Clean Power Hour

Today on the Clean Power Hour Live, Tim Montague and John Weaver (the Commercial Solar Guy) dive into pressing developments in the solar industry. They examine the Trump administration's decision to rescind Biden's Defense Production Act support for solar manufacturing and discuss the potential impacts on the 50 gigawatts of planned domestic solar panel production. 

The conversation shifts to exciting projections that global solar installations could reach one terawatt next year—a staggering milestone representing approximately $1.5 trillion in economic activity across manufacturing and installation.

They also explore Australia's ambitious plans to build 6-gigawatt renewable energy "pods" combining wind and solar to produce green hydrogen and ammonia for export. 

Throughout their discussion, they contemplate the challenges and opportunities in the energy transition, from grid capacity issues to the potential of a hydrogen economy.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Trump administration rescinding the Defense Production Act for solar manufacturing 

https://www.pv-tech.org/trump-rescinds-bidens-defense-production-act-support-for-solar-manufacturing/

2. Projections for 1 terawatt of global solar installations in 2026 https://bsky.app/profile/commercialsolarguy.com/post/3lkuvm7kduc2k

3. O&M of the Week from one of our projects - 9 mm?

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7308436497660071936/?actorCompanyId=11504835

4. The group wants to build chunks of 6 GW wind+solar plants to make ammonia - what about airline fuels?

https://reneweconomy.com.au/fewer-bigger-turbines-approved-as-huge-green-hydrogen-project-wins-federal-head-start-funding/

5. Germany going in on renewables with $100 billion

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-14/merz-reaches-deal-with-greens-on-german-debt-handelsblatt-says

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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 Peter Oprysko, Key Accounts Manager at CPS America, the nation's leading three-phase string inverter manufacturer. Peter shares valuable insights on how string inverter technology is revolutionizing the renewable energy landscape across diverse applications - from community solar and commercial rooftops to data centers and utility-scale projects.

Peter discusses CPS America's commitment to customer service and collaborative partnerships, emphasizing how this approach helps drive innovation in product development. The conversation explores the rapidly expanding market for energy storage solutions, with Peter detailing CPS's comprehensive battery offerings ranging from commercial and industrial (C&I) applications to utility-scale installations.

The discussion highlights the critical role of energy resilience in today's climate-challenged environment, with compelling examples of how solar plus storage systems have maintained power through extreme weather events. Peter and Tim examine the economic benefits of energy independence and grid services that modern battery systems can provide.

We also delve into the broader energy transition, discussing how renewable technologies are being deployed to repower existing coal and gas power plants, and how string inverters enable solar deployment across challenging terrains. Peter shares insights about several innovative solar projects, including installations on mountainous sites and along abandoned railroad tracks.

Check out CPS Product Innovation Day 2025: https://loom.ly/Ll19EVk

Listen to this episode to understand the remarkable versatility of modern solar technology, the importance of strong industry partnerships, and how companies like CPS America are making American energy dominance through clean power a tangible reality.

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Peter Oprysko

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

This expert panel discussion, hosted by Tim Montague of the Clean Power Hour and sponsored by Chint Power Systems, explores how commercial facilities can implement solar, battery storage, and building management systems to lower energy costs. The webinar focuses on a case study of Rancho Santa Margarita Toyota in California, featuring a 451 kW rooftop solar project paired with a 125 kW/279 kWh energy storage system.

Key Discussion Points

Financial Benefits of Solar + Storage

• Ryan Ferrero emphasized that while environmental benefits are a bonus, the financial argument is what drives adoption
• Converting energy savings into income streams rather than just reducing expenses
• Leveraging investment tax credits, bonus depreciation, and available grants

Building Management Systems Integration

• Casey Miller shared how solar alone is no longer enough in many markets due to utility rate changes
• Utilities have introduced peak demand charges and time-of-use energy charges that limit solar's effectiveness
• Elexity's approach combines battery storage with load control (managing HVAC, EV charging)

Technology Advances

• Anton Patton discussed how string inverter technology has evolved for both solar and storage
• Improvements in remote monitoring capabilities reduce the need for on-site troubleshooting
• Integrated, turnkey solutions have replaced earlier "Frankenstein" approaches where components were cobbled together

Case Study: Rancho Santa Margarita Toyota

• Implemented a phased approach starting with rooftop solar and white TPO roof
• Added Elexity's building management system to optimize energy usage
• Installed battery storage to store free solar energy or cheap off-peak energy

How the Elexity System Works

• Revenue-grade meter installed to mirror the utility meter
• Connection to solar output and direct battery control
• For HVAC control, supervisory signals sent to thermostats within customer-set guardrails

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Ryan Ferrero

Casey Miller

Anton Patton

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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 Patrick Canning, Principal Engineer and founder of Canning Engineering, at the RE+ Northeast conference in Boston. Patrick shares his journey from traditional civil engineering to becoming a specialized solar design expert, culminating in launching his own engineering firm focused on community and utility-scale solar projects.

