Lightsource bp Closes $100 Million Financing on One of the Largest Solar Projects in Alabama

• Black Bear solar project will generate enough electricity to power more than 20,000 homes
• The 130MW project will increase Alabama’s total installed solar capacity by more than 20%
• Power sales contract with Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA) facilitated project financing

Lightsource bp has successfully closed on a $100 million financing package for its 130 megawatt (MWdc) Black Bear Solar energy project in Montgomery County, Alabama. When complete, Black Bear will meaningfully contribute to Alabama’s cumulative utility-scale solar capacity.

The tax equity investment for the project was secured from Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank. Debt for the project was provided by Banco Santander, one of the largest banks in the world by market capitalization, headquartered in Spain, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), a top-tier global financial group headquartered in Tokyo. The balance of the equity requirements will be invested by Lightsource bp.

Kevin Smith, CEO of the Americas, Lightsource bp: “This project demonstrates the positive impacts that result from partnerships with shared goals to reduce carbon emissions, deliver affordable electricity, create jobs and contribute to local communities. It’s also a testament to the cost-effectiveness and bankability of solar energy that world-class lenders are supporting this project, and that AMEA has agreed to purchase the electricity on a long-term basis to the substantial benefit of its members.”

The power contract secured with Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA) played a critical role in enabling investment and financing of this new energy infrastructure for Alabama. AMEA, located in Montgomery, is the wholesale power provider for 11 public power utilities in Alabama, which serve some 350,000 customers in the cities of Alexander City, Dothan, Fairhope, Foley, LaFayette, Lanett, Luverne, Opelika, Piedmont, Sylacauga, and Tuskegee.

Fred Clark, President & CEO, AMEA: “AMEA is excited about our partnership with Lightsource bp. This large scale solar project will help diversify AMEA’s fuel resources, and will continue to provide low-cost electricity to our Members’ customers.”

Situated 15 miles from AMEA’s headquarters in Montgomery, Black Bear Solar will supply cost-effective, locally sourced, sustainable electricity to AMEA’s 11 Member utilities located across the state. In addition to providing clean energy and bill savings to AMEA’s Members and their customers, the project will contribute almost $7 million in property tax revenue to county schools over the first 35 years of the project life.

About Lightsource bp

Lightsource bp is a global leader in the development and management of solar energy projects, and a 50:50 joint venture with bp. Our purpose is to deliver affordable and sustainable solar power for businesses and communities around the world. Our team includes over 600 industry specialists, working across 15 countries. We provide full scope development for our projects, from initial site selection, financing and permitting through to long-term management of solar projects and power sales to our clients. Lightsource bp in the U.S. is headquartered in San Francisco with development offices in Denver, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Austin. For more information visit lightsourcebp.com, follow us on Twitter @lightsourceBP and Instagram @lightsourcebp or view our LinkedIn page.

Resources

Black Bear Solar project website

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