Clean Power Hour

Think battery storage systems are fire hazards? The data tells a different story.

Today on the Clean Power Hour, Joe DeBellis, Global Head of Clean Energy at FireTrace, reveals shocking findings from a survey of nearly 4,000 Americans about battery storage safety. While headlines focus on rare fire incidents, 71% of Americans actually support battery energy storage technology.

Here's what you'll discover:

The surprising truth about battery fires: 89% start from electrical components, not the batteries themselves. Only 11% originate from battery cells or modules. Fire incidents have dropped 97% between 2018-2023, with just one fire per 35 gigawatts of installed capacity.

Why public opposition exists: 52% of the 29% who oppose battery projects lack basic information about the technology. Misinformation drives fear more than actual risk data.

What's inside battery containers: Beyond batteries, these systems contain HVAC equipment, power conversion systems, battery management systems, and control cabinets. Each component presents different fire risks requiring specific suppression strategies.

FireTrace's dual approach to safety: Clean agent systems protect electrical components without damaging electronics. Aerosol technology using potassium carbonate prevents thermal runaway in battery cells.

How developers can improve project approval: Proactive safety planning beats reactive measures. Early engagement with authorities having jurisdiction and communities builds trust through education.

The regulatory landscape: UL 9540, NFPA 855, and evolving safety standards are creating better frameworks for safe deployment.

The key takeaway: Focus fire prevention efforts on electrical components, not just batteries. This approach addresses 89% of actual fire risks while building community trust through education.

Connect with Guest 

LinkedIn: Joe DeBellis

Website: Firetrace

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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

Join hosts Tim Montague and John Weaver for another episode of Clean Power Hour Live, bringing you the latest developments in wind, solar, and battery storage. In this episode, the hosts dive into the complex implications of policy changes on clean energy deployment, showcase impressive solar installations, discuss the critical role of battery storage in grid stability, and explore global trends in renewable energy adoption. From curtailment reduction in California to electric vehicle adoption in Norway, this episode covers the full spectrum of clean energy developments shaping our industry.

Episode Highlights

• Bloomberg New Energy Finance projects US clean energy installs will plunge 41% after 2027, though installations are expected to remain strong through 2027 with 53+ gigawatts of solar capacity planned for 2025. (Bloomberg/BNF)
• Global grid-scale battery storage deployment increased over 50% in the first half of 2025 (Benchmark)
• New York State releases ambitious plan targeting 35 gigawatts of PV and 9.4 gigawatts of battery storage by 2040 (PV tech)
• US Customs agency seized 146 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden inside unusually thick solar panels. (PV Magazine - Emiliano Bellini)
• Ameren Missouri submits rate increase requests ranging from 29% to 39%, highlighting how rising electricity costs will make solar economics more attractive for consumers. (Link)
• California solar curtailment decreased 12% despite 18% more solar capacity installed. (PV Magazine - John Weaver)

The hosts emphasize that energy professionals should focus on battery storage integration and diversification strategies to navigate the changing policy landscape while capitalizing on the continued growth in clean energy deployment through 2027.

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Connect with Tim  

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Review Clean Power Hour on Apple Podcasts

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

The energy transition faces political headwinds, but market forces tell a different story. Today on the Clean Power Hour, Keith Zakheim, CEO of Antenna Group and host of the Age of Adoption podcast, shares why he remains bullish on clean energy despite policy challenges.

Keith brings 20 years of communications experience in the clean energy sector. His agency has grown alongside the industry, helping companies navigate everything from the early cleantech boom to today's political landscape. In this conversation, he breaks down why the transition continues regardless of Washington politics.

Key Discussion Points:

• Why 96% of new grid capacity in April 2025 came from renewables
• How corporate demand from tech giants creates policy-agnostic growth
• The shift from "age of innovation" to "age of adoption" in clean energy
• Communication strategies for sustainability companies in challenging times
• Why energy abundance arguments resonate better than climate messaging
• The economics driving renewable competitiveness without subsidies
• How to align clean energy with administration priorities around security, strength, and prosperity

Keith explains why supply and demand fundamentals favor renewables. Tech companies need massive amounts of new electricity for AI and data centers. Traditional energy sources face capacity constraints and long build times. This creates opportunities for solar, wind, and batteries to compete purely on economics.

