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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:

Agrivoltaics and Community-Centric Solar with Iain Ward |EP226 Aug 08, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague sits down with Iain Ward, founder of Solar Agricultural Services (SolAg), to explore the exciting world of agrivoltaics - the practice of combining solar energy production with agriculture. Ward, with his background in conservation planning and environmental science, shares insights on how the solar industry and farming communities can create win-win scenarios through innovative dual-use projects.

The conversation delves into the current status of agrivoltaics in the United States, highlighting the opportunities and challenges faced by farmers, developers, and local communities. Ward emphasizes the importance of preserving agricultural land while integrating solar energy production, discussing creative approaches to crop selection, livestock grazing, and soil health management under solar arrays.

A key focus of the discussion is the evolving relationship between solar developers and farmers, particularly tenant farmers who may be displaced by traditional solar projects. Ward outlines strategies for creating mutually beneficial partnerships, including innovative compensation models and agricultural practices tailored to work within solar installations. He also touches on the need for developers to adopt more agriculturally sensitive construction methods, such as burying cables and minimizing soil disturbance/grading.

The episode explores the broader implications of agrivoltaics for food security, rural economic development, and environmental sustainability. Ward passionately argues for a holistic approach to solar development that considers the entire agricultural ecosystem and community impact. He shares his vision for agrivoltaics as part of a larger food movement that can regenerate soils, support farm viability, and bring new generations back to farming.

This episode will give you valuable insights into the emerging best practices for agrivoltaic projects, the importance of building trust between developers and farming communities, and the potential to reshape both the solar and agricultural industries. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of sustainable energy and food production.

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Iain Ward
SolAg

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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

Rapid Shutdown, Large Modules, and Storage: Trends Shaping C&I Solar with Steve Schwerd | EP225 Aug 06, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Clean Power Hour host Tim Montague sits down with Steve Schwerd of Schwerd Consulting to discuss the state of commercial, industrial, and small-scale utility solar and storage engineering.

Steve shares his journey from electrical engineer to solar industry expert, highlighting the evolution of sustainable design and the growing viability of solar projects. The conversation delves into the current state of the C&I solar market, touching on challenges like third-party ownership of commercial real estate and the impact of community solar initiatives.

The episode explores key trends in the industry, including:

The implications of UL 3741 certification and rapid shutdown requirements
Pros and cons of different rapid shutdown solutions
The shift towards larger solar modules and their impact on rooftop installations
Challenges and opportunities in the battery storage market

Steve offers valuable insights on the integration of solar and storage systems, discussing both standalone storage projects and combined solar-plus-storage installations. He also touches on the growing demand for fully integrated storage solutions and the importance of proper system controls and utility interfaces.

Throughout the conversation, Steve emphasizes the exciting solar industry career opportunities for young professionals and those transitioning from other fields. He highlights the rapid growth potential and the chance to gain extensive experience in a relatively short time.

This episode provides a comprehensive look at the technical and market trends shaping the C&I solar and storage sector, offering valuable information for industry professionals, aspiring solar engineers, and anyone interested in the clean energy transition.

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Steve Schwerd
Schwerd Consulting

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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

Exploring Agrivoltaics with American Farmland Trust | EP224 Aug 01, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Ethan Winter and Austin Kinzer from American Farmland Trust (AFT) to explore the world of agrivoltaics. We discuss AFT's "Smart Solar" program, which aims to balance the acceleration of clean energy with the preservation of thriving farms. We explore the challenges and opportunities of dual-use solar projects, examining how agrivoltaics can provide additional revenue for farmers (and farming communities) while keeping land in production.
The conversation touches on farmer attitudes towards solar, highlighting generational differences and the importance of building trust and knowledge in rural communities. Winter and Kinzer provide insights into state-level policies and research on agrivoltaics, as well as the current status and future outlook for these projects in the US. They reveal that currently about 10% of US solar projects involve some form of agrivoltaics, primarily sheep grazing, and discuss the growing interest from energy buyers in the social and environmental attributes of these projects. Throughout the episode, the guests emphasize the need for careful planning and community engagement to ensure the successful integration of solar power and agriculture, presenting agrivoltaics as a potential solution to balance clean energy goals with farmland preservation.

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The American Farmland Trust
Ethan Winter
Austin Kinzer

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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 Perovskite Technology is Reshaping the Solar Industry with Scott Graybeal | EP223 Jul 31, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague sits down with Scott Graybeal, CEO of Caelux, to explore the exciting world of perovskite solar technology. Graybeal reveals how his company is on the cusp of revolutionizing the solar industry with their innovative perovskite-based coatings for traditional solar panels.

Graybeal dispels the myth that perovskite technology is still confined to laboratories, announcing that Caelux has already ramped up to 50 megawatts of production capacity in Los Angeles. He explains how their perovskite coating can boost the performance of existing crystalline silicon modules by 20-30% while reducing energy costs by about 20%. This breakthrough could have significant implications for both residential and utility-scale solar projects.

