Preferential Loan Programmes offered by the Reconstruction Loan Corporation (KfW)

The Reconstruction Loan Corporation (KfW) offers several soft loans schemes which indirectly support renewable energy technologies. In the private building sector, the KfW offers ficing programmes. These programmes include the use of renewable energy sources and the conversion of heating systems. Furthermore, investment credits are granted for photovoltaic systems ("solar power generation"), for the new construction of energy saving houses ("ecological construction") and for modernisation measures in the housing inventory ("housing modernisation"). As of 2009, the KfW Renewable Energies Programme incorporates the Solar Power Generation Programme, the Environment Programme and the previous Renewable Energy Programme. The KfW-Mittelstandsprogramm applies to private companies. Additionally, the KfW-Infrastrukturprogramm is only programme which applies to municipalities, public institutions and Non-profit-Organisations. The latter targets the energetic modernisation of communal buildings (e.g. schools, kindergartens). Investments in environmentally-sound technologies, including renewable energy technologies, are supported through soft loans and loan guarantees. Credit terms range from ten to twenty years and interest rates are 1 to 2% below market interest levels.