Ohio Solar Assessment Program

Free Solar Assessments for Rural Small Businesses and Agricultural Producers in Ohio

Let's see what solar power can do for your small business!

The SOPEC Solar Assessment Program is simple and valuable.

First, we'll schedule a 30-minute on-site assessment. After our visit, we'll create a customized report complete with a full solar PV system estimate and details about federal grants, tax-based incentives, and low-cost financing opportunities your small business can take advantage of by investing in solar.

More importantly, our team will provide full support throughout your entire solar exploration journey. Book your free assessment with us today!

Am I Eligible for the REAP grant?

Rural Small Business: A private for-profit entity (Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, or Corporation) located in eligible rural area as defined by the USDA Rural Business Services Property Eligibility Map.

We utilize the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) definition based on North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. Each industry is different, so we encourage applicants to review this webpage to see if their business would be considered small. The SBA size standards themselves are expressed either in number of employees or annual receipts in millions of dollars, unless otherwise specified.

Agricultural Producer: An entity directly engaged in the production of agricultural products with at least 50% of their gross income coming from agricultural operations. Qualified agricultural producers DO NOT need to be located in a rural area NOR do they need to be for-profit - non-profit agricultural producers qualify.

Not an eligible business or farmer? Visit our friends at Solar United Neighbors for more solar resources or a list of Ohio-based solar installers for your home!

ELIGIBLE RURAL SMALL BUSINESSES AND FARMERS - Please complete the APPLICATION below:

USDA REAP Grants (and Guaranteed Loans)

Provides up to a 50% reimbursement of total eligible project costs toward an investment in a renewable energy system or energy efficiency improvement. REAP grant terms for renewable energy systems, including large and small solar generation, require a $2,500 minimum or $1,000,000 maximum grant request. Applicants must provide matching funds if applying for a grant only. More info, including details about loan guarantees, can be viewed here.

Upcoming 2024 REAP Application Review Dates - Accepting Applications on a Rolling Basis:
March 31, 2024
June 30, 2024
September 30, 2024

Meet the SOPEC Solar Assessment Providers:

The RePower Network Cooperative has come together around the common goal of providing for its members in a way that advances the transition to a clean and just energy economy. Our off-grid expertise combined with our ability to organize with key partners on a community level create a viable business model that provides both affordable energy storage products and services. RePower co-owner Morgan Hager independently provides solar assessments for SOPEC applicants.

In 1993, Jay and Annie Warmke founded Blue Rock Station, a 40-acre sustainability center located in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains in southeastern Ohio. The center features the first earthship built east of the Mississippi River, and is a living laboratory to test and demonstrate sustainable living concepts. Solar educator Jay Warmke provides solar assessments for SOPEC applicants.

REAP Grant Application Preparation & Assistance - In Partnership with Rural Action

In partnership with the Rural Action Sustainable Energy Program, we now provide application preparation services and technical assistance to small businesses and agricultural producers in Ohio seeking to apply for the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant. REAP is designed to help eligible businesses and farms reduce energy costs. After you receive your SOPEC solar assessment report, we encourage applicants to reach out to our Ohio REAP Grant Assistance team.

Application preparation services are designed to help applicants meet USDA REAP grant federal guidelines and move forward with a successful REAP-funded project. We cannot guarantee that our services will result in an awarded REAP grant, but we will make sure you put your best foot forward.

Rural Action & SOPEC will work with you to collect application materials, consult with the installer (of your choice) and the USDA on technical questions, and ensure you submit your application on time. These services are available now. Please email reap@sopec-oh.gov for more information.

There is no obligation or requirement to make a solar system investment after receiving your free assessment.

By answering the questions in the application above, you are entering your small business or farm operation into the SOPEC Solar Assessment Program intake portal to schedule your free solar assessment. After completion, SOPEC will reach out by phone/email to confirm your eligibility for the program, to discuss what to expect from a SOPEC solar assessment, and to outline steps for any additional follow-up. You may also apply for a free solar assessment by calling (740) 597-7955 and leaving a message. The Solar Assessment Program is jointly funded by SOPEC and the USDA Renewable Energy Development Assistance (REDA) grant to provide free solar power assessments and technical assistance for small businesses and agricultural producers.

Interested businesses can complete the form at the bottom of this paragraph to apply for a free on-site solar assessment. Qualifying projects with significant feasibility can submit the results of their report as a required component of the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant application. NOTE: Agricultural producers and small businesses must have NO outstanding delinquent federal taxes, debt, judgment, or debarment to apply for the REAP grant.

Additional Resources for your Clean Energy Project