Clean Power Hour

Brian Grenko of VDE joins us this week to discuss the Renewable Energy Test Center (RETC) report that raised the issue of ultraviolet-induced degradation of the trending technology in its PV Module Index 2022. 

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.

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.

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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

Welcome to the Clean Power Hour! When land is scarce and you need to maximize the density of solar panels per acre of ground, there are some unique innovations happening in the racking space. One such product is the PEG high-density solar racking system developed by Jurchen Technology. In episode 141 of the Clean Power Hour podcast, host Tim Montague interviews Matthew Lusk, VP of Business Development at PEG Solar Racking, and discusses their solar panel mounting system, the PEG. Lusk describes the features and benefits of the PEG, including its unique low to the ground, east-west, high-ground cover ration (GCR), accessibility, maintenance, and vegetation management capabilities, as well as its potential for use in brownfield sites and hydrogen production.

Lusk also shares that PEG Solar Racking is working on automating the pile installation process and that they have a working prototype in development. Additionally, Jurchen Technology, a German company with offices in California and India, is advancing the technology to bring it to global markets. 

Montague and Lusk also discuss the future of solar energy and how the decreasing cost of solar panels will impact the use of solar trackers versus fixed-tilt systems, with Lusk predicting that the PEG will eventually replace trackers. 

Overall, this episode highlights the innovative solutions and collaborations in the solar industry that are advancing sustainable energy and driving progress toward a clean energy future.

Key Takeaways

1. Mathew Lusk’s background in solar
2. What Jurchen Technology does
3. Jurchen Technology’s PEG system
4. How PEG works and how it could disrupt trackers

Jurchen Technology

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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.

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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

Welcome to the Clean Power Hour! Today on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague is joined by a very special guest - Nico Johnson, the host of the SunCast Podcast and a leading expert in the solar industry. 

Nico Johnson is a 17-year solar veteran, Chief Content Officer of SunCast Media, and host of the popular SunCast Podcast. SunCast Media began as the first-ever podcast focused on the solar industry in emerging markets back in 2015 and has now emerged as a go-to resource for entrepreneurs and solar professionals from many walks of life in the renewable energy space. 

In this episode, Nico joins Tim Montague to discuss his fascinating background and experience in the solar industry. He was an early adopter and owner of a solar startup in 2006. Then got utility-scale solar project development, product sales & finance. Nico is a unique voice in the industry and has produced over 590 episodes of the Suncast Podcast. "SunCast is dedicated to providing the knowledge, research, tools, and expert guidance you need to understand, grow and be ahead of the curve in the fastest-growing solar markets in the world." 

He shares his journey from being a musician and music producer to joining the solar industry during grad school. He shares valuable insights into the American solar landscape, discussing the current state of the industry and the trends that are shaping its future like the Inflation Reduction Act and its oversized impact on the solar industry. He breaks down the key provisions of the act and provides his expert opinion on how it will affect solar businesses and consumers alike.

But that's not all - Nico also shares his insights into the world of podcasting, including his journey as a solar podcaster and the challenges he has faced along the way. He provides tips and advice on how to succeed as a solar podcaster, including how to build a loyal audience and create engaging content.

Key Takeaways

1. Nico’s background in the Solar Industry and how he joined the renewable energy space
2. Nico’s thoughts on the Inflation Reduction Act and its potential impact on the solar industry.
3. Nico’s insights into the world of podcasting, 
4. Nico’s Journey as a solar podcaster 
5. The challenges he has faced along the way.

SunCast Podcast
SunCast Media
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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

Thurs April 27, 2023, at 12 noon ET we are joined by Dan Leary, CEO & Founder of Denowatts, and their solar performance testing and analytics company platform that uses Digital Twin Benchmarking Technology. 

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.

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

Welcome to the Clean Power Hour! Today on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague is joined by Josh Richardson, Head of O&M at Continental Energy Solutions(CES), the largest solar installer in northern Illinois and an IBEW solar contractor and full-service EPC. 

Josh Richardson has been the head of Solar O&M at Continental Energy Solutions since 2020. He ensures the optimal performance of solar assets to meet their financial expectations across their lifespan. 

In this episode, Josh joins Tim and shares his expertise and insights on solar operations and maintenance. He provides valuable information on how to optimize the performance and lifespan of solar panels, as well as the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in the solar industry, from engineers to project managers and beyond.

Key Takeaways

1. Community Solar and Large C&I in Illinois
2. Josh’s expertise and insights on solar operations and maintenance.
3. The performance of solar systems based on designs
4. Performance of trackers and other technologies
5. Agrivoltaics

Continental Energy Solutions
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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

Thurs April 20, 2023, at 12 noon ET we are joined by Zack Hobbs, CEO & Founder of Carolina Solar Services to talk about large-scale solar O&M (operations & maintenance). 

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.

