Clean Power Hour

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Today on the Clean Power Hour: Best Practices for Improving Solar Asset Performance. In this episode, Tim Montague is joined by Matt Murphy, COO of Greenbacker Capital, Brian Grenko, VP at VDE Americas, and Dan Leary, Founder & CEO of Denowatts.

Brian Grenko focuses on identifying and mitigating technical risks for solar PV and energy storage projects. Matt Murphy excels in optimizing operations, building strong relationships, and driving efficiency. Dan Leary is the CEO and Founder of Denowatts. Denowatts developed the innovative Deno Digital Twin Benchmarking (DTB) technology.

In this episode, our esteemed panel of guests will share their insights on setting realistic performance expectations for solar assets. We'll uncover the key factors that put solar project performance at risk and how to optimize performance while considering real-world conditions.

Furthermore, the panel explores the common challenges faced by solar asset owners and operators in identifying the root causes of underperformance. Our experts will provide valuable tips on troubleshooting and addressing issues promptly.

One of the highlights of this episode is data analytics and its pivotal role in improving solar asset performance. Our guests will explain how data-driven strategies can provide critical intelligence on system health, predictive maintenance, and performance optimization.

KeyTakeaways

1. The difference between fair market value models and operational models for solar assets
2. The need for conservative solar resource assessments that account for climate change
3. Leveraging data analytics and benchmarking to quickly identify and resolve performance issues
4. The extent and causes of solar underperformance in the market
5. Operational best practices like regular maintenance and equipment upgrades

VDE Americas
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Greenbacker Capital
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Denowatts
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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

It's hot, it's smoky, but the clean energy transition must go on! 

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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. Tesla Range Investigation
2. Largest and most powerful wind turbine is now operational 
3. 2 GW Meyer Burger solar cell factory in Colorado, hints of more coming
4. Solar defends the title as the most popular electricity source in the USA, though there’s nuance. Nuclear power is increasing in popularity.

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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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Today on the Clean Power Hour, the renewables industry started with solar thermal (hot water), then small wind, and now PV dominates the scene. Northwind Solar is a worker-owned cooperative in Central Wisconsin that has witnessed these transitions so it’s a treat to have such a storied company on the show.  Our guests are Josh Stolzenburg, founder and CEO, of Northwind Solar, and Jordan Kaiser, design consultant and member-owner.

Josh Stolzenburg shares the origin story of Northwind and how it transitioned to a worker-owned cooperative structure in 2016. He explains how the cooperative model creates incentives for employees to provide quality work and allows the company to distribute profits more equitably.

Jordan joined Northwind in 2013, became a worker-owner a few years later, and now leads the commercial sales division. He discusses his experience joining Northwind and becoming a member-owner. He explains how the cooperative model empowers employees, improves accountability to customers, and makes Northwind more resilient as a business.

Josh and Jordan also share insights into how the cooperative distributes profits, brings in outside investments, and provides tax advantages. They also touch on the value of joining a solar cooperative like Amicus to access bulk-purchasing discounts and share knowledge.

Key Takeaways

1. How and Why in 2015, Josh transitioned Northwind into a worker-owned cooperative
2. The Advantages of being a worker-owned cooperative
3. How does being a worker-owned cooperative help Northwind recruit and retain dedicated employees?
4. In what ways does Northwind's model set them apart in the solar market?
5. How does the cooperative model distribute profits and bring in investments differently than a traditional company?
6. What role do buying cooperatives like Amicus play in providing collective benefits to solar companies?

Connect with Josh Stolzenburg on LinkedIn
Connect with Jordan Kaiser on LinkedIn
Follow Northwind Solar
Northwind 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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The Clean Power Hour LIVE, your weekly source for solar, wind, and energy storage news and analysis. Join co-hosts Tim Montague, a seasoned renewable energy expert, and John Weaver, a PV Magazine journalist, as they dissect 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.

Today on the Clean Power Hour LIVE we have a special guest: Chris Lettman of CL Green Energy Consulting and we'll be doing a deep dive on #solar module pricing, supply chain, tariffs, and IRA implications.

