Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, host Benoy Thanjan sits down with Abu Riaz, CEO and Founder of AMS Renewables, to discuss what it takes to scale a solar and storage EPC in today’s rapidly evolving clean energy market.

Abu shares how AMS Renewables grew out of a traditional construction background into a fast-scaling EPC platform, executing projects across commercial, community solar, and utility-scale segments. The conversation highlights why construction discipline, capital planning, and execution are critical differentiators in solar and storage development.

Key topics include:

This episode is a must-listen for developers, EPCs, and clean energy entrepreneurs looking to build durable, execution-focused businesses in the solar and storage industry.

About the Solar Maverick Podcast

The Solar Maverick Podcast is a leading clean energy podcast hosted by Benoy Thanjan, Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy. The show features in-depth conversations with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers shaping the future of solar, storage, and the global energy transition.

Biographies

Benoy Thanjan

Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions.

Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market.

As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio.

Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund.

Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.

Abu Riaz, Founder & CEO of AMS Renewable Energy

Abu Riaz is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AMS Renewable Energy, a solar and energy storage EPC (“Engineering, Procurement, and Construction”) firm based in New York focused on delivering large-scale distributed solar and storage solutions across the United States. Under his leadership, AMS has grown into a nationally respected solar EPC with deep expertise in project execution, from pre-construction planning through engineering, procurement, and construction management. 

Abu holds a degree in Mathematics and Finance from Columbia University and continually expands his industry knowledge through ongoing education in energy and finance, grounding his business strategy in both technical rigor and financial insight. 

Throughout his tenure, he has guided AMS Renewable Energy in completing numerous solar projects and scaling its capabilities, including strategic initiatives to expand the company’s portfolio and service footprint. AMS is known for its commitment to quality, integrity, and delivering high-performance renewable energy assets for developers, independent power producers, and community solar stakeholders. 

Under Abu’s leadership, AMS has also pursued industry growth through strategic moves such as its acquisition of Collective Solar, enhancing AMS’s construction capacity and positioning the firm to meet rising demand for distributed solar solutions across the Northeast and beyond. 

Stay Connected:

Benoy Thanjan

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan

Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com

Website: https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com/

    Abu Riaz

    Website: https://www.amsepc.com/

    Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/abu-riaz-5a442663/

Please provide 5 star reviews     

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share the Solar Maverick Podcast so more people can learn how to accelerate the clean energy transition.

Reneu Energy

Reneu Energy provides expert consulting across solar and storage project development, financing, energy strategy, and environmental commodities. Our team helps clients originate, structure, and execute opportunities in community solar, C&I, utility-scale, and renewable energy credit markets.

Email us at [email protected] to learn more.

In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, host Benoy Thanjan is joined by returning guest and co-host Nate Jovanelly, CEO and Founder of Sunraise Capital, for a deep dive into the US Residential Solar Outlook for 2026.

With major policy changes, the elimination of Section 25D for homeowners, and a rapid shift back to third-party ownership models, the residential solar market is undergoing one of the biggest transformations in its history. Benoy and Nate break down what changed in 2025, how the Big Beautiful Bill reshaped the market, and what installers, investors, and homeowners need to understand heading into 2026.

They explore the return of leases and PPAs, the growing importance of energy storage, the impact of FEOC and domestic content requirements, rising equipment complexity, and how customer acquisition is evolving. Nate also shares candid insights from building Sunraise Capital over the past two and a half years and offers advice for clean energy entrepreneurs navigating turbulent times.

Notable Quotes

* “The only constant in solar is change.”

* “Leases are back, and they’re back for a reason.”

* “Complexity is becoming the moat in residential solar.”

* “Solar is still sold, not bought, and that has to change.”

* “The companies that survive this period are going to thrive.”

Why This Episode Matters

The residential solar industry is entering a new era. With homeowner tax credits gone, equipment rules tightening, and storage becoming mainstream, 2026 will separate the adaptable companies from the rest. This conversation provides real-world perspective from the front lines and cuts through the noise to explain what is actually happening in the market.

