Clean Power Hour

Just a decade ago, solar installation costs were a whopping $15 per watt. Today, prices have plunged below $3 per watt, thanks to the cost adoption curve. Illinois is now a top 10 solar state. But the meteoric growth didn't happen by chance. Behind the scenes, the Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) has been working for years to clear obstacles, influence policymakers, and pave the way for the industry’s success.

On today's episode, Tim Montague interviews Lisa Albrecht, owner of All Bright Solar and a long-standing Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) board member. Lisa gives us an inside look at the association’s efforts to make the state a solar leader while empowering businesses small and large.

We discuss the evolution of the solar industry in Illinois, from the early days of $15/watt to today's market transformed by legislation like CEJA. Lisa shares her journey into solar starting from childhood science fair projects and how she first got involved with ISEA in 2007.

Hear Lisa's perspective on the importance of trade associations like ISEA for networking, education, and advocacy. She talks about the value of the ISEA policy committee and lobbying days for influencing solar policy in the state. Lisa also emphasizes that the voices of local businesses are critical for identifying issues and being heard by lawmakers.

Learn more about Albright Solar's approach to designing, pricing, and servicing solar systems as an independent solar consultant advocating for customers.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into the Illinois solar market and how you can get involved in moving the industry forward through organizations like ISEA.

Key Takeaways

1. What role has ISEA played in the growth of solar in Illinois over the past 15 years?
2. How does ISEA give members a voice to influence policymakers and remove obstacles?
3. What educational opportunities does ISEA provide?
4. What is ISEA's role in lobbying and advancing solar legislation in Illinois?
5. How does Lisa describe the camaraderie and spirit of collaboration within ISEA and the broader solar industry?

Lisa Albrecht
ISEA
All Bright Solar

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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

Stay up to date with the latest solar, wind, and energy storage news and analysis. Join co-hosts Tim Montague, solar & storage expert, and John Weaver, PV Magazine journalist, as they reflect on the latest tools, technologies, and trends driving the energy transition forward. With a strong commitment to decarbonizing the economy and building a safer, healthier future for humanity, this show is a must-watch for any energy professional looking to stay ahead of the game. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel, rate and review us on Apple or Spotify, and join us live every Thursday at 12 noon EST / 9 AM Pacific

This week John Weaver and I were joined by Sean White and we discussed,
1. Solar industry trends in 2024, including energy storage and labor shortages.
2. Solar energy deployment projections.
3. Renewable energy sources and their potential to power the grid.
4. Battery technology, solar power, and energy policy in California.
5. Energy storage technology and tax credits.

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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

Happy New Year Folks. The clean energy industry is booming, with projections to double by 2030. This rapid growth represents an immense opportunity for the over 200,000 service members transitioning from the military to civilian life every year. Helping veterans translate their skills and find purposeful work is crucial, and this week's Clean Power Hour dives into how.

On this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague speaks with Jana Toner, Senior Vice President at American Corporate Partners (ACP), a nonprofit that helps veterans transition to civilian careers.

They discuss the challenges veterans face when leaving military service and entering the job market, including translating their skills and building a professional network. ACP provides veterans with mentorships from business professionals to help guide their career goals.

Jana explains how ACP's model connects veterans with volunteer mentors from major companies across industries, including clean energy leaders like NextEra.

Tim shares insights from mentoring two veterans himself. He encourages veterans to embrace a networking mindset, constantly building connections and knowledge to uncover opportunities. Tim sees huge potential for veterans to leverage their leadership abilities in the rapidly expanding clean energy industry.

Jana and Tim explore how individuals and companies of all sizes can get involved with ACP's programs to support veterans. They agree that veterans bring tremendous value through their service, and civilians should help them transition successfully to impactful civilian careers.

Key Takeaways

1. How does ACP help veterans translate their military skills into civilian roles?
2. What mentorship model does ACP use to guide veterans' career goals?
3. How can individuals and companies get involved with ACP to support veterans?
4. How can civilians and companies best recognize veterans' service and promote their successful transitions?
5. What are some of the key skills veterans can leverage in the clean energy sector?

Jana Toner
American Corporate Partners
ACP 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

The Illinois solar market has exploded in recent years thanks to favorable state policies, turning the state into a national leader in renewable energy. Today on the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague talks with Brian Haug, President of Continental Energy Solutions. Brian is a past President of the board of ISEA, the Illinois Solar Energy Association, and an early adopter of solar in Illinois since 2008. We discuss the growth he has witnessed in Illinois Solar and why it is crucial for industry players to engage with the Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA).

We discuss how policies like the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) and the Climate and Equitable Jobs ACT (CEJA) have spurred solar development and made Illinois a top ten DG market.

Brian explains why it's important for companies in the Illinois solar industry to get involved with ISEA. The organization has been instrumental in crafting solar-friendly policies in the state. Membership provides great networking opportunities and a way to stay on top of changes in the market and policies that affect the industry. Tim Montague encourages both existing and prospective members to reach out to him directly to learn more and get more involved.

This insightful discussion sheds light on how vital it is for solar companies to engage with organizations like ISEA advancing the industry's interests. As Illinois' solar success story continues to unfold, there will certainly be challenges ahead that will require a unified voice.

