#sunfunds

[fairykazu]

saving for someone who barely has leaks team :3 btw i use twitter to keep up with how much i have

[krispijnbeek]

Elders opgewekt 2024

Al heel wat jaren investeren we niet alleen in de energietransitie in ons eigen huis en eigen land, maar ook in het buitenland. Al sinds 2009 via een participatie het fonds bestaande parken van Meewind, dat in Belwind heeft geïnvesteerd. Rond dezelfde tijd zijn we begonnen met het investeren in microkrediet via het inmiddels ter ziele gegane MyC4. In 2013 zijn we begonnen met investeren in…

[loganwilliamsenergyfinance]

Renewable Energy: Financing the Path to a Sustainable Future

The global shift towards renewable energy is a technological transformation and a financial revolution. As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, the need to invest in sustainable energy sources has never been more urgent. Financing and developing renewable energy projects are pivotal in this transition, ensuring that clean energy becomes accessible, reliable, and scalable. This article explores the landscape of renewable energy finance and development, shedding light on the innovative financial mechanisms, challenges, and opportunities driving the sector forward.

The Financial Ecosystem of Renewable Energy

Financing renewable energy projects involves a diverse array of financial instruments and stakeholders. Traditional financing methods such as bank loans and equity investments are now complemented by innovative approaches like green bonds, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and crowdfunding. These mechanisms play a crucial role in mobilizing capital to develop renewable energy infrastructure.

Green Bonds: Mobilizing Capital for Sustainability

Green bonds have emerged as a significant source of financing for renewable energy projects. These bonds are specifically earmarked for investments in environmentally friendly projects, including solar, wind, and hydropower. The green bond market has grown exponentially, driven by increasing investor demand for sustainable investment opportunities. By 2020, the global green bond market had surpassed $1 trillion, highlighting the strong appetite for green investments. These bonds provide the capital for large-scale renewable projects and promote transparency and accountability in the use of funds.

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Ensuring Financial Viability

PPAs are long-term contracts between energy producers and purchasers that guarantee a fixed price for electricity generated by renewable sources. These agreements provide financial stability for renewable energy projects, making them more attractive to investors. PPAs mitigate market risks and ensure a steady revenue stream, which is crucial for securing financing. Corporations and government entities are increasingly entering into PPAs to meet their sustainability goals, further driving the growth of the renewable energy sector.

Crowdfunding: Democratizing Renewable Energy Investment

Crowdfunding platforms have democratized investment in renewable energy, allowing individuals to contribute to projects with small amounts of capital. Platforms like Mosaic and SunFunder enable everyday investors to participate in financing solar, wind, and other renewable projects. This approach broadens the investor base and fosters community involvement and support for renewable energy initiatives. Crowdfunding can also raise public awareness about the benefits of renewable energy and promote grassroots advocacy for clean energy policies.

Challenges in Renewable Energy Finance

Despite the progress, financing renewable energy projects presents several challenges. High upfront costs, technological uncertainties, regulatory barriers, and market volatility can hinder investment. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach involving policy support, technological innovation, and risk mitigation strategies.

Overcoming Regulatory and Policy Barriers

Government policies are critical in creating a favorable environment for renewable energy investment. Policy incentives such as tax credits, subsidies, and feed-in tariffs can significantly reduce developers' financial burdens. Additionally, consistent and transparent regulatory frameworks are essential for providing long-term visibility and reducing investment risks. Governments must also streamline permitting processes and remove bureaucratic hurdles to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy projects.

Technological Risks and Innovations

The renewable energy sector is characterized by rapid technological advancements, which can both drive and inhibit investment. Innovations in energy storage, grid integration, and renewable technologies are essential for enhancing the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy systems. However, the fast pace of technological change can also create uncertainty for investors. To balance this, financial instruments such as technology-neutral auctions and performance-based incentives can be employed to support the deployment of emerging technologies while minimizing risks.

