USDA

REAP GRANTS

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

Since 2009, Brighter Solutions Energy Consulting, LLC has actively participated in the REAP program. The company boasts one of the highest submission rates and success rates for solar project applications in California. Notably, Brighter Solutions received one of the largest RES grants in the program in 2015. What distinguishes Brighter Solutions from other REAP grant processing firms is its deep experience and extensive knowledge of the renewable energy industry, specifically in photovoltaics and solar energy. The REAP grant's competitive nature hinges on a project's merits. By leveraging its expertise, Brighter Solutions identifies potential enhancements in project scope to boost the likelihood of grant approval by improving the application’s score.

Brighter Solutions services include managing the entire USDA REAP grant application process, which involves two key steps. First, the application is completed along with all necessary supporting documents. Depending on the total cost of the project, some projects may require a feasibility study once the application packet is finalized and sent to the client for review and signatures. Subsequently, the 100–150-page packet is hand-delivered to the USDA and time-stamped. They then provide a confirmation email to the client that includes a copy of this time stamp. Following receipt, the project can proceed to the cost and construction phase.

After the REAP Grant program cycle ends, grant scoring, which typically takes 6-8 weeks, determines awards. Once grants are approved and net metering is set up, Brighter Solutions submits the necessary closeout documents, allowing funds to be released to the client approximately 6-8 weeks afterward, depending on the submission timing.