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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: https://forms.gle/qoSVnCWCoLi142PBA

In order for us to reach our decarbonization goals, we need to speed the energy transition. The key to doing that is to streamline the pathway to clean energy incentives and benefits. Today on the Clean Power Hour we are joined by Jeff Coleman, CEO and Co-founder of Eli. Eli believes in unblocking innovation at the scale of the problem by partnering with software startups, contractors, nonprofits, government agencies, incentive program administrators, and lenders to streamline access to incentives and financing for both commercial and residential electrification.

Jeff Coleman has an interesting history. He started his journey with Earth Justice in the early 2000s where they won a big court case and got an International court to acknowledge Climate Change as a Human Rights Issue. Five years later he was on the Campaign trail with former president Barack Obama, where he was instrumental in developing the groundbreaking organizing strategy of Barack Obama’s historic presidential campaigns. 

Fast forward to 2016, he joined GRID Alternatives where he was a leader at the intersection of technology, organizing, and social impact. In 2022, Jeff founded One Billion Machines to start exploring how to help scale residential electrification in the U.S. With the knowledge he had acquired from previous startups he started Eli. 

In this episode, he joins Tim Montague to talk about his unique journey to the Clean Energy Industry, what Eli is doing, how Eli is revolutionizing how people access clean energy incentives and benefits, how installers and developers can benefit from using Eli, and much more.

Discover how Eli acts as a comprehensive resource, providing the latest information and tools to navigate the complex landscape of incentives and financing options available for renewable energy projects.

KeyTakeaways

1. Jeff Coleman’s journey to Clean Energy
2. What Eli is and what it does 
3. How Eli is revolutionizing how people access clean energy and electrification incentives and benefits
4. How installers and developers can benefit from using Eli

Eli
Connect with Jeff Coleman

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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:  https://forms.gle/qoSVnCWCoLi142PBA

The Clean Power Hour LIVE, your weekly source for solar, wind, and energy storage news and analysis. Join co-hosts Tim Montague, a seasoned renewable energy expert, and John Weaver, a PV Magazine journalist, as they dissect 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.

Thurs July 13, 2023 we welcome our special guest, Cesar Barbosa, Founder & President of NuLife Power Services - we'll be discussing trends in solar plant repowering and decommissioning. We also discuss how and why NULife Power Services was founded. We talk about decommissioning and repowering PV systems. We explain the difference between the two. We dive deeper into the economics of repowering PV systems.

Ceaser and NuLife also answer the most asked question by solar developers and installers we talk about what happens to the decommissioned PV Systems.

This week John Weaver and I also discuss the latest in the world of Clean Energy around the Globe.

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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:  https://forms.gle/qoSVnCWCoLi142PBA

Today on the Clean Power Hour we are joined by John Horton, CEO of CPower as we dive into the world of customer-powered grids and explore the potential of distributed energy resources. CPower is the national leader in distributed energy resource monetization. They are a virtual power plant and act as the bridge between the grid needs and the customer capabilities.

For the last 25 years, John Horton has been the executive manager of various companies in various industries. In 2012, he joined Comverge, a predecessor company of CPower, and then became the CEO of CPower in 2014.

But what exactly are distributed energy resources? Today John joins Tim Montague to discuss the inner workings of CPower, shedding light on their mission, their clientele, and the pivotal role they play in the clean energy landscape.

In this episode, we demystify the concept of distributed energy and learn how CPower expertly harnesses its power, seamlessly integrating it back into the grid when it's needed most. Discover the innovative techniques and technologies they employ to maximize the benefits of distributed energy resources.

But that's not all – we also delve into the significance of companies like CPower, which offer distributed energy resources to other clean energy businesses. Learn about the immense value they bring to the table, fostering collaboration and propelling the growth of the entire clean energy sector.

If you're passionate about clean power, sustainability, and the future of our planet, this episode is a must-watch. Listen in to uncover the secrets behind customer-powered grids, and how you can be part of this process too.

Tune in to this captivating conversation between Tim Montague and John Horton.

