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Rural Energy For America Program (OR)
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Program level:
National
Provider:
USDA
Benefits provided:
Financial
Land use:
Agriculture
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.
Loan guarantees on loans up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs.
Grants for up to 25 percent of total eligible project costs.
Combined grant and loan guarantee funding up to 75% of total eligible project costs.
Applicants must provide at least 75 percent of the project cost if applying for a grant only.
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.
Eligibility:
-Agricultural producers with at least 50 percent of their gross income coming from agricultural operations.
-Small businesses in eligible rural areas.
-Eligible borrowers are rural small businesses, agricultural producers.
-Businesses must be located in rural areas with populations of 50,000 residents or less.
-Check eligible business addresses on the website.
-Agricultural producers may be in rural or non-rural areas.
NOTE: Agricultural producers and small businesses must have NO outstanding delinquent federal taxes, debt, judgment or debarment.
Financial benefit:
Applications for Grants of $20,000 or Less and Loan/Grant of $20,000 or Less Combo
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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