Clean Power Hour

#315 The American grid faces a triple threat: climate disasters, explosive AI data center growth, and mass electrification. Paul Gerke, Content Director for Renewables at Clarion Events and host of Factor This podcast, breaks down how batteries, microgrids, and smart grid technology provide the path forward for grid resilience and reliability.

Paul leads content strategy for Factor This, the rebranded home of three legacy energy publications: Renewable Energy World, Power Grid International, and Hydro Review. He covers utility innovation, grid modernization, and clean energy deployment through both written journalism and weekly podcasting.

Key Discussion Points:

• The three forces stressing the grid: climate shocks, electrification of everything, and AI data centers driving 30-fold load growth
• Why the regulated utility monopoly model must transform to meet modern challenges
• How microgrids and battery storage deliver critical resilience during extreme weather events
• Texas ERCOT success story: 50% clean-powered, handling record heat without blackouts
• Air conditioning will drive more load growth than data centers over the next 30 years
• Blue Oval Initiative: Ford is building 120 GWh of domestic battery manufacturing capacity
• State-level leadership: California, New York, Illinois, and Massachusetts are driving grid innovation
• Clean energy economics: 90% of new generation is renewables, winning on cost without subsidies
• Political power gap: Clean energy invests 1/20th of what fossil fuels spend on political influence

The grid transformation is already underway. Utilities that break down silos and adopt batteries, microgrids, and smart technology will lead. Those that resist will fall behind as extreme weather, soaring demand, and economic reality force change.

You can find Paul Gerke here. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulrgerke/

Factor This B2: https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/podcasts/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB8XYCq2Wah9nfI7olK6If7DPUZADfYnZ

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

#EP314

Today on the Clean Power Hour, Michael Stadler, CTO of Xendee, reveals why the utility grid cannot support the AI data center boom and how microgrids provide the only viable path forward. 

Michael began researching microgrid optimization at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) in 2002, spending over 20 years developing the technology before co-founding Xendee in 2018 with CEO Adib Naslé (see Ep 209). Xendee provides design and optimization software for complex microgrids, helping developers determine the right mix of technologies, optimal sizing, economic returns, and control strategies. 

In this episode, Michael breaks down the economics, technologies, and design strategies powering the next generation of energy infrastructure. 

What You'll Learn:

• Why data centers can't rely on grid power - Interconnection queues might take 5-10 years, making microgrids the only realistic option for gigawatt-scale facilities
• The optimal technology mix for data centers - Combined heat and power systems, batteries, and solar working together to provide 24/7 reliable power
• How Xendee's platform works - Input your power needs and geography, get optimal sizing for generators, batteries, and renewables plus control strategies
• CHP systems as the secret weapon - Natural gas generators provide electricity while waste heat powers absorption chillers for cooling, cutting demand dramatically
• Energy as a Service models - Third parties install and operate microgrids, selling power to data centers under long-term contracts
• Microgrids as fluid systems - Start with available technology now, upgrade over time as new solutions like small modular reactors become viable
• Market dynamics shifting fast - Projects moving from simple PV+battery to complex multi-technology systems requiring sophisticated design
• US leading Europe in microgrids - Behind-the-meter systems reduce grid burden, unlike European virtual power plants that strain infrastructure

You can find Michael Stadler here:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stadlermichael/

Website: xendee.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

#Ep313

Grid modernization is accelerating across America. In Q2 2025 alone, 48 states plus DC and Puerto Rico took 468 actions to modernize their grids through energy storage, microgrids, and virtual power plants. This shift is reshaping how utilities deliver reliable, resilient power.

Today on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague speaks with Vincent Potter, Policy Project Manager at NC State Clean Energy Technology Center, about the latest 50 States of Grid Modernization report. Potter tracks policy developments across all 50 states every quarter, providing unmatched insight into how states are transforming their grids from centralized, one-way systems into decentralized, interactive networks that integrate distributed energy resources.

Key Highlights:

• 41 states took action on energy storage in Q2 2025, making battery deployment a nationwide priority
• Self-healing grid technology is now deployed in major population centers, allowing utilities to reroute power around failed transformers
• Virtual power plants are emerging as non-wires alternatives that reduce utility capital investments
• Performance-based regulation is shifting utilities from guaranteed returns to outcome-driven compensation
• Microgrids are moving from niche pilots to mainstream resilience tools in Hawaii, Oregon, Texas, and West Virginia
• Time-of-use rates and advanced metering infrastructure are enabling smarter energy consumption patterns
• Equity and environmental justice are being incorporated into resilience planning in states like Maryland, New York and Illinois 

The grid is evolving faster than most people realize. To stay informed about clean energy policy and technology, subscribe to the Clean Power Hour and visit cleanpowerhour.com for more resources.

Connect with Vincent Potter 

Vincent Potter
NC State Clean Energy Technology Center

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

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

Most solar installers miss the biggest opportunity in clean energy today.

