What is Bloomberg Tier 1, and Why it Matters to Commercial Decision-Makers

Bankability Explained: What Tier 1 Truly Means

The BloombergNEF (BNEF) Tier 1 badge is a recognised measure of industry acceptance within the global solar and energy storage markets. This rigorous classification is based on 'bankability' – a term that, in essence, refers to the willingness of commercial banks to provide non-recourse debt financing for projects utilising a manufacturer's products. In simpler terms, it indicates that financial institutions are sufficiently confident in these products to lend against them, understanding that their repayment rests solely on the project's success, rather than on the developer's broader financial backing.

While it's important to understand that this isn't a guarantee of product quality or a company recommendation , it signifies a manufacturer's widespread acceptance by financial institutions. In fact, this standard is so stringent that only a small fraction of global manufacturers – merely 2% – achieve this prestigious status.

Volta Eco is committed to delivering cutting-edge, reliable, and sustainable energy storage solutions across the United Kingdom. We understand that for commercial decision-makers, investing in energy infrastructure is a significant commitment, demanding assurance in both performance, technological innovation, and financial viability. That's why we're proud to highlight this crucial accreditation.

The Rigorous Road to Tier 1: What It Takes

Achieving BloombergNEF Tier 1 status is no easy feat, and it's a standard met by only a select group of manufacturers worldwide. To achieve this status, a manufacturer must demonstrate that their own-brand, own-manufactured products have been provided to at least six different projects, which have been financed non-recourse by six different commercial (not development, not export-import) banks, in the past two years.

These projects must also be substantial, with a capacity of over 10MW, and their details (project location, capacity, developer, bank, and module maker) must be in the public domain and tracked in BNEF's extensive database, which covers over 80,000 photovoltaic financings worldwide as of March 2025, showcasing the company’s ranking in solar energy financing.

"For us, the BloombergNEF Tier 1 badge isn't just an accolade; it's a profound statement of the standard our manufacturers uphold and the trust they've consistently earned."

Peter Marshall
Technical Founder
Volta Eco Systems

Why BloombergNEF Tier 1 Matters for Your Commercial Energy Strategy

For businesses considering a significant investment in battery energy storage systems (BESS) like our PowerCore range, the BloombergNEF Tier 1 badge offers several compelling advantages:

• Financial Assurance: When a product is Tier 1, it signals to lenders that the manufacturer is a reliable and established player. This can significantly de-risk your project from a financing perspective, potentially leading to smoother loan approvals and more favourable terms for your PowerCore installation.

• Reduced Risk: While not a quality guarantee, the bankability criterion inherently suggests a certain level of operational maturity and financial health within the manufacturing entity. This can reduce concerns about long-term product support and warranty fulfilment.

• Industry Recognition: Only a 2% of global manufacturers achieve BloombergNEF Tier 1 status – this exclusivity underscores the stringent criteria and the high level of industry acceptance required. Partnering with a Tier 1 manufacturer for your PowerCore system means you're investing in technology from a globally recognised and trusted provider.

• Long-Term Confidence: For commercial enterprises, energy solutions are long-term assets. Knowing that your PowerCore system is built with components from a Tier 1 manufacturer, like those we utilise, provides an added layer of confidence in the longevity and sustained performance of your investment.

• Informed Decision-Making: In a rapidly evolving energy market, the BNEF Tier 1 list offers a credible, data-driven benchmark to help you navigate the myriad of available options and make informed decisions about your commercial energy storage needs.

Your Business’s Energy Future

Both our residential PowerPod batteries and our commercial PowerCore systems benefit from being built with high-quality components from a BloombergNEF Tier 1 rated manufacturer (WHES). Our PowerCore commercial battery systems are designed to help businesses like yours save on energy costs by optimising energy usage, providing energy resilience, and future-proofing against rising prices. With features like CATL LFP battery cells for extended lifespan, advanced Pangu OS energy management , and modular scalability, PowerCore is engineered for growth.

Ready to explore how PowerCore can transform your business's energy strategy? Contact us today to learn more about our solutions and how our Tier 1 standing can benefit your next project.

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CATL, one of the largest shareholders in PowerPod, is the world’s biggest battery maker. CATL power EVs for Tesla, Volkswagen and BMW.

Rated Tier 1 by Bloomberg, signifying high-quality and reliability. Only 2% of global manufacturers meet this standard.

PowerPod is rated with the highest safety standard by TUV SUD, recognised internationally as a sign of quality and thorough safety reviews.