Off-gird solar system provider Azuri secured funding in a Marubeni-led round that was also backed by IP Group, and will use it to enter new markets.

Diversified conglomerate Marubeni led a $26m funding round for UK-headquartered solar technology producer Azuri Technologies yesterday that also featured commercialisation firm IP Group.

Founded in 2012, Azuri Technologies supplies pay-as-you-go solar energy systems to households that lack access to an electricity grid. The products are distributed across 12 sub-Saharan Africa countries through a network of local partners.

The company also offers AzuriTV, a solar-powered entertainment package that includes a television, access to local and international satellite broadcasters, LED lights and…