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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

Welcome to the Clean Power Hour! Today on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague is joined by John DeMaio, CEO of Graphex Technologies. Graphex Technologies manufactures 10,000 metric tonnes per year of purified spherical graphite used for Li-Ion battery anodes in electric vehicles. They also develop graphene applications and provide technology for producing coated spherical graphite.

John DeMaio has over 35 years of experience in executive leadership and operational management in the energy and infrastructure sectors. He is responsible for the expansion of the graphite business into the U.S. and Europe. 

His previous positions include President, CEO, and Board Member of JouleSmart Solutions, General Manager of Siemens Smart Infrastructure, Vice President of MWH Global, COO of Thompson Solar Technologies, and Division General Manager of SPG Solar. He holds a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Cornell University.

In this episode, John joins Tim to talk about Graphex technologies, how graphene works, its uses, and much more. 

If you're interested in the latest developments in energy storage technology, then this episode of Clean Power Hour is not to be missed. Tune in now to learn more about Graphene for Battery Energy Storage with John DeMaio!

Key Takeaways

1. John’s background in the energy transition space and how he arrived at Graphex technologies
2. What Graphex technologies does, its clients and what the future looks like
3. Graphene and how it is used in battery energy storage
4. The sources of Graphene
5. Graphex technologies plans to build a factory in the US and its benefit to the US market.

Connect with John DeMaio
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Graphex Technologies
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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

Bringing you the latest in solar, wind, and energy storage news and views. Co-hosts Tim Montague and John Weaver (Commercial Solar Guy and PV Magazine journalist) break down the tools, technologies, and trends that are speeding the energy transition. We are on a mission to decarbonize the economy and create a safer healthier future for humanity. Give us a rating and review on Apple or Spotify and subscribe to our Youtube channel. Reach out to us: [email protected] | www.CleanPowerHour.com Join us LIVE each Thursday at 12 noon EST / 9 AM Pacific

This week I am joined by Chris Lettman. Chris started his career in solar energy in 2009 selling turnkey systems to residential and mid-size commercial properties.  Since that time, he has been involved in the development, acquisition, and construction of numerous large commercial-scale and utility-scale solar projects throughout the United States.  

Chris has extensive experience and knowledge in the areas of project development, project finance, and equipment sales.  Chris is currently representing Hyperion Solar for module sales across the US and is the founder and president of CL Green Energy Consulting, which advises investors/owners on project acquisition in the utility-scale markets. Chris is also a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and served in Southwest Asia during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He holds an MBA in Business from the University of Redlands California and currently lives in Southern California.

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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

Welcome to the Clean Power Hour, where we dive into the world of operations and maintenance (O&M) for commercial solar.

Today on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague is joined by Josh Richardson, Head of the O&M at Continental Energy Solutions and Colin Murphy, CEO of Simmons Knife & Saw in the Chicago suburbs. Simmons Knife installed a 437 kW rooftop solar project in 2019 that produces 70% of the facility’s power on their Glendale Heights factory headquarters. Simmons produces saw blades for the food and furniture industries. The project was designed and installed by Continental Energy Solutions (CES), the largest solar installer in Northern Illinois; an IBEW solar contractor and full-service EPC. The project was part of the first wave of FEJA (Future Energy Jobs Act) projects that are helping the state of Illinois achieve their 40% RPS by 2040. As the owner, Simmons Knife, engaged CES to perform regular O&M on the project. We got Colin and Josh together to discuss how the project has performed for the past three years. 

On this Episode, Josh and Colin join Tim Montague to explore the essential components of an effective solar O&M strategy, from performance monitoring and regular inspections to preventative maintenance and repair. As Colin Murphy points out, when you own a solar array you want someone with real expertise to give it some regular TLC and make sure it’s running smoothly. Unless solar is your core business, you just want that peace of mind that the array is going to keep producing clean electrons day in and day out without any major disruptions. 

Fortunately, CES uses high quality solar equipment like Trina Solar solar modules, CPS America inverters, and DCE racking. The project has experienced very few hiccups and no major equipment problems. An electrical breaker replacement is about the only thing that has been replaced so far on the five degree tilt system that is a sight to behold from the air. 

Our guests will share their experiences and insights on what it takes to keep a commercial/industrial solar project running smoothly and the benefits it can bring to your business. Whether you're a property owner, a solar professional, or just curious about the possibilities for clean energy, this episode is a must-watch. So, join us on the Clean Power Hour and discover the secrets to maximizing the potential of your solar project!

Key Takeaways

1. What does it take to keep your commercial industrial solar project running smoothly?
2. What Simmons Knife experience is with his solar project
3. Simmons’ expectations vs. current experience with the project
4. The ins and outs of O&M 
5. What maintenance of solar projects entails?
6. What to expect with commercial industrial solar projects?

Continental Energy Solutions

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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