Canadian Solar secures financing for solar project in North Carolina

Canadian Solar has secured financing for its 92 MWp IS-42 solar power project near Fayetteville, North Carolina (USA). The financing is in the form of a debt facility with Prudential Capital Group and a tax equity investment commitment from U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation (USBCDC). 

Prudential Capital Group will provide a US$97 million debt facility, including tax equity bridge loan, term loan, and revolving loan to the project.  USBCDC, a division of U.S. Bank, will make a tax equity investment in the project under a separate agreement.

The 92 MWp project, covering an area of approximately 450 acres in the Bladen and Cumberland counties of North Carolina, is currently under construction and is expected to reach commercial operation in the third quarter of 2017.  The project has a long-term Power Purchase Agreement with Duke Energy Progress. Once operational, the project will generate enough clean solar energy to power approximately 11,750 homes in the state. 

CohnReznick Capital Markets Securities acted as financial advisor to Canadian Solar in the transaction.

Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar, stated:

"This agreement with leading financial institutions such as Prudential Capital Group and U.S. Bank demonstrates the quality of the solar projects which Canadian Solar is developing in the U.S.We are glad to further strengthen our partnership with Prudential Capital Group and USBCDC with this large project and support the growth of the solar industry in the country."

Wendy Carlson, Managing Director of Prudential Capital Group's Energy Finance Group: Power, commented:

"We are excited to support Canadian Solar in their efforts to construct and operate solar projects in the United States. We are pleased to continue building our relationship with Canadian Solar and USBCDC."

Adam Altenhofen, Vice President of USBCDC, added:

"Canadian Solar is bringing an important piece of the renewable energy framework to North Carolina with this project. The estimated 509 construction jobs plus the permanent positions it will create are important factors for economic development in the state along with providing a clean source of renewable energy for residents."