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Clean Power Hour

The Clean Power Hour podcast is speeding the clean energy transition. Tim Montague and John Weaver highlight clean energy innovations shaping the next generation of renewable energy sources. We discuss the latest solar PV, battery storage, wind, water, wave, and other low-carbon technologies. We answer the question: How can we decarbonize the economy? We promote the economic opportunity of electrifying everything – transportation, energy, industry, and the built environment. Let’s speed up the clean energy transition together. Join the movement – www.CleanPowerHour.com

Latest Episodes:

Solving the Multifamily EV Charging Challenge with Aubrey Gunnels of 3V Infrastructure | EP273 Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

Today on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague delves into the critical yet often overlooked aspect of electrification: EV charging infrastructure for multifamily housing. Tim welcomes Aubrey Gunnels, CEO and co-founder of 3V Infrastructure, a company that's tackling the significant gap in EV charging accessibility for the 31% of Americans living in multifamily buildings.

Aubrey explains how 3V's business model works – they provide all capital expenditure and operational costs while installing Level 2 chargers at multifamily properties at zero cost to property owners. The company generates revenue by charging drivers a premium on electricity rates, creating a sustainable business model that doesn't rely heavily on government subsidies. This approach addresses a crucial market need, as currently, only about 5% of multifamily buildings have EV chargers despite 80% of charging happening at home.

The conversation explores how 3V uses data-driven approaches to determine the optimal number of chargers for each property, considering factors like local EV registration data, building demographics, and anticipated growth patterns. Aubrey shares insights about how property managers see EV charging as an increasingly important amenity that affects NOI (Net Operating Income) and resident retention.

Tim and Aubrey discuss the challenges of EV infrastructure development in the US compared to Europe, the importance of charger reliability, and how private investment in charging infrastructure remains critical regardless of policy shifts. They also touch on the broader EV market trends, battery price decreases, and how the automotive sector's global competitiveness continues to drive EV development despite political changes.

This episode provides valuable insights for real estate owners, property managers, clean energy professionals, and anyone interested in the future of transportation electrification. Listen now to understand how companies like 3V Infrastructure are working to make EV ownership accessible to all Americans, regardless of where they live.

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Aubrey Gunnels

3v infrastructure

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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: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com

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

ESS Market Volatility with Aaron Marks | EP272 Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

The energy storage industry is evolving rapidly, driven by shifting market trends, policy changes, and supply chain volatility. In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague sits down with Aaron Marks from Clean Energy Associates (CEA) to unpack the latest insights on energy storage, battery procurement, and how tariffs and policy shifts are shaping the industry.

Aaron shares insights from his seven years in energy storage market intelligence, highlighting the different sources of volatility the industry has faced - from the transition in battery cell procurement in 2017-18 when Korean OEMs dominated before Chinese OEMs and LFP batteries gained traction, to the impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act, and now the policy changes under the Trump administration.

The conversation explores how recent policy shifts are creating market turbulence, with Aaron revealing breaking news about manufacturing pullbacks, including Freyr's pivot away from their planned Georgia battery factory toward solar production. This exemplifies the rapid changes that make market intelligence services so valuable for companies trying to deploy solar and storage solutions while keeping pace with industry developments.

Aaron explains how CEA has expanded from its origins in factory audits and quality assurance to offer comprehensive supply chain services and market intelligence - helping clients know exactly what they're buying, who they're working with, and how to make strategic decisions based on current market conditions.

Listen to this episode to gain valuable insights into:

How policy volatility affects energy storage markets
The evolution of battery cell procurement trends
The impact of the IRA and Trump administration policies on US manufacturing
The integrated approach CEA takes to quality assurance, supply chain management, and market intelligence

As the clean energy sector continues to grow, understanding market dynamics is more important than ever. Tune in to gain valuable insights from one of the industry’s leading experts and ensure your projects are set up for success.

