Clean Power Hour

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. Contact us at [email protected] or visit www.CleanPowerHour.com to learn more.

This week John Weaver and I discuss,
1. California utility pays $175,000 settlement for false ‘renewable’ advertising
2. Battery cells back under $100/kWh
3. Floating wind farms have had a capacity factor of 54% over the last five years, higher than France’s nuclear fleet last year
4. 3 to 3.5 GW powerline for $8-10 billion breaks ground in New Mexico, to bring the nation’s largest wind farm electricity to California
5. Q Cells signs an agreement for roughly $3 billion spread over ten years for ~16,000 metric tons of polysilicon/year - roughly 4 cents/Wdc if 2.2 grams per watt of solar. Adding on top of that the $3/kg tax credit and the value per watt of poly is 7 cents.

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

Please take our listener survey.

Today on the Clean Power Hour, the silent revolution in central to string inverters for utility-scale solar. In this episode of The Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague interviews Anton Patton, Director of Product Management at CPS America, about the grand transition from central to string inverters in utility-scale solar. Visit CPS America at Booth 2521 sands level 2 at RE+ 2023 to learn more about CPS America.

Anton Patton has over 10 years of experience in the solar industry. He started in engineering roles designing commercial and industrial solar systems before joining CPS America 5 years ago. As Director of Product Management and Applications Engineering at CPS America, Anton helps drive innovation and bring new products to market that advance solar PV technology.

CPS America is the leading three-phase string inverter manufacturer in North America having shipped over 6GW of inverters. Their flagship 250kW string inverter is designed for utility-scale solar plants from 2MW to 2GW.

In this episode, Anton provides an inside look at the major transition happening from central inverters to string inverters in utility-scale solar. He explains key differences in architecture and highlights the benefits of string inverters like improved uptime, data granularity, and design flexibility. Anton also discusses new energy storage products CPS is launching for utility and C&I markets.

He provides insights into CPS's collaborative work culture.  Anton invites listeners to visit CPS at SPI to see new products launching like their 350kW string inverter and 800V balance of system equipment aiding the shift to string inverters.

Key Takeaways

1. What are the main factors driving the adoption of string inverters over central inverters for utility-scale solar plants? 
2. How do the system architecture and equipment differ between central inverter and string inverter systems?
3. What new string inverter and balance of system products is CPS America launching?
4. What energy storage solutions is CPS bringing to market for utility and C&I customers?

Connect with Anton Patton
Follow CPS America on LinkedIn
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

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. Contact us at [email protected] or visit www.CleanPowerHour.com to learn more.

This week John Weaver, Chris Lettman, and I discuss,
1.  A wind turbine blade struck by lightning
2. Tesla receives approval for 2 virtual power plants in Texas
3. Erthos Flat Solar technology and its impact on the energy transition

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

Please take our listener survey.

Can solar panels laid flat on the ground unlock the next breakthrough in utility-scale solar? Today on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague interviews Jim Tyler, CEO of Erthos, an innovator in ground-mount solar technology.

Erthos offers the least-expensive and highest-performing system architecture for utility-scale solar power on the planet. They have perfected the science of installing solar modules directly on the ground. By maximizing the land coverage ratio and minimizing BOS components, Erthos claims leveled costs 20% lower than conventional trackers.

We dive into the pros and cons of this novel approach. How do flat panels perform in rain, heat, and wind? Can grass grow underneath? Are micro-cracking and degradation concerns?

Jim explains how his extensive background in project development informed the Erthos concept. By simplifying design and standardizing components, costs can be stripped to the bone. We learn about initial skepticism and how new technologies cross the chasm into mainstream use.

With 9 module partners on board and 200+ MW contracted, Erthos appears poised for rapid growth. However, they still face the universal challenge of interconnection delays. We discuss the future of low-cost renewable hydrogen and how distributed hubs can circumvent transmission bottlenecks.

If you are involved in utility-scale solar procurement, development, engineering, or asset management, you don’t want to miss this episode from veteran Jim Tyler and Erthos!

Key Takeaways

1. How does Erthos's ground-mount solar technology work without any racking or tilt?
2. What are the pros and cons of laying solar panels flat on the ground?
3. How do flat panels perform in rain, heat, wind, and other environmental factors?
4. What are the installation labor and O&M advantages of eliminating pile driving and trenching?
5. How has Erthos standardized system design to drive down costs even further?

Erthos
Connect with Jim Tyler on LinkedIn
Follow Erthos on LinkedIn

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

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. Contact us at [email protected] or visit www.CleanPowerHour.com to learn more.

This week John Weaver and I discuss,
1. NextEra 250 GW pipeline, with almost 150 GW of secured interconnection positions, and over 20 GW of capacity in their construction backlog.
2. Multi-day energy storage increases grid capacity by a factor of ten
3. The new research that shows renewables are more profitable than nuclear power
4. CATL EV battery enabling a 400 km driving range on a 10-minute charge
5. The target of a space debris removal mission appears to have been struck by space debris:

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

Please take our listener survey.

Energy Storage leaders join us for Creating Cost-Competitive Energy Storage Systems - Aug 24, 10 AM Central. ( Link )

Today on the Clean Power Hour, how Illinois' Public Utility Commission is speeding the energy transition. In this episode, Tim Montague sits down with Carrie Zalewski, former chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).