The conversation delves into the technical aspects of perovskite solar cells, addressing concerns about lifespan and the use of lead in the manufacturing process. Graybeal outlines Caelux's approach to sustainability, including their plans for cradle-to-grave traceability and recycling of materials.

Perhaps most strikingly, Graybeal shares a bold prediction from industry research: by 2040, more than 80% of all PV shipments are expected to incorporate perovskite technology. He emphasizes that the commercialization of perovskite solar panels is not a distant dream but a near-term reality, with Caelux aiming to bring products to market in early 2025.

Don't miss this fascinating glimpse into the future of solar energy and the potential for perovskite technology to reshape the industry landscape. Tune in to learn how Caelux is positioning itself at the forefront of this revolutionary shift in renewable energy.

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Scott Graybeal
Caelux

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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

Agrivoltaics is Transforming Solar Development with Lucy Bullock-Sieger | EP222 Jul 25, 2024

Show notes

Agrivoltaics may be the biggest innovation in solar since the invention of the solar tracker. Today on the Clean Power Hour, we dive into the future of solar and farming with Lucy Bullock-Sieger, Vice President of Strategy at Lightstar Renewables. Discover how agrivoltaics is revolutionizing the solar industry and helping rural communities realize that solar and agriculture are compatible.

Lucy leads strategy for current and new markets, policy, government affairs, and marketing at Lightstar. She works closely with advocacy organizations, industry colleagues, legislators, and administration officials across all Lightstar markets to advocate for sustainable and equitable solar program policy.

Lucy is an expert in and advocate for solar and agricultural land use issues and has successfully worked to advance agrivoltaic dual-use policies across the country. For the last ten years, she has focused on energy, land use, agriculture, and public health policy and she holds a Masters of Public Administration from Northeastern University.

Lucy shares her journey from environmental health research to becoming a champion for clean energy. Learn how Lightstar is leading the charge with 1200 megawatts of solar in their pipeline, including 300 megawatts of cutting-edge agrivoltaics projects.

Explore the challenges solar developers face and how agrivoltaics is changing the game. Lucy reveals how this innovative approach is helping to overcome nimbyism, build trust with local communities, and provide new opportunities for farmers.

Get an insider's look at the evolving landscape of solar policy across different states. From Massachusetts' SMART program to Maryland's potential as a petri dish for scaling agrivoltaics, Lucy provides valuable insights into the future of the industry.

Don't miss Lucy's bold prediction for agrivoltaics – she believes it could become the default form of solar development, potentially reaching 50-60% of new projects in the coming years. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and innovative policy solutions.

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Lucy Bullock-Sieger
Lightstar Renewables

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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

Building the Solar Workforce: Union Labor's Role in the Energy Transition | EP221 Jul 23, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Dane Simpson, Director of LECET (Laborers' and Employers' Cooperation and Education Trust), to explore the vital role of labor unions in constructing the gigawatts of solar needed for the energy transition. Dane elucidates how organizations like LECET and LIUNA (Laborers' International Union of North America) are fostering the growth of the solar industry in the Midwest. The conversation delves into the significance of project labor agreements and apprenticeship programs, highlighting how union contractors can benefit from ready access to skilled labor and valuable industry connections.

Dane and Tim discuss the challenges of meeting labor demands in a rapidly expanding industry, particularly in light of the Inflation Reduction Act and state-level initiatives like Illinois' Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Dane shares insights on LECET's multifaceted approach to bringing more people into the trades, including pre-apprenticeship programs, career fairs, and innovative recruitment strategies. The episode provides listeners with valuable information on the advantages of becoming a union contractor, the specific roles laborers play in solar projects, and how LECET supports both contractors and developers.

Throughout the discussion, Dane emphasizes LECET's crucial role in providing project leads, education, outreach, and industry advancement for union contractors. He also touches on their advocacy work in supporting renewable energy projects during zoning and approval processes. The conversation includes mention of upcoming solar projects, such as the Collins Aerospace installation in Rockford, IL. This comprehensive episode offers important insights into the intersection of organized labor and the clean energy transition, making it a valuable resource for developers, EPCs, and anyone interested in the future of solar construction.

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Dane Simpson
Great Plains LECET

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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 Sheep: The Future of Sustainable Vegetation Control in Renewable Energy | EP220 Jul 18, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague interviews JR Howard, owner of Texas Solar Sheep, about the growing industry of solar grazing. JR shares his journey into solar grazing, which began three years ago when a friend recommended exploring this unique intersection of agriculture and renewable energy. From a small pilot project, JR's operation has rapidly expanded to manage over 5 gigawatts of solar farms with around 10,000 sheep.

The conversation delves into the benefits of solar grazing for both the solar industry and sheep farmers. JR explains how asset owners can save up to 20-25% on vegetation management costs by incorporating sheep grazing into their operations. He also discusses the importance of water access and appropriate seed mixes for successful solar grazing projects. The interview highlights the collaborative efforts between solar developers and grazers to optimize site designs for sheep.

