Africa’s ‘first’ C&I solar funds get US$6 million from OPIC

November 27, 2018
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The finance will be used for six projects totalling 5.75MW. Credit: IBC Solar.

The US government's Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) has provided US$6 million of debt for a commercial and industrial scale solar fund.

CrossBoundary Energy provides zero upfront solar for businesses in Africa who then sign long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with it. The funds will be used for six projects with a total capacity of 5.75MW. So far it has a pipeline of completed or contracted assets of 28.8MW, all in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

“A lack of reliable and affordable power is holding back private sector-led development in manufacturing and other large industries in Africa,” said Matthew Tilleard, co-managing partner, CrossBoundary Group. “This commitment from OPIC provides us with additional, affordable financing that in turn allows companies across Sub-Saharan Africa to benefit from affordable solar that delivers energy savings, business growth and a lower carbon footprint.”

In a recent blog for PV Tech, solar consultant Dr Thomas Hillig revealed his firm's top C&I projects in Africa across the most attractive off-taker verticals.

“By offering PPAs, CrossBoundary Energy takes complete responsibility for project financing, delivery, and management of technical risk of the solar project,” said Jake Cusack, co-managing partner of the CrossBoundary Group. “During the contract term, we can also provide storage, energy efficiency, and electricity generation upgrades for our clients, ensuring businesses maintain fully-optimized energy systems to fuel their long-term growth.”

Read Next

April 27, 2026
Indian renewable energy major Adani Green Energy (AGEL) reported a 48% year-on-year increase in operational capacity to 17.24GW, driven predominantly by solar.
April 27, 2026
South African renewables developer Pele Green Energy and French firm Engie have inaugurated a 75MW solar PV project in the Northern Cape region.
April 27, 2026
According to documents from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on April 24, Chinese PV inverter and BESS manufacturer Sungrow re-filed its listing application to HKEX.
April 24, 2026
Indian module manufacturer Saatvik Green Energy has acquired an 80% equity stake in Melcon Transformers and Electricals.
April 24, 2026
The European Commission (EC) has launched a new strategy to address the fossil fuel energy crisis in the Middle East and accelerate the “shift to homegrown, clean energies”, said EC president Ursula von der Leyen.
April 24, 2026
The European Commission has reportedly banned EU funds from supporting energy projects using Chinese-made inverters.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
May 27, 2026
9am BST / 10am CEST
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 3, 2026
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain