Funding Closed: Papa One
PAPA ONE LTD has been formed to invest in Solar Projects in advanced phases of feasibility in Mexico. Specifically, PAPA One has partnered with a local developer who has secured projects at Late Stage Development, and will work to progress them all the way to Ready To Build (RTB) status.
Sector
Solar Projects – Pre-development
Expected Return
From 2.0x in 15 months
Target Investment Amount
£830,000
Annual IRR
From 75%
A proven track record and $15bn of cumulative capital deployed worldwide.
By the 350 PPM Research Team categorises Mexico as one of the top three most attractive places in the world to invest in photovoltaic (PV) power stations (utility-scale solar farms).
Mexico benefits from significant and consistent irradiation; a strong manufacturing/ industry fuelled economy; electricity demand set to grow three times the OECD average; and labour costs less than 35% of the OECD average.
Despite this, renewables penetration (including solar) remains extremely low and is far behind Mexico’s 2050 energy target of 50 renewables. PAPA One is an investment vehicle set up to capitalise on the clear opportunities present in the Mexico solar market.
Highlights
Mexico’s total potential solar output is around 5,000 GW 1 of which an estimate 3 GW is currently operational.
Mexico has recently eliminated all duties on imports of solar modules, reducing premium capital expenditure.
PAPA One has already secured the future sale of each RTB project to Lightspeed Energy, soon to be listed on the LSE.
A 30MW site has already been developed and sold to an exit buyer. This project served as a successful pilot.
Mexico’s inexpensive labour market pushes the total cost of constructing a solar farm lower than in developed markets like the UK.
Each of the directors has a strong background in project management, finance and renewable energy.
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Background
By the 350 PPM Research Team categorises Mexico as one of the top three most attractive places in the world to invest in photovoltaic (PV) power stations (utility-scale solar farms).
Mexico benefits from significant and consistent irradiation; a strong manufacturing/ industry fuelled economy; electricity demand set to grow three times the OECD average; and labour costs less than 35% of the OECD average.
Despite this, renewables penetration (including solar) remains extremely low and is far behind Mexico’s 2050 energy target of 50 renewables. PAPA One is an investment vehicle set up to capitalise on the clear opportunities present in the Mexico solar market.
How it works
PAPA ONE LTD has been formed to invest in Solar Projects in advanced phases of feasibility: those that have at least Land, Indicative and Impact studies completed, on a near 51-49 basis with our Mexican Partners. While our Mexican Partners take responsibility for the early stages of development, PAPA ONE via Solar 350’s contacts will focus on the latter stages such as debt and securing a buyer. The early development of projects can be tricky and can take years, so this is best avoided.
PAPA One has already secured the future sale of each RTB project to Lightspeed Energy, a large institutional investor, soon to be listed on the London and Luxembourg Stock Exchanges that has 3 GW of developed solar assets, a proven track record and $15bn of cumulative capital deployed worldwide. The commitment from this buyer greatly reduces this investment’s risk. However, sale of the site in the open market would also be possible and would likely result in a higher exit price.
