Distributed Energy Incentives

USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
The USDA's REAP program offers financial assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. REAP grants and loans can significantly reduce the upfront costs of projects like solar, wind, and energy storage, making sustainable energy more accessible in rural communities. These grants can be a crucial factor in determining the feasibility of a project.
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U.S. DOE Loan Programs Office
The DOE Loan Programs Office provides loans and loan guarantees to support innovative clean energy projects across the United States. They focus on projects that demonstrate commercial potential but may face financial barriers to deployment. This funding can be a key resource for large-scale and cutting-edge distributed energy resource (DER) projects.
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Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS)
MACRS is a tax depreciation method that allows businesses to recover the cost of eligible property, including many DER assets, over a set number of years. This can result in significant tax savings and improve project ROI.
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Clean Electricity Investment Credit
This credit provides a tax incentive for investments in clean electricity generating facilities and energy storage technology placed in service after 2024, promoting the transition to zero-emissions energy.
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Clean Electricity Production Credit
This credit offers a tax incentive for the electricity produced by qualified clean electricity generating facilities placed in service after 2024, encouraging the generation of zero-emissions power.
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Government Contracting & Support Resources

Navigating federal contracting can be complex. These resources provide essential tools and expert assistance to help your company understand, pursue, and succeed in securing federal opportunities for onsite energy projects.

SAM.gov (System for Award Management)
SAM.gov is the primary official U.S. government system for entities to register to do business with the federal government. This is a mandatory step for organizations seeking federal grants, loans, or contracts, including those for clean energy and energy efficiency projects. Your active registration in SAM.gov provides your organization with a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), which is essential for applying for many federal funding opportunities. It also serves as a central database for information on federal assistance listings and contract opportunities.
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U.S. Grants.gov
Grants.gov serves as the central online portal for the public to find and apply for federal grant opportunities across various government agencies. While it primarily focuses on grants, understanding its navigation and application process is crucial for any organization seeking federal funding, including for distributed energy resource (DER) projects.
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USAspending.gov
USAspending.gov is the official source for federal spending data, providing transparency on how taxpayer dollars are spent. It allows users to track current and past federal awards, including contracts, grants, and loans. This resource is invaluable for market research, identifying agencies that have funded similar projects, understanding historical award trends, and researching potential partners or competitors in the onsite energy sector.
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APEX Accelerators
APEX Accelerators (formerly Procurement Technical Assistance Centers or PTACs) offer free, expert assistance to businesses seeking to secure contracts and other funding opportunities with federal, state, and local governments. They can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of government procurement, including assistance with SAM.gov registration, identifying relevant solicitations, understanding regulations, and preparing competitive bids for clean energy projects.
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SBA Contracting Assistance Programs
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a range of programs designed to help small businesses compete for and win federal contracts. These programs provide a level playing field through set-aside contracts, certifications (such as 8(a) Business Development, Women-Owned Small Business, HUBZone, and Veteran-Owned Small Business), and business development assistance. Many DER project opportunities can arise through these channels.
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GSA Federal Supply Schedules (FSS) / Multiple Award Schedules (MAS)
The General Services Administration (GSA) offers Federal Supply Schedules (also known as Multiple Award Schedules or MAS) which are long-term, government-wide contracts for commercial products and services. Federal agencies can procure a wide array of energy-related equipment, services, and solutions, including those for distributed energy resources, through these pre-approved contracts, often streamlining the procurement process.
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DLA Energy (Defense Logistics Agency Energy)
DLA Energy serves as the Department of Defense's (DoD) primary combat logistics support agency for energy. They manage global energy supply chains, including procurement of bulk fuels, electricity, natural gas, and renewable energy. Businesses interested in providing onsite energy solutions or other energy services to DoD installations should explore DLA Energy's contracting opportunities.
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Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)
DSIRE is a comprehensive database of state, local, utility, and federal incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency. Use DSIRE to find up-to-date information on available programs, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts for your project. 
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Montana DEQ Energy Resources
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality's Energy Resources page is a valuable tool for anyone considering distributed energy resource (DER) projects in Montana. It provides insights into state-specific incentives, permitting processes, and regulations that directly impact DER deployment. Whether you're exploring solar, energy storage, or other on-site generation options, this resource offers vital information to help you navigate the local landscape and ensure your project aligns with Montana's energy goals.
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Montana Property Tax Exemption for Alternative Energy
In Montana, property owners installing eligible renewable energy systems may qualify for a tax incentive assessment, resulting in lower property taxes. The Montana Department of Revenue's Form AB-14 is the application required to apply for this incentive. This form is crucial for those developing on-site distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar, wind, or geothermal systems.
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Commercial Property-Assessed Capital Enhancements
The Montana CPACE program enables commercial property owners to access long-term, low-cost financing for clean energy projects, repaid through a property tax assessment.
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NorthWestern Energy E+ Renewable Incentives
Universal System Benefits (USB) funding is allocated annually through the E+ Renewable Energy Program to support renewable energy projects on buildings owned by non-profit organizations or government/public entities.
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