The Role of International Financial Institutions

International financial institutions (IFIs) like the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) are pivotal in financing renewable energy projects, particularly in developing countries. These institutions provide critical funding, risk guarantees, and technical assistance, helping to de-risk investments and attract private capital. By leveraging their resources and expertise, IFIs can facilitate scaling up renewable energy projects in regions with less mature financial markets.

Opportunities for Renewable Energy Development

The global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century presents significant opportunities for renewable energy development. The renewable energy sector is poised for substantial growth with the proper financial mechanisms and policy frameworks.

Distributed Generation and Energy Access

Distributed generation, such as rooftop solar panels and small-scale wind turbines, expands access to clean energy in remote and underserved areas. This approach reduces dependence on centralized power grids and enhances energy resilience. Distributed generation also empowers communities to take control of their energy needs and contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

Renewable energy is a significant driver of economic growth and job creation. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the sector employed over 12 million people globally in 2020, and this number is expected to rise as investments increase. Renewable energy projects also offer significant environmental benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, and conservation of natural resources.

Financing and developing renewable energy projects are critical to achieving a sustainable future. While challenges remain, the opportunities are vast and transformative. Through innovative financial instruments, supportive policies, and technological advancements, the renewable energy sector is set to lead the global transition to clean energy. By fostering collaboration among governments, financial institutions, and communities, we can realize the vision of a world powered by sustainable and renewable energy.

[kellyp72]

The Future of Solar Energy

Guest post by Jared Graf

 A Race Towards Renewable Technologies

In a world that is constantly changing it's difficult to predict what the future holds. It can be especially true regarding energy. Developments in renewable energy sources are advancing rapidly, often outpacing predictions by news outlets and raising more questions than answers about where the future of solar energy might be headed.

 As the world becomes accustomed to a future in which renewable energy is readily available, we will see the emergence of more advanced technologies that will operate seamlessly to power our homes, businesses, and vehicles.

 Scientists are driving these innovations, leading the way with their creative minds and an eye for new possibilities. As solar energy continues to be one of the most important methods for producing energy on a large scale, its future evolution will profoundly affect consumers' lives in various ways.

 How Solar Technology is Developing

One of the most critical ways solar technology is advancing is in several innovative businesses taking on the world's largest companies, such as Tesla Motors and Google. Many current U.S. and international enterprises use their vast technological expertise to produce products that could revolutionize the solar industry. Research and development are rapidly advancing technology and creating many new possibilities for renewable energy.

  These companies provide solar panels for residential, commercial, and industrial customers, especially in developing countries. The advancements in solar energy may also significantly affect how we produce, use, and store electricity. Solar power will change our lives even more than it has already.

 Solar technology is making its mark by allowing us to generate power without having to pay exorbitant prices for the electricity generated by fossil fuel plants. Solar power companies such as SolarCity and SunFunder are using their expertise in the field to bring down the cost of installing solar panels.

 The technologies being developed have also made considerable strides in allowing scientists to create new applications that will benefit consumers, including reducing air pollution, decreasing our reliance on foreign oil, generating electricity without burning fossil fuels, providing energy for water purification, and powering the hospital industry. Recent advances have also made it possible to convert seawater into clean drinking water at an affordable price.

 How Solar Energy Will Impact Our Society and Economy

There are many different scenarios in which the solar industry is currently transforming global energy production and consumption. The future holds even greater possibilities for this growing industry, including the following ten opportunities:

  Because the cost of solar energy is so low, it will make it feasible to install solar panels on rooftops, windows, and other areas that would otherwise require weather protection. Solar power companies are working hard to create an industry that will allow consumers to pay for electricity generated by the system based on their usage.

Solar energy will also do away with the need for costly oil refineries or expensive natural gas or coal-powered power plants, which increases our reliance on renewable resources. Solar power companies are also working hard to create an infrastructure that will allow solar technology to be scaled up to provide electricity to those less fortunate by offering solar panels, batteries, and other products.

