Today on the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Jake Rozmaryn, the visionary founder of the Midwest Solar Expo, to discuss the game-changing acquisition by Intersolar and what it means for America's heartland energy transition.

For over a decade, Jake has been building bridges between coastal clean energy expertise and emerging Midwest markets. What started as a small Minnesota gathering has evolved into a powerhouse regional event that draws nearly 1,000 attendees annually. Now, with Intersolar's global platform behind it, the Midwest Solar Expo is poised to accelerate clean energy adoption across Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Missouri, and beyond.

Key Discussion Points:

• The strategic rationale behind Intersolar's acquisition of the Midwest Solar Expo
• How the event evolved from Minnesota's Twin Cities to Chicago's central location
• The critical role of community solar in Midwest market development
• Why utility engagement (like ComEd and Exelon's participation) is essential for industry growth
• The explosive intersection of AI, data centers, and clean energy demand
• Virtual power plants and their growing importance in grid modernization
• Storage integration as the "peanut butter and jelly" of modern energy solutions

Jake shares candid insights about the challenges facing the industry in today's political climate and why bringing the community together for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and unified advocacy has never been more important.

Whether you're a solar installer, community solar developer, utility professional, or clean energy investor, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on regional market dynamics and the future of distributed generation in America's heartland.

Don't miss the Midwest Solar Expo, June 9-11 in Chicago! Learn more at midwestsolarexpo.com

Featured Speakers Preview: Norm Taff (Generac), Doug Scott (Illinois Commerce Commission), Dean Solon (Create Energy), and executives from Exelon and ComEd.

#CleanEnergy #Solar #Storage #MidwestSolar #CommunityEnergyTransition #RenewableEnergy

Connect With Jake Rozmaryn

Jake Rozmaryn

Midwest Solar Expo

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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

Over 40% of Americans live in multi-family buildings with little to no access to the benefits of rooftop solar – until now. Today on the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague speaks with Aliya Bagewadi, US Director of Strategic Partnerships at Allume Energy, about their revolutionary SolShare technology.

Aliya explains how SolShare solves the historic "split incentive" problem that has prevented multi-family buildings from adopting solar. This innovative hardware physically shares electricity from a single rooftop solar system to multiple apartment meters, allowing both building owners and tenants to benefit. While residents save up to 40% on their energy bills (significantly more than typical community solar offerings), building owners can create new revenue streams through solar amenity fees, improve tenant satisfaction, increase occupancy rates, and enhance property values.

The conversation covers how SolShare works with solar plus storage solutions, enabling a single battery system to serve multiple meters and enhance building resilience during outages. Aliya also discusses how SolShare is creating new opportunities for solar installers to enter the previously challenging multi-family market, particularly in states with strong energy equity goals.

The episode reveals how this technology is unlocking significant funding for low-income multi-family solar installations in programs like Illinois Solar for All, where SolShare's software can ensure and document that 50% of solar benefits flow directly to residents.

Tune in to learn how this Australian-born technology is tackling energy equity challenges across the United States and opening new markets for solar installers in Illinois, Florida, Mississippi, Utah, and Washington DC.

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Aliya Bagewadi

Allume 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

On the latest Clean Power Live, Tim Montague and John Weaver dive into the cutting-edge developments from InterSolar Europe 2025 and discuss critical US clean energy policy challenges. John shares his first-hand experiences from the conference, highlighting how the battery revolution is transforming the renewable energy landscape, with batteries now taking up more exhibition space than traditional solar technology…

Highlights

• Battery Revolution Takes Center Stage: At InterSolar Europe 2025, batteries and battery-adjacent technologies now occupy more exhibition space than traditional solar equipment, signaling a major industry shift (PV Magazine).
  
  
• Next-Generation Battery Technology: CATL showcased an ultra-dense 9MWh battery container, while sodium batteries emerge as a potential lithium alternative despite current cost and lifespan limitations (ESS News).
  
  
• Solar & Tech Innovation Continues: New developments include flexible colored solar panels exceeding 20% efficiency, laser wind measurement systems providing 5-10 minute warning of damaging winds, and automated cleaning robots for arid region installations.
  
  
• Hotel Solar Carport Project: Weaver’s 690 kW commercial project is progressing toward Q3 2025 completion despite excavation challenges (LinkedIn).
  
  
• IRA Under Threat: Proposed legislation could undermine the Inflation Reduction Act, which has spurred $321 billion in domestic clean energy investments, by imposing unworkable supply chain verification requirements (Canary Media).
  
  
• Battery Tariff Developments: Tariffs on Chinese battery imports have been reduced from 145% to 60%, though industry experts estimate effective tariffs remain at 40-65% when all categories are considered (Energy Storage News).

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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

Today on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague interviews Tyler Anderson of Phase Two about solar O&M and engineering services. In this brief but informative conversation, Tyler shares insights about his company's focus on commercial and industrial solar projects.

