Clean Power Hour

• Is Midwest Solar Expo the KEY to Unlocking Regional CLEAN ENERGY? | EP289

  Today on the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Jake Rozmaryn, the visionary founder of the Midwest Solar Expo, to discuss the game-changing acquisition by Intersolar and what it means for America's heartland energy transition.For over a decade, Jake has been building bridges between coastal clean energy expertise and emerging Midwest markets. What started as a small Minnesota gathering has evolved into a powerhouse regional event that draws nearly 1,000 attendees annually. Now, with Intersolar's global platform behind it, the Midwest Solar Expo is poised to accelerate clean energy adoption across Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Missouri, and beyond.Key Discussion Points:The strategic rationale behind Intersolar's acquisition of the Midwest Solar ExpoHow the event evolved from Minnesota's Twin Cities to Chicago's central locationThe critical role of community solar in Midwest market developmentWhy utility engagement (like ComEd and Exelon's participation) is essential for industry growthThe explosive intersection of AI, data centers, and clean energy demandVirtual power plants and their growing importance in grid modernizationStorage integration as the "peanut butter and jelly" of modern energy solutionsJake shares candid insights about the challenges facing the industry in today's political climate and why bringing the community together for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and unified advocacy has never been more important.Whether you're a solar installer, community solar developer, utility professional, or clean energy investor, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on regional market dynamics and the future of distributed generation in America's heartland.Don't miss the Midwest Solar Expo, June 9-11 in Chicago! Learn more at midwestsolarexpo.comFeatured Speakers Preview: Norm Taff (Generac), Doug Scott (Illinois Commerce Commission), Dean Solon (Create Energy), and executives from Exelon and ComEd.#CleanEnergy #Solar #Storage #MidwestSolar #CommunityEnergyTransition #RenewableEnergyConnect With Jake RozmarynJake RozmarynMidwest Solar Expo Support the showConnect with Tim Clean Power Hour Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com Review Clean Power Hour on Apple PodcastsThe 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

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• The Secret to Affordable Solar for Multifamily Homes! EP288

  Over 40% of Americans live in multi-family buildings with little to no access to the benefits of rooftop solar – until now. Today on the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague speaks with Aliya Bagewadi, US Director of Strategic Partnerships at Allume Energy, about their revolutionary SolShare technology.Aliya explains how SolShare solves the historic "split incentive" problem that has prevented multi-family buildings from adopting solar. This innovative hardware physically shares electricity from a single rooftop solar system to multiple apartment meters, allowing both building owners and tenants to benefit. While residents save up to 40% on their energy bills (significantly more than typical community solar offerings), building owners can create new revenue streams through solar amenity fees, improve tenant satisfaction, increase occupancy rates, and enhance property values.The conversation covers how SolShare works with solar plus storage solutions, enabling a single battery system to serve multiple meters and enhance building resilience during outages. Aliya also discusses how SolShare is creating new opportunities for solar installers to enter the previously challenging multi-family market, particularly in states with strong energy equity goals.The episode reveals how this technology is unlocking significant funding for low-income multi-family solar installations in programs like Illinois Solar for All, where SolShare's software can ensure and document that 50% of solar benefits flow directly to residents.Tune in to learn how this Australian-born technology is tackling energy equity challenges across the United States and opening new markets for solar installers in Illinois, Florida, Mississippi, Utah, and Washington DC.Connect with Aliya BagewadiAliya BagewadiAllume Energy Support the showConnect with Tim Clean Power Hour Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com Review Clean Power Hour on Apple PodcastsThe 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

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• The BIG Shift in Solar and Storage Industry You Need to Know