The conversation covers practical advice for clean energy companies on messaging and market positioning. Keith advocates for incremental change over radical transformation, focusing on multiple value propositions beyond environmental benefits.

This episode offers perspective for energy professionals, investors, and policy watchers trying to understand market dynamics beyond political noise. Keith's experience guiding companies through multiple industry cycles provides valuable insights for navigating current uncertainties.

Connect with Keith Zakheim 

LinkedIn

Antenna Group

Age of Adoption Podcast

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Connect with Tim  

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Tim on Twitter
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Email [email protected] 

Review Clean Power Hour on Apple Podcasts

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

Ready to discover why smart solar developers and farmers are choosing agrivoltaics over traditional solar?

Today on the Clean Power Hour, join host Tim Montague and four industry leaders who share real data, proven results, and practical insights on how vertical racking helps farmers achieve superior returns compared to conventional approaches

🎯 Featured Experts:

• Helge Biernath - Founder & CEO of Sunzaun
• Ian Skor - Founder & CEO of Sandbox Solar
• Professor Majdi Abou Najm - UC Davis Researcher
• John Langdon - Oregon farmer and "Solar Saves Farms" advocate

Why This Matters to YOU:

For Solar Developers: 

✅ 15x higher energy density per square foot with vertical systems

✅ Premium pricing - capture afternoon peak rates up to 62¢/kWh

✅ Lower LCOE through reduced soiling, snow issues, and maintenance

✅ New market access in areas where traditional solar faces opposition

For Farmers & Landowners:

✅ Income diversification without losing agricultural production

✅ 8-12% water savings, reducing operational costs

✅ 120%+ land productivity (energy + agriculture combined)

✅ Enhanced crop resilience through beneficial microclimate creation

For Investors & Financial Professionals:

✅ Proven ROI models with real performance data

✅ Multiple revenue streams from a single land asset

✅ Risk mitigation through diversified income sources

✅ Scalable solutions from pilot to commercial deployment

🎪 Upcoming Events Mentioned:

• Solar Farm Summit (August 4-7, Chicago)
• California Agrivoltaics Day (November 5, UC Davis)

Connect with Guests 

Helge Biernath

Ian Skor

Professor Majdi

John Langdon

Support the show

Connect with Tim  

Clean Power Hour 
Clean Power Hour on YouTube
Tim on Twitter
Tim on LinkedIn 

Email [email protected] 

Review Clean Power Hour on Apple Podcasts

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

We're about to install 19 billion solar panels in the next 20 years, but what happens when they reach end-of-life?

In this eye-opening episode of The Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Adam Saghei, CEO and founder of We Recycle Solar, to tackle one of the clean energy industry's most pressing challenges: solar panel waste management.

What You'll Discover:

• Why 90% of end-of-life solar panels currently end up in landfills (and how we can change this)
• The staggering value locked in old panels: $170 million today, projected to reach $80 billion by 2050
• How We Recycle Solar achieves 60% refurbishment rates on incoming panels
• The technical process of extracting valuable materials like silver, aluminum, and silicon
• Why companies like First Solar and Q Cells are building in-house recycling facilities
• New state regulations in Texas, Washington, and California driving industry change
• The economics that make solar recycling profitable while competing with landfill costs

Adam breaks down the three main sources of solar waste: environmental damage, technology upgrades, and installation breakage. He explains how proper decommissioning and material recovery can transform what many see as a looming e-waste crisis into a valuable circular economy opportunity.

Whether you're a solar installer, project developer, or simply interested in sustainable technology, this episode provides crucial insights into an industry that's rapidly evolving to solve its own waste problem.

Key Takeaways:

• Solar panels retain 90% efficiency after 20 years, making refurbishment highly viable
• Proper recycling can recover critical materials for domestic supply chains
• Industry needs federal policy to accelerate adoption beyond current 5+ year timeline
• Local recycling creates jobs and reduces transportation costs for raw materials

Don't miss this essential conversation about building a truly sustainable solar industry from cradle to grave.

Connect with Adam Saghei:

• LinkedIn: Adam Saghei
• Website: werecyclesolar.com

Support the show

Connect with Tim  

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Tim on Twitter
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Email [email protected] 

Review Clean Power Hour on Apple Podcasts

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 our recent Clean Power Hour Live, Tim Montague and John Weaver tackle the complex implications of the recently passed "BBB bill" and its mixed impact on the solar industry. The hosts dive deep into the economic pressures facing the industry and much more.

