First Citizens Bank announced its Energy Finance group, part of the CIT division, served as sole lead arranger on $211 million in financing for the 200-megawatt Oak Solar power plant in Gaston, NC.

SunEnergy1 LLC, based in Mooresville, NC, plans to build the solar power facility in two phases, with 100 percent of the power being sold to the McDonald's Corporation under a 17-year power purchase agreement. The financing package included a term loan, letter of credit and a bridge loan.

"We are pleased to develop another major contribution to North Carolina's clean energy infrastructure, while also driving investment and economic growth," said Kenny Habul, President and CEO of SunEnergy1.

"The Oak Solar project will avoid many tons of carbon emissions and improve the sustainability and diversity of the state's power generation capabilities. We appreciated the expertise of the First Citizens Bank team in arranging this financing package as we advance toward our goals," he added.

"SunEnergy1 is well known throughout the industry for its skill and experience in developing and operating utility-scale solar facilities," said Mike Lorusso, Managing Director for the bank's Energy Finance group. "We were pleased to support our client with a financing package that meets their business needs."

First Citizens' Energy Finance business, part of the CIT division, leverages its deep industry knowledge and expertise to offer comprehensive financing solutions for renewable and conventional power generation. The unit manages a large, diverse portfolio that includes investments in all asset classes across the energy sector.