In this episode of The Raptor Report, we’re joined by Daniel Dus, CEO of Cleantech Industry Resources (CIR), for an in-depth conversation about how the solar industry is evolving—and how CIR is helping to lead that transformation.
Daniel brings nearly two decades of experience in renewable energy and shares his journey from bootstrapping a utility-scale project during the 2008 financial crisis to building CIR into a global, tech-forward powerhouse. Listeners will gain insights into how CIR is rethinking project development through a unique model: offering commoditized engineering and consulting services on-demand, across solar, wind, battery storage, and EV infrastructure.
We discuss how CIR:
Has commoditized 95% of the development process for renewable projects.
Uses AI and advanced software to cut tasks like due diligence from 100 hours to less than 10.
Operates a global, 24/7 team across time zones to manage projects in real-time.
Enables IPPs, developers, and EPCs to scale quickly without growing internal overhead.
Is rapidly hiring—from seasoned solar veterans to interns—with a focus on knowledge transfer and inclusion.
Daniel also explores the broader implications of AI in solar, the importance of “organizational scar tissue,” and how CIR’s model differs from traditional development and construction firms. He shares how the company supports clients during periods of project surge, policy shifts, or market uncertainty—providing a flexible solution without the bloat of traditional operations.
We touch on the impacts of tariffs, supply chain dynamics, and the importance of vendor agility in today’s competitive landscape. Daniel emphasizes that while software and automation are critical, experience remains irreplaceable—and CIR's approach blends both.
Whether you're a solar professional, a tech innovator, or simply passionate about the clean energy transition, this episode is packed with practical insights on scaling solar with speed, precision, and transparency.