In this episode, Clint sits down with Dan Conant, the CEO and founder of Solar Hauler, the largest developer and installer of solar projects in central Appalachia. Dan shares his inspiring journey of building a solar industry from scratch in coal country, focusing on West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, and Virginia.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and Welcome
00:21 - What is Solar Hauler?
01:20 - Impact of Solar on Communities
02:03 - West Virginia's Energy Legacy
02:44 - State Support for Solar Companies
03:57 - Utility Prices and Public Sentiment
04:34 - A Day in the Life of a CEO
06:00 - Virtual Power Plant and Crowdfunding Innovation
09:24 - Leadership Lessons
11:00 - Revitalizing West Virginia
13:48 - Decline of Coal Industry and Population
15:58 - Combating Brain Drain with Internships
18:42 - Reading Recommendations
19:31 - Economic Outlook for 2025
22:51 - AI and Power Needs
25:44 - The Importance of Giving Chances
27:39 - Closing Remarks