Clean Power Hour

Batteries are the new black for solar (solar is already black so maybe batteries are the double black?). If you’re a solar contractor you MUST go long into battery storage. As the value of net metering goes away (NEM 3.0 beware), the importance of BESS goes up. In California, ESS attachment rates have gone above 80 percent. In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Vince Ambrose, the Chief Commercial Officer of Franklin Whole Home (WH), one of the hottest battery companies to burst onto the scene in the last five years. We explore the rapidly evolving world of residential energy storage. Vince shares his extensive experience in the solar and renewable energy industries, providing valuable insights into the current state and future of residential ESS.

We explore the parallels between the resi storage market and the cell phone industry, highlighting the potential for widespread adoption and the disruption of traditional utility models. Vince emphasizes the importance of innovation, efficiency, and cost reduction in driving the energy transition, while also addressing the challenges posed by utility regulations and the need for consumer education.

This episode will help you understand Franklin WH's unique offering, which combines a battery system with a "microgrid in a box" gateway. This intelligent device allows homeowners to manage their energy inputs and outputs, prioritize critical loads, and even operate off-grid during power outages. The episode also explores the value stack of residential storage, including its potential for energy arbitrage, grid services, and cost savings.

Throughout the conversation, we discuss the barriers to residential storage adoption, such as high upfront costs and complex permitting processes. We also highlight the importance of financing options and third-party ownership models in making this technology more accessible to a broader range of homeowners.

Whether you're a homeowner interested in energy independence, a solar installer seeking to expand your offerings, or an industry professional curious about the future of the grid, this episode of the Clean Power Hour is a must-listen.

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Vince Ambrose
FranklinWH

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The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: [email protected]

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The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Faviola Angulo, a performance improvement engineer at CPS America, to explore the intricate world of solar inverter technology and performance monitoring. Faviola shares her journey into the solar industry, highlighting her transition from oil and gas to renewable energy, driven by a desire to contribute positively to the planet. Having joined CPS America six years ago after completing her master's in electrical systems, she has become a well-respected figure in the industry, known for her technical expertise and customer-focused approach.

Listeners will gain insights into the critical role of performance monitoring in maximizing solar asset's LCOE. Faviola discusses how CPS America utilizes their advanced monitoring system, FlexOM, to track inverter performance, identify issues in real-time, and implement solutions that enhance overall system productivity. Through FlexOM, she can remotely access and adjust inverter settings, diagnose complex problems like power quality issues and grid integration challenges, and help customers avoid unnecessary truck rolls that can cost upwards of $1,000 each. The system's sophisticated capabilities have been so effective that Faviola hasn't needed to conduct field visits in four years, handling most technical issues remotely from CPS's headquarters in Dallas.

Faviola explains the importance of understanding individual inverter behavior within larger systems, particularly in managing noise and voltage fluctuations that can impact energy output. The FlexOM platform provides detailed data about each inverter's performance, allowing for precise monitoring of everything from harmonic distortion to isolation readings. This granular level of monitoring, combined with CPS's commitment to having technical experts answer support calls directly, has helped position the company as a leader in customer service and technical support in the solar industry.

This episode is a must-listen for solar professionals, engineers, and anyone interested in the technical aspects of renewable energy technologies.

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Faviola Angulo
CPS

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The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: [email protected]

Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/

The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague engages with industry leaders Dr. Zhehan Yi and Ryan Mayfield to discuss the critical topic of safety in grid-scale battery systems. As the demand for renewable energy surges, understanding the safety protocols and standards surrounding battery storage has never been more essential. The conversation delves into the rapid growth of battery installations across the United States, which have skyrocketed from approximately one gigawatt to nearly 17 gigawatts in just four years. With projections that BESS capacity could exceed 100 gigawatts in the US by the end of the decade, addressing safety concerns becomes paramount.

Dr. Yi emphasizes the importance of integrating safety measures early in the design process, particularly regarding thermal runaway risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, which dominate the market. He discusses how engaging with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) and adhering to fire codes can mitigate potential hazards and foster the successful adoption of these transformative technologies. The episode also covers fundamental safety standards and testing protocols, such as UL 9540 and UL 9540A, shedding light on how companies like CPS America are innovating to enhance reliability and safety.

