Clean Power Hour

Are you ready for the biggest shift happening in utility-scale solar right now?

The transition from central to string inverters is revolutionizing how we build and operate massive solar farms across America. In this eye-opening episode, Luke Schlichte, Utility Sales Representative at CPS America (Chint Power Systems), breaks down why this technological shift is happening and what it means for the future of utility solar.

Luke reveals the stark reality of underperformance plaguing utility-scale solar in the US, where some 200MW projects have experienced as low as 14% uptime after their first year. The culprit? Central inverters creating catastrophic single points of failure that can take entire megawatt blocks offline for weeks or even months at a time.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Why string inverters eliminate catastrophic downtime risks
• The financial impact of inverter choice on long-term asset performance
• How CPS's 350kW string inverter (the world's most powerful) is changing the game
• Distributed vs. skidded design approaches for utility solar
• Maintenance and servicing advantages that save time and money
• Why specialized technician shortages make string inverters essential
• Real-world case studies of projects switching from central to string

Luke explains how modern high-power string inverters like CPS's 350kW unit offer the modularity benefits of string technology while matching the economics of central inverters. With features like 15 MPPTs per inverter and full power output up to 45°C, these aren't your typical rooftop string inverters.

Whether you're an asset owner, EPC contractor, or anyone involved in utility-scale solar development, this episode provides crucial insights into technology choices that can make or break project profitability. Luke shares how CPS's unique approach of studying returned inverters in their labs drives continuous innovation and why they view themselves as partners for the entire project lifecycle.

Connect with Luke Schlichte

LinkedIn: Luke Schlichte

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 this episode of Clean Power Hour Live, hosts Tim Montague and John Weaver tackle the elephant in the room - policy uncertainty - while making a compelling case for why now might be the best time to double down on solar. Fresh from the Midwest Solar Expo in Chicago and the ACORE Financial Forum in NYC, they share insights from industry heavyweights who are aggressively pursuing projects despite potential ITC changes. Here is what we discussed: 

Industry Outlook & Market Confidence

• Solar industry resilience despite policy uncertainty - Both hosts express optimism that the solar transition will continue despite potential ITC changes, with John noting strong confidence from major industry players at the ACORE Financial Forum in NYC (PV Magazine)

Policy & Legislative Updates

• Texas anti-solar bills defeated - Multiple bills that would have restricted solar deployment in Texas failed to progress in the state House of Representatives (PV Magazine)

Market Data & Economics

• Residential electricity price increases - EIA data shows average 13% increase across US, with some regions seeing up to 26% increases, potentially offsetting reduced solar incentives (Energy Information Administration)
• Solar curtailment in California - 2024 saw 3.4 million MWh curtailed (up 29%), but represents only ~1% of total energy generation (PV Magazine)

Technology & Manufacturing News

• Perovskite efficiency record - New record of 829 watts achieved for utility-scale perovskite modules (PV Tech)

Be sure to connect with us at RE+ Vegas, Solar Farm Summit, and other industry events!

Shop at our recently launched merch store too…swag to make your clean energy dreams come true. Thanks for following us!

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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

Are rural communities really losing out to solar farms? The data tells a completely different story.

Today on the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Ethan Loomis, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Strategic Economic Research (SER), to unpack the real economic impact of utility-scale wind, solar, and battery projects on rural America.

What you'll discover in this episode:

The Economic Layer Cake: Ethan breaks down the three levels of economic impact from renewable projects - direct jobs (construction and O&M), indirect benefits (local supply chain), and induced effects (hotels, restaurants, gas stations benefiting from workforce influx).

Mind-Blowing Tax Revenue Numbers: Illinois alone has generated over $483 million in property tax revenue from wind and solar projects since 2003, with McLean County receiving $78 million and school districts seeing $1-2 million annually in additional funding.

The Farmland Myth Busted: Learn why the "paving over the breadbasket" argument doesn't hold water - most projects use less than 1% of county farmland, and solar is 10x more energy-efficient than corn ethanol (which uses 45% of U.S. corn production).

