CEA
What is Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)?
CEA reduces reliance on natural resources like soil and water, minimizes pest issues, and enables consistent production closer to urban markets. This helps meet the growing demand for fresh, locally sourced produce while addressing global challenges like climate change and resource scarcity.
At ERI, we specialize in helping CEA companies optimize their operations through energy efficiency upgrades and financial incentives, making their facilities more sustainable and cost-effective.
“Energy Resources Integration (ERI) has been an invaluable partner in helping us reduce our energy consumption and costs. Their team of experts conducted a thorough energy audit of our facilities and identified several areas where we could improve our energy efficiency, including the replacement of our first generation LED grow lights with modern, super efficient lights. As a result of our partnership with ERI, we have seen a significant reduction in our energy bills. We have also been able to improve our sustainability performance and reduce our carbon footprint. We are grateful for the high quality work that ERI has done for us and highly recommend their services to any organization looking to reduce their energy consumption and costs.”
– Holly Counter Beaver, Finn & Roots
Rebates and Grants for CEA
We help make agricultural technology projects in greenhouses and indoor farms happen.
Our energy analysis and technical writing services pave the way for growers to get paid by rebates and grant programs for energy-saving projects. In some cases, growers can receive rebate and grant funding for the same project!
Some equipment that can qualify for rebates and grants include:
- LED horticultural lighting
- High efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC)
- Greenhouse curtains
- Efficient refrigeration systems
- Lighting controls
- Climate controls
- Irrigation controls
Rebate eligibility depends on facility address and local utility availability. U.S. growers are eligible for USDA REAP grants in all 50 states.
Utility Energy Efficiency Incentives
How can our turnkey rebate services help you maximize incentives from your electric or natural gas utility for equipment upgrades or new construction projects?
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– Bob Jones, The Chef’s Garden
Some rebate programs are straightforward, but many utilities use custom incentives that can require pre-approval, technical review, pre-inspection, and post-installation verification. Let ERI take care of the whole process for you, with comprehensive rebate services tailored to each customer’s needs.
Each project begins with a rebate assessment where ERI engineers estimate a potential incentive based on your project details. Before you purchase any equipment, we submit your project application to the local utility and secure your project’s pre-approval. Once pre-approval is received, you can purchase and install your equipment. Our team completes the final application on your behalf after construction is complete and navigates the project through final technical review, rebate processing, and payment.
Have you already purchased equipment? Contact us to find out if your facility is located in a region served by a rebate program that accepts applications retroactively.
“The ERI team’s knowledge in the industry is what appealed to me. Navigating the rebate process is not something I wanted to do on my own, and I knew that by having ERI on board, their team would work to make the rebate larger. To have ERI on the team was immensely helpful as someone who is juggling many tasks. Rebates were one less thing I had to think about. I was pleased with the professionalism and timeliness with which ERI handled the efficiency program process.”
– Brian Morris, Owner, Strange Kloudz
USDA REAP Grants
Through the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), growers can receive grants for up to 50% of project costs (up to $500,000 per application) for replacing old or inefficient equipment in greenhouses and indoor farms! ERI has a proven track record of helping growers successfully secure hundreds of thousands of dollars of funding for LED lights, greenhouse curtains, efficient HVAC equipment, and controls upgrades.
Our expertise and strategic approach have resulted in substantial REAP grant awards for our clients, including the largest grant awarded in REAP history. ERI supports clients every step of the way, from identifying eligible projects to managing the application process, maximizing their chances of approval and helping them achieve sustainable energy cost savings. Let ERI guide you through transforming your facilities and making the most of REAP funding opportunities!
If you’re applying for the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), we can help you maximize your chances of success. Eligible applicants include agricultural producers or rural small businesses. This program supports renewable energy systems (RES) and energy efficiency improvements (EEI), with special consideration for projects benefiting disadvantaged communities, Tribal entities, or using innovative renewable technologies.
At ERI, we specialize in simplifying the application process. With extensive experience securing grants for growers, we guide clients through the entire process. This includes crafting compelling project proposals, creating detailed budgets, and ensuring compliance with federal registration and reporting requirements. Our expertise ensures your application is accurate, complete, and competitive.
Let us leverage our proven track record to help you unlock funding opportunities. We’ll work with you every step of the way to secure REAP funding for your energy efficiency or renewable energy projects. For additional details, the USDA provides a helpful application guide.
“ERI’s expertise was instrumental in our successful USDA REAP grant application for an LED lighting upgrade. Their team provided a thorough technical analysis that clearly demonstrated the energy efficiency and financial merits of our project. Their professionalism and attention to detail made the process seamless,and we highly recommend their services to any business pursuing energy-related grants.”
– Rob Swanekamp Jr., Director, Kube-Pak
USDA REAP Loan Guarantees
The USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides loan guarantees for energy efficiency projects, including those for new greenhouses or indoor farms. Eligible businesses can apply for loan guarantees up to $25 million for energy efficient equipment and/or renewable energy systems! REAP loans approved in Fiscal Year 2025 will receive an 80% guarantee. This initiative primarily benefits rural small businesses and agricultural producers seeking to reduce energy costs by upgrading to energy-efficient equipment or renewable energy systems. Loan guarantee funds can be used in conjunction with REAP grant funds described above.
The USDA’s official website provides additional details on eligibility and application instructions:
– Will Morrow, CFO, Vertical Harvest
Manufacturer & Distributor Partnerships
Do you manufacture or distribute energy efficient equipment for greenhouses or indoor farms? We can work together to lower the costs of your customers’ projects. Join our partnership program and get help navigating the thousands of rebate programs in the U.S. and enhance your services for growers. These programs are designed to subsidize equipment purchases, reduce installation costs, and accelerate project timelines.
Our program can help you expand your offerings and enhance customer satisfaction by providing guidance on available incentives for energy-efficient technologies like LED lighting, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and advanced controls. Working with us means that you can offer more than just equipment—you can offer a streamlined process for your customers to access financial support, improve their bottom line, and meet sustainability goals. This added value can increase the appeal of your products in a competitive market and build long-term relationships with your customers.
– Travis Williams, Libra Design