Key Takeaways

1. Why is it important for solar companies to engage with state industry organizations like the Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA)?
2. How can existing ISEA members get more involved with the organization?
3. What collaborations are ISEA engaged in to advance solar—at the state policy level and beyond?
4. How might solar policies in Illinois influence other Midwest states' renewable energy trajectories?
5. What networking, advocacy, and educational benefits does ISEA membership provide?

Brian Haug
ISEA
Continental Energy Solutions

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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

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The global rooftop solar PV market was valued at 101 billion USD in 2022 and is expected to hit 435 billion by 2032 (a CAGR of 16% from 2023 to 2032). At the heart of this growth is a company called PanelClaw, the number one flat roof racking maker in the US. My guest today is Costa Nicolaou, CEO of PanelClaw and the man driving some serious innovation. Racking is about much more than just steel rails - as important as those steel components are, especially when they are made in America - there are engineering, permitting, and logistics platforms behind PanelClaw ClawFR that make it so beloved by installers, developers, and asset owners (IPPs). The ultimate form of flattery is mimicry and if you procure rooftop racking you know the mimics are out there!

PanelClaw wasn’t always the dominant player in rooftop racking (check out Round One) but through constant improvement and innovation, PanelClaw has clawed its way to the top of the heap in racking (Polar Bear, Grizzly Bear, Polar Bear II, Kodiak, Sun Bear, Polar Bear III…ClawFR) and more importantly made innovation their lifeblood. Innovation is what sets PanelClaw apart from the pack and we spend a good deal of time exploring ways that the company is solving customer pain points like engineering, permitting, and logistics.

PanelClaw makes hardware for mounting solar panels but they are hardcore about their software platforms which include clawOS and clawLogic. Their clawOS is an all-in-one design, engineering, and permitting platform so you can get these megawatts of large rooftop solar permitted and installed faster. And you can track your orders with clawLogic down to the pallet so there are fewer supply chain surprises.

Costa explains how PanelClaw focuses solely on rooftop C&I racking solutions to be the best in the industry. He talks about constantly innovating new products so that competitors are always trying to catch up. Whether you are an installer, developer, or financier of commercial solar, this episode provides key insights on how to grow a successful hardware powerhouse for the energy transition.

PanelClaw
Costa Nicolaou

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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

Please take our listener survey.

Stay up to date with the latest solar, wind, and energy storage news and analysis. Join co-hosts Tim Montague, solar & storage expert, and John Weaver, PV Magazine journalist, as they reflect on the latest tools, technologies, and trends driving the energy transition forward. With a strong commitment to decarbonizing the economy and building a safer, healthier future for humanity, this show is a must-watch for any energy professional looking to stay ahead of the game. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel, rate and review us on Apple or Spotify, and join us live every Thursday at 12 noon EST / 9 AM Pacific

This week John Weaver and I were joined by Sean White and we discussed,
1. The US offshore wind industry faces a moment of reckoning
2. We discuss the newly launched Cybertruck
3. Solar electricity as a part of all electricity up 16% in 2023 so far, next year a big pop expected with 33 GW being deployed this year
4. Wind and solar to pass coal in 2024

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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

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The Illinois solar industry is booming thanks to forward-thinking policies like the Future Energy Jobs Act and the recent Climate & Equitable Jobs Act. Solar companies looking to tap into this growth market must engage locally to capitalize on opportunities fully. That's why joining the Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) can pay dividends through supporting pro-solar advocacy, making Springfield connections, navigating policy complexities, and accessing the stakeholder network.

Today on the Clean Power Hour, ISEA Board President Kevin Borgia makes the case for solar companies of all sizes to get involved with the only organization providing that unique blend of Illinois intelligence, relationship building, and collective clout.

Kevin Borgia, VP of External Affairs and Policy at SunVest Solar, joins host Tim Montague to discuss the Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA). They talk about the exponential growth of the solar industry in Illinois over the past 5 years thanks to legislation like the Future Energy Jobs Act and the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act.

Kevin outlines key benefits of joining ISEA for solar companies looking to grow in Illinois, including supporting pro-solar policies through advocacy and lobbying days in Springfield, gaining crucial intelligence about navigating the complex Illinois energy market, networking with other local players at ISEA's monthly solar social events, and more.

If you are a solar company interested in engaging with the policy process and networking in the thriving Illinois market, be sure to contact Tim and consider becoming a member.

Key Takeaways

1. What unique benefits does joining the Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) offer solar companies looking to tap into Illinois' growth market?
2. Why is it important for solar companies to engage in collective advocacy and policy-making through groups like ISEA?
3. What are some of ISEA's member offerings like networking events and Springfield lobby days?
4. How has the mix of policies like FEJA and CEJA succeeded in unlocking transformative solar growth over the past decade in Illinois?

ISEA
Kevin Borgia
SunVest Solar

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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

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Installing solar PV on commercial buildings can significantly reduce electricity costs but it requires careful coordination with roof repairs and replacements. Today on the Clean Power Hour, experts from the solar and roofing industries advise facility owners and contractors on best practices for integrated solar roof projects. The speakers include Daniel Sammon from Douglass Colony, a major roofing and solar contractor in Denver Colorado, and Peter Bonavita from Sika Sarnafil, a leading roofing products manufacturer.