KeyTakeaways

1. John Horton’s Journey to the Clean Energy Industry
2. Exploring the Mission and Clientele of CPower
3. How distributed energy works
4. The Value of Companies like CPower in the Clean Energy Ecosystem
5. The Potential of a Customer-Powered Grid

CPower
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Follow CPower

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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 developments in the world of clean energy through the Clean Power Hour LIVE, your weekly source for solar, wind, and energy storage news and analysis. Join co-hosts Tim Montague, a seasoned renewable energy expert, and John Weaver, a PV Magazine journalist, as they dissect 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. Roof-integrated solar installed at the time of new construction takes 44% less time
2. Rooftop solar was overlooked. Now it’s closing a New England power plant
3. Talk about an Interesting Book: Climate Restoration by Peter Fiekowsk and Carole Douglis
4. Talking about the challenges of deploying solar in the southwest deserts
5. Cars that were normally being used for ride shares - were instead kept plugged in because they were worth more to discharge electricity overnight in the Netherlands

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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. CPS America has offices in California, New Jersey, and Texas. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com.

Support the show

Connect with Tim  

Clean Power Hour 
Clean Power Hour on YouTube
Tim on Twitter
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Email [email protected] 

Review Clean Power Hour on Apple Podcasts

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

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

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

Today on the Clean Power Hour we are joined by David Kraft, Founder and Director of the Nuclear Energy Information Service (NEIS), as we explore the promises and perils of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) and the nuclear industry.

Nuclear energy is a low-carbon energy source once the power plants are constructed and commissioned. But the siting, permitting, and overall costs of nuclear power are such that nuclear is not going to play a major role in the energy transition. Yet, if you follow the US DOE (Dept of Energy), there is a flood of news and information suggesting that small modular nuclear reactors - so-called ‘next-gen nuclear’ - are absolutely going to be part of the mix of the future grid.  What are SMNRs (also called SMRs)? How long does it take to site, permit and build them? And what is the cost of nuclear power compared to wind and solar? These are some of the questions we answer today on the Clean Power Hour.

Nuclear Energy Information Service (NEIS) is a non-profit organization that advocates for sustainable, ecologically sound, and socially just energy solutions. NEIS views nuclear power to have more side effects than benefits. Their founder and Director, David Kraft joins us today to share his thoughts and rationale of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMNRs).

David Kraft is an accomplished public speaker and writer on nuclear topics. He was responsible for creating the “Know Nukes!” series of videos on nuclear topics in cooperation with CAN-TV Chicago; and is a co-founder of the Radiation Monitoring Project, designed to provide training and field monitors to communities contaminated by radioactive substances.

David Kraft delves into the crucial discussions surrounding the safety concerns, waste management, and regulatory considerations associated with SMRs. We also explore the history of the nuclear industry in the US and in Illinois where 40% of grid power comes from nuclear power.

Key Takeaways

1. What is NEIS (Nuclear Energy Information Service) and what do they do? 
2. What are small modular nuclear reactors?
3. Why small modular reactors might fall short
4. Unveiling the perils and potential of nuclear energy

Nuclear Energy Information Service
Follow NEIS
Connect with David Kraft

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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 developments in the world of clean energy through the Clean Power Hour LIVE, your weekly source for solar, wind, and energy storage news and analysis. Join co-hosts Tim Montague, a seasoned renewable energy expert, and John Weaver, a PV Magazine journalist, as they dissect 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. Solar Power Bails Out Texas Grid during Major Heat Wave
2. Texas homeowner contracted with Tesla Energy and using a powerwall, sells electricity for greater than an hour above $4/kWh - peaking over $5/kWh
3. ISO New England, which oversees the six-state power market, concluded after months of research that the region’s power grid has been strengthened by cold-weather sunlight
4. Study from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has estimated the EV charging infrastructure needed nationwide to support this sweeping transition to electrified transportation
5. Deno Simulator, a self-powered digital weather station, and the corresponding Digital Twin software package that helps solar asset owners know what they’re ‘supposed’ to be generating. 
6. Researchers suggest a lithium-ion pouch battery 2-3X more energy dense than what’s in a Tesla today
7. The price of polysilicon has fallen to about $8/kg

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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