About the Solar Maverick Podcast

The Solar Maverick Podcast is a leading clean energy podcast hosted by Benoy Thanjan, Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy. The show features in-depth conversations with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers shaping the future of solar, storage, and the global energy transition.

Biographies

Benoy Thanjan

Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions.

Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market.

As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio.

Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund.

Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.

Nathan Jovanelly

Nate is the CEO and Founder of SunRaise Capital’s mission is to provide affordable and accessible renewable energy options to homeowners, while reducing carbon footprints and creating a sustainable future for generations to come. They achieve their mission by partnering with industry leading solar installers to provide our customers with the best possible solar experience at competitive rates.

As the CEO of an innovative residential solar lease company, he spearheads strategic initiatives aimed at harmonizing the objectives of our funding partners, installation teams, and homeowners. With a relentless focus on alignment, he cultivates collaborative relationships to ensure mutual success and satisfaction across all stakeholders. Through innovative leadership and a commitment to transparency, he drives sustainable growth while delivering exceptional value to our investors, installers, and customers alike.

Stay Connected:

Benoy Thanjan

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan

Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com

Website: https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com/

    Nathan Jovanelly

    SunRaise Capital Website:  https://www.sunraisecapital.com/

    Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/natejov/

    Email:  [email protected]

Nate’s other interviews on the Solar Maverick Podcast

SMP 228: After the Big Beautiful Bill: What’s Next for US Residential Solar?

https://solarmaverick.podbean.com/e/smp-228-after-the-big-beautiful-bill-what-s-next-for-us-residential-solar/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/smp-205-revolutionizing-solar-finance-how-sunraise/id1441876259?i=1000702871242

SMP 194:  2025 Solar Outlook

https://solarmaverick.podbean.com/e/smp-194-2025-solar-outlook/

SMP 176:  REplus takeaways

https://solarmaverick.podbean.com/e/smp-176-replus-takeaways/

SMP 166: Residential Solar Trends

https://solarmaverick.podbean.com/e/smp-166-residential-solar-trends/

 SMP 150: How SunRaise Capital is innovating residential solar financing?

https://solarmaverick.podbean.com/e/smp-150-how-sunraise-capital-is-innovating-residential-solar-financing/

 Solar Maverick Episode 147:  RE+ Takeaways

https://solarmaverick.podbean.com/e/smp-147-re-conference-takeaways/

 Solar Maverick Episode 139: Opportunities and Challenges with the PJM Solar Market

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u14GHBkqcqo

 Solar Maverick Episode 134: 2023 Solar Predictions

https://solarmaverick.podbean.com/e/smp-134-2023-solar-predictations/

SMP 131:  How Technology and Software are innovating the Solar Industry?

https://solarmaverick.podbean.com/e/smp-131-how-technology-and-software-is-innovating-the-solar-industry/

 SMP 100: US Residential Solar, Storage, and Electric Vehicle Trends

https://solarmaverick.podbean.com/e/smp-100-us-residential-solar-storage-and-electric-vehicles-trends/

 SMP 74: Impact on COVID-19 on Residential Solar

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/smp-74-impacts-of-covid-19-on-residential-solar/id1441876259?i=1000475840259

 SMP 58:  Residential Solar Financing and Other Interesting Topics

https://podcasts.apple.com/tc/podcast/smp-58-residential-solar-financing-other-interesting/id1441876259?i=1000459212910

 SMP 20:  The Solar Intrapreneur Story:  How Nate helped IGS become one of the biggest solar asset owners in the US

https://podcasts.apple.com/tc/podcast/smp-20-solar-intrapreneur-story-how-nate-helped-igs/id1441876259?i=1000432329129

Please provide 5 star reviews     

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share the Solar Maverick Podcast so more people can learn how to accelerate the clean energy transition.