Ryan Mayfield brings over 25 years of experience in solar PV and energy storage to the table, sharing insights from his work with developers and EPCs (engineering, procurement, and construction firms). He highlights the need for ongoing education within the industry to ensure all stakeholders—from facility owners to grid operators—are informed about the risks and best practices associated with battery systems.

For more information about Mayfield Renewables, visitors can check out https://www.mayfield.energy/, about CPS America check out https://www.chintpowersystems.com/, or follow Clean Power Hour at cleanpowerhour.com.

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Dr. Zhehan Yi
Ryan Mayfield
CPS America
Mayfield Renewables

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The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: [email protected]

Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/

The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

In this episode of Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague interviews Drew Bond, CEO and co-founder of Powerfield Energy, about their innovative solar racking system. The company's flagship product, the PowerRack, represents a significant departure from traditional solar mounting solutions. At its core, it's a highly engineered HDPE plastic tub that holds solar panels at a 25-degree angle, requiring no tools or ground penetration for installation - installers simply fill the tubs with local materials like dirt, sand, or rock. While each empty rack weighs just 17 pounds, it can hold up to 550 pounds of ballast when filled, creating a stable foundation for solar panels.

Founded in 2017 by former AES Solar and SunEdison executives, Powerfield Energy has proven its concept through rigorous testing at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and successful deployment across over 200 installations in the United States. The system offers several distinct advantages over traditional racking, including achieving 33% higher power density (1MW per 2.5-3 acres), lower wind loads due to its low profile design, and flexibility for uneven terrain up to 10-degree slopes. It's particularly well-suited for brownfields and landfills where ground penetration isn't feasible, and its removable/recyclable nature makes it attractive for temporary installations or land that may need future repurposing.

The company is currently expanding its product line to accommodate larger solar panels and has secured significant projects, including a 100MW installation in the southeastern United States. The Power Rack is available through major distributors including GreenTech Renewables, and was recently deployed in Maui for fire relief efforts. Made in the USA and backed by a 25-year warranty, the system exemplifies innovation in solar mounting technology, making installation simpler while potentially reducing both upfront and long-term operational costs. 

For more information about Powerfield Energy, visitors can check out powerfieldenergy.com, or follow Clean Power Hour at cleanpowerhour.com.

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Drew Bond
Powerfield Energy

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The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: [email protected]

Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/

The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague welcomes Evan Upshur, a senior account representative at Chint Power Systems, to discuss the transformative role of inverters in the solar industry. The conversation delves into the recent introduction of single-phase inverters by Chint, a company renowned for its leadership in three-phase string inverter manufacturing.

Listeners will gain insights into how these innovations are reshaping commercial solar projects, particularly in terms of operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Evan shares his journey into the solar sector and highlights the critical importance of back-end service support that ensures the longevity and reliability of solar systems.

The episode also explores the evolving landscape of operations and maintenance (O&M) in solar projects, emphasizing how a strong service culture can enhance customer satisfaction and project performance. Evan discusses real-world applications, including various configurations for commercial installations, and how to navigate challenges such as electrical code requirements.

Whether you're a solar installer, developer, asset owner, or simply interested in the technical side of solar energy, this episode offers practical insights into the future of solar inverter technology and its impact on the industry's growth.

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Evan Upshur
CPS America

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The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: [email protected]

Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/

The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

In this episode of Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague sits down with Gary Skulnik, founder of Neighborhood Sun, to explore the transformative world of community solar. From his early days creating a solar science fair project in 1979 to founding a revolutionary community solar platform, Skulnik shares insights into making clean energy accessible to everyone, regardless of their housing situation or income level.

The conversation delves into the evolution of community solar markets across different states, the challenges of customer acquisition and management, and innovative approaches to building trust through B Corp certification and community engagement. Skulnik discusses how his company has raised $2 million through crowdfunding, highlighting their unique approach to creating a truly people-powered business. The episode also covers critical industry challenges, including utility billing integration, state-level policy requirements, and the future of energy democratization.

Whether you're a solar industry professional, clean energy advocate, or simply interested in learning about accessible renewable energy options, this episode offers valuable insights into the growing community solar movement and its potential to revolutionize our energy system.

