Solar Energy Loans
Flexible Lending Options
for Solar Energy Projects
Renewable energy has the power to decrease dependency on foreign oil and reduce the world’s carbon footprint by tapping into a resource unhindered by production snafus or political peril: the sun. But harnessing the power of the sun is no smaller matter. The investment required to begin solar energy generation is the #1 hurdle for many. Moreover, the amount of land required to establish solar resources of scale is sizable, dictating that its location is often rural.
Fortunately, a solar project’s rural location unlocks a special financing opportunity from the USDA. The government agency more commonly known for its service to agriculture also backs a government-guaranteed lending program specifically for rural energy projects – no agricultural component required. The USDA-backed loans, which range from $2 million to $25 million, are facilitated with the help of trusted lenders like North Avenue Capital.
LOAN DETAILS
- Finance up to 80% of Eligible Project Costs
- $2 Million - $25 Million Loan Amounts
- USDA REAP Loans
USDA Rural Energy for America Program Loans
Renewable Energy Systems
Biomass
Geothermal
Hydropower
Hydrogen
Wind Generation
Solar Generation
Ocean Generation
Energy Efficient Improvements
HVAC
Insulation
Lighting
Cooling & Refrigeration
Doors & Windows
Pumps for Sprinkler Pivots
Diesel to Electric Irrigation Motor
The Soaring Efficiency of the Sun
According to historians, the power of the sun was first transformed into electricity in 1893. As you might expect, the early prototype’s efficiency left much to be desired. By the mid-1950’s, the allure of solar picked up steam. 1995’s attempts at harnessing the sun were 2% efficient and created power at the steep cost of $1785 per watt. By 1960, efficiency had multiplied seven-fold. Today, constructing a solar energy system costs roughly $2.75 per watt, making renewable energy more efficient and cost-effective than ever before. And for those who qualify for competitive financing from the USDA, getting started has never been easier.
Not Searching for Solar? You Have Options.
The USDA’s Rural Energy for America program provides government-guaranteed loans to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to upgrade, replace, or construct energy-efficient systems. Qualifying systems include renewable energy systems such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower, hydrogen, wind generation, ocean generation, and solar, as well as energy efficient improvements like HVAC, insulation, lighting, cooling, refrigeration, doors, windows, and more. As with the USDA’s other speciality lending programs, partnering with a rural lending expert like NAC offers borrowers a significant advantage as they navigate the unfamiliar application process.
FAQs
Solar financing from NAC harnesses a government-guaranteed lending program through the USDA Rural Development Program. This loan program is called USDA REAP, for short. The competitive financing offers funding for projects that traditional banks often decline.
REAP: Rural Energy for America Program
Agricultural producers or small businesses with no outstanding delinquent federal taxes, debt, judgment, or debarment.
USDA REAP loans can be used to purchase renewable energy systems (like building a solar farm) or to make energy efficiency improvements.
North Avenue Capital, NAC, is a specialized commercial lender serving the country nationwide in rural areas. NAC is a commercial solar lender with loan minimums at $2 million.
Why Choose North Avenue Capital?
Availability of Capital
As a rural business, you could qualify for up to $25 million in funding per project – substantially more than is available through traditional lenders.
Interest-Only Options
Startup-Friendly
NAC partners with businesses of all varieties, including well-established corporations, startup enterprises, and everything in between.
Simplified Structure
NAC can consolidate multiple types of debt into a single, amortized, non-callable, balloon-payment-free loan structure.