USDA Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans

The program provides guaranteed loan financing to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing. The loan guarantees are available on loans up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs.

Applicants must be agricultural producers or rural small business owners. Projects must be located in rural areas with populations of 50,000 residents or less. See USDA’s eligibility map for more information.

Guaranteed Loan Process:
– Guaranteed loan applications are open year‑round.
– The process begins by working with a commercial lender who will originate the loan.
– The lender applies for a guaranteed loan from USDA if they determine it would benefit the bank or the borrower.
– The guarantee primarily provides insurance for the bank, not the customer, and there is a cost associated with it. The lender will suggest pursuing a guarantee if it makes sense. Borrowers typically start with their current bank to ask if they participate in USDA guaranteed loan programs.
– USDA does not maintain an official list of participating lenders, as any eligible lender may take part.

Learn more and apply here.

Note: This opportunity is not affiliated with WaSHI.