Along with consumer benefits, the technology is also making substantial strides in reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases caused by burning fossil fuels. Solar energy companies are also creating systems that will make it possible to generate electricity from your body heat by using solar power in battery storage systems.

Because the technology is so inexpensive, it makes it possible to clean up large-scale industrial facilities. It includes farms, ranches, and other large operations that produce large quantities of waste.

Since solar panels require little maintenance and are not as vulnerable to weather conditions or damage as other types of power plants, they will be able to withstand a variety of rough environments that would not treat typical power plants well.

The future of solar energy has tremendous potential within the home, business, and transportation sectors. It has the potential to provide homeowners, businesses, and other organizations with a new and inexpensive source of energy. Solar energy will also positively affect the economy by reducing the money we spend on power provided by fossil fuels.

As technology advances, we will see new applications that could provide a wide variety of benefits to communities worldwide. It will be possible to recharge your cell phone and other portable electronic devices through solar-powered battery banks without paying a wireless company.

The introduction of efficient solar panels could reduce our reliance on nuclear power plants, which produce harmful waste that can last for millions of years in a landfill. The technology will also benefit those living in Global South nations, where it will be possible to produce electricity from solar power without relying on foreign oil.

We can also expect more and more companies to create innovative products that utilize solar power. It includes battery storage systems on rooftops, which can store excess energy during the day and use it at night when there is little sunshine.

The advancement of solar power is happening rapidly, mainly since the technology has produced electricity without burning fossil fuels. Our world will change forever once technology becomes more advanced and we can harness our atmosphere to produce clean energy.

 Future Benefits of Solar Energy

 Over the last few years, several new advancements have begun to shape what we can look forward to in the future. These innovations include the following:

  First, the amount of sunlight reflected by solar panels has increased. The efficiency of the technology has also improved dramatically, making it possible for solar power to shift from being considered a niche source of energy to a mainstream one. Some estimates claim that the  cost of solar energy has come down 89% in a ten-year span. It has opened up the market for its use in more areas and industries than ever before.

 Another significant advancement involves the storage of solar energy using batteries. While this technology has existed for many years, it has only recently become commercially viable due to the improvement in its efficiency. It will allow people to store electricity from the sun during the day and use it at night when there is little or no sunlight. Solar Guardian is one of several companies offering solar-powered battery storage systems to homeowners who live in areas with long periods of darkness throughout the winter months.

 Electricity produced by solar panels can be used to provide power for various applications. For example, people can have their batteries charged using the electricity generated at night during times of low sunlight while they are asleep. Or they could use solar power to generate electricity for the grid, similar to how homeowners currently do through their existing power lines. One way that this will reduce reliance on foreign oil is by using clean energy during peak periods when it is likely that there will be more sunshine.

 The Solar Energy Advantage

Solar energy has proven to be an economical and efficient energy source that can provide various benefits to the world. It will be possible for residents of cities and industrialized nations to generate their power without relying on fossil fuels, which helps reduce reliance on oil. The availability of solar power could also lead people to purchase fewer alternative energy products, such as wind turbines and solar panels, which will positively reduce money spent on these types of products. 

 Jared Graf works with Southern Sun, a solar panel contractor in Texas working to provide families with clean energy for their homes.

[atikaschool]

Head of People job at SunFunder

Head of People job at SunFunder

Head of People job at SunFunder SunFunder is a mission-driven solar finance business based in Nairobi unlocking debt capital for solar energy in emerging markets, where over 2.2 billion people live without access to reliable energy. Head of People This role will be responsible for the core of our business: our people! For this key strategic role, we seek a dynamic self-starter who is committed…

[allisonford11-blog]

The projects LDF accomplished fighting climate change are found on this page. The projects include, LA Compost, LA Food Policy Council, Fiji Rule Electrification Fund, LACMA, Ten Strands, Vanga Blue Forests, South Central Growers Network, Solar Energy Project, Ecosystem Adapation in Mexico, Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle & Renewable Hydrogen Advocacy Plan, Interfaith Power & Light Project, Sustainable Coastal Restoration and Development for Somalia, SunFunder, and many more. These projects took place around the world empowering people to stand up for climate change to make a difference in the world. 

