USDA Feasibility Study for Solar and Renewable Energy in Iowa
NAICS 221114
Solar, wind and REAP projects in Iowa must be underwritten under the revised REAP rule: grants cover at most 25 percent of project cost and are paid after 12 months of operation. An independent feasibility study consultant models economics under MidAmerican or Alliant terms, a no-grant base case and bridge financing.
Program Fit
REAP grants and guaranteed loans fund renewable energy and efficiency for farms and rural small businesses; ground-mount solar and wind on cropland are excluded under the revised rule.
What the Study Covers
Framed to the scope required by 7 CFR Part 5001 Appendix A for OneRD guaranteed loan submissions.
- Market demand and competitive supply analysis
- Technical and site feasibility, including environmental considerations
- Five to ten year financial projections with DSCR, DCF, and sensitivity analysis
- Management and operational capacity assessment
- Economic feasibility and rural community impact
Iowa Market Evidence
A November 2024 REAP round sent $18,367,170 to Iowa projects, including wind turbines on Greg Popkes's hog farms ($295,000) and solar at GrowAg Investments' hog sites ($327,109).
Frequently Asked Questions
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