Jay Marhoefer started Intelligent Generation in 2009, six years before the market was ready. Today, his company delivers 3-6x higher ROI for commercial solar projects by stacking revenue streams from batteries. This episode reveals how the "Earn, Save, Protect" model works in PJM markets, where capacity charges alone can cost customers $100,000 per megawatt annually.

Key Discussion Points:

• The value stack explained: earning from grid services (like frequency regulation), saving on capacity charges (up to 50% of C&I bills), and protecting operations with backup power
• 5CP strategy: how predicting five coincident peaks saves industrial customers hundreds of thousands per year
• Battery economics shifting: 4-hour systems now at $200/kWh, 8-hour systems approaching $100/kWh (the natural gas replacement threshold)
• Data centers driving massive grid growth: 26 gigawatts requested in ComEd territory versus 20 gigawatt peak load
• AI optimization: using machine learning to extract maximum value from distributed battery fleets
• Technology comparison: lithium iron phosphate dominates today, but flow batteries and sodium offer specialized advantages for grid applications
• Geographic expansion: Intelligent Generation moving from Illinois throughout 13-state PJM territory

Jay shares lessons from 15 years building the company, including early pilot projects, frequency regulation markets, and partnerships with Continental Energy Solutions and G&W Electric. Learn why batteries paired with solar create compelling economics even without incentives.

Connect with Jay Marhoefer, Intel Gen 

Jay Marhoefer LinkedIn

Intelligent Generation Website

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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 global supply chain for batteries and solar equipment faces unprecedented complexity in 2025. If you're a developer or asset owner planning projects for 2026 and beyond, this conversation is essential listening.

Christian Roselund, Senior Policy Analyst at Clean Energy Associates, breaks down the intricate web of rules, tariffs, and supply chain constraints affecting the clean energy industry. With 80% of battery cells used in the United States coming from Chinese manufacturers, developers face a critical challenge: how to source equipment while maintaining access to the Investment Tax Credit (ITC).

In this episode, we explore the material assistance cost ratio, effective control provisions, and the practical implications of restrictions on both solar and battery projects. Christian explains why battery supply presents an even greater challenge than solar, with insufficient US cell manufacturing capacity to meet US market demand through at least 2028.

We discuss strategies developers are using to navigate these restrictions, including construction timeline optimization, blending approaches, and the shift toward Korean and European battery suppliers. Christian also addresses the compounding impact of Section 301 tariffs, IEEPA tariffs, and the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) on supply chain decisions.

Key topics covered:

• Material assistance cost ratios for ITC and PTC eligibility
• Construction start date strategies to lock in tax credits
• Current US battery cell manufacturing capacity vs. demand
• Geographic sourcing alternatives for batteries and solar cells
• Tariff impacts on equipment costs from China and other regions
• UFLPA compliance and traceability requirements
• Why battery storage faces longer-term challenges than solar

Whether you're developing utility-scale projects or managing procurement for an asset owner, understanding these supply chain dynamics will determine your ability to deliver cost-effective projects while maintaining tax credit eligibility.

Connect with Christian Roselund, CEA 

Christian Roselund

CEA

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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

This week on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague and John Weaver break down the latest in solar, wind, storage, and AI. From vertical solar in Norway to offshore solar in China, plus cable theft in Germany and layoffs in North Carolina, this episode covers the challenges and innovations shaping the clean energy transition.

Episode Highlights

• John Weaver demonstrates using ChatGPT to create project scope documents from engineering drawings in under 30 seconds for solar installation bids
• Project of the Week: an 880 kW DC solar carport project in Massachusetts, highlighting utility interconnection challenges. (Link)
• Norwegian company Over Easy Solar deploys record 320kW vertical solar installation at Tromsø Terminal using unique single-cell tall modules (Over Easy Solar)
• Revolution Wind offshore project off Rhode Island resumes after legal pause.
• Luminous Robotics and Engie use autonomous solar installation bots (Lumi 4) in Australia (PV Magazine).
• China builds a 1.8 GW offshore PV project in the Bohai Sea (PV Magazine).
• Copper cable theft worth $117,000 from an 11 MW German solar farm underscores security challenges as copper prices surge (PV Magazine)
• FERC rules that solar plus storage projects are sized by inverter output, not combined capacity (PV Magazine).
• Wind offshore project resumes after costly month-long halt costing Ørsted $2 million daily

This episode explores how artificial intelligence is transforming project bidding and customer engagement while examining the latest developments in solar technology deployment worldwide.

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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

#EP310

Power grids across America face mounting challenges from extreme weather, aging infrastructure, and rising costs. But a revolution is underway. Jeff St. John, Chief Reporter at Canary Media, reveals how battery storage and microgrids are reshaping energy infrastructure from California to Texas.

In this episode, we explore how state-level policies and utility strategies are shaping the future of clean energy deployment. We dig into Minnesota’s groundbreaking distributed capacity procurement plan, a model that could influence national policy. Jeff explains how utilities are weighing grid buildout versus distributed battery investments, and why solar developers and community advocates are pushing for different approaches.