  On the latest Clean Power Live, Tim Montague and John Weaver dive into the cutting-edge developments from InterSolar Europe 2025 and discuss critical US clean energy policy challenges. John shares his first-hand experiences from the conference, highlighting how the battery revolution is transforming the renewable energy landscape, with batteries now taking up more exhibition space than traditional solar technology…HighlightsBattery Revolution Takes Center Stage: At InterSolar Europe 2025, batteries and battery-adjacent technologies now occupy more exhibition space than traditional solar equipment, signaling a major industry shift (PV Magazine).Next-Generation Battery Technology: CATL showcased an ultra-dense 9MWh battery container, while sodium batteries emerge as a potential lithium alternative despite current cost and lifespan limitations (ESS News).Solar & Tech Innovation Continues: New developments include flexible colored solar panels exceeding 20% efficiency, laser wind measurement systems providing 5-10 minute warning of damaging winds, and automated cleaning robots for arid region installations.Hotel Solar Carport Project: Weaver’s 690 kW commercial project is progressing toward Q3 2025 completion despite excavation challenges (LinkedIn).IRA Under Threat: Proposed legislation could undermine the Inflation Reduction Act, which has spurred $321 billion in domestic clean energy investments, by imposing unworkable supply chain verification requirements (Canary Media).Battery Tariff Developments: Tariffs on Chinese battery imports have been reduced from 145% to 60%, though industry experts estimate effective tariffs remain at 40-65% when all categories are considered (Energy Storage News). Support the showConnect with Tim Clean Power Hour Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com Review Clean Power Hour on Apple PodcastsThe 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

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• What's The SECRET to CPS America's Success? Tyler Anderson Explains | EP287

  Today on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague interviews Tyler Anderson of Phase Two about solar O&M and engineering services. In this brief but informative conversation, Tyler shares insights about his company's focus on commercial and industrial solar projects.Company FocusTyler explains that Phase Two specializes in "C&I focused" services, including "consulting system design, third party quality control and a little bit of O&M." Their projects range from 50kW up to about eight megawatts, primarily serving Midwest markets including Iowa, Illinois, and Texas.CPS America InsightsWhen asked about CPS inverters, Tyler identifies several key strengths: "bankable means simple system designs, nice power classes" and mentions they frequently use "the 50 kW, 60 kW on flat roof mounts." He particularly emphasizes CPS's "really good customer support," noting they've been very "happy with that."Key Inverter Selection CriteriaTyler reveals what he looks for when selecting inverters for projects:Company historyUL 3741 compliance, which he notes is "a really big thing" currentlyAfter-service supportFailure ratePrimary Customer BasePhase II's primary customers are "electrical contractors that are trying to get into solar" - particularly well-established companies with decades of experience. Tyler notes these established electrical contractors "should be moving into the solar markets."Industry ConnectionsTyler gives a special mention to CPS team members Evan and Faviola, whom he interfaces with most frequently.This conversation provides a concise look at the commercial solar landscape from the perspective of a service provider helping traditional electrical contractors transition into the growing renewable energy sector.Connect with Tyler AndersonLinkedIn: Tyler AndersonWebsite: Phase 2 Support the showConnect with Tim Clean Power Hour Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com Review Clean Power Hour on Apple PodcastsThe 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

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• Inside Look at Canada's Booming Solar Market with CPS's Ross Wickenheiser | EP286

  Today on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague speaks with Ross Wickenheiser, Head of Sales for Canada at CPS (Chint Power Systems), from the floor of Intersolar San Diego. Ross shares valuable insights into Canada's rapidly expanding solar market, particularly highlighting the substantial growth in utility-scale projects across the western provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta.Ross details how Canada's federal Clean Investment Tax Credit is driving significant new solar development, creating a financially attractive environment for investors alongside the naturally advantageous topography and sunlight conditions in western Canada. The conversation reveals the impressive scale of these developments, with numerous 200-300 MW projects already approved and many more in planning stages, some reaching up to 500 MW.As a professional who transitioned from the traditional oil and gas sector to renewable energy, Ross offers a unique perspective on the energy transition happening in Canada. He discusses the cultural aspects of working at CPS, emphasizing the supportive, collaborative environment that has welcomed him into the solar industry.The episode also covers Ross's coast-to-coast work across Canada, from Vancouver to Nova Scotia, and highlights major Canadian trade shows including Electricity Transformation Canada in Toronto and the Global Energy Show in Calgary - noting how the latter has evolved from a primarily oil and gas focus to increasingly featuring renewable energy technologies.Join Tim and Ross for this engaging discussion about Canada's solar boom, the supportive policy environment, and how professionals from traditional energy sectors are finding fulfilling new paths in the renewable energy transformation.Connect with Ross WickenheiserLinkedIn: Ross WickenheiserWebsite: CPS America Support the showConnect with Tim Clean Power Hour Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com Review Clean Power Hour on Apple PodcastsThe 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

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