Does project finance apply to energy storage projects?

The general principles of project finance that apply to the financing of solar and wind projects also apply to energy storage projects. Since the majority of solar projects currently under construction include a storage system, lenders in the project finance markets are willing to finance the construction and cashflows of an energy storage project.

Are solar and wind projects a good investment?

These projects will have long-term predictable revenue streams. In addition, lenders may be willing to finance merchant cashflows, but with less leverage and subject to detailed market studies and cash sweeps. These trends for solar and wind projects also apply to energy storage projects.

Will a tax credit be available for energy storage projects?

However, with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, tax credits are now available for standalone energy storage systems, and thus lenders may be willing to provide bridge capital that is underwritten based on the receipt of proceeds from an anticipated tax equity investment, similar to renewable energy projects.

How are construction bridge tax credits financed?

These tax credits have been financed in the nonrecourse project finance markets, often using construction bridge debt that is fully repaid once the tax equity investment is made after the project is placed in service (as defined by the IRS).