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Renewable Energy For America Program
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Program level:
National
Provider:
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA Rural Development Office
Benefits provided:
Financial, Free technical assistance
Land use:
Forest
Water-focused program:
No
Agricultural landowners or producers receive financial assistance in turning to renewable energy systems.
Overview
Description:
Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for 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. Project types include (but are not limited to): biomass (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels); geothermal for electric generation or direct use; hydropower below 30 megawatts; hydrogen; small and large wind generation; small and large solar generation; ocean (tidal, current, thermal) generation, and more.
Applicants must provide matching funds if applying for a grant only.
50% Federal grant share limited to projects that meet one of the following:
Project is a Renewable Energy System (RES), or RES retrofit that produces zero greenhouse gas emissions (Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Nitrous Oxide, or Fluorinated Gases) at the project level.
Project is located in an Energy Community as defined in 26 USC 45(b)(11)(B) and determined by the Department of the Treasury.
Project is an Energy Efficiency Improvement (EEI).
Is a project proposed from an eligible Tribal Corporation or other Tribal Business entity (including agriculture operations) as described in 7 CFR part 4280.
All other projects are limited to 25% Federal grant share
Applicants must provide at least 25 percent of the project cost if applying for loan.
All projects must have technical merit and utilize commercially available technology.
Energy efficiency projects require an energy audit or assessment.
All projects require an environmental review prior to award or construction
Please visit the website to learn more about how funds may be used.
Eligibility:
Eligible borrowers are:
Rural small businesses.
Agricultural producers.
Projects must be located in rural areas with populations of 50,000 residents or less*. Agricultural producers may submit projects to be located in non-rural areas as long as the project is associated with an on-site production operation. Check eligible rural areas on the website.
NOTE: Agricultural producers and small businesses must have NO outstanding delinquent federal taxes, debt, judgment or debarment.
Financial benefit:
Renewable Energy System Grants:
$2,500 minimum.
$1 million maximum.
Energy Efficiency Grants:
$1,500 minimum.
$500,000 maximum.
Contact information
Information last updated on July 15, 2025.
Planning Importance
Developing a forest, agricultural, or conservation plan helps identify and prioritize objectives for landowners. These objectives can determine what type programs to search for. Supporting organizations in your area often provide free consultation and planning.
Landscape Characteristics
See how your land fits into the broader context of regional conservation, ecosystem services, and working lands' values across the landscape through our interactive mapper tool. It could help you determine which program is a good fit for you!
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