US Solar M&A: PE-Led Deals for Pre-NTP Assets Surge 50% in the Last 12 Months; Demand for De-Risked Projects Falls

published on 04 December 2024

Discounted Entry Valuations and Higher IRR Potential Drive Demand for Pre-NTP Assets: Platforms like Sol Systems and DESRI are actively acquiring development assets from private developers, who are increasingly selling at discounted prices due to challenges in progressing them past this stage. By prioritizing these assets, PE companies can enter projects at favorable valuations, secure debt on superior terms, and achieve strong IRRs through farm-downs or exits post-commissioning.

Elevated Asset Valuations Cause Drop in Interest for Assets in Later Stages: Rising supply chain costs and elevated capital expenses have led developers to demand premium prices for de-risked operational and in construction assets, widening the bid-ask spread. Consequently, interest from PE firms/PE-backed companies in these assets has cooled, as the lower expected IRRs no longer justify the premium.

Stay updated on the latest in renewable energy investments with Enerdatics. Click here to explore our Renewable Energy M&AFinancePPA, and Projects databases.

Read more