Rural Americans with an eye for renewable energy recently received promising news-the U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $464 million in solar, wind and other renewable energy projects benefiting small businesses and farming operations.

Of the total investment, more than $128 million will be distributed through the Rural Energy for America Program. Designed specifically for agricultural producers and rural small businesses, REAP provides loan and grant funding for these entities to invest in renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements.

The span of projects funde...