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 1, 2026
The conflict in the Middle East could drive European solar PPA prices up by as much as 35%, according to Pexapark.
March 31, 2026
Qair has secured PLN350 million (US$94 million) in funding to build renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of 203 MW in Poland. 
March 31, 2026
Ecoener has secured 15-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) to build two solar PV projects totalling 200 MWp in Guatemala.
March 31, 2026
Two Vietnamese renewable energy developers have formed a new entity dedicated to developing C&I solar PV and energy storage assets in Vietnam.
March 31, 2026
NTPC Renewable Energy has commenced commercial operations at two plants totalling 168.02MW in Khavda, Gujarat. 
March 30, 2026
Indian renewable energy major Adani Green Energy has operationalised 951MW of renewable energy capacity across projects in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Upcoming Events

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
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland