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

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

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

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

In today’s episode of the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague speaks with Parker Schram, the founder of EnergyScape Renewables, a company aiming to revolutionize the solar industry by offering an all-in-one ecosystem for solar enterprises. Parker shares his journey from renewable engineering to building a company that handles everything from site surveys and sales proposals to engineering, design, and even permitting.

EnergyScape's vision is to allow EPCs and solar installers to focus on sales and installations while they take care of all the behind-the-scenes business operations. Parker dives into the services they offer, including site surveys, CRM software, project management tools, plan sets, structural and electrical engineering, interconnection, permitting, and utility application processes. With a presence in all states, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, EnergyScape is equipped to support solar projects nationwide.

Parker discusses the benefits of outsourcing versus scaling in-house, highlighting the cost savings and access to specialized expertise that EnergyScape provides. He also addresses common issues EPCs face and how EnergyScape's solutions can help streamline operations and avoid bottlenecks. Whether you're a seasoned solar professional or new to the industry, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of solar project management and the potential of comprehensive service platforms.

Tune in to learn how EnergyScape Renewables is transforming the solar landscape and how their innovative approach can benefit your solar business. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the power of an all-in-one ecosystem for solar enterprises!

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Parker Schram

EnergyScape 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

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

The solar energy industry is booming, but maintaining and optimizing solar installations is an evolving challenge. Today on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague sits down with Chris Grablutz at RE+ Northeast in Boston. Chris is the founder of Triforce Energy and an alum of PurePower Engineering. We explore the world of solar operations and maintenance (O&M)—a critical yet often overlooked aspect of the industry.

Chris shares insights into how the O&M sector is maturing, the growing demand for skilled technicians, and why solar maintenance is far from a "set it and forget it" system. They discuss the challenges of a shrinking skilled workforce, the importance of vocational training and internships, and innovative ways companies like Triforce Energy are nurturing the next generation of solar technicians.

The episode also touches on Chint Power Systems (CPS) and why their strong customer support and reliable inverter technology make a difference in the field. If you're in the solar industry—whether you're a developer, asset owner, technician, or just passionate about renewable energy—this episode will give you valuable insights into the future of solar maintenance and workforce development.

Tune in now to learn how we can all contribute to growing and strengthening the solar industry!

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Chris Grablutz

Tri-Force Energy

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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

Today on the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Andrew Birch, the founder and CEO of OpenSolar, to explore the stark differences between solar markets around the world and what the U.S. can learn from countries like Australia and Europe. With over 20 years of experience in the solar industry, Birchy shares his insights on why Australia has achieved an impressive 33% solar penetration, while the U.S. lags behind at just 5%.

The conversation dives into the key factors driving Australia's success, including streamlined permitting processes, lower costs, and efficient customer adoption. Birchy explains how the U.S. solar market is bogged down by complex regulations, high permitting costs, and lengthy installation timelines, which make solar three times more expensive than in Australia. He also discusses the potential of initiatives like SolarAPP+ to simplify permitting and reduce costs, which could revolutionize the U.S. solar industry.

Birchy also shares his journey with Sungevity, one of the leading U.S. solar companies, and how the company's challenges with financing and policy changes ultimately led to its downfall. He offers valuable advice for solar installers on how to grow sustainable businesses in a challenging market, emphasizing the importance of simplifying processes and advocating for policy changes.

The episode also touches on the role of storage in solar adoption, the future of commercial solar, and the potential for solar to dominate global energy markets by 2035. Birch’s optimism about the future of solar is contagious, and his call to action for the industry to rally around solutions like SolarAPP+ is both inspiring and urgent.

If you're in the solar industry, a policy maker, or simply interested in the future of clean energy, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to learn how we can accelerate solar adoption, reduce costs, and create a more sustainable energy future.

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Andrew Birch LinkedIn

OpenSolar

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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

In this engaging bi-weekly news roundup, host Tim Montague welcomes back John Weaver, "the commercial solar guy," to discuss major developments in the renewable energy sector. The episode highlights Bloomberg NEF's report of nearly 50 gigawatts of solar deployed in the US in 2024, a significant increase from the previous year that demonstrates solar's growing dominance over wind in capacity additions.