Reneu Energy

Reneu Energy provides expert consulting across solar and storage project development, financing, energy strategy, and environmental commodities. Our team helps clients originate, structure, and execute opportunities in community solar, C&I, utility-scale, and renewable energy credit markets.

Email us at [email protected] to learn more.

Episode Notes

In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, host Benoy Thanjan sits down with Jarand Rystad, Founder and CEO of Rystad Energy, one of the world’s leading energy intelligence and data advisory firms.

Jarand explains why solar has dramatically outperformed historical forecasts, how rapid cost declines have reshaped global power markets, and why many regions are now facing a new challenge: too much solar at the wrong times. As grids become saturated with midday generation, energy storage has emerged as the critical missing link.

The conversation explores why the next five years will belong to energy storage, how batteries enable higher renewable penetration, and what this shift means for pricing, grid stability, and project economics. Jarand also shares insights on powering the AI and data center boom, the evolving role of gas and nuclear, long-duration storage innovations, and why electrification is fundamentally transforming the global energy system.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand where the energy transition is headed, how markets are behaving beneath the headlines, and where the biggest opportunities will emerge over the next decade.

Biographies

Benoy Thanjan

Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions.

Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market.

As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio.

Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund.

Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.

Jarand Rystad 

Jarand Rystad founded Rystad Energy in 2004 and has, since its inception, managed the company. Jarand has extensive experience in the energy strategy advisory business and his areas of expertise include energy system analysis, energy scenarios, renewables, supply chains, emissions, asset and company valuations and transactions, macro analysis, and all aspects of the energy transition. As an established thought leader in these and other fields, Jarand is a frequent keynote speaker at international conferences related to energy.  He is, according to the Financial Times, “one of the most cited petroleum analysts in the industry”.

Prior to founding Rystad Energy, Jarand worked for McKinsey & Company. He holds an M.Sc. degree in Physics from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, where he majored with a thesis in asteroseismology. Jarand also has an academic background in philosophy and has been the leader and founder of various organizations.

Stay Connected:

Benoy Thanjan

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan

Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com

Website: https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com/

    Jarand Rystad

     Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarand-rystad/

    Email:  [email protected]

    Website:  https://www.rystadenergy.com/

    Rystad Energy’s Podcast:  https://www.rystadenergy.com/podcasts?s=

Please provide 5 star reviews     

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share the Solar Maverick Podcast so more people can learn how to accelerate the clean energy transition.

Reneu Energy

Reneu Energy provides expert consulting across solar and storage project development, financing, energy strategy, and environmental commodities. Our team helps clients originate, structure, and execute opportunities in community solar, C&I, utility-scale, and renewable energy credit markets.

Email us at [email protected] to learn more.

Episode Notes

On this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, host Benoy Thanjan sits down with Jing Tian, Chief Growth & Revenue Officer at Tigo Energy, to explore how smarter electronics, AI, and energy intelligence are reshaping the solar industry.

Jing shares her journey from a PhD in chemistry to becoming a global solar executive, including leadership roles across Asia and the U.S. She breaks down how module-level power electronics (MLPE) improve safety, flexibility, and performance in residential, C&I, and utility-scale solar and why MLPE is becoming foundational as solar converges with storage, software, and grid services.

The conversation also dives into rapid shutdown requirements, AI-powered monitoring, and how predictive analytics can reduce O&M costs while improving system reliability. Jing closes with thoughtful advice for emerging leaders, women in clean energy, and anyone navigating the “solar coaster.”

Notable Takeaways

* MLPE enables safer, smarter, and more flexible solar system design

* Small performance gains at the module level can create massive impact at scale

* AI-driven monitoring turns raw data into actionable insights

* Innovation must solve real customer pain points, not just advance technology

* Strong leadership requires adaptability, clear communication, and cultural awareness

Biographies

Benoy Thanjan

Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions.

Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market.

As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio.

Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund.

Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.

