Finance up to 80% of
Eligible Project Costs
$2 Million - $25 Million
Loan Amounts
USDA-Backed
Loan Program
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.
NAC CEO Joseph Rowell and Veritex Community Bank President and CEO Malcolm Holland unpack how the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) benefits business owners and brokers alike through government-guaranteed commercial loans specifically earmarked for renewable energy projects across rural America.
According to historians, the power of the sun was first transformed into electricity in 1893. As you might expect, the early prototype’s effciency 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, effciency had multiplied seven-fold. Today, constructing a solar energy system costs roughly $2.75 per watt, making renewable energy more effcient and cost-effective than ever before. And for those who qualify for competitive financing from the USDA, getting started has never been easier.
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.
Businesses
Geothermal
Hydropower
Hydrogen
Wind
Generation
Solar Generation
Ocean
Generation
HVAC
Insulation
Lighting
Cooling &
Refrigeration
Doors &
Windows
Pumps for
Sprinkler Pivots
Diesel to Electric
Irrigation Motor
ABOUT NAC
The NAC team comprises savvy investors, experienced bankers, and creative marketers. Each brings a unique perspective to the table, empowering NAC to view each loan from multiple angles. We operate as a unified front, working in tandem to over our customer's true partnership from engagement to close. For a true partner in securing funding for a solar energy project, Look North.
Our customers are often surprised to hear that we only lend to rural businesses — and even more surprised to discover they’ve actually been operating one. 97% of the geographic USA is considered rural. Find out if your address qualifies in 10 seconds.