFR §4280.122(a)(6))
• You pay at least 75% of the project cost, so the grant is at most 25%. (7 CFR §4280.122(a)(3))
• Ground-mounted solar or wind on cropland no longer qualifies. (7 CFR §4280.122(b)(11))
• Solar panels and wind turbines installed on or after October 1, 2026 cannot include components made in a country listed as a foreign adversary. (7 CFR §4280.122(b)(19))

Full list of who qualifies under the new rule →

What to do before the window opens

1. Check whether your business and project qualify. It takes a few minutes.
2. Register the business in SAM.gov with the "All Awards" option. It is free, and USDA requires it before you apply. (7 CFR §4280.120(a)(1))
3. Collect 12 months of energy bills from before the project and 12 months of production or savings data from after it. (7 CFR §4280.131(b)(17))
4. Keep every invoice and proof of payment for the project. (7 CFR §4280.131(b)(18))
5. Estimate your score. Applications need at least 40 points to be funded. (7 CFR §4280.150)