Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements

The 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.

How may the funds be used?

Funds may be used for renewable energy systems, such as:

• 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.

Funds may also be used for the purchase, installation and construction of energy efficiency improvements, such as:

• High efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC).

• Insulation.

• Lighting.

• Cooling or refrigeration units.

• Doors and windows.

• Electric, solar or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots.

• Switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor.

• Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment.

Agricultural producers may also use guaranteed loan funds to install energy efficient equipment and systems for agricultural production or processing.

Who may apply for this program?

• Agricultural producers with at least 50 percent of their gross income coming from agricultural operations.

• Small businesses in eligible rural areas.

NOTE: Agricultural producers and small businesses must have NO outstanding delinquent federal taxes, debt, judgment or debarment.

Who may qualify for loan guarantees?

Eligible borrowers are:

• Rural small businesses

• Agricultural producers

What are the borrowing restrictions for loan guarantees? 

• Individual borrowers must be citizens of the United States or reside in the U.S. after being legally admitted for permanent residence.

• Private-entity borrowers must demonstrate that loan funds will remain in the U.S.

What is an eligible area?

• Businesses must be in located in rural areas with populations of 50,000 residents or less. 

• Check eligible business addresses.

• Agricultural producers may be in rural or non-rural areas.

What funding is available?

• Loan guarantees on loans up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs.

• Grants for up to 50 percent of total eligible project costs.

• Combined grant and loan guarantee funding up to 75% of total eligible project costs.

What is the maximum amount of a loan guarantee?

The loan guarantee percentage is published annually in a Federal Register notice.

What are the loan guarantee terms?

The lender, with Agency concurrence, will establish and justify the guaranteed loan term based on the use of guaranteed loan funds, the useful economic life of the assets being financed and those used as collateral, and the borrower's repayment ability. The loan term will not exceed 40 years.

What are the interest rates for the loan guarantee?

• Interest rates are negotiated between the lender and borrower.

• Rates may be fixed or variable.

• Variable interest rates may not be adjusted more often than quarterly.

What are the applicable fees for the loan guarantee?

• There is an initial guarantee fee, currently 1 percent of the guaranteed amount.

• There is a guarantee retention fee, currently 0.25 percent of the outstanding principal balance, paid annually.

• Reasonable and customary fees for loan origination are negotiated between the borrower and lender.

What are the underwriting requirements for the loan guarantee?

• The lender will conduct a credit evaluation using credit documentation procedures and underwriting processes that are consistent with generally accepted prudent lending practices and also consistent with the lender's own policies, procedures and lending practices.

• The lender's evaluation must address any financial or other credit weaknesses of the borrower and project and discuss risk mitigation requirements.

• The lender must analyze all credit factors to determine that the credit factors and guaranteed loan terms and conditions ensure guaranteed loan repayment.

• Credit factors to be analyzed include but are not limited to character, capacity, capital, collateral, and conditions.  

What are the grant terms?

Renewable Energy System Grants:

• $10,000 minimum

• $500,000 maximum

Energy Efficiency Grants:

• $6,000 minimum

• $250,000 maximum

Are there additional requirements?

• 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.

To complete an application for this program, you must be pre-registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) and also have a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number. Neither of these applications cost money, but they can take time so be sure to get this taken care of right away. If you are already registered with these systems, you do not need to do it again.

If you have any questions about the registration process, or are ready to apply, speak to your local RD office at the contact details above.

• Program Fact Sheet

• USDA Energy Investment Map

• USDA Energy Matrix