Clean Power Hour

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

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

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

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

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Drew Bond
Powerfield Energy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Evan Upshur
CPS America

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Gary Skulnik
Neighborhood Sun

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Dr. Zhehan Yi
CPS America

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Albert Bielinko
Titanium Ventures

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

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

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

In today’s episode of the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague sits down with Bryan Wagner, President and General Manager, and Anton Patton, Vice President of Product Management at CPS America. They dive deep into the company's groundbreaking 250kW 600V string inverter, a product poised to revolutionize the solar industry.

The discussion covers the evolution of string inverter technology, the shift from central to string inverters in utility-scale projects, and how CPS America's new product addresses market demands. Bryan and Anton share insights on the product's development process, emphasizing the importance of customer feedback and collaboration.

Key topics include the benefits of virtual central configuration, load break rated DC disconnecting, anti-PID features, and the potential for repowering existing solar sites. The guests also touch on CPS America's market leadership, manufacturing capabilities, and future plans for scaling their technology.

Whether you're a solar professional, project developer, asset owner or simply interested in the latest advancements in renewable energy technology, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of solar inverters and their role in accelerating the clean energy transition. Tune in to learn how CPS America is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in solar energy conversion.

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Bryan Wagner
Anton Patton
CPS America

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

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

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

In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague interviews Gil Hough, Executive Director of the Tennessee Solar Energy Industries Association (TenneSEIA). The discussion offers a comprehensive look at the unique energy landscape within the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) region, which spans Tennessee and parts of six other states.

Key points:

1. TVA Background: Created as part of the New Deal, TVA initially focused on flood management, electrification, and economic development. Its energy mix has evolved from hydroelectric to include coal, nuclear, natural gas, and increasingly, renewables.
2. Current Energy Landscape:
   • TVA's power generation includes hydro (6-10%), coal (being phased out by 2035), nuclear, natural gas, and growing solar and storage capacity.
   • About 1 GW of mostly large-scale solar currently operating, with 3 GW more under construction or in late-stage development.
   • TVA aims for 10 GW of solar by 2035.
3. Market Segments:
   • Utility-scale: Directly contracted with TVA
   • Generation flexibility: Allows local power companies to generate up to 5% of their load with renewables
   • Distributed generation: Challenging market, especially for residential and small commercial
   • Emerging community solar sector
4. Success Stories: Gil highlights projects like the Toyota 30 MW solar plant in Huntsville, Alabama, demonstrating the economic benefits of large-scale solar adoption.
5. Federal Funding Impact: Programs like Solar for All are accelerating distributed generation and benefiting low-income communities.
6. Challenges and Opportunities:
   • Length of interconnection queue
   • NIMBY pushback in some rural areas
   • Transition to FERC 2023 and new transmission planning processes
7. TenneSEIA's Role: Gil emphasizes TenneSEIA's position as a cooperative partner working with utilities, distinguishing it from more aggressive advocacy organizations.
8. Upcoming Event: TenneSEIA's annual conference on November 20-21 in Huntsville, Alabama, focusing on the TVA market, with about 500 attendees expected.

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Gil Hough
TenneSEIA

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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 sits down with Brendan Miller, Deputy Director of the Land and Liberty Coalition, to discuss building support for renewable energy projects in rural communities across America.

Brendan shares his unique journey from farmer and local school board member to renewable energy advocate, offering valuable insights into the complex dynamics of rural politics and property rights. Learn about the innovative approaches the Land and Liberty Coalition uses to combat misinformation, engage with local officials, and build grassroots support for clean energy initiatives.

Discover why some common arguments against renewable projects often miss the mark in rural areas and hear about the surprising benefits these developments can bring to struggling farming communities. From protecting topsoil to providing economic lifelines, this conversation challenges many preconceptions about the impact of solar and wind projects on agricultural land.

Whether you're a renewable energy professional, a concerned citizen, or simply curious about the future of rural America in the clean energy transition, this episode offers a fresh perspective on one of the most pressing issues facing the industry today. 

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to bridge the gap between big energy developers and small-town communities, and learn about the critical role of effective messaging in securing local support for renewable projects.

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Brenden Miller
Land and Liberty Coalition

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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