Grants Make Greenhouse Projects Possible

money tree, money doesnt grow on trees

With energy costs ranking as one of the top concerns for greenhouse growers, it makes sense to take advantage of energy-efficient equipment and technology. But the cost of retrofitting or adding new equipment can be cost-prohibitive, and it’s often difficult to come up with the capital, even though the savings will be greater in the long-term.

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This is where government utility-based incentives can play a role. These programs are designed to provide and incentive and make it more feasible for businesses to make investments in energy-saving technology, thus helping to reduce energy consumption overall. Incentives come in several forms. In order to take advantage of incentives, growers need to become educated about how to apply and what types of projects are usually funded.

Types Of Incentives

“There are three types of incentives,” says Dan Kuipers, solar sales manager and grant specialist with TrueLeaf Technologies, a supplier of heating, irrigation and other greenhouse control systems. Kuiper previously has spent five years as owner of Sustainable Energy Financing (SEF), a consulting firm that helps growers with financing strategies for energy-efficiency, renewable-energy or water-conservation projects.

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“There are federal tax credits and other benefits that vary state by state. There are also rebates, or what I call the utility-based incentives, which are offered by individual utility companies. They’re usually driven by state legislation or the state public service commission, which mandate that utilities offer incentives programs based on renewable and energy-efficient technology.”

Kuipers says rebates are usually fairly easy to get. Growers should talk with their utility company and see what is available in their area. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) at dsireusa.org lists available rebates by state and utility.

The third incentive category is grants.

“Grants can offer a very significant injection of cash into a project,” Kuipers says. “The problem with grants is that they usually require a lot of paperwork. Sometimes they need to involve third parties to do energy audits. But the biggest thing is that they’re competitive in nature. They’re not guaranteed.”

Look At The Big Picture Before Applying

“Usually the larger the project in terms of dollars, the more complicated the grants get, and the more difficult it is,” Kuipers says. “There are companies that will guide people through the process. It’s an art form. In my opinion, growers need to focus on what they do best, and that’s grow things, not try to become an author. Grant reviewers can be very picky, and certain components need to be included. Missing what may appear to be minute details may have some broad-reaching implications. Reviewers look for reasons to really distinguish between those applicants that get funded and those that don’t.”

Fundable Projects

The types of projects most likely to receive funding varies widely depending upon the state or even the utility company, but often include:
1. Lighting
2. Envelope/structural improvements, i.e. retrofitting
3. Energy curtains
4. Installing high-efficiency unit heaters, LEED condensing boilers
5. Changing heat distribution systems (hot air to hydronic, for example)
6. Renewable energy projects such as solar or biomass, wind projects
7. Conservation measures such as rainwater catchment systems or retention ponds
8. Recycling

Kuipers says one big mistake growers commonly make is starting to build the project or putting a down payment on equipment, and then applying for a grant hoping to get some extra funds. If you’re looking at a project related to energy, environmental improvement or water conservation, it’s important that growers evaluate and apply for incentives before spending any money.

“The goal of a grant is to make projects possible that wouldn’t happen otherwise,” Kuipers says. “The thinking is, ‘Why do you need an extra boost from us if you’ve already purchased the equipment? There are other applicants more deserving.’”

Choose Projects Carefully

Determining the benefits is key to deciding whether you should invest the time in applying for a grant, Kuipers says. “I always encourage people to apply for grants if it fits within their timeline and if they have a good project — one that has a realistic chance of being funded.”

 However, the tantalizing idea of a grant can also be detrimental. Growers sometimes hold off on projects that would have immediate benefits, hoping for a grant to offset even more of the cost.

“The downside of that is they might find out six or nine months later they didn’t get funded,” Kuipers says. “So a grower may get into a cycle where maybe they go two or three heating seasons using equipment they know they shouldn’t be using because they’re waiting for a grant to sweeten the deal. And in that three years they’ve lost a lot of money on the efficiency side.”

Do The Homework

Projects with a long payback time are the ones that should be funded with grants, Kuipers says. “When you’re looking at technologies that make incremental improvements to efficiency, or less mature technoligies where the cost is still coming down — those generally are the types of projects where grant money is truly needed,” he says. “And that’s when you should hold out and wait to see if you’ve been funded.”

Reviewers are careful about choosing grant recipients, Kuipers says, because they have to do a lot of work as well. “Reviewers want to know what the payback is. They want to make sure that if they’re going to give you a grant or rebate, you have the ability to obtain the rest of your financing. It’s also important that you’re able to talk about co-benefits such as reducing greenhouse gases, job creation and environmental benefits. The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) program, for example, requires that a letter from your state energy office that says, ‘We are in support of this project because it meets the environmental goals of our state.’”
Kuipers also recommends that growers obtain a third-party energy audit, because it provides an unbiased opinion of the project and how much energy it will save.

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Avatar for Kenny Kenny says:

the above article is great, where do you get an app? Thanks Kenny Galloway Florist 609-652-0083

Avatar for Jitendra Patel Jitendra Patel says:

Dear sir, i am interested in Green House Please give me Full Detail About it. Thanks Jitendra Patel

Avatar for Michael Bundy Michael Bundy says:

Don't foreget to insulate heating pipes on hydronic distribution systems and storage tanks the pay back is quick. Here is a web site that may help http://www.wbdg.org/midg. We would like to be your insulation installer.

Avatar for Christopher Lee Christopher Lee says:

To whom it may concern, My wife and I are looking to make a self sufficient home in MO and the first step we are looking at doing is a green house. I have heard there were grants and/or some kind of financial aid for this, if so would you be able to point me in the right direction. Sincerely, Chris and Wendy Lee

Avatar for Aisha Aisha says:

Respected Sir / Ma'm…..I have a plot and i am interested to build a greenhouse on it.So can i get grant from government or can i get any help from government??