Patrick reveals how his experience leading engineering and interconnection teams at prominent companies like Nexamp provided the foundation for his current work. His firm, though small, delivers high-value engineering solutions primarily for 1-5 MW ground-mount community solar installations across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Illinois markets.

The conversation delves into what truly differentiates specialized, local engineering services from commoditized alternatives. Patrick emphasizes the critical importance of having engineers who can physically visit project sites, especially for complex installations involving brownfields, battery storage, or challenging utility requirements. His team's ability to provide hands-on expertise and responsive service for projects requiring nuanced attention has become their competitive advantage.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the full spectrum of services offered by Canning Engineering, from complete IFC (Issued for Construction) documentation to energy modeling and interconnection support. This episode offers a window into how specialized engineering expertise continues to play a vital role in advancing community solar deployments across multiple states.

Whether you're a solar developer, EPC contractor, or industry professional interested in the technical challenges of community solar, this episode provides a compelling look at the engineering expertise driving clean energy projects forward. Listen now to discover how local engineering talent is helping to grow solar in the Northeast and beyond.

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Patrick Canning 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 insightful episode of Clean Power Hour, hosts Tim Montague and John Weaver dive into the latest developments shaking up the renewable energy landscape. They discuss the immediate impacts of newly announced tariffs on Canadian and Mexican solar equipment, with John sharing how his commercial projects are already seeing price increases on critical components like neutral ground reactors. (Link)

The conversation shifts to exciting innovations in the solar space, including Utah's groundbreaking unanimous legislation allowing plug-in balcony solar systems and a unique vertical solar cell mounting system from Norway. (Story Link) 

John and Tim also analyze recent data showing solar generation up 27% nationwide, now accounting for 6.8% of all U.S. electricity, while examining the stark differences in renewable adoption between states. (Story Link)

The hosts round out the episode with a behind-the-scenes look at a commercial solar carport project, detailing the engineering considerations involved in these increasingly popular installations. (Story Link)

Tune in for an essential update on the rapidly evolving clean energy sector and the challenges and opportunities ahead.

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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 recorded at RE+ Northeast in Boston, Tim Montague sits down with Bryan Wagner, President of CPS America, to discuss the latest developments in solar power electronics and energy storage. Wagner shares insights from his recent overseas trip to China, where he explored Chint's global manufacturing capabilities and strategy for the North American market.

The conversation delves into Chint's impressive portfolio as a diversified global energy company, including their expansion into high-voltage transformers for solar substations, innovative inverter products with enhanced safety features like the 250 and 350 models, and their exciting new energy storage product called "Gonzo." Wagner explains how Chint's engineering expertise allows them to create complex power equipment designed to last through the 20-40 year lifespan of modern solar installations.

Wagner also reveals CPS America's launch of a new service brand called CSPs (Chint Smart Power Services), leveraging Chint's extensive experience in operating and maintaining 20 gigawatts of solar globally. The discussion highlights the importance of RE+ Northeast as a platform for industry growth and networking, with Wagner noting how electrification trends and AI-driven data centers are significantly increasing power demand—potentially doubling or tripling New York State's capacity needs in the next decade.

Bryan also mentions that their Innovation Day event is growing significantly, with attendance increasing from around 300 people last year to an expected 500 this year, and he invites listeners to connect with them via the Chint Power Systems website or by emailing [email protected] to learn more. Check out CPS Product Innovation Day 2025: https://loom.ly/Ll19EVk

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Bryan Wagner

CPS America

CPS America Innovation Day

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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 speaks with Parker Schram, the founder of EnergyScape Renewables, a company aiming to revolutionize the solar industry by offering an all-in-one ecosystem for solar enterprises. Parker shares his journey from renewable engineering to building a company that handles everything from site surveys and sales proposals to engineering, design, and even permitting.

EnergyScape's vision is to allow EPCs and solar installers to focus on sales and installations while they take care of all the behind-the-scenes business operations. Parker dives into the services they offer, including site surveys, CRM software, project management tools, plan sets, structural and electrical engineering, interconnection, permitting, and utility application processes. With a presence in all states, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, EnergyScape is equipped to support solar projects nationwide.