Company Focus

Tyler explains that Phase Two specializes in "C&I focused" services, including "consulting system design, third party quality control and a little bit of O&M." Their projects range from 50kW up to about eight megawatts, primarily serving Midwest markets including Iowa, Illinois, and Texas.

CPS America Insights

When asked about CPS inverters, Tyler identifies several key strengths: "bankable means simple system designs, nice power classes" and mentions they frequently use "the 50 kW, 60 kW on flat roof mounts." He particularly emphasizes CPS's "really good customer support," noting they've been very "happy with that."

Key Inverter Selection Criteria

Tyler reveals what he looks for when selecting inverters for projects:

• Company history
• UL 3741 compliance, which he notes is "a really big thing" currently
• After-service support
• Failure rate

Primary Customer Base

Phase II's primary customers are "electrical contractors that are trying to get into solar" - particularly well-established companies with decades of experience. Tyler notes these established electrical contractors "should be moving into the solar markets."

Industry Connections

Tyler gives a special mention to CPS team members Evan and Faviola, whom he interfaces with most frequently.

This conversation provides a concise look at the commercial solar landscape from the perspective of a service provider helping traditional electrical contractors transition into the growing renewable energy sector.

Connect with Tyler Anderson

LinkedIn: Tyler Anderson

Website: Phase 2

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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

Today on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague speaks with Ross Wickenheiser, Head of Sales for Canada at CPS (Chint Power Systems), from the floor of Intersolar San Diego. Ross shares valuable insights into Canada's rapidly expanding solar market, particularly highlighting the substantial growth in utility-scale projects across the western provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Ross details how Canada's federal Clean Investment Tax Credit is driving significant new solar development, creating a financially attractive environment for investors alongside the naturally advantageous topography and sunlight conditions in western Canada. The conversation reveals the impressive scale of these developments, with numerous 200-300 MW projects already approved and many more in planning stages, some reaching up to 500 MW.

As a professional who transitioned from the traditional oil and gas sector to renewable energy, Ross offers a unique perspective on the energy transition happening in Canada. He discusses the cultural aspects of working at CPS, emphasizing the supportive, collaborative environment that has welcomed him into the solar industry.

The episode also covers Ross's coast-to-coast work across Canada, from Vancouver to Nova Scotia, and highlights major Canadian trade shows including Electricity Transformation Canada in Toronto and the Global Energy Show in Calgary - noting how the latter has evolved from a primarily oil and gas focus to increasingly featuring renewable energy technologies.

Join Tim and Ross for this engaging discussion about Canada's solar boom, the supportive policy environment, and how professionals from traditional energy sectors are finding fulfilling new paths in the renewable energy transformation.

Connect with Ross Wickenheiser

LinkedIn: Ross Wickenheiser

Website: 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 the latest Clean Power Hour Live Episode on May 2nd, Tim Montague and John Weaver dive into the latest developments in the renewable energy sector. The conversation kicks off with an analysis of the recent major power outage in Spain and France, exploring how solar inverter technology may have contributed to the grid collapse and how battery storage solutions could prevent similar events in the future.

The hosts also discuss exciting technological advancements in solid-state batteries, exploring Narada Power's new 783 amp-hour cell that packs 8.3 megawatt-hours of storage into a single shipping container.

Episode Highlights:

• Spanish Grid Collapse Analysis (https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2021/09/24/odessa-disturbance-highlights-troubling-gaps-in-solar-reliability/)
• Double Black Diamond Solar Farm (https://wirepoints.org/first-look-at-massive-illinois-solar-farm-powering-chicago-abc7-chicago/)
• Rooftop Innovation in DC (https://www.reddit.com/r/solar/comments/1k8hxx7/our_panels_arrived/)
• Utility-Scale Automation (https://bsky.app/profile/commercialsolarguy.com/post/3lnsryrkkts25)
• Solid State Battery Breakthrough (https://www.ess-news.com/2025/04/25/narada-power-launches-783-ah-cell-8-3-mwh-solid-state-battery/)
• Balcony Solar Revolution (https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/04/25/balcony-solar-comes-to-california/)
• Solar Tariff Impacts (https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/nextera-beats-profit-expectations-rate-hikes-robust-power-demand-2025-04-23/)

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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

Today on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague talks with Aaron Gabelnick, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Technology Officer at Array Technologies, about the evolving landscape of solar tracking systems and how they're reducing the cost of renewable energy.

Aaron explains how he transitioned from working in traditional energy to join Array Technologies, drawn by the company's mission of "generating energy with integrity for a sustainable world." He details Array's innovative approach to solar tracking, including their unique passive stow mechanism that allows solar arrays to automatically position themselves safely during high winds while maximizing energy production.