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Aaron Marks

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: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com

How Denowatts & Portside Systems Are Revolutionizing Solar Monitoring | EP271 Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

Today on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague welcomes back Dan Leary from Denowatts, joined by Marc Bamberger of Portside Systems, to discuss their innovative partnership in solar monitoring technology. Recorded at RE+ Boston, this conversation highlights how these companies are revolutionizing data acquisition systems (DAS) for solar sites.

Dan Leary shares updates on Denowatts' growth, including their new ISO-accredited energy test service focused on standardized "energy accounting" for the solar industry. The company has expanded its capabilities to support projects ranging from 200 kilowatts to 500 megawatts, demonstrating impressive scalability.

Marc Bamberger explains how Portside Systems, based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, has evolved from being an installer of Denowatts Systems to becoming a full integration partner offering its own DAS product line. Their collaboration focuses on efficiency and effectiveness, with innovations like using ZigBee communication technology, eliminating the need for extensive field conduits.

The conversation explores the recent shifts in the solar market, particularly in Maine's CMP (Central Maine Power) territory, and looks ahead to emerging opportunities in states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Marc highlights how their installer-centric approach to DAS systems allows for quicker, more cost-effective implementations, which are especially valuable in harsh northern climates.

Dan emphasizes the power of their partnership model compared to traditional turnkey packages, explaining how Portside's expertise in building and commissioning monitoring systems complements Denowatts' data analytics capabilities. This synergy ensures systems are installed correctly the first time, creating a seamless operational process.

Tune in to learn how this collaborative approach represents the future of solar monitoring and how these innovations are helping speed the energy transition across the United States.

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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: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com

Women in Solar, Pay Equity, and Building a Clean Energy Future with Noelle Paige | EP270 Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

Women make up only 10-20% of the solar workforce despite being 50% of the population, highlighting a significant gender gap in the renewable energy industry. Today on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague sits down with Noelle Paige, Vice President of Development at Aspen Power, to explore the evolving landscape of women's leadership in solar energy. Recorded at RE+ Northeast in Boston, we explore Noelle's unique journey from ballet dancer to solar executive and her eight-year trajectory through the solar industry before landing at Aspen Power.

Noelle provides valuable insights into Aspen Power's work in community solar and multi-family projects, particularly in key markets including New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Maryland. The discussion takes a meaningful turn as they address the critical issue of gender representation in renewable energy, with women comprising only 10-20% of the solar workforce despite being 50% of the population. Noelle shares her involvement with WRISE (Women in Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy), highlighting how the organization's Leadership Forum creates spaces for women to network, learn, and grow professionally without traditional barriers. Mark your calendar for the WRISE 20th Anniversary Gala on June 26th in New York City!

The conversation tackles the multifaceted nature of the gender pay gap, which Noelle describes as layered by variables including motherhood status, geography, and ethnicity. Listeners will gain practical insights on how men in leadership positions can support women in the industry through intentional inclusion and meaningful dialogue.

The episode also explores the challenges of community acceptance for solar projects and provides tactical advice for developers on authentic community engagement. Whether you're interested in diversity in renewables, community solar development, or the intersection of both, this episode offers valuable perspectives on building a more inclusive and successful clean energy future.

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Noelle Paige

Aspen Power

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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: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com

Solar Manufacturing Politics, Global Expansion, and Australia's Synthetic Fuel Ambitions Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

Today on the Clean Power Hour Live, Tim Montague and John Weaver (the Commercial Solar Guy) dive into pressing developments in the solar industry. They examine the Trump administration's decision to rescind Biden's Defense Production Act support for solar manufacturing and discuss the potential impacts on the 50 gigawatts of planned domestic solar panel production.

The conversation shifts to exciting projections that global solar installations could reach one terawatt next year—a staggering milestone representing approximately $1.5 trillion in economic activity across manufacturing and installation.

They also explore Australia's ambitious plans to build 6-gigawatt renewable energy "pods" combining wind and solar to produce green hydrogen and ammonia for export.