Parker discusses the benefits of outsourcing versus scaling in-house, highlighting the cost savings and access to specialized expertise that EnergyScape provides. He also addresses common issues EPCs face and how EnergyScape's solutions can help streamline operations and avoid bottlenecks. Whether you're a seasoned solar professional or new to the industry, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of solar project management and the potential of comprehensive service platforms.

Tune in to learn how EnergyScape Renewables is transforming the solar landscape and how their innovative approach can benefit your solar business. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the power of an all-in-one ecosystem for solar enterprises!

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Parker Schram

EnergyScape 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

The solar energy industry is booming, but maintaining and optimizing solar installations is an evolving challenge. Today on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague sits down with Chris Grablutz at RE+ Northeast in Boston. Chris is the founder of Triforce Energy and an alum of PurePower Engineering. We explore the world of solar operations and maintenance (O&M)—a critical yet often overlooked aspect of the industry.

Chris shares insights into how the O&M sector is maturing, the growing demand for skilled technicians, and why solar maintenance is far from a "set it and forget it" system. They discuss the challenges of a shrinking skilled workforce, the importance of vocational training and internships, and innovative ways companies like Triforce Energy are nurturing the next generation of solar technicians.

The episode also touches on Chint Power Systems (CPS) and why their strong customer support and reliable inverter technology make a difference in the field. If you're in the solar industry—whether you're a developer, asset owner, technician, or just passionate about renewable energy—this episode will give you valuable insights into the future of solar maintenance and workforce development.

Tune in now to learn how we can all contribute to growing and strengthening the solar industry!

Social Media

Chris Grablutz

Tri-Force 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 Andrew Birch, the founder and CEO of OpenSolar, to explore the stark differences between solar markets around the world and what the U.S. can learn from countries like Australia and Europe. With over 20 years of experience in the solar industry, Birchy shares his insights on why Australia has achieved an impressive 33% solar penetration, while the U.S. lags behind at just 5%.

The conversation dives into the key factors driving Australia's success, including streamlined permitting processes, lower costs, and efficient customer adoption. Birchy explains how the U.S. solar market is bogged down by complex regulations, high permitting costs, and lengthy installation timelines, which make solar three times more expensive than in Australia. He also discusses the potential of initiatives like SolarAPP+ to simplify permitting and reduce costs, which could revolutionize the U.S. solar industry.

Birchy also shares his journey with Sungevity, one of the leading U.S. solar companies, and how the company's challenges with financing and policy changes ultimately led to its downfall. He offers valuable advice for solar installers on how to grow sustainable businesses in a challenging market, emphasizing the importance of simplifying processes and advocating for policy changes.

The episode also touches on the role of storage in solar adoption, the future of commercial solar, and the potential for solar to dominate global energy markets by 2035. Birch’s optimism about the future of solar is contagious, and his call to action for the industry to rally around solutions like SolarAPP+ is both inspiring and urgent.

If you're in the solar industry, a policy maker, or simply interested in the future of clean energy, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to learn how we can accelerate solar adoption, reduce costs, and create a more sustainable energy future.

Social Media Handles

Andrew Birch LinkedIn

OpenSolar 

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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 engaging bi-weekly news roundup, host Tim Montague welcomes back John Weaver, "the commercial solar guy," to discuss major developments in the renewable energy sector. The episode highlights Bloomberg NEF's report of nearly 50 gigawatts of solar deployed in the US in 2024, a significant increase from the previous year that demonstrates solar's growing dominance over wind in capacity additions.

John shares his analysis of California's impressive clean energy progress, where solar generation is up 34% year-over-year and recently achieved the milestone of meeting 100% of the state's electricity demand - remarkably in February. They discuss how battery storage deployment is revolutionizing California's grid stability and enabling more solar integration.

The conversation takes a serious turn examining the Trump administration's executive order pausing IRA funding and its implications for domestic manufacturing, including the news that Freyr Battery (now T1 Energy) has canceled its planned US battery factory. Join Tim and John for this informative discussion on the triumphs and challenges facing the clean energy transition.

Story Links
Almost 50 GW of solar deployed in the USA in 2024 - go to Page 22
https://bcse.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-Sustainable-Energy-in-America-Factbook.pdf

Associated - California clean energy growth booming, solar way up:
https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/02/21/california-off-to-a-strong-clean-electricity-start-with-solar-up-33-8/

Project of the Week - 270 kWdc rooftop in downtown New Bedford - installed while wind chill near zero
https://bsky.app/profile/commercialsolarguy.com/post/3lik32v2zfc2l

Trump challenges to the IRA, including multiple pauses
https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/01/21/trump-orders-pause-to-ira-funding/

Freyr Battery rebrands as T1 Energy and really doubles down on the US Solar and Storage Market
https://t1energy.com/#t1-overview

Support the show

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