Phanes Group, an integrated end-to-end solar provider headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, has launched its first Solar Incubator programme, aimed at identifying PV projects in sub-Saharan Africa, by providing access to funding, and commercial and technical knowledge.

The initiative, The PV Solar Incubator, tagged: “Your Project, Our Expertise, For a Sustainable Future,” will be held in partnership with Hogan Lovells, Proparco, responsAbility, RINA Consulting, and Solarplaza,.

The organisers therefore invite PV developers to submit proposals for projects that are based in sub-Saharan Africa, and have a clear CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) component.

Candidates are asked to submit their proposals by October 1,  via Phanes Group’s website. Shortlistees will be invited to pitch their projects to an expert panel comprised of the incubator’s partner organisations at Solarplaza’s “Unlocking Solar Capital Africa” conference in Côte d’Ivoire, October 25  to 26, where the industry’s biggest players will hold extensive discussions about solutions for Africa’s solar energy funding gap.

The Chief Executive Officer, Phanes Group, Martin Haupts, said: “Clean energy has the potential to transform sub-Saharan Africa for years to come, but successfully implemented PV solar projects require a diverse mix of expertise and knowledge to bring them to financial close.

“We believe the Phanes Group Solar Incubator -in collaboration with our partners, will leverage untapped local PV potential, and create more opportunities for local projects. Combined with our strengths in developing bankable solutions for clean, affordable energy and efforts in CSR, the incubator initiative can help to address local needs that haven’t yet been met.”

Also, Christopher Cross of law firm, Hogan Lovells, who will be part of the evaluation panel at the event, said: “We are both honoured and excited to be invited to take part in an on-the-ground initiative such as this. The Solar Incubator seeks to foster both local innovation and investment to bring potential opportunities to fruition for the social and economic benefit of the region and its people.”

The Executive Director, responsAbility Renewable Energy Holding, Joseph Nganga, another participating partner, said: “We aim to finance ideas with growth potential and strong entrepreneurial spirit, that successfully serve broad segments of the population.