When a solar provider says it is funded by development finance institutions, that changes what it can offer and what it will ask of you. Here is what it means in practice for a business signing an Energy-as-a-Service contract.
Key facts
- DFIs such as InfraCo Africa have backed both C&I solar and cooling-as-a-service platforms; Frontières Bay combines the two.
- Typical DFI equity into a platform: US$2–5M, alongside Canadian export finance.
- DFI money comes with conditions: no diesel, measured impact (CO₂, food loss, jobs), and customers who can pay for 8 years.
- For customers, DFI backing means the provider will still be there to maintain the system in year seven.
What DFIs look for in a platform
A repeatable site with proven economics — for Frontières Bay, about US$564,000 of equipment per site earning US$144,000 a year at an 84% operating margin and a 17.3% unlevered return — plus impact: 8–20 GWh of clean energy a year across Phase 1, 5,000–15,000 tonnes of CO₂ avoided, 30–50% less food loss at served sites, 80–150 jobs.
What it means for you
Longer, fairer contracts because the capital is patient. Stricter standards: no diesel, logged temperatures, insured equipment. And due diligence on you — three years of accounts, bank statements, sometimes a guarantor — because the lender needs to know the fees will be paid for eight years.
Canada's role
Frontières Bay is a Canadian company working within Canada's export ecosystem — the Trade Commissioner Service, Export Development Canada, BDC and RBC. That brings Canadian equipment such as graphene batteries, export credit insurance and, for customers, a counterparty regulated in Canada.
Want a counterparty that will be there in year seven?
Talk to Frontières BayFrequently asked
Does DFI backing make it cheaper for me?
It makes long contracts possible at fees 20–30% below diesel; the discount comes from replacing fuel, not from subsidy.
Can my business get DFI funding directly?
Rarely for a single site; that is why the platform model exists.