[inerginc]

Well-designed Results-Based Financing (RBF) for mini-grids will accelerate access to electricity for 600 million people in Africa, and unlock significant private capital, according to a group of investors during the Africa Energy Forum.

The energy and impact investors with over $2.0 billion under management voiced confidence in renewable energy mini-grids as a key solution to ending energy poverty in Africa.

The investors have more than 100 mini-grids built or under development.

They urged governments and multilateral and bilateral donors to create a unified RBF mechanism to immediately mobilise private capital, both debt and equity.

“We believe mini-grids have a role to play in achieving universal electrification, and we have the types of capital needed for mini-grid financing alongside well-designed RBFs,” said the investors.

 “We stand ready to work with donors and governments to help design effective RBF programmes that will unlock our capital.

“We therefore strongly encourage donors and governments to support effective RBF programmes that subsidise rural connections.”

The news follows a statement issued by the International Energy Agency (IEA) stating that mini-grids and other decentralised renewable solutions are the lowest-cost option for bringing electricity to three-quarters of the global population living without energy access.

IEA estimates that up to 200,000 mini-grids are needed, with the potential to meet the energy needs of 450 million people, most of them in Africa.

The notion was supported by the findings of a report by McKinsey which highlighted that the benchmark cost for rural grid connections is $2,300 per connection, whereas rural mini-grids serving 100+ connections are typically around $1,000.

“We believe those subsidies will decline over time as the business model and technology continues to improve with scale, just as they did for wind and solar.

“Adding that achieving universal electrification today is going to require less subsidy than at any time previously” because new technology and business models emerging from private sector companies are improving the economics.”

The investors are Acumen, Blue Haven Initiative, Ceniarth, CrossBoundary Energy Access, DOB Equity, ENGIE Powercorner, Hoegh Capital Partners, KawiSafi Ventures, Renewable Energy Performance Platform (REPP), responsAbility, SunFunder and Triodos Investment Management .

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[fairykazu]

idk if you guys care but im saving for sunday and i have 249 saved

[krispijnbeek]

Hier en daar opgewekt: mijn investeringen in wind- en zonne-energie

Hier en daar opgewekt: mijn investeringen in wind- en zonne-energie

De afgelopen 10 jaar heb ik met regelmaat projecten gesteund via crowdfunding, kleine investeringen gedaan in Afrikaanse ondernemers en in zonne-energie geïnvesteerd. De afgelopen jaren heb ik daar weinig tijd en aandacht aan besteed op mijn blog. Vandaag weer eens een kleine update van de sites die ik momenteel gebruik om projecten te ondersteunen. En natuurlijk van de behaalde rendementen op…

[michaelogazie]

The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) Provides Initial Financing to SunFunder's Solar Energy Transformation Fund to Expand Access to Beyond the Grid Solar

The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) Provides Initial Financing to SunFunder’s Solar Energy Transformation Fund to Expand Access to Beyond the Grid Solar

Breaking News!

[solargeneratorguide]

Mozambique's Solar Works! Nabs USD 2 Mn From SunFunder For Energy Distribution https://t.co/2tmIXK9n65 #offgrid #solar

Mozambique's Solar Works! Nabs USD 2 Mn From SunFunder For Energy Distribution https://t.co/2tmIXK9n65 #offgrid #solar

— SolarGeneratorGuide (@solargenerator2) January 19, 2019

from Twitter https://twitter.com/solargenerator2

[wexcel]

Uganda-based SolarNow secures $9 million in credit to expand across the country

Uganda-based SolarNow secures $9 million in credit to expand across the country

SolarNow is an energy comany based in Kampala, Uganda. Yesterday, it announced a $9 million credit fund led by SunFunder, a 5-year financier of the company, alongside two other lenders; responsAbility and Oikocredit.