CHIEF GROWTH AND REVENUE OFFICER

Jing is responsible for leading Tigo's strategic growth initiatives, driving revenue generation, and scaling the business worldwide. Jing has a 25+ years of proven track record of technical and business success at companies like Credence, Solfocus, Shift Energy, and Trina Solar. For the past decades, she has focused on the profitable growth of equipment manufacturers across the solar ecosystem as well as solar project financing and development. While serving as Head of Global Marketing and President of Trina Solar USA, she launched the TrinaSmart Module in collaboration with Tigo.

Stay Connected:

Benoy Thanjan

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan

Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com

Website: https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com/

    Jing Tian

     Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jing-tian/

    Tigo Energy:  https://www.tigoenergy.com/  

Please provide 5 star reviews     

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share the Solar Maverick Podcast so more people can learn how to accelerate the clean energy transition.

Reneu Energy

Reneu Energy provides expert consulting across solar and storage project development, financing, energy strategy, and environmental commodities. Our team helps clients originate, structure, and execute opportunities in community solar, C&I, utility-scale, and renewable energy credit markets.

Email us at [email protected] to learn more.

In episode 40 of The League, Benoy Thanjan (The Solar Maverick) and David Magid break down why the solar market is undergoing a fundamental repricing of risk.

Distributed generation platforms are coming to market as large players recycle capital and reset return expectations. At the same time, land is emerging as a major bottleneck.  Costs are rising, competition is intensifying, and traditional land-option strategies no longer work. Layer in permitting delays and growing uncertainty, and risk is now being priced earlier and more aggressively across solar development.

The takeaway: solar fundamentals remain strong, but success in the next phase will depend on securing land early, managing permitting risk, and adapting capital strategies to a changing market.

Host Bio: Benoy Thanjan

Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions.

Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market.

 As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio.

 Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund.

Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.

Connect with Benoy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benoythanjan/

https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com

Host Bio: David Magid

David Magid is a seasoned renewable energy executive with deep expertise in solar development, financing, and operations. He has worked across the clean energy value chain, leading teams that deliver distributed generation and community solar projects. David is widely recognized for his strategic insights on interconnection, market economics, and policy trends shaping the U.S. solar industry.

Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmagid/

 If you have any questions or comments, you can email us at [email protected].

In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, host Benoy Thanjan sits down with Dr. Hunter McDaniel, CEO of UbiQD, a quantum materials company redefining how light interacts with solar technology.

Hunter breaks down quantum dots and explains how this nanotechnology can dramatically improve solar performance by optimizing the light spectrum. The conversation dives deep into UbiQD’s landmark supply agreement with First Solar, including how quantum dots can significantly boost bifacial solar efficiency, especially for thin-film modules.

The episode also explores broader applications of quantum dots from building-integrated photovoltaics, solar windows, to agriculture and offers hard earned advice for clean-tech and deep-tech entrepreneurs navigating long commercialization cycles.

Key Topics Covered

Notable Takeaways

Biographies

Benoy Thanjan

Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions.

Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market.

As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio.

Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund.

Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.

Dr. Hunter McDaniel 

Dr. Hunter McDaniel is the CEO and Co-Founder of UbiQD, a quantum dot materials company focused on transforming energy, agriculture, and advanced materials through nanotechnology. He holds a PhD in Materials Science and previously conducted research at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Under his leadership, UbiQD has partnered with industry leaders like First Solar and continues to scale next-generation quantum dot manufacturing.

Stay Connected:

Benoy Thanjan

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan

Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com

Website: https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com/

    Dr. Hunter McDaniel 

     Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-mcdaniel-4563a735/

     UbiQD: https://www.ubiqd.com 

     UbiGro (Agriculture): https://www.ubigro.com

      https://wendow.us/

      TED Talk

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJ4whsRZoN4

Press Release 

UbiQD and First Solar Establish Long-Term Quantum Dot Supply Agreement

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ubiqd-and-first-solar-establish-long-term-quantum-dot-supply-agreement-302500720.html

Please provide 5 star reviews     

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share the Solar Maverick Podcast so more people can learn how to accelerate the clean energy transition.

