Silicon Ranch Corp, the U.S. solar project developer backed by Royal Dutch Shell (RDSa.L) , on Thursday said it raised $775 million in equity capital from new and existing investors. The announcement comes as renewable energy, and in particular solar, is experiencing a dramatic expansion in the United States. Financial institutions are seeking to capitalize on that growth and satisfy growing investor demand for assets that address climate change. The round was led by new investor Manulife Investment Management, a division of Canada’s biggest life insurer, Manulife Financial Corp , which contributed $400 million. Existing investors Shell, TD Greystone Infrastructure Fund and Mountain Group Partners also participated in the round. The deal is expected to close in the current quarter. Silicon Ranch, based in Nashville, Tennessee, owns and operates more than 150 solar energy facilities in 15 states. Its customers include rural electric cooperatives, utilities […]