We have an area of 1800sqm we intend to produce potato min-tubers and sell, how can we get grants for construction of green house?

Avatar for Kay Richter Kay Richter says:

I'm interested in building two hot houses for tomatoes, cucumbers & squash. Is there a program from the government to help build. I'm a small business that sells at local framers market.

Avatar for francine francine says:

I planning on building a green house and was wondering if you I can get more info on where to apply in ontario canada also get more info on what is needed to be approved. Thank you

Avatar for connie Borreson Pearce connie Borreson Pearce says:

I am interested in a pyramid shaped greenhouse. I want to grow herbs and teach humans how to help themselves with herbs.

Avatar for Joe Crowder Joe Crowder says:

my wife and I are trying to build a big green house we have four acres of land and would like to try to find a grant to help us with this project. can you help with any ideas thank you Joe Crowder,

Avatar for P.VIVEKANANTHAN P.VIVEKANANTHAN says:

Our's is a voluntary organization working in the field of Non conventional Energy Development projects.Now we plan to manufacture ready made fiber plants and install it to the rural farmers with production cost only, who has the cow dung resources. Can we apply for grant or loan to implement a sustainable project.

Dear Madams /Sirs: We are starting to look at a curriculum-based course of SCIENCE studies over the K-8 and the High school (9-12) curriculum that would fully embrace a green, GREEN HOUSE. We are looking for grants and any means for funding our all-male , Catholic school for our good and then to share with the out-reach to inner city school students we are in service with. The actual conservatory green house to maintain it through a North East winter school season, and two roof-stretches of SOLAR PANEL roofing possibilities as well.

Avatar for ishmael ishmael says:

hello, am happy to learn this and willing to join and transform my family members please out of poverty. help me out please God bless you as you reply my request.

Avatar for Christopher L. Noe Christopher L. Noe says:

I have 10 acres next to a High School and Middle School in Kansas. My wife and I are interested in working a large greenhouse project. We are friends with a lot of the teachers and councilor and would like to work it in with the education of the students. A grant to kick this off would be awesome. Can you help or point me in the right direction. Thank you

Avatar for steve keen steve keen says:

I saw your email and am interested to see if you found a grant and can forward me the details?

Avatar for Ron Olson Ron Olson says:

I love your article , and would like to inquire as to the specifics of possibly receiving a grant to help a small farm business in Pennsylvania.

Avatar for Lyle R.Weeres Lyle R.Weeres says:

I would like to start up a environment Green Green house using as little utilities as possible. VIA SOLAR.WIND. RECYCLE WATER INSULATION ENERGY CURTAINS EST..
WHERE WOULD WE APPLY FOR SUCH GRANTS.?

Avatar for Gregg Toland Gregg Toland says:

We have 40 acres near Warrenton Missouri and plan to establish a nursery here. We have an old barn that we are converting into a greenhouse and we are working on aquaphonics as well. We had enough of our own money to get things started but now our funds our running low and we need to find another way to continue what we have started here. We would like to find a grant but if that fails do you have any other suggestions?

Thanks for your help,
Gregg and Beverly Toland

Avatar for Dean Griffy Dean Griffy says:

I would like to see about getting a greenhouses. Dean Griffy

Avatar for Beverly henry Beverly henry says:

I am interested In revamping my greenhouse business an need so help

Avatar for Holly Weget Holly Weget says:

Who qualifies?

Avatar for Rick Ingram Rick Ingram says:

Me and my wife have 33 acres and a pond. We are starting up a fruit and vegetable stand to serve the people in our communiy. We have purchased a large box truck and will start by making trips to a large farmer’s market for produce. We are interested in a grant for a greenhouse and solar to grow our own vegetables in a self-sufficient environment. If we could grow on a large scale we could even supply the schools in our area with fresh vegetables. Have several Master Gardner friends wanting to help also. I have tractors and I am a Master Plumber so water from our spring fed pond will not be an issue. Just need the shelter and heat for cold weather so we can grow year round.

Avatar for James and Pat Boone James and Pat Boone says:

My wife and I would like to get a grant for a green house we live on a farm so we can be self sufficient and try to maybe sell produce to make income please help us go in right direction. Thank you for your help Jim and Pat Boone

Avatar for Kim Stigall Kim Stigall says:

My husband and I would love too have a grant for a green house, I am disabled and working with flowers, Vegetables and fruit tree are like therapy for me,if I can get out and work in my gardens it makes me feel like I’m doing something, gives my life a purpose

Avatar for kim Stigall kim Stigall says:

Dear sir: I’m disabled and being able too get out and work in my raised bed gardens are about all the Theropy I can afford, so when winter gets here I get none at all . I’m trying too find a grant that can set me up in a greenhouse so I could be doing something all year long.
Thank you so much and I look forward hearing from you
[email protected]
591-733-6355
Kim stigall
52 Valley Estates Loop
Mayflower Ar. 72106

Avatar for Michael Dry Michael Dry says:

I’m mentally disabled and love to veggie garden. Please help me get a grant for a Greenhouse.
Michael Dry
804-385-4692
85 McKinnon Ave, NE
Concord, NC , 28025

Avatar for LaVonne Cameron LaVonne Cameron says:

I am with a 501-c-3 organization looking to build a vertical green house using as much renewable energy, thereby reducing the carbon footprint. This project would creat 60-70 jobs and provide organic produce to schools, universities, supermarkets for the general public. Currently, much of our produce has to be trucked in from several states away. Would this project be eligible?

Avatar for Cheramie Cheramie says:

I am interested in a greenhouse grant I’m a disabled 65 year old woman