Reneu Energy

Reneu Energy provides expert consulting across solar and storage project development, financing, energy strategy, and environmental commodities. Our team helps clients originate, structure, and execute opportunities in community solar, C&I, utility-scale, and renewable energy credit markets.

Email us at [email protected] to learn more.

Episode Summary:

Benoy sits down with MyWorkerAI founder William Szamosszegi to talk about how an “AI sales team as a service” can automate research, outreach, and lead generation for founders and renewable energy companies. They also dive into AI’s impact on the solar industry, personal branding, and the mindset tools entrepreneurs need to win in an AI-driven world.

Biographies

Benoy Thanjan

Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions.

Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market.

As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio.

Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund.

Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.

William Szamosszegi

William Szamosszegi is the Founder and CEO of MyWorkerAI, an AI-driven platform that functions as an “AI sales team as a service,” helping founders and businesses automate research, personalization, and outreach to scale relationships and accelerate growth.

Before launching MyWorkerAI, William founded Sazmining, a renewable-energy-powered bitcoin mining company where he helped pioneer sustainable mining operations and later brought in a new CEO, thanks to a connection from the Solar Maverick Podcast. With nearly a decade of experience building technology startups, William is deeply focused on leveraging AI to eliminate manual bottlenecks and empower high-agency teams.

Stay Connected:

Benoy Thanjan

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan

Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com

Website: https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com

William Szamosszegi 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamszamosszegi/

Website:  ​​https://myworker.ai/

Email:  [email protected]

Please provide 5 star reviews     

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share the Solar Maverick Podcast so more people can learn how to accelerate the clean energy transition.

Reneu Energy

Reneu Energy provides expert consulting across solar and storage project development, financing, energy strategy, and environmental commodities. Our team helps clients originate, structure, and execute opportunities in community solar, C&I, utility-scale, and renewable energy credit markets.

Email us at [email protected] to learn more.

Link to book from Dr. Joe Dispenza

https://www.amazon.com/Joe-Dispenza-Collection-Books-Set/dp/B0BZTBGZGZ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=381VQVYGMSGNM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.80KhnQTqcogPSBZQxQ50E7n7V08syIl7xsO8wDofmvU_4CfXWxuwGPSuv4QPoHTYbFvvOokYGp6n7z63utavOn_oKZFfsayDIpPA_yyKBczVoTylNVyiyt8P90gbF_Yra5p9Pqs2T2XJC4Ck6QWO3DurLIIMOHy_Jj-lMgoIVeL9mHT-7mnqGq7RW74zk0RQt5n8xfxyEQ_lvICW0DWL8ud3zBSx0GvOOtDPbulg5Vc.hcbm7lA3_Um0xBY3onTsonVAK-ETARAcDXswMEMldjc&dib_tag=se&keywords=joe+dispenza+becoming+supernatural&qid=1765359099&sprefix=joe+dis%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-3

Mark Divine Unbeatable Seal Fit

https://www.amazon.com/Unbeatable-Mind-Resiliency-Toughness-Succeed/dp/B00UNYMSR6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2CJLCBYQWYCHI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ETNhTJRtuMlld8iBTJwAN0ZlIMuBKRgAtqak76FBkGw_GwtvHft-qw9BTJ2rjvFWjeW8xUGlhM3mt1O47ZO3VGtSaYVqLpzWoP37tGowniYq9OvxlcIrsfb0xgOkxl0WWlOupQFcpLUpLU4tz1Gr8q_wLdZWROWNbXWCq70LLGb_uaAJIwg-_sVYHtTRYmCeWHLXnXxHm52uP4RKJ24u2ra2_ZEd2E-267D1vj107TI.FkExeF1IGhEnjb7LUnj8AQzX58HSZuosvN9kuiH-NFg&dib_tag=se&keywords=mark+divine&qid=1765359204&sprefix=mark+divine%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-1

In episode 39 of The League, David Magid and Benoy Thanjan break down the latest developments reshaping the clean-energy market. They cover the Pine Gate Renewables bankruptcy, the push for new U.S. restrictions on Chinese solar and grid equipment, and the detention of Qcells shipments under UFLPA. David also highlights Section 232 tariff impacts and Google DeepMind’s new GenCast AI weather-forecasting model. 

