GE, Shell Drive Frontier Solar to New Heights

This article first appeared on the BNEF mobile app and the Bloomberg Terminal.

  • $819 million raised by pay-as-you-go solar start-ups
  • Sustainable financing structures are work in progress

Funding rounds announced by pay-go solar companies 

Source: Bloomberg New Energy Finance

Selling solar electricity kits to frontier-market households is turning from a philanthropic activity into a VC-backed industry that uses micro-finance, data and mobile connectivity to power new customer segments. Many ventures in the sector have been started by impact investors or used development money, yet the latest fundraising rounds have involved the venture arms of energy giants. While the record financing has solved the immediate cash crunch, the sector is hungry for debt and still faces hurdles to raise it on commercial terms. With a shift from equity to debt, the sector’s credit quality will come under increasing scrutiny.

BNEF clients can see the full report, “Pay-As-You-Go Solar Approaches $1 Billion”, on the Terminal or on web.

BNEF Shorts are research excerpts available only on the BNEF mobile app and the Bloomberg Terminal, highlighting key findings from our reports. If you would like to learn more about our services, please contact us.

About BloombergNEF

BloombergNEF (BNEF) is a strategic research provider covering global commodity markets and the disruptive technologies driving the transition to a low-carbon economy. Our expert coverage assesses pathways for the power, transport, industry, buildings and agriculture sectors to adapt to the energy transition. We help commodity trading, corporate strategy, finance and policy professionals navigate change and generate opportunities.
 
Sign up for our free monthly newsletter →

Want to learn how we help our clients put it all together? Contact us