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Clean Power Hour

Tim Montague, John Weaver
Clean Power Hour
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  • Why Solar Panel Recycling Is Critical for Clean Energy's Future | EP297
    We're about to install 19 billion solar panels in the next 20 years, but what happens when they reach end-of-life?In this eye-opening episode of The Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Adam Saghei, CEO and founder of We Recycle Solar, to tackle one of the clean energy industry's most pressing challenges: solar panel waste management.What You'll Discover:Why 90% of end-of-life solar panels currently end up in landfills (and how we can change this)The staggering value locked in old panels: $170 million today, projected to reach $80 billion by 2050How We Recycle Solar achieves 60% refurbishment rates on incoming panelsThe technical process of extracting valuable materials like silver, aluminum, and siliconWhy companies like First Solar and Q Cells are building in-house recycling facilitiesNew state regulations in Texas, Washington, and California driving industry changeThe economics that make solar recycling profitable while competing with landfill costsAdam breaks down the three main sources of solar waste: environmental damage, technology upgrades, and installation breakage. He explains how proper decommissioning and material recovery can transform what many see as a looming e-waste crisis into a valuable circular economy opportunity.Whether you're a solar installer, project developer, or simply interested in sustainable technology, this episode provides crucial insights into an industry that's rapidly evolving to solve its own waste problem.Key Takeaways:Solar panels retain 90% efficiency after 20 years, making refurbishment highly viableProper recycling can recover critical materials for domestic supply chainsIndustry needs federal policy to accelerate adoption beyond current 5+ year timelineLocal recycling creates jobs and reduces transportation costs for raw materialsDon't miss this essential conversation about building a truly sustainable solar industry from cradle to grave.Connect with Adam Saghei:LinkedIn: Adam SagheiWebsite: werecyclesolar.com Support the showConnect with Tim Clean Power Hour Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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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  • BBB Bill Bombshell, What’s New With Solar And Batteries In 2025?
    On our recent Clean Power Hour Live, Tim Montague and John Weaver tackle the complex implications of the recently passed "BBB bill" and its mixed impact on the solar industry. The hosts dive deep into the economic pressures facing the industry and much more.Episode HighlightsBBB Bill Impact on Solar Industry - Discussion of the "big, beautiful bill" and its mixed effects on renewable energy sectors (Story Link)US Copper Prices 138% Above Global - Domestic copper now costs more than double international prices (Story Link)Electricity Price Predictions - Experts anticipate rising energy costs for consumers due to trade policies (Story Link)California Becomes Solar State - Solar officially surpasses natural gas as #1 electricity source (33.9% vs 33.3%) (Story Link)US Solar Crosses 10% Threshold - Solar exceeded 10% of US electricity generation for first time in April 2025 (Story Link)Tesla Megapack Installation - John's company deploys first utility-scale battery on Massachusetts military base (Story Link)Clean Power Hour Merchandise - New construction safety gear added to online store (Buy Now)Upcoming EventsVertical Solar Webinar - July 15, 2025 at 12pm EasternFeaturing Helga Biernath (Sunzaun), Ian Skor (Sandbox Solar), Professor Majdi (UC Davis), John Langdon (Solar Saves Farms)Registration: cleanpowerhour.com/eventsContact InformationJohn Weaver: commercialsolarguy.com | [email protected] | 508-499-9786 Support the showConnect with Tim Clean Power Hour Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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 REALLY Happening to The Solar Industry Under the Big Beautiful Bill? | EP296
    The solar industry faces its biggest challenge yet - will it survive the gutting of the Inflation Reduction Act?Tim Montague sits down with Marc Palmer, founder and CEO of Conductor Solar, to discuss the current state of solar financing and how the industry is changing in light of threats facing our industry.In this episode, you'll discover how the "Big Beautiful Bill" could shrink the solar market by 46% between now and 2030, and why industry leaders are shifting to survival mode. Marc shares exclusive insights from his conversations with top developers, IPPs, and financing providers at the Expo, revealing how they're adapting their strategies in these uncertain times.Key Topics Covered:The potential $2.4-5 trillion impact of budget reconciliation on national debtHow solar companies are focusing on quality over quantity to weather the stormMidwest Solar Expo takeaways and industry sentimentState incentives becoming critical as federal support wanesThe AI-driven energy demand boom creating a "Clash of Titans"Dean Solon's revolutionary Create solar technology with 3,000-volt modulesITC transfers and M&A opportunities in the middle marketWhy energy independence arguments may save solar despite political headwindsMarc provides a rare insider's perspective on how financing providers are adding conservatism to their pricing, why developers are rushing to safe harbor projects, and what the consolidation wave means for smaller players in the market.Whether you're a solar developer, installer, investor, or policy maker, this episode delivers the real-world intelligence you need to navigate these turbulent times. Don't miss Marc Palmer’s predictions on why solar can emerge stronger after a likely contraction that is starting now. 