Real-World Case Studies: SER has analyzed over 500 projects across 38 states, providing concrete data on how these projects transform rural economies without significantly impacting agricultural production.

Community Engagement Strategies: Practical advice for developers on navigating NIMBY opposition and building genuine community support through transparent economic analysis.

The Rural Reality Check: Why struggling rural communities with declining populations and automated farming are finding renewable energy projects to be economic lifelines.

📅 Don't Miss: Learn about SER's annual Illinois Renewable Energy Conference (September 30-October 1 in Normal, IL) with early bird pricing ending June 30th.

Visit strategiceconomic.com to explore their library of publicly available economic impact reports.

Connect With Ethan Loomis 

LinkedIn: Ethan Loomis

Website: Strategic Economic Research

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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

Today on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague sits down with Carl Moose, partner at Greenlight Energy Solutions, to explore how businesses and homeowners in the Midwest are transforming their biggest liability, their roof, into a profitable energy asset.

Carl, a former banker turned solar developer, reveals why Illinois has become one of the top 10 distributed generation markets in the US, despite not being known as a traditional "solar state." He breaks down the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) that created a 10-year runway of healthy renewable energy credits, making solar financially compelling for residential, commercial, and community solar projects.

Key insights you'll discover:

• Why 50% of roofs need reconditioning before solar installation and how to overcome this major obstacle
• The "airline fuel futures" strategy for locking in energy costs with solar
• How space-age satellite technology is trickling down to make rooftop solar more efficient than ever
• The three-part business case: turning liabilities into assets, fixing variable expenses, and leveraging federal/state incentives
• Why net metering changes are driving the storage opportunity in Illinois
• Real-world ROI scenarios showing 4-5 year payback periods with 15+ years of additional savings

Carl also shares the evolution of Greenlight Energy Solutions, from a traditional construction company to a full-service solar EPC, and explains their "BMW not Chevrolet" approach to quality components and installation.

Whether you're a facility owner looking to reduce operating costs, a solar professional seeking market insights, or simply curious about the energy transition happening in America's heartland, this episode delivers actionable intelligence on one of the country's hottest solar markets.

Connect with Carl Moose

LinkedIn: Carl Moose

Email: [email protected]

Website: Greenlink Energy Solutions

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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 solar industry faces unprecedented challenges as Congress advances budget reconciliation legislation targeting clean energy incentives. In this episode, hosts Tim Montague and John Weaver discuss survival strategies, market adaptations, and breakthrough developments amid policy uncertainty.

🚨 MAJOR POLICY DEVELOPMENTS
Budget Reconciliation Bill Impact

• Residential solar tax credits under threat - House passes bill targeting clean energy incentives
• SEIA projects massive industry impact: 330,000 jobs lost, 331 factories closed, $286 billion in investments erased
• Mosaic's struggle: Major solar lease company reportedly facing financial difficulties [SEIA analysis and industry reports]

🔋 CALIFORNIA BREAKING RECORDS

Solar & Storage Milestones

• Solar output record: California hits 21+ GW peak solar generation
• Growth trajectory: Current pace could reach 30 GW storage in 5 years vs. 2045 target [PV Magazine]

🤖 TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

Solar Installation Automation

• Rosendin's robot system: Dual-robot setup with carrier and lifting units for panel installation
• Efficiency gains: Two-person teams per row with continuous pallet feeding capability

[Rosendin automation announcement]

🚗 EV CHARGING EXPANSION

Waffle House Partnership

• BP strategic relationship: British oil giant bringing DC fast charging to Waffle House locations [Electrek]

📊 PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Massachusetts Residential Installation

• Pricing achievement: Under $3/watt for residential systems without premium components
• Visual appeal: Red house installation showcasing professional workmanship [Commercial Solar Guy] 

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Connect with Tim  

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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

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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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

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.

Connect with Aliya Bagewadi

Aliya Bagewadi

Allume Energy

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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

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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Connect with Tim  

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Tim on Twitter
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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

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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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

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

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