Daniel provides an overview of commercial rooftop solar - what it is, why it's becoming more popular, factors to consider like roof condition and ability to handle added weight, mounting system options, incentives, project timelines, and costs. He stresses the importance of coordinating roof replacements or repairs with solar installations to maximize solar panel lifespan. Daniel also covers special solar incentives for nonprofits and rural businesses.

Peter introduces Sika Sarnafil's innovative SSM solar racking system that integrates directly with their PVC roofing membrane. He explains unique benefits like not requiring roof penetrations, weighing only 3.5 lbs per square foot, and being included in the roof warranty. The system is FM Global-approved and easy to install. Peter also discusses retrofitting solar onto older roofs and the challenges of solarizing roofs over 10 years old.

This episode provides excellent advice for facility owners and contractors interested in rooftop solar. It covers technical considerations, financial incentives, project planning, and more. With strong federal tax credits and rising energy prices, now is an ideal time to go solar.

Key Takeaways

1. What roof conditions allow for solar installation? 
2. What solar mounting options work best?
3. How can you maximize financial incentives for solar?
4. What does the solar project development process look like?
5. What innovative mounting solutions are available?

Daniel Sammon
Douglass Colony
Peter Bonavita
Sika Sarnafil

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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

Please take our listener survey.

The clean energy transition requires an unprecedented deployment of wind, solar, storage, and emerging technologies across the globe. However, friction and complexity in financing these projects remain key obstacles to reaching scale. Our guest today sees a major opportunity for software innovation to unlock abundant capital and accelerate the energy transition. Today on the Clean Power Hour Tim Montague interviews Amanda Li, Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Banyan Infrastructure, an innovative software platform aiming to accelerate and simplify project finance for the clean energy transition.

Amanda has an impressive background, serving as the 3rd employee and first non-founder at Generate Capital, a leading sustainable infrastructure investment firm started by solar industry legend Jigar Shah. At Generate, Amanda saw firsthand the difficulties and inefficiencies in financing renewable energy projects. She co-founded Banyan in 2018 to streamline and standardize the project finance process, making clean energy investing accessible for more participants.

In this episode, Amanda explains how Banyan's software Platform reduces costs, quickens processes, and enables liquidity across the project lifecycle - from origination to risk management. Banyan aims to automate manual workflows plagued by spreadsheets while also providing portfolio analytics and compliance tools.

Amanda sees abundant opportunities to accelerate solar, wind, storage, and emerging technologies under the landmark Inflation Reduction Act. However, she notes the IRA's benefits also introduce complexities around tax credit eligibility and reporting. Banyan seeks to simplify IRA compliance to maximize the law’s impact.

Key Takeaways

1. How specifically does Banyan Infrastructure's platform streamline workflows and reduce costs for asset owners, developers, and investors in renewable projects?
2. What is Banyan's long-term vision for transforming clean energy project finance? What does success look like in 5-10 years?
3. What innovative data products could come from aggregating project performance data on Banyan's platform?
4. Why should renewable energy developers and funds think "digital first" and adopt modern software early instead of relying on spreadsheets?

Amanda Li
Banyan Infrastructure
Banyan 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

Please take our listener survey.

The promise of "clean" natural gas has led many U.S. utilities to bet big on gas infrastructure, but how clean is gas? In this episode, we dive into the risks utilities are taking with massive investments in natural gas, which may be far worse for the climate than coal once methane leakage is accounted for. Expert Nancy LaPlaca joins us to expose the flaws in utility decision-making and regulators' failure to hold them accountable.

Nancy LaPlaca is an expert on regulatory policy and a leading consultant to clean energy organizations. She has over 15 years of experience advocating for renewable energy and challenging the fossil fuel industry. Nancy has worked extensively with utility regulators in Arizona and Illinois to advance solar power and energy efficiency policies.

On this episode of The Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague talks with Nancy about the risks utilities take by investing heavily in natural gas infrastructure. They discuss how natural gas is not the clean fuel it's made out to be, with high methane leakage rates making it potentially worse for the climate than coal.

Nancy provides an insider's perspective on working with utility regulators, and how they are failing to hold utilities accountable as they lock in long-term natural gas dependence.

Other topics covered include the limits of state Renewable Portfolio Standards without clear implementation paths, how monopoly utilities use complexity and influence to maintain control, how net metering policies make or break distributed solar, and the critical importance of public engagement and advocacy at Public Utility Commissions to drive the renewable transition.

Key Takeaways

1. How much worse is natural gas for the climate compared to coal when you account for methane leakage?
2. What are some of the limits of Renewable Portfolio Standards if states lack clear implementation pathways?
3. How do net metering policies in states help or hurt the growth of distributed solar?
4. How can the public play a greater role in getting utilities to embrace renewable energy?
5. What can clean energy advocates do to engage Public Utility Commissions and drive the clean energy transition?

Nancy LaPlaca

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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