🔗 Connect with Marc Palmer:Conductor Solar: [website]Email: [email protected]: Marc Palmer Support the showConnect with Tim Clean Power Hour Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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 REALLY Driving the DMV Solar Boom in 2025? | EP 295
    Today on the Clean Power Hour, we reconnect with Kiya Segni, founder of Aduu Solar, who has successfully made the leap from engineering consultant to full-fledged solar installer in the lucrative DMV market (DC, Maryland, Virginia).🔧 Business Transformation Insights: Kiya shares the critical differences between running an engineering firm versus a construction company, from managing installation crews to implementing comprehensive business systems. Learn how his 3+ years of consulting experience with contractors across all 50 states gave him invaluable insights into what works and what doesn't in solar installation.💰 DMV Market Deep Dive: Discover why the DMV area is one of the strongest solar markets in the country, with Washington DC's Solar for All program offering SREC payments so high that some investors provide electricity for free just to capture the credits. Kiya breaks down Maryland's new Solar Access Program, which provides up to $7,500 in incentives, and explains how homeowners can earn $3,000-$5,000 annually from SRECs.🏗️ Operational Excellence: Get insider knowledge on equipment selection (why Kiya chose microinverters over string inverters), licensing requirements across different states, and the logistics of equipment procurement. Learn about the systems and processes essential for scaling from 0 to 30+ installations per month.🌍 Immigration & Entrepreneurship: Kiya opens up about his journey as an Ethiopian immigrant, from arriving in the US at 18 barely speaking English to working for the Department of Defense with top-secret clearance, and ultimately building his own successful solar company. His perspective on current immigration policies and the immigrant contribution to American business is both personal and profound.⚡ Industry Challenges Ahead: With potential ITC elimination looming, Kiya discusses the real impact on residential solar and his strategic pivot toward commercial projects. Despite policy uncertainties, he remains committed to renewable energy for both business and environmental reasons.Connect wihKiya SegniAduu Solar Support the showConnect with Tim Clean Power Hour Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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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  • Why Equity Is the Solar Industry's Secret Weapon | EP294
    Today on the Clean Power Hour, we sit down with the leadership team of Windfree Solar - a minority-owned, equity eligible contractor that's proving diversity isn't just good for society, it's good for business. CEO Eric Heineman, Head of O&M Cynthia Myers, and Chief Marketing Officer Steve Larosiliere share how they've built a thriving solar company by focusing on underserved communities in Chicago and Cook County.Discover how Cynthia went from growing up in foster care to becoming one of Illinois' first female solar installers and a licensed electrician. Learn why Eric believes diversity is their competitive advantage, and how Steve is helping scale their mission-driven approach to solar development.We dive deep into Illinois' groundbreaking Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), exploring programs like Solar for All and Illinois Shines that are creating pathways for people from disadvantaged backgrounds to enter the clean energy workforce. The team discusses the challenges and opportunities of working in environmental justice communities, and why they've made it their specialty to go where other solar companies won't.This episode also touches on the broader transformation happening in the solar industry - from a predominantly white, male sector to one that's actively embracing diversity and inclusion.Key Topics Covered:Equity-eligible contractor status and what it meansBreaking gender and racial barriers in solar installationWorking in underserved communities and environmental justice areasBuilding diverse teams for competitive advantageCommunity solar development strategiesIf you'd like to support Cynthia Myers during this challenging time as she navigates her partner's immigration case, please consider contributing to her GoFundMe campaign - every bit of support helps.Connect with WindFreeEric HeinemanCynthia MyersSteve LarosiliereWindfree Support the showConnect with Tim Clean Power Hour Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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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About 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
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