JR offers insights into the challenges facing the solar grazing industry, including the current shortage of sheep in some regions of the US. He emphasizes the need for ranchers to approach solar grazing as a service business rather than just another grazing lease. The episode also touches on the expanding opportunities in solar farm management, including hay production and no-till seeding.

Listeners will learn about the major solar developers embracing grazing, such as Lightsource BP, Softbank SP Energy, and Adapture Renewables. JR also discusses the role of the American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA) in providing resources and support for those interested in entering the field. The episode concludes with information about new certification programs for solar grazers and JR's optimistic outlook on the future of this growing industry.

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Texas Solar Sheep
JR Howard

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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

Navigating the Clean Energy Transition: Insights from Clean Capital's Thomas Byrne | EP219 Jul 16, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Thomas Byrne, CEO and co-founder of Clean Capital, to discuss the evolving landscape of clean energy investment and development. Byrne shares insights from his journey in the industry, from his beginnings as a project finance lawyer to founding Clean Capital in 2016.

The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by the ongoing energy transition. Byrne and Montague explore the unexpected surge in electricity demand due to the rise of data centers and artificial intelligence (AI), and how this impacts the push for a renewable energy grid. They discuss the complexities of meeting increased energy needs while simultaneously working to curb greenhouse gas emissions.

Byrne offers a unique perspective on Clean Capital's role in the middle market of clean energy projects, ranging from 1 to 75 megawatts. He highlights their focus on "quirkier" projects, including the development of brownfields, Superfund sites, and reclaimed coal mines. The discussion also touches on Clean Capital's ventures into emerging markets, such as their projects in Alaska and Guam.

The episode provides valuable insights into the financial aspects of clean energy development, including the impact of recent legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act. Byrne and Montague also explore potential technological advancements that could shape the future of the industry, from robotics in solar installation to innovative software platforms for project management.

This conversation offers listeners a comprehensive look at the current state of clean energy investment and development, as well as thought-provoking predictions for the future of the industry. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in the financial and practical aspects of the ongoing energy transition.

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Thomas Byrne
Clean Capital

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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

Grid-Enhancing Technologies with Alexina Jackson, AES | EP218 Jul 09, 2024

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In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Alexina Jackson, Vice President of Strategic Development at AES, to discuss the future of the electrical grid and the implementation of grid-enhancing technologies (GETs).

Alexina shares her insights on the transformation of the grid from an analog system to a more digital, dynamic, and distributed network. She explains how this evolution is crucial for integrating renewable energy sources, improving grid reliability, and maintaining affordability. The conversation delves into various GETs, including dynamic line rating, topology optimization, advanced power flow control, and storage as transmission.

The discussion highlights the importance of visualizing and optimizing the grid's capacity, making better use of existing infrastructure rather than solely relying on new construction. Alexina emphasizes the need for regulatory support, education, and deployment of these technologies to overcome barriers and accelerate the clean energy transition.

The episode also touches on AES's commitment to decarbonization and the challenges of transitioning to a renewable energy system. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the complexities of grid modernization and the innovative solutions being developed to address them.

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Alexina Jackson
The AES Corporation
Smart Use of the Dynamic Grid Whitepaper

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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

Revolutionizing the Grid: Smart Technology and Energy Storage Solutions with Dr. Zhehan Yi | EP217 Jul 02, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague welcomes Dr. Zhehan Yi, Utility and ESS Product Solutions Director at CPS America, for an in-depth exploration of cutting-edge utility-scale energy storage solutions. Dr. Yi shares his journey from electrical engineering to becoming a key player in the renewable energy sector, offering unique insights into the evolving landscape of energy storage technology.

The conversation centers around CPS America's groundbreaking 5 megawatt-hour battery storage container solution, a game-changer in the utility-scale storage market. Dr. Yi explains the innovative string structure approach employed by CPS, drawing parallels with their success in the PV inverter market. He delves into the benefits of this modular design, including enhanced controllability, easier maintenance, and the ability to perform rack-level augmentation.

Dr. Yi and Montague discuss the concept of the "smart grid" and its role in revolutionizing power distribution. They explore how advanced communication and controllability are transforming the century-old grid infrastructure to accommodate the growing integration of renewable energy sources and smart devices.

The episode also touches on current trends in utility-scale storage projects across different US markets, from the smaller projects on the East Coast to the massive installations in the Southwest. Dr. Yi provides valuable insights into the various applications of energy storage, including energy arbitrage, peak shaving, and supporting EV charging infrastructure.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of CPS America's commitment to providing comprehensive solutions, including balance of system components and medium voltage transformers. Dr. Yi emphasizes the importance of localized support and customer service in setting CPS apart from competitors in the energy storage landscape.

Whether you're an energy professional, developer, or simply interested in the future of renewable energy, this episode offers a wealth of information on the cutting edge of energy storage technology and its crucial role in the global energy transition.

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Zhehan Yi
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

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