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

February 27, 2026
Despite posting strong revenue growth for 2025, US residential solar and energy storage installer Sunrun reported a decline in quarterly solar installation.
February 27, 2026
Daqo New Energy cut its financial losses and its revenues in 2025 as China’s efforts to moderate its polysilicon industry began to take effect.
February 27, 2026
The Philippines government has announced that large-scale renewable energy installations will have to integrate energy storage into their projects.
February 26, 2026
Power loss at solar PV projects has more than doubled in the last five years despite maturing markets and advancing technology, according to new data from US-based  solar asset analysis firm Raptor Maps.
February 26, 2026
A round-up of several project stories in the US that have been announced this week, including OCI Energy, Arava Power, Arevon Energy and MN8.
February 26, 2026
Co-located storage has been “overhyped” as a prop for commercially underperforming solar assets in Europe and should not be regarded as a “silver bullet”.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
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