Episode Highlights

• BBB Bill Impact on Solar Industry - Discussion of the "big, beautiful bill" and its mixed effects on renewable energy sectors (Story Link)
• US Copper Prices 138% Above Global - Domestic copper now costs more than double international prices (Story Link)
• Electricity Price Predictions - Experts anticipate rising energy costs for consumers due to trade policies (Story Link)
• California Becomes Solar State - Solar officially surpasses natural gas as #1 electricity source (33.9% vs 33.3%) (Story Link)
• US Solar Crosses 10% Threshold - Solar exceeded 10% of US electricity generation for first time in April 2025 (Story Link)
• Tesla Megapack Installation - John's company deploys first utility-scale battery on Massachusetts military base (Story Link)
• Clean Power Hour Merchandise - New construction safety gear added to online store (Buy Now)

Upcoming Events

• Vertical Solar Webinar - July 15, 2025 at 12pm Eastern
  • Featuring Helga Biernath (Sunzaun), Ian Skor (Sandbox Solar), Professor Majdi (UC Davis), John Langdon (Solar Saves Farms)
  • Registration: cleanpowerhour.com/events

Contact Information

John Weaver: commercialsolarguy.com | [email protected] | 508-499-9786

Support the show

Connect with Tim  

Clean Power Hour 
Clean Power Hour on YouTube
Tim on Twitter
Tim on LinkedIn 

Email [email protected] 

Review Clean Power Hour on Apple Podcasts

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

The solar industry faces its biggest challenge yet - will it survive the gutting of the Inflation Reduction Act?

Tim Montague sits down with Marc Palmer, founder and CEO of Conductor Solar, to discuss the current state of solar financing and how the industry is changing in light of threats facing our industry.

In this episode, you'll discover how the "Big Beautiful Bill" could shrink the solar market by 46% between now and 2030, and why industry leaders are shifting to survival mode. Marc shares exclusive insights from his conversations with top developers, IPPs, and financing providers at the Expo, revealing how they're adapting their strategies in these uncertain times.

Key Topics Covered:

• The potential $2.4-5 trillion impact of budget reconciliation on national debt
• How solar companies are focusing on quality over quantity to weather the storm
• Midwest Solar Expo takeaways and industry sentiment
• State incentives becoming critical as federal support wanes
• The AI-driven energy demand boom creating a "Clash of Titans"
• Dean Solon's revolutionary Create solar technology with 3,000-volt modules
• ITC transfers and M&A opportunities in the middle market
• Why energy independence arguments may save solar despite political headwinds

Marc provides a rare insider's perspective on how financing providers are adding conservatism to their pricing, why developers are rushing to safe harbor projects, and what the consolidation wave means for smaller players in the market.

Whether you're a solar developer, installer, investor, or policy maker, this episode delivers the real-world intelligence you need to navigate these turbulent times. Don't miss Marc Palmer’s predictions on why solar can emerge stronger after a likely contraction that is starting now. 

🔗 Connect with Marc Palmer:

• Conductor Solar: [website]
• Email: [email protected]
• LinkedIn: Marc Palmer

Support the show

Connect with Tim  

Clean Power Hour 
Clean Power Hour on YouTube
Tim on Twitter
Tim on LinkedIn 

Email [email protected] 

Review Clean Power Hour on Apple Podcasts

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, we reconnect with Kiya Segni, founder of Aduu Solar, who has successfully made the leap from engineering consultant to full-fledged solar installer in the lucrative DMV market (DC, Maryland, Virginia).

🔧 Business Transformation Insights: Kiya shares the critical differences between running an engineering firm versus a construction company, from managing installation crews to implementing comprehensive business systems. Learn how his 3+ years of consulting experience with contractors across all 50 states gave him invaluable insights into what works and what doesn't in solar installation.

💰 DMV Market Deep Dive: Discover why the DMV area is one of the strongest solar markets in the country, with Washington DC's Solar for All program offering SREC payments so high that some investors provide electricity for free just to capture the credits. Kiya breaks down Maryland's new Solar Access Program, which provides up to $7,500 in incentives, and explains how homeowners can earn $3,000-$5,000 annually from SRECs.

🏗️ Operational Excellence: Get insider knowledge on equipment selection (why Kiya chose microinverters over string inverters), licensing requirements across different states, and the logistics of equipment procurement. Learn about the systems and processes essential for scaling from 0 to 30+ installations per month.

