Communities, universities, and similar non-tax paying entities seek renewable power projects to reduce electricity costs, reduce their carbon footprint, and make productive use of disused lands. These sponsors often have little experience in developing a renewable power project or partnering with a private developer.

Raising financing can be complicated by budget constraints and the inability to use tax incentives geared for privately owned projects. Financing for public and cooperative projects and for public-private hybrid partnership structures is available, but often is arcane and complex. State incentives can improve project economics, but only if well structured.

Birch Tree Capital is familiar with ownership and financing plans that meld sponsor needs with private financing to achieve shared goals. We advise towns, states, and developers on financing in support for community-based renewable power projects.

Birch Tree Capital can assist public and non-profit entities interested in promoting or undertaking clean power projects in several respects:

• Advise on current financing market conditions.
• Prepare procurement documentation.
• Craft appropriate ownership and financing plans for community and non-profit projects to achieve community goals and financing needs.
• Identify and approach suitable equity, debt, and grant financing sources for public sector investment projects.
• Coordinate project due diligence reviews by equity investors & lenders.
• Negotiate financing commitments and definitive agreements.