Financial Innovation for Energy Access

We explore how successful and innovative financing models that have helped solar scale up in the U.S. could be applied to expand energy access in the developing world. What might work in the developing world context? What challenges might such models face? The challenges and applicable models could differ depending on the scale of the system (e.g., solar home systems v. mini grids), technology, and level of government support. We explore these questions with leaders in solar financing in the U.S. and energy access enterprises that have recently raised funding.

Opening Remarks:

Emily Kirsch (Co-Founder and CEO, Powerhouse)

Panelists:

Ben Cook (Structured Finance Vice President, SolarCity)

Sandhya Hegde (Venture Capital Investor, Khosla Impact)

Bill Lenihan (CFO and Head of Business Operations, Off Grid Electric)

Moderator:

Dimitry Gershenson (Energy Access Program Manager, Facebook)

Co-Sponsored by Powerhouse and Energy Access SF. Ticket includes a drink and appetizers.