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Funding · Climate, Energy & Sustainability

Orb Energy gets $2M for East Africa solar

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Orb Energy logo
Date
Company
Orb Energy
What it does
Solar systems maker
Kind
Funding
Amount
$2M
Stage
Strategic
Based in
Bengaluru
Founded
2006
Sector
Climate, Energy & Sustainability

What they do

Bengaluru-based Orb Energy builds solar panels and sells rooftop systems to factories, hospitals and hotels in India and Kenya

What happened

KawiSafi Ventures put $2 million into the East Africa arm, using its second fund, to grow business rooftop solar projects

Why it matters

The money is reserved for Africa and should push pipeline projects from contracts into construction, where about 15 MW is already installed

The details

  • Orb Energy received $2 million from KawiSafi Ventures.
  • The money comes from KawiSafi's second fund.
  • It is ring-fenced for the East Africa business.
  • It supports commercial and industrial rooftop solar.
  • Projects in Kenya and nearby markets move from contracting to building.

The bigger picture

  • Africa's business solar demand is growing and needs upfront capital.
  • Ring-fenced money keeps the Africa arm funded on its own.
  • It shows climate funds backing Indian solar makers abroad.

About the business

  • Orb Energy was founded in 2006.
  • It is a vertically integrated solar company.
  • It makes solar panels at a Bengaluru plant.
  • Its Africa headquarters is in Nairobi.
  • Customers include factories, food processors, hospitals and hotels.
  • They can buy systems outright or use financing plans.

What happens next

  • Move pipeline projects into construction and commissioning.

Investors

  • KawiSafi Ventures (investor) — Clean energy fund manager; its first fund was $67M, launched in 2016.

Founders

  • Damian Miller, Co-founder and CEO
  • NP Ramesh, Co-founder

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