We also discuss:

• How distributed batteries can reduce grid costs while meeting new demand
• The push and pull between utilities, regulators, and developers
• Why state-level legislation often leads the way for national energy policy
• The risks and opportunities in scaling renewable integration

This episode explores the rapid deployment of distributed energy resources that now comprise 93% of all new grid additions. You'll learn about the economics driving this transformation, policy frameworks accelerating adoption, and why distributed resources are becoming "federal policy proof." 

If you want to understand where the U.S. clean energy transition is headed, especially the role of batteries in reshaping the grid, this conversation is for you.

Connect with Jeff St John, Canary Media 

Jeff St John LinkedIn

Canary 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

#309

Solar energy now dominates 80% of new grid additions globally. But what comes after solar becomes the cheapest energy source on Earth?

Tim Montague joined the Solar Maverick Podcast to reveal the next chapter of the energy transition. I share insider insights that every energy professional needs to know.

What You'll Discover:

• The 3 pillars of successful commercial solar sales that separate top performers from the rest
• Why batteries have a "value stack" that goes far beyond backup power
• How microgrids are creating a fractal energy system that's more resilient than traditional grids
• The real impact of federal policy changes on solar deployment
• Why virtual power plants are becoming the secret weapon against rising electricity costs
• My transition from solar-only to battery and microgrid consulting
• The AI revolution is coming to the energy sector

I break down complex energy concepts into practical strategies you can implement immediately. Whether you're selling solar today or planning for the battery storage boom, this episode delivers actionable insights from someone who's been in the trenches.

Key Topics Covered:

• Technical mastery vs relationship building in commercial sales
• Financial modeling for energy storage projects
• Regional differences in battery value stacks
• Data center energy demands driving grid transformation
• Collaboration strategies between utilities and clean energy companies

Connect With Benoy Thanjan 

Benoy Thanjan

Solar Maverick Podcast

Website

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

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

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

In this episode of the Clean Power Hour Live, Tim Montague is joined by John Weaver (Commercial Solar Guy) and Evan Upshur (CPS America) for a roundup of the latest solar, storage, and clean energy news. Fresh from the solar industry's biggest trade show, RE+ Las Vegas, they dive deep into the latest innovations, project updates, and market trends shaping the clean energy landscape. From agrivoltaics breakthroughs to the rise of robotics in solar, this episode covers the technologies driving the industry forward while addressing the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Episode Highlights

• RE+ Vegas Recap: The trade show has grown so massive that walking the entire floor is no longer possible in three days
• Chint Power Systems Unveils New Tech: Launch of 100kW string inverter and CNI battery system at RE+ Vegas
• Solar-Over-Canals Project: California's Turlock Irrigation District celebrates the state's first solar over canals pilot project with clear span design (Link)
• Agrivoltaics Innovation: Mushroom cultivation under solar panels demonstrates shade-loving crops thriving in agrivoltaic systems (LinkedIn)
• Massachusetts SMART Program Success: Commercial solar project achieves 3:1 DC to AC ratio with planned 1.8 megawatt hour battery storage
• Solar Price Projections Study: Research reveals solar costs dropped 27 years ahead of expert predictions, now at $500 per kW globally (PV Magazine)
• Meyer Burger Financial Crisis: Premium solar panel manufacturer faces bankruptcy despite quality products and clean sourcing (PV Tech)
• Vermont Balcony Solar Legislation: State lawmakers plan to consider 1.2kW plug-in solar systems following Utah's lead (VT Digger)

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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

#EP308

What if you could slash your community's electricity costs by 40% while achieving true energy independence?

AJ Perkins transformed from business executive to renewable energy pioneer, building 3.8 gigawatts of microgrid projects worldwide. In this Clean Power Hour episode, he reveals how community-scale solar and battery systems are revolutionizing energy economics.

The breakthrough: AJ's team reduced payback periods from 7-11 years to just 18 months by combining solar, batteries, and grid services revenue. This creates a financial model that makes renewable energy irresistible to entire communities.

Real-world results include:

• A 3,000-home Hawaii development using the "Utility Light" model where communities own their energy infrastructure
• An Orange County mobile home park cutting electricity costs from 38¢ to 24¢ per kWh while adding AC for just 2¢ per kWh
• Why thinking in clusters of 50-1,000+ homes creates economies of scale impossible with individual installations

Tim and AJ explore the convergence of microgrids, Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), and infrastructure-as-a-service models that solve multiple municipal challenges simultaneously. They discuss California's public safety power shutoffs, utility partnerships, manufacturing reshoring, and practical strategies for scaling community energy projects.

Key insight: Instead of protecting one family, AJ protects entire communities. His approach prevents the dangerous scenario where only one house has power during blackouts while neighbors remain in the dark.

Whether you're a solar installer, utility professional, community leader, or clean energy investor, this episode provides actionable insights for building distributed energy infrastructure. AJ shares his complete playbook and offers to help others replicate these community-scale successes.

Connect with AJ Perkins

AJ Perkins

Instant ON

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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