Host Bio: Benoy Thanjan

Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions.

Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market.

 As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio.

 Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund.

Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.

Connect with Benoy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benoythanjan/

https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com

Host Bio: David Magid

David Magid is a seasoned renewable energy executive with deep expertise in solar development, financing, and operations. He has worked across the clean energy value chain, leading teams that deliver distributed generation and community solar projects. David is widely recognized for his strategic insights on interconnection, market economics, and policy trends shaping the U.S. solar industry.

Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmagid/

 If you have any questions or comments, you can email us at [email protected].

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy sits down with Rob Sternthal, Managing Director at Expedition Infrastructure Partners, to break down how investors evaluate solar platforms and development pipelines. Rob brings more than 20 years of experience in investment banking, tax equity, structured finance, and renewable energy, and he explains the real criteria that determine platform value today.

Benoy and Rob discuss why platforms are being repriced, how rising SG&A and longer development timelines are reshaping exits, and what investors are prioritizing in the current market. They also cover the Pine Gate bankruptcy, the renewed shift toward “develop and flip,” battery economics, tax credit insurance constraints, FEOC uncertainty, and the wave of distress expected to define the industry over the next two to three years.

Biographies

Benoy Thanjan

Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions.

Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market.

As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio.

Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund.

Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.

For the last 20+ years, Rob has been a leading investment banking executive and recognized platform builder across the renewable power, energy, ESG and real assets sectors, advising on more than $25 billion of transactions. Prior to joining XIP, Rob was a Managing Director focusing on renewable power at Piper Sandler. Before that, Rob was responsible for building platforms at Rubicon Capital Advisors as well as CohnReznick (now CRC-IB). He founded and built CohnReznick’s Capital Markets group (CRC) into a market-leader over ten years, completing nearly $20 billion in transactions and managing a team of 30 professionals.

Prior to CRC, Rob established and led multiple real estate and asset-backed securities practices for Credit Suisse in the United States as well as internationally. He began his career as an attorney for the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission as well as in private practice at Milbank. Rob received a bachelor’s degree in economics and French, with honors, from Emory University and a Juris Doctorate, cum laude, from the Temple University School of Law. Rob is a Registered Representative of BA Securities, LLC. Member FINRA, SIPC.

Stay Connected:

Benoy Thanjan

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan

Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com

Website: https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com

Rob Sternthal

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-sternthal-548b287/   

Website:  ​​https://xipllc.com/

 Email:  [email protected]

 NPM Podcast related to XIP’s partnership with Gordian:  

https://newprojectmedia.com/npm-interconnections-us-episode-172-rob-sternthal-peter-kauffman-xip-gordian/

 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share the Solar Maverick Podcast so more people can learn how to accelerate the clean energy transition.

Join Us for the Winter Solstice Fundraiser! 

I’m excited to invite you to our Winter Solstice Fundraiser, hosted by Reneu Energy and the Solar Maverick Podcast on Thursday, December 4th from 6–10 PM at Hudson Hall in Jersey City, NJ!

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/reneuenergy/1919391

This event brings together clean energy leaders, entrepreneurs, and friends to celebrate the season while raising funds for the Let’s Share the Sun Foundation, which installs solar and storage systems for families and communities in need in Puerto Rico.

We’ll have:

If you or your company would like to get involved as a sponsor, please message us at [email protected].  

Reneu Energy

Reneu Energy provides expert consulting across solar and storage project development, financing, energy strategy, and environmental commodities. Our team helps clients originate, structure, and execute opportunities in community solar, C&I, utility-scale, and renewable energy credit markets.

