Mini Grid Solar Project Financing
Financely provides funding solutions for mini grid and distributed solar developers. We arrange debt, mezzanine, and bridge facilities based on verifiable project cash flows, with additional revenue from I-RECs and carbon credits where applicable. Our role is to make projects bankable, structure risk, and secure the right lenders to move from feasibility to COD. No em dashes are used in this document.
Snapshot:
Non recourse and limited recourse project finance for distributed generation. I-RECs and carbon revenue added for yield support. Construction and term debt, mezzanine capital, and refinancing options available. Works alongside our
non recourse project funding
and
carbon finance
desks.
What Financely Delivers
- Capital stack design: construction debt, term loans, mezzanine tranches, and equity bridge options.
- Revenue packaging: PPAs, tariff structures, I-REC monetization, and carbon revenue integration.
- Security structure: project charge, escrow controls, step-in rights, and covenant management.
- Execution support: lender selection, documentation, closing coordination, and first draw management.
Integrating I-RECs And Carbon Revenue
Mini grid and C&I solar projects can unlock additional returns by registering for International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) and verified carbon credits. These certificates represent the environmental attributes of clean electricity generated and can be sold to corporates seeking renewable coverage. The result is a stronger DSCR profile and enhanced financial sustainability.
Financely’s carbon desk coordinates I-REC registration, issuance, and off-take contracts. For projects displacing diesel generation, carbon credit registration can add another layer of monetizable output. Revenue streams are structured within the project waterfall to support debt repayment or improve equity IRR.
Your Financing Journey
1. Request & Screening
You submit an RFQ with site data, tariff or PPA terms, EPC details, and generation forecasts. We review and provide a tailored term sheet outlining structure, costs, and conditions.
2. Diligence & Structuring
Our team runs technical, financial, and legal due diligence. Lenders are selected based on appetite, jurisdiction, and deal size. Financing structure and covenants are finalized.
3. I-RECs & Carbon Setup
Projects are registered for I-RECs issuance and, if eligible, for carbon credit programs. Revenues are modeled and integrated into the project’s financial structure.
4. Documentation & Drawdown
Once credit approval is achieved, finance documents are signed, conditions precedent are met, and the first drawdown is released under controlled disbursement rules.
The Financely Project Finance Team
Each engagement is managed by specialists who have closed energy and infrastructure deals in emerging and developed markets. Their combined experience covers debt structuring, certificate monetization, and project due diligence.
Maya Rahman — Project Finance Director
Maya has over 12 years of experience in energy project finance with a focus on distributed solar and storage. She has structured and closed facilities across East and West Africa, GCC, and Asia, ranging from 2 MWp to 80 MWp. Her approach balances strong credit structures with pragmatic timelines that move projects to COD.
Luis Carvalho — Carbon and Certificates Lead
Luis brings more than 10 years of experience in environmental markets. He leads the I-RECs and carbon structuring work, coordinating registration, verification, and offtake agreements. He ensures certificate monetization aligns with lender requirements and cash flow waterfalls.
Sanjay Patel — Technical and Diligence Lead
Sanjay is a former independent engineer with 9 years of experience in PV, storage, and rural grid systems. He oversees the technical data room, EPC contracts, and O&M plans to ensure projects meet bankable standards and achieve timely completion.
Data Room And Eligibility Checklist
Item |
Details |
Project Data |
Site coordinates, irradiance data, P50/P90 yield, and demand profile |
Commercial Contracts |
PPAs or tariff approvals, tenors, and escalation structure |
EPC and O&M |
Technical scope, warranty, spare parts, and monitoring setup |
Financial Model |
Assumptions, DSCR analysis, sensitivity matrix, and capex breakdown |
I-RECs and Carbon |
Eligibility documentation, registry details, issuance schedule, and offtake interest |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is financing available for both clusters and single sites?
Yes. We fund both single-site developments and multi-site portfolios. Clusters usually benefit from stronger credit metrics and faster closings.
Can these projects qualify for non recourse structures?
Yes, subject to revenue predictability, technical design, and credit profile. Limited recourse may apply during construction with step-down guarantees post-COD.
Are I-REC and carbon revenues counted in the DSCR?
Many lenders apply a haircut or treat it as reserve support. We model it conservatively to ensure bankability and compliance with credit standards.
Submit Your Mini Grid RFQ
Share your project details and financial model. We will review and provide a clear financing proposal with I-REC and carbon revenue options.
Submit RFQ
Financely structures and arranges project finance through regulated banking and investment partners. All facilities are subject to underwriting, KYC, AML, sanctions, and final credit approval. Carbon and I-REC revenues depend on registry eligibility and market demand. Financely does not act as a deposit-taking institution or hold client funds.