Easier Solar and Energy Storage Financing on the Horizon for South Africans

FNB Banks on a Sunnier Future

South Africa, are you ready to shine a little brighter? FNB has some electrifying news for those looking to harness the sun’s power.

The Big Picture: The government’s Energy Bounce Back (EBB) Loan Guarantee Scheme, previously available only to commercial entities, will soon cater to Mr. and Mrs. Smith living right next door. Launched by the National Treasury and currently overseen by the South African Reserve Bank, this scheme aims to “help customers mitigate the impact of power supply challenges and load shedding.”

Individuals, Get Set to Power Up!

FNB gives a nod to both its existing and potential customers, signaling a more inclusive approach. These solar loans are expected to light up the market before this year wraps up.

The Numbers Game:

• For businesses: Loan amounts can stretch from R10,000 to a whopping R10 million.
• For individual consumers: The range starts from a modest R3,000, capping at R300,000.

And here’s a sunnier bit: Start off with a personalized interest rate, but once FNB gets the proof that you’re genuinely investing in solar panels and essentials, they’ll dial the rate down to prime plus 1%. With today’s numbers, that translates to a 9.25% interest rate.

Understanding the Rules of the Game

For the individuals among us:

• It’s all within FNB’s credit playfield.
• Your loan? Personalized at first. But post solar-proof, it drops to prime +1%, standing steady for the loan duration.
• Look at using at least 90% of the loan for solar essentials – think panels, batteries, inverters.
• Those eyeing back-up energy solutions, though? This scheme might not be the right fit.
• Here’s a golden rule: You can bask in the benefits of just one Energy Bounce Back loan.

For our commercial champs:

• FNB’s credit risk is the game referee.
• Channel your EBB enthusiasm through FNB and WesBank asset-based finance.
• R10,000 to R10 million – that’s your ballpark.
• Businesses with an annual turnover not exceeding R300 million? Step right in!
• Early settlement? No penalties. No deposit needed either.
• The no-no? Using this loan to square off existing debts.

A word from our source, “We are encouraged by the progress made with National Treasury and expect that we will soon be able to offer our individual customers access to the Energy Bounce Back Loan before the end of the year,” FNB shares.

And a little extra for business clients – you can dive right into this offer, leveraging the benefits of the first bounce-back pitch.

To wrap it up, FNB reminds us of its one-loan-per-individual rule. Yet, they hint at a sunny side, mentioning that this can seamlessly work with their other solar finance options, including their Nav>> app’s solutions.

Here’s hoping for a brighter, sun-powered future!