Grants for a Wind Farm

Creating a wind farm is an excellent way to generate renewable energy and reduce the environmental impact of power use. Installing a wind farm is a costly endeavor, however, so applying for grants is one of the best ways to help fund a wind farm project. There are a number of opportunities for wind farm grants, including both federal and private grants.

Federal Grant

• The United States Department of Treasury offers renewable energy grants for wind energy at the commercial, agricultural and industrial level, according to the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE). This grant is worth up to $1,500 per .5 kW of energy produced, according to the federal standards for efficiency, or 30 percent of a qualified wind property. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds this federal grant.

Rural Energy for America Program

• The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) offers grants for wind farms in addition to many other types of renewable energy. REAP grants can be applied to commercial, agricultural, local or state government, tribal government, school and rural electric cooperative sectors, in addition to public power entities, according to DSIRE. This grant is worth up to 25 percent of the total project cost.

Value-Added Producer Grant

• The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers a competitive Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) for wind farmers. The USDA offered $19.3 million dollars in 2007 to fund the program, according to Windustry. The grants can be used for planning activities, or for working capital expenses. A planning grant can be as much as $100,000, while a capital grant can be up to $300,000.