Carrie Zalewski served as a utility regulator and an energy attorney with an engineering background with over 15 years of experience in environmental and energy regulation. She has an extensive background in public utility regulation, environmental policy, and compliance, wholesale power issues, and corporate governance.

In this episode, Tim and Carrie delve into the essential functions of the ICC, examining its vital role in overseeing utilities and ensuring a seamless shift to cleaner power sources.

Carrie Zalewski sheds light on how the ICC is breaking down barriers and streamlining interconnection processes for solar projects. Tim and Carrie also delve into the dynamic world of electric vehicle infrastructure expansion in Illinois.

Join us for an engaging discussion that unveils the driving force behind Illinois' sustainable energy transformation.

Key Takeaways

1. The role of the ICC in regulating utilities and overseeing the energy transition in Illinois
2. Tools the ICC has to incentivize utilities to support distributed energy resources like rooftop solar and battery storage
3. How ICC is improving interconnection processes and removing barriers to solar projects
4. The efforts to expand electric vehicle infrastructure in Illinois
5. How ICC is advocating for clean energy and consumers in regional transmission markets

Connect with Carrie Zalewski
Follow Illinois Commerce Commission on LinkedIn
Illinois Commerce Commission

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

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. Contact us at [email protected] or visit www.CleanPowerHour.com to learn more.

This week John Weaver and I discuss :
1. Energy Vault completes 25 MW project in China 
2. Limitless ocean-based solar power near the equator due to flat oceans - for instance - Indonesia could generate ~35,000 TWh/yr via floating solar = current global electricity generation 

Energy Storage leaders join us for Creating Cost-Competitive Energy Storage Systems - Aug 24, 10 AM Central.
https://events.reutersevents.com/renenwables/cost-competitivesystems?utm_source=clean%20power%20hour%20social%20post%20wb2

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

Please take our listener survey.

Today on the Clean Power Hour, inspiring the next generation of women in energy careers with Erin Twamley educator and author of “Everyday Superheroes: Women in Energy Careers”.

Erin Twamley is an award-winning children’s book author and educator (M.Ed.). Through her educational consulting group, STEM Superheroes, Erin leads hands-on encounters for kids and writes publications focused on the topics of science, technology, engineering, or math referred to as STEM. She aims to share the careers, stories, and superpowers of women in STEM to spark interest and build girls’ confidence in STEM.

The book, Everyday Superheroes: Women in Energy Careers, highlights 34 real women working in diverse energy careers from solar installers to wind technicians to power plant operators. It covers fossil fuels, nuclear, renewables, and more to showcase the variety of pathways and roles needed to power society.

Tim and Erin discuss the importance of engaging youth, especially girls, in energy career paths starting from a young age. They talk about the need to move beyond traditional STEM framing and showcase the variety of skills needed, from tradespeople to designers to problem-solvers. Erin explains how the book features women just entering the industry in new roles, those learning via apprenticeships, and more.

This is a great discussion on exciting the next generation of women in energy.

Key Takeaways

1. The lack of energy awareness most kids have beyond flipping a switch
2. Preparing youth for jobs needed to power the future
3. Why do real role models matter more than historical figures in the Clean Energy Transition
4. The leaders and laggards in U.S. technical education
5. The Need for Diversity in renewable energy

Connect with Erin Twamley
Stem Superheroes

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

Special guest Sean White, master PV trainer and host of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage Podcast is joining us LIVE from Boulder Colorado at the ASES Conference (American Solar Energy Society).

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. Contact us at [email protected]m or visit www.CleanPowerHour.com to learn more.

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

Please take our listener survey.

Today on the Clean Power Hour making clean energy accessible and affordable for low-to-moderate income families and communities with Andy Posner CEO and Founder, Capital Good Fund.

Capital Good Fund is a non-profit financial institution on a mission to provide affordable financing for renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades to low and moderate-income households. Andy Posner founded Capital Good Fund in February of 2009 while getting his Master of Arts in Environmental Studies at Brown University, where he was studying financing mechanisms for clean energy.

In this episode of The Clean Power Hour, we discuss the challenges many families face in accessing clean energy solutions, including the difficulty in utilizing federal tax credits and the high upfront costs. Posner explains Capital Good Fund's innovative financing models, including 0% interest loans and new leasing programs enabled by the Inflation Reduction Act.

The conversation covers how state policies like net metering along with federal incentives can transform the economics of rooftop solar. Posner also shares his perspective on the installer shortage, permitting delays, and consumer skepticism as barriers to adoption.

Andy shares how his organization, Capital Good Fund, provides financial tools like loans and leases to help underserved populations adopt technologies like solar panels and heat pumps. He explains the various federal and state incentives available, challenges with current policies, and innovative ways nonprofits can utilize tax credits.

Key Takeaways

1. Capital Good Fund's nonprofit model and portfolio of loans to underserved communities
2. Layering federal, state, and local incentives to improve solar economics
3. Challenges securing capital in rising interest rate environment
4. Barriers to clean energy adoption for Low-Income American families 
5. Financing products like long-term, low-interest loans
6. State policy impacts on solar economics

Capital Good Fund
Follow Capital Good Fund on LinkedIn
Connect with Andy Posner on LinkedIn

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