Throughout their discussion, they contemplate the challenges and opportunities in the energy transition, from grid capacity issues to the potential of a hydrogen economy.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Trump administration rescinding the Defense Production Act for solar manufacturing

https://www.pv-tech.org/trump-rescinds-bidens-defense-production-act-support-for-solar-manufacturing/

2. Projections for 1 terawatt of global solar installations in 2026 https://bsky.app/profile/commercialsolarguy.com/post/3lkuvm7kduc2k

3. O&M of the Week from one of our projects - 9 mm?

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7308436497660071936/?actorCompanyId=11504835

4. The group wants to build chunks of 6 GW wind+solar plants to make ammonia - what about airline fuels?

https://reneweconomy.com.au/fewer-bigger-turbines-approved-as-huge-green-hydrogen-project-wins-federal-head-start-funding/

5. Germany going in on renewables with $100 billion

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-14/merz-reaches-deal-with-greens-on-german-debt-handelsblatt-says

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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: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com

Solar Innovation and Energy Resilience with Peter Oprysko| EP269 Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

Today on the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Peter Oprysko, Key Accounts Manager at CPS America, the nation's leading three-phase string inverter manufacturer. Peter shares valuable insights on how string inverter technology is revolutionizing the renewable energy landscape across diverse applications - from community solar and commercial rooftops to data centers and utility-scale projects.

Peter discusses CPS America's commitment to customer service and collaborative partnerships, emphasizing how this approach helps drive innovation in product development. The conversation explores the rapidly expanding market for energy storage solutions, with Peter detailing CPS's comprehensive battery offerings ranging from commercial and industrial (C&I) applications to utility-scale installations.

The discussion highlights the critical role of energy resilience in today's climate-challenged environment, with compelling examples of how solar plus storage systems have maintained power through extreme weather events. Peter and Tim examine the economic benefits of energy independence and grid services that modern battery systems can provide.

We also delve into the broader energy transition, discussing how renewable technologies are being deployed to repower existing coal and gas power plants, and how string inverters enable solar deployment across challenging terrains. Peter shares insights about several innovative solar projects, including installations on mountainous sites and along abandoned railroad tracks.

Check out CPS Product Innovation Day 2025: https://loom.ly/Ll19EVk

Listen to this episode to understand the remarkable versatility of modern solar technology, the importance of strong industry partnerships, and how companies like CPS America are making American energy dominance through clean power a tangible reality.

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Peter Oprysko

CPS America

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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: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com

Commercial Solar + Battery Storage: Making Smart Energy Solutions Work for Your Facility | EP268 Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

This expert panel discussion, hosted by Tim Montague of the Clean Power Hour and sponsored by Chint Power Systems, explores how commercial facilities can implement solar, battery storage, and building management systems to lower energy costs. The webinar focuses on a case study of Rancho Santa Margarita Toyota in California, featuring a 451 kW rooftop solar project paired with a 125 kW/279 kWh energy storage system.

Key Discussion Points

Financial Benefits of Solar + Storage

Ryan Ferrero emphasized that while environmental benefits are a bonus, the financial argument is what drives adoption
Converting energy savings into income streams rather than just reducing expenses
Leveraging investment tax credits, bonus depreciation, and available grants

Building Management Systems Integration

Casey Miller shared how solar alone is no longer enough in many markets due to utility rate changes
Utilities have introduced peak demand charges and time-of-use energy charges that limit solar's effectiveness
Elexity's approach combines battery storage with load control (managing HVAC, EV charging)

Technology Advances

Anton Patton discussed how string inverter technology has evolved for both solar and storage
Improvements in remote monitoring capabilities reduce the need for on-site troubleshooting
Integrated, turnkey solutions have replaced earlier "Frankenstein" approaches where components were cobbled together

Case Study: Rancho Santa Margarita Toyota

Implemented a phased approach starting with rooftop solar and white TPO roof
Added Elexity's building management system to optimize energy usage
Installed battery storage to store free solar energy or cheap off-peak energy

How the Elexity System Works

Revenue-grade meter installed to mirror the utility meter
Connection to solar output and direct battery control
For HVAC control, supervisory signals sent to thermostats within customer-set guardrails

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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: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com

Engineering the Future of Community Solar with Patrick Canning | EP267 Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Patrick Canning, Principal Engineer and founder of Canning Engineering, at the RE+ Northeast conference in Boston. Patrick shares his journey from traditional civil engineering to becoming a specialized solar design expert, culminating in launching his own engineering firm focused on community and utility-scale solar projects.