Email us at [email protected] to learn more.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, host Benoy Thanjan jumps to the other side of the mic with Kevin (“Kadro”) and Mike (“Higo”) from Climate Hive. They dig into the massive cost declines in solar and storage, why solar is a technology and not a fuel, and the impact of Let’s Share the Sun’s recent work in Puerto Rico. The conversation also explores how financing and innovation are accelerating clean energy adoption.

Biographies

Benoy Thanjan

Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions.

Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market.

As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio.

Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund.

Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.

Founder and CEO of ClimateHive

Kevin Drolet is a certified marketing and sales expert with over 20 year experience in company growth strategies. He has worked with thousands of companies and managed over 100M in marketing campaigns. Highlights include developing a 4 year student recruitment campaign for UC San Diego elevating the school to the number 2 position in the UC system. He has led and taught hundreds of sales reps nationally in understanding and positioning marketing solutions and sales. His superpower is connector.

He founded KDRO Consulting, his second marketing agency, in 2019 to provide fractional CMO services, marketing and business development consultation and coaching programs for renewable energy and climate tech companies. Through storytelling and strategic networking he helps companies attain business opportunity, talent and investment. His mission is to enable climate innovators to become climate impactors.

Kevin and his wife Susan live in San Diego CA with their two dogs. Kevin is passionate about climate, learning, coaching and exploring the intersection of human behavior and positive climate impact.

Mike Higgins

Founder/Partner of ClimateHive

Mike Higgins has a 30-year track record of sales success and executive leadership in large companies and startups. He's known for developing customized sales strategies and automation to boost sales engagement, improving efficiency and revenue. His expertise lies in driving revenue growth through people, processes, and infrastructure.

Mike has founded 5 companies and sold 3, demonstrating his ability to build and scale businesses. He's experienced in leadership as the former Executive Vice President and COO of MediaNews Group Interactive, overseeing 50 regional markets and leading a 100+ staff in sales, operations, business development, finance, and IT.

Recently, Mike served as CoFounder and Chief Revenue Officer at Onemata Corporation and Managing Partner at BrushFire Sales and Top Funnel, working with clients like Time Warner Cable and Home Advisor. He has also held senior roles in MapQuest, Weatherlabs (acquired by Weather Channel/Landmark), Indigo Group (acquired by Bridgeline Digital NASDAQ: BLIN), and TruMeasure (acquired by McClatchy Corp).

Mike and his wife, Val, reside in the Rocky Mountain Empire, actively supporting the Colorado Pug Rescue and the Golden Retriever Rescue.

Stay Connected:

Benoy Thanjan

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan

Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com

Website: https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com

    Kevin Drolet

     Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-drolet-3625378/    

     Website:  ​​https://climatehive.co/

     Email:  [email protected]

Mike Higgins

     Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelghiggins/

     Website:  ​​https://climatehive.co/

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share the Solar Maverick Podcast so more people can learn how to accelerate the clean energy transition.

Join Us for the Winter Solstice Fundraiser! 

I’m excited to invite you to our Winter Solstice Fundraiser, hosted by Reneu Energy and the Solar Maverick Podcast on Thursday, December 4th from 6–10 PM at Hudson Hall in Jersey City, NJ!

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/reneuenergy/1919391

This event brings together clean energy leaders, entrepreneurs, and friends to celebrate the season while raising funds for the Let’s Share the Sun Foundation, which installs solar and storage systems for families and communities in need in Puerto Rico.

We’ll have:

If you or your company would like to get involved as a sponsor, please message us at [email protected].  

Reneu Energy

Reneu Energy provides expert consulting across solar and storage project development, financing, energy strategy, and environmental commodities. Our team helps clients originate, structure, and execute opportunities in community solar, C&I, utility-scale, and renewable energy credit markets.

Email us at [email protected] to learn more.