The conversation explores how single-axis trackers have revolutionized utility-scale solar by increasing energy yield up to 25% compared to fixed-tilt systems. Aaron breaks down the "3 L's" (land, labor, and latitude) that determine when trackers make economic sense, and explains why trackers have captured 96% of the utility-scale solar market in the United States.

Tim and Aaron also discuss Array's approach to severe weather resilience, with Aaron announcing Array's new 77-degree hail stow technology designed to protect solar panels during increasingly common extreme hail events. The episode touches on Array's investment in Swap Robotics for automating panel installation, with alpha sites expected to deploy robotic panel placement by Q4 2025.

Despite current political uncertainties affecting renewable incentives, Aaron shares his optimistic long-term outlook for solar, citing how even oil-rich Middle Eastern countries are investing heavily in massive solar projects as evidence that solar's cost advantages are undeniable.

Listen to this episode to gain insights into the technical innovations driving cost reductions in solar energy and how leading manufacturers are addressing critical challenges like severe weather events and installation efficiency.

Connect with Aaron Gabelnick

LinkedIn: Aaron Gabelnick

Website: Array Technologies

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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

Today on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague welcomes back Evan Upshur from CPS America for a discussion on the latest innovations in solar inverter technology. Evan shares why CPS America continues to be a leader in the solar industry with their reliable, versatile products and exceptional customer service.

Evan emphasizes the importance of versatility in their product line, particularly highlighting their 100kW 480V inverter and new 200kW model with a centralized wire box. These solutions are especially valuable for the rapidly growing community solar market, where seamless integration with utility-provided 480V transformers eliminates redundancy and simplifies installation. The conversation explores how CPS's research and development team focuses on refining proven technology while incorporating innovations that make solar systems more efficient and easier to build.

Beyond just hardware, Evan discusses how CPS America's commitment to customer service, readily available UL-listed products, and efficient supply chain have contributed to their success. With expanding capabilities including AC combiners, medium voltage transformers, and energy storage solutions, CPS now offers comprehensive DC to AC conversion for both energy storage and PV applications. 

Whether you're a solar developer, installer, or industry professional, this episode provides valuable insights into what makes CPS America a trusted partner for solar projects of all sizes. Tune in to learn how versatility in design and application is driving the next generation of solar technology.

Connect with Evan Upshur

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

Today on the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague speaks with Jordan Harris, CEO of Yotta Energy, about their unique approach to commercial rooftop solar battery storage. Harris introduces Yotta Energy's latest innovation – the Yotta Block – a modular building block-type battery product that installs directly in line with solar panels, similar to microinverters. The battery becomes the ballast block. This distributed energy storage solution reduces soft costs associated with traditional battery installations, making it ideal for the small to mid-sized commercial and industrial (C&I) market.

Harris details Yotta's innovative three-phase thermal management system that maintains batteries in optimal operating conditions while serving as a safety mechanism, minimizing thermal runaway concerns. The company utilizes safer LFP battery chemistry and a design architecture that provides natural standoff between units, addressing key safety considerations for rooftop deployment. We also cover how Yotta's solution potentially streamlines system design and permitting to installation and ongoing maintenance.

Before joining Yotta Energy, Harris deployed over $1 billion in the solar and battery storage value chains, giving him deep insight into the challenges facing the C&I market. His expertise positioned him perfectly to recognize Yotta's potential to unlock this critical sector of the renewable energy transition. 

Listen to this episode to discover how Yotta Energy's module-level approach to energy storage could conveniently augment commercial solar installations and improve project economics through reduced soft costs and streamlined deployment.

Connect with Jordan

LinkedIn: Jordan Harris

Website: Yotta 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

Today on the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with David Florenz from CPS America at Intersolar San Diego to explore the future of grid-scale battery storage and utility-scale solar solutions.

David shares his journey from residential solar to utility-scale projects and reveals why CPS's innovative modular battery design is changing the game for project owners and operators. Learn how their distributed architecture offers superior resiliency compared to traditional centralized systems, allowing for easier maintenance and minimal downtime when issues arise.

Key highlights from this episode:

• CPS's unique modular approach to grid-scale storage with 200 kW power conversion systems
• How distributed architecture improves project resiliency and simplifies operations & maintenance
• The advantages of CPS's integrated manufacturing approach (everything but the cell)
• Current market trends in grid-scale storage across California, Hawaii, and Texas
• Retrofitting opportunities for existing solar farms
• CPS's new 125 kW / 261 kWh C&I energy storage solution

Perfect for utility-scale developers, IPPs, project owners, and anyone interested in the future of renewable energy storage. David explains why modular design matters and how it impacts long-term project economics.

Press play to discover how CPS is shaping the future of grid-scale energy storage and learn about their comprehensive approach to solar + storage integration.

Connect with David Florenz: 

LinkedIn: David Florenz 

Email: [email protected]

Website: 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