🌍 Immigration & Entrepreneurship: Kiya opens up about his journey as an Ethiopian immigrant, from arriving in the US at 18 barely speaking English to working for the Department of Defense with top-secret clearance, and ultimately building his own successful solar company. His perspective on current immigration policies and the immigrant contribution to American business is both personal and profound.

⚡ Industry Challenges Ahead: With potential ITC elimination looming, Kiya discusses the real impact on residential solar and his strategic pivot toward commercial projects. Despite policy uncertainties, he remains committed to renewable energy for both business and environmental reasons.

Connect wih

Kiya Segni

Aduu Solar

Support the show

Connect with Tim  

Clean Power Hour 
Clean Power Hour on YouTube
Tim on Twitter
Tim on LinkedIn 

Email [email protected] 

Review Clean Power Hour on Apple Podcasts

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, we sit down with the leadership team of Windfree Solar - a minority-owned, equity eligible contractor that's proving diversity isn't just good for society, it's good for business. CEO Eric Heineman, Head of O&M Cynthia Myers, and Chief Marketing Officer Steve Larosiliere share how they've built a thriving solar company by focusing on underserved communities in Chicago and Cook County.

Discover how Cynthia went from growing up in foster care to becoming one of Illinois' first female solar installers and a licensed electrician. Learn why Eric believes diversity is their competitive advantage, and how Steve is helping scale their mission-driven approach to solar development.

We dive deep into Illinois' groundbreaking Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), exploring programs like Solar for All and Illinois Shines that are creating pathways for people from disadvantaged backgrounds to enter the clean energy workforce. The team discusses the challenges and opportunities of working in environmental justice communities, and why they've made it their specialty to go where other solar companies won't.

This episode also touches on the broader transformation happening in the solar industry - from a predominantly white, male sector to one that's actively embracing diversity and inclusion.

Key Topics Covered:

• Equity-eligible contractor status and what it means
• Breaking gender and racial barriers in solar installation
• Working in underserved communities and environmental justice areas
• Building diverse teams for competitive advantage
• Community solar development strategies

If you'd like to support Cynthia Myers during this challenging time as she navigates her partner's immigration case, please consider contributing to her GoFundMe campaign - every bit of support helps.

Connect with WindFree

Eric Heineman

Cynthia Myers

Steve Larosiliere

Windfree

Support the show

Connect with Tim  

Clean Power Hour 
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Tim on Twitter
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Email [email protected] 

Review Clean Power Hour on Apple Podcasts

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

What if farmers could double their income from the same land while fighting climate change?

Today on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague sits down with two pioneering leaders who are revolutionizing how we think about solar energy and agriculture. Helge Biernath, CEO of Sunzaun (and Sunstall, the mechanical installation company), and Ian Skor, CEO of Sandbox Solar, share groundbreaking insights into vertical solar technology and its game-changing applications in agrivoltaics.

Discover how vertical solar panels are transforming farming:

• Learn why upright solar panels running north-south are perfect for agricultural integration
• Understand how farmers can maintain 80-90% of their crop production while generating clean energy
• Explore real-world applications from Colorado State University's research facilities
• See how this technology helps with water conservation, worker protection, and climate resilience

Key insights covered:

• Why vertical solar uses only 10-20% of farmland while preserving agricultural operations
• How this technology works with commodity crops like alfalfa and corn
• The economic benefits for both farmers and solar developers
• Challenges with current modeling tools and breakthrough solutions like Spade
• Success stories from California's Central Valley to Colorado's research farms

Whether you're a farmer looking to diversify income, a solar developer seeking new opportunities, or simply curious about sustainable agriculture, this episode reveals practical solutions that are starting to be implemented across the United States.

Don't miss the upcoming panel discussion on July 15th featuring these experts and others! Check cleanpowerhour.com/events for details.

Hit play to discover how vertical solar is creating win-win solutions for clean energy and sustainable agriculture!

Connect with Guests

Sandbox Solar

Ian Skor

Helge Biernath

Sunzaun

Support the show

Connect with Tim  

Clean Power Hour 
Clean Power Hour on YouTube
Tim on Twitter
Tim on LinkedIn 

Email [email protected] 

Review Clean Power Hour on Apple Podcasts

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