With the funding, the company plans todeploy 17,500 new off-grid solar systems and appliances to customers across Uganda, and in turn generate approximately 2.5MW of new installed…

[evgenychernyavskiy]

OPIC provides US$25 million financing fo

OPIC provides US$25 million financing fo

OPIC provides US$25 million financing for Africa and Asia off-grid solar fund – US government development finance institution Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) has committed US$25 million in financing to a fund managed by off-grid solar firm SunFunder, which will provide loans to companies developing off-grid solar products and solutions for Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. http://ow.ly/…

[awesomeblockchain]

The blockchain is set to take on a new role with off-grid solar developer The Sun Exchange, which aims to use the technology for insurance.

The South Africa-based startup said its Ethereum ERC20-based rewards currency, SUNEX, would be used to create a solar project insurance fund, or SPIF, to cover the cost of relocating PV plants to new sites if the original electricity offtakers defaulted on payments.

This is one area of risk that is not currently covered by traditional insurance products, said Abraham Cambridge, The Sun Exchange's founder and CEO.

The Sun Exchange acts as a crowdfunding platform for small- to medium-scale solar projects in developing countries, allowing investors worldwide to help fund plants with national currency or bitcoin payments.

Once built, the investors get a share of rental income over 20 years, paid in local currency or bitcoin.

The Sun Exchange has already pulled in funding for five projects, including an 18-kilowatt rooftop solar plant for a Cape Town-based nonprofit and a 60-kilowatt system for an elephant park in Knysna, on South Africa's south coast.

These and other projects are already insured against fire, damage and theft using traditional insurance products from a range of providers, said Cambridge.

But one risk that cannot be readily covered by commercial insurance products is what happens if a project recipient defaults on payments, he said.

Traditional insurance might cover loss of earnings of up to six months, but insurers would likely have little appetite to pay for the relocation of an entire plant to another offtaker.

The SPIF would aim to cover that risk by allowing investors to pay into a fund that could be used to cover the costs of plant relocation. This could amount to around 20 percent of the capital cost of a project, which typically might be in the region of $80,000 to $100,000.

Cambridge emphasized that the chances of payment default are low. The Sun Exchange carries out a six-point vetting process before agreeing to install a project and has not yet seen any bad debt.

Recipients would usually be relying on the solar plant for daily operations and so would have a strong motivation to keep up payments, said Cambridge.

And although there are no other crowdfunding schemes like The Sun Exchange for direct comparison, Cambridge cited anecdotal reports from off-grid financing bodies such as SunFunder that put payment defaults at less than 5 percent.

Contributions to the SPIF would be voluntary, subject to a one-year minimum commitment, and would be rewarded with up to a 20 percent return, paid in SUNEX tokens, Cambridge said.

The Sun Exchange is aiming to seed-fund the SPIF through part of the proceeds of a SUNEX token sale taking place this month. The money -will in turn be invested in U.S. Treasury bills and other short-term sovereign debt," said The Sun Exchange, in an explanatory white paper.

-This will create a dedicated collateral pool to protect solar cell owners against project defaults during their 20-year lease contract lifetimes," it states.

Investors should be able to add to the pot within six months, said Cambridge. Running SUNEX token transactions through blockchain-based smart contracts means The Sun Exchange would not have to worry about administration costs or computer hardware investments, he said.

-The smart contract allows for transparency and it's autonomous, so we don't need to manage it," he noted.

If the SPIF experiment goes well, The Sun Exchange might consider extending it to other types of insurance, Cambridge said, possibly eliminating the need for third-party insurers entirely.

Other companies, too, might want to consider similar schemes for risks that are too niche or too complex for traditional insurers to consider, he said.

At The Sun Exchange, up to 10 percent of the income generated from the company's solar plants goes toward insurance, he said. -That's a direct hit to the people leasing the solar panels, because their rental income is net of costs," said Cambridge.

-By putting this in place, we are improving our core product," he said. "Self-insuring, I feel, is the way forward, especially in the decentralized industry."

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