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Gary Skulnik
Neighborhood Sun

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The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: [email protected]

Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/

The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

In today’s episode of the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague sits down with Dr. Zhehan Yi (aka, Dr. Z), Director of Utility and Battery Energy Storage Products at CPS America, to explore their groundbreaking 5 MWh battery solution. As data centers expand at break-neck speed, driven by AI and cryptocurrency demands, the need for reliable, scalable energy storage solutions has never been greater.

Dr. Z delves into CPS America's innovative Power Block system, which combines a 5 MWh battery container with an advanced Power Conditioning System (PCS). The discussion covers everything from the technical specifications to safety features, including their unique string architecture approach that enhances reliability and simplifies maintenance. Of particular interest is how these systems enable data centers to operate off-grid initially, accelerating development timelines while maintaining the flexibility to connect to the grid later.

If you're interested in grid-scale energy storage, data center infrastructure, or the future of sustainable power solutions, this episode offers valuable insights into the latest technological advancements and market trends.

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Dr. Zhehan Yi
CPS America

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The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: [email protected]

Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/

The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Jon Previtali, Senior Principal Engineer at VDE Americas, to discuss the growing challenge of hail damage in large-scale solar projects. As hail-related insurance claims skyrocket and premiums increase, the solar industry is searching for innovative solutions to protect their investments.

Jon shares his extensive experience in the solar industry and explains how VDE Americas is developing new testing methods to assess module resilience to hail damage accurately. The conversation covers the limitations of current module testing standards, the importance of tracker angles in mitigating hail damage, and the development of sophisticated hail monitoring and stow protocols.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the economic impact of hail damage on solar farms, the role of insurance in the industry, and cutting-edge strategies employed to combat this growing threat. Whether you're a solar developer, asset owner, or simply interested in the challenges facing the renewable energy sector, this episode provides crucial information on an often-overlooked aspect of solar farm management.

Tune in to learn about the latest advancements in hail protection technology, the importance of preemptive action, and how the solar industry is adapting to ensure the long-term viability of projects in hail-prone regions.

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Jon Previtali LinkedIn
VDE Americas
DTN Weather Monitoring
FEMA Hail Map
VDE Americas Hail Risk Assessment Map

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The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: [email protected]

Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/

The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

In today’s episode of the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague sits down with Dr. Barry Davis, a veteran college baseball coach and leadership consultant. With 35 years of coaching experience, Dr. Davis shares valuable lessons on leadership, team building, and creating a culture of excellence that applies both on the field and in business. 

Dr. Davis discusses the importance of passion, communication, and setting clear expectations in leadership roles. We explore strategies for developing individual performers while fostering a cohesive team culture, emphasizing the power of a growth mindset and continuous improvement. The conversation shows how to navigate the ups and downs of performance, the role of reflection in overcoming challenges, and the impact of positive reinforcement in leadership.

Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a business leader, or simply someone interested in personal growth, this episode offers valuable insights on how to bring out the best in yourself and others. Tune in to learn from Dr. Davis's experiences and discover how his leadership principles can be applied to achieve success in any field.

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Dr. Barry Davis Website
Dr. Barry Davis Twitter
Dr. Barry Davis LinkedIn

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The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: [email protected]

Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/

The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Albert Bielinko, General Partner at Titanium Ventures, to explore the fascinating intersection of venture capital and clean technology. With over $1 billion invested across 100 technology companies, Titanium Ventures has become a key player in funding the energy transition.

This discussion reveals how smart capital is driving innovation in climate solutions and why certain technologies are attracting significant investment.

The conversation covers multiple success stories from Titanium's portfolio, including detailed insights into how Open Solar achieved market dominance in Australia and the United States. Albert shares their investment thesis on climate adaptation technologies, explaining why this sector remains undervalued despite growing climate risks.

Particularly valuable for founders and investors, the episode includes practical advice on venture capital partnerships and what makes a successful climate tech company. The discussion extends into emerging opportunities in geothermal energy and the crucial role of data intelligence in scaling climate solutions. 

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on how venture capital identifies promising founders, evaluates opportunities, and helps scale climate solutions.

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Albert Bielinko
Titanium Ventures

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The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: [email protected]

Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/

The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com