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

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

November 12, 2026
Investing in a portfolio that includes solar PV projects and BESS is a key tool to reduce exposure to price risk, according to Pexapark.
November 12, 2026
SMA Solar has narrowed its full-year guidance for 2026 towards the upper half of its previously raised range after reporting improved financial results for the first nine months of 2026.
Premium
November 12, 2026
Module testing challenges, the role of BESS and the procurement landscape were key topics of conversation at PV ModuleTech Europe 2026.
November 12, 2026
Almost 2GW of PV capacity is to be put out to tender in the latest phase of Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy procurement programme.
November 11, 2026
South Africa registered 139 new solar PV facilities, with a combined capacity of 2,045MW, in the third quarter of this year.
November 11, 2026
A proposed 840MW PV project in southern England that would have become the country’s largest has been turned down by the UK government.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
February 2, 2027
London, UK
Solar Media Events
April 20, 2027
Istanbul, Türkiye