Patrick reveals how his experience leading engineering and interconnection teams at prominent companies like Nexamp provided the foundation for his current work. His firm, though small, delivers high-value engineering solutions primarily for 1-5 MW ground-mount community solar installations across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Illinois markets.

The conversation delves into what truly differentiates specialized, local engineering services from commoditized alternatives. Patrick emphasizes the critical importance of having engineers who can physically visit project sites, especially for complex installations involving brownfields, battery storage, or challenging utility requirements. His team's ability to provide hands-on expertise and responsive service for projects requiring nuanced attention has become their competitive advantage.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the full spectrum of services offered by Canning Engineering, from complete IFC (Issued for Construction) documentation to energy modeling and interconnection support. This episode offers a window into how specialized engineering expertise continues to play a vital role in advancing community solar deployments across multiple states.

Whether you're a solar developer, EPC contractor, or industry professional interested in the technical challenges of community solar, this episode provides a compelling look at the engineering expertise driving clean energy projects forward. Listen now to discover how local engineering talent is helping to grow solar in the Northeast and beyond.

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Patrick Canning LinkedIn

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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: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com

Solar's Growing Pains: Tariffs, Utah's Balcony Solar, and Commercial Project Updates Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

In this insightful episode of Clean Power Hour, hosts Tim Montague and John Weaver dive into the latest developments shaking up the renewable energy landscape. They discuss the immediate impacts of newly announced tariffs on Canadian and Mexican solar equipment, with John sharing how his commercial projects are already seeing price increases on critical components like neutral ground reactors. (Link)

The conversation shifts to exciting innovations in the solar space, including Utah's groundbreaking unanimous legislation allowing plug-in balcony solar systems and a unique vertical solar cell mounting system from Norway. (Story Link)

John and Tim also analyze recent data showing solar generation up 27% nationwide, now accounting for 6.8% of all U.S. electricity, while examining the stark differences in renewable adoption between states. (Story Link)

The hosts round out the episode with a behind-the-scenes look at a commercial solar carport project, detailing the engineering considerations involved in these increasingly popular installations. (Story Link)

Tune in for an essential update on the rapidly evolving clean energy sector and the challenges and opportunities ahead.

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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: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com

The Future of Solar Power Electronics with Bryan Wagner of CPS America | EP266 Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

Today on the Clean Power Hour recorded at RE+ Northeast in Boston, Tim Montague sits down with Bryan Wagner, President of CPS America, to discuss the latest developments in solar power electronics and energy storage. Wagner shares insights from his recent overseas trip to China, where he explored Chint's global manufacturing capabilities and strategy for the North American market.

The conversation delves into Chint's impressive portfolio as a diversified global energy company, including their expansion into high-voltage transformers for solar substations, innovative inverter products with enhanced safety features like the 250 and 350 models, and their exciting new energy storage product called "Gonzo." Wagner explains how Chint's engineering expertise allows them to create complex power equipment designed to last through the 20-40 year lifespan of modern solar installations.

Wagner also reveals CPS America's launch of a new service brand called CSPs (Chint Smart Power Services), leveraging Chint's extensive experience in operating and maintaining 20 gigawatts of solar globally. The discussion highlights the importance of RE+ Northeast as a platform for industry growth and networking, with Wagner noting how electrification trends and AI-driven data centers are significantly increasing power demand—potentially doubling or tripling New York State's capacity needs in the next decade.

Bryan also mentions that their Innovation Day event is growing significantly, with attendance increasing from around 300 people last year to an expected 500 this year, and he invites listeners to connect with them via the Chint Power Systems website or by emailing events@ChintPower.com to learn more. Check out CPS Product Innovation Day 2025: https://loom.ly/Ll19EVk

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Bryan Wagner

CPS America

CPS America Innovation Day

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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: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com

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