John shares his analysis of California's impressive clean energy progress, where solar generation is up 34% year-over-year and recently achieved the milestone of meeting 100% of the state's electricity demand - remarkably in February. They discuss how battery storage deployment is revolutionizing California's grid stability and enabling more solar integration.

The conversation takes a serious turn examining the Trump administration's executive order pausing IRA funding and its implications for domestic manufacturing, including the news that Freyr Battery (now T1 Energy) has canceled its planned US battery factory. Join Tim and John for this informative discussion on the triumphs and challenges facing the clean energy transition.

Story Links
Almost 50 GW of solar deployed in the USA in 2024 - go to Page 22
https://bcse.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-Sustainable-Energy-in-America-Factbook.pdf

Associated - California clean energy growth booming, solar way up:
https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/02/21/california-off-to-a-strong-clean-electricity-start-with-solar-up-33-8/

Project of the Week - 270 kWdc rooftop in downtown New Bedford - installed while wind chill near zero
https://bsky.app/profile/commercialsolarguy.com/post/3lik32v2zfc2l

Trump challenges to the IRA, including multiple pauses
https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/01/21/trump-orders-pause-to-ira-funding/

Freyr Battery rebrands as T1 Energy and really doubles down on the US Solar and Storage Market
https://t1energy.com/#t1-overview

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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

In this illuminating episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Joe Ordia, the creator of Solar Surge on YouTube, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of residential solar technology. With 13 years of industry experience, Joe shares invaluable insights on the transformation of home solar and battery storage solutions, from early "science experiment" setups to today's sleek, integrated systems.

The conversation delves deep into the current state of residential solar technology, examining the pros and cons of leading brands like Tesla, Franklin, Enphase, and SolarEdge. Joe and Tim discuss the shifting dynamics of module-level power electronics (MLPEs), installation complexity challenges, and the emerging trend toward simplified DC-coupled systems. They explore how changes in net metering policies are reshaping the industry and driving the adoption of battery storage solutions (BESS).

A highlight of the episode is the forward-looking discussion of bi-directional EV charging, which both experts identify as the next major innovation in home energy systems. Listeners will gain practical insights into how this technology could transform the relationship between electric vehicles and home energy management.

Whether you're a solar installer, industry professional, or homeowner considering solar, this episode offers valuable perspectives on current market leaders, installation best practices, and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of residential solar.

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Joe Ordia

Solar Surge

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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

Today on the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague engages in a conversation with Mitch Ratcliffe, Director of Digital Strategy and Innovation at Intentional Futures and host of the Earth 911 podcast. Together, they explore the complex intersection of artificial intelligence, sustainability, and society's future.

Ratcliffe brings his extensive experience in technology and sustainability to discuss how AI can be leveraged to address critical environmental challenges while acknowledging its potential risks. The conversation delves into the role of community-scale microgrids in revolutionizing our energy infrastructure, the pressing need for sustainable resource management, and the challenges of balancing technological advancement with environmental stewardship.

We also delved into several thought-provoking books, starting with "Superintelligence" (by Nick Bostrom) and "Life 3.0" (by Max Tegmark), which both explore the potential risks and implications of artificial general intelligence (AGI). We also mentioned "Taking Back Control" by Wolfgang Streeck, a German political economist who argues that the anti-globalization movement is a response to the loss of democratic control over economies and suggests that relocalizing can help better control resource usage and provide improved economic opportunities.

"Overshoot: The Ecological Basis of Revolutionary Change" by William Catton was recommended as an analysis of humanity's current trajectory of consuming more resources than the Earth can sustain. Finally, we talked about "Multi-solving" by Elizabeth Sawin, which advocates for a systems-thinking approach to problem-solving, encouraging people to understand how changes in one part of a system affect other parts, rather than focusing on isolated solutions.

Don't miss this essential conversation that bridges technology, sustainability, and social responsibility, offering both warning and hope for our collective future.

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Mitch Ratcliffe

Earth 911

Intentional Futures

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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