Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC announced that, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, it signed the rights to purchase a 27.7 MWdc, 14 project solar portfolio from Encore Renewable Energy and closed a $4 million equipment loan facility with Encore to support safe harbor efforts ahead of the investment tax credit (ITC) phasedown scheduled for the end of the year.

The portfolio consists of 14 projects located throughout Vermont that are or will be contracted with various utilities, municipalities, universities and other businesses through 25-year offtake agreements. The portfolio consists of projects that are either in the development process or have completed development and will commence construction in the near-term. All of the projects are expected to reach completion over the next twelve months.

Commenting on the new investment, Charles Wheeler, CEO of Greenbacker said, “We are extremely excited to partner with Encore on the permanent financing and ownership of these assets. The long dated PPAs fit squarely into our portfolio as we continue to identify and execute on high credit, stable cash flows. We are also thrilled to have worked with Encore on structuring an equipment loan facility, addressing their need to secure components to safe harbor the ITC eligibility of their pipeline. We’ve enjoyed working with Encore and see this as a first transaction to a much broader partnership.”

“This portfolio is a great example of the investment ready assets that our team at Encore is bringing to the renewable marketplace,” said Chad Farell, CEO and Founder at Encore Renewable Energy. “The team at Greenbacker were detail oriented and brought with them a deep understanding of what it takes to close a deal. As our team continues to develop new projects in our broader portfolio, we look forward to working together in the future.”