Solar associations unite to improve access to capital
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Solar Energy Finance Association (SEFA) are joining forces and forming a new entity under SEIA to support wide-scale, low-cost solar deployment through better access to investment capital. Under SEIA, the two entities will better serve their membership and act as a single voice and organizing force for current and potential solar developers, investors and lenders.
The associations will create the Solar Energy Finance Advisory Council (SEFAC), which will be used to leverage the expert insight of its participating members to expand and lower the cost of investment capital to meet the growing needs of the solar industry.
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“This is an important strategic move for us,” said Mary Rottman, president of SEFA. “Backed by the staff and resources from SEIA, we are very optimistic that we will achieve our mission of reducing the cost of capital and furthering growth in the solar industry.”
Specific actions to include
• Expand the supply of tax equity from banks, corporations and other potential investors, which is a critical source of capital for solar project deployment.
• Open capital market opportunities through asset-backed securitizations, which are long-term debt and equity investments that provide solar developers a powerful way to raise low-cost capital.
• Reduce tension points in debt and tax equity which can often complicate solar project finance.
• Communicate the technical and financial performance of solar projects to improve understanding and confidence among investors.
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