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Leasing & Financing

Whether you are a business executive looking to invest in new equipment or a vendor seeking financing options for your clients, you can leverage flexible financing through First American.

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Case Studies

See firsthand how organizations have achieved their goals with customized financing from First American.

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Higher Education | Energy Upgrades

Financing Clean Energy for a Campus & Community

Fast Facts

Industry

Higher Education

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Organization

Private University, Washington D.C.

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Client Since

2023

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Equipment Financed

$17,800,000 for microgrid and deferred maintenance upgrades  

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Financing Structure

20-year loan

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Industry

Higher Education

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Organization

Private University, Washington D.C

Building Icon

Equipment Financed

$17,800,000 for microgrid and deferred maintenance upgrades

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Private University Explores Financing Solutions for Microgrid System

With the growing importance of energy initiatives in higher education, a private university was looking to invest in a clean energy microgrid system for their campus. To move forward with the project, they needed funding to cover the installation as well as deferred maintenance upgrades to support the new infrastructure. While the university initially requested a general bond offering, First American’s alternative approach offered unique benefits that better fit their needs.

Instead of a traditional bond offering, First American introduced a more strategic financing option.

To accommodate an unexpected timeline shift, First American adjusted the payment structure to provide lower upfront costs.

Flexibility & Fixed Payments Fuel Energy Transformation

After learning more about the school’s financial goals, First American provided a custom financing solution with 20 years of fixed payments to spread out the costs over time. Although construction had already begun and was slated for completion within the same year, the project experienced delays typical of initiatives this size. With this unexpected change in timeline, First American adjusted the payment structure to allow for lower upfront payments during the extended installation. Once the university started to realize the energy savings from the system, the payments increased accordingly. 

Private University Explores Financing Solutions for Microgrid System

With the growing importance of energy initiatives in higher education, a private university was looking to invest in a clean energy microgrid system for their campus. To move forward with the project, they needed funding to cover the installation as well as deferred maintenance upgrades to support the new infrastructure. While the university initially requested a general bond offering, First American’s alternative approach offered unique benefits that better fit their needs.

Instead of a traditional bond offering, First American introduced a more strategic financing option.

Flexibility & Fixed Payments Fuel Energy Transformation

After learning more about the school’s financial goals, First American provided a custom financing solution with 20 years of fixed payments to spread out the costs over time. Although construction had already begun and was slated for completion within the same year, the project experienced delays typical of initiatives this size. With this unexpected change in timeline, First American adjusted the payment structure to allow for lower upfront payments during the extended installation. Once the university started to realize the energy savings from the system, the payments increased accordingly. 

To accommodate an unexpected timeline shift, First American adjusted the payment structure to provide lower upfront costs.

Collaboration Leads to Clean Energy on Campus & Beyond

While moving forward with a new financing solution can be daunting, the collaboration with First American allowed the university to invest in their campus while saving both time and resources. With no hidden fees, no depository relationships or additional collateral required, and simple documentation, the process was streamlined and smooth—unlike the typical experience universities have with general bond offerings.

The university’s new clean energy microgrid delivers reliable energy for the campus and significantly reduces the school’s utility costs. The project also provides clean power to the surrounding Washington, D.C. community—the university highlighted up to 1,500 nearby households and small businesses may benefit through the District of Columbia’s community solar program. The installation of the microgrid will have a lasting impact on the university and its local community for years to come. 

By leveraging the District of Columbia’s community solar program, the project also delivers clean energy to up to 1,500 local homes and businesses.

Other Relevant Case Studies

Rollins College

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Regis University

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Adelphi University

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Financing for What's Next

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