In today’s episode of the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague sits down with Bryan Wagner, President and General Manager, and Anton Patton, Vice President of Product Management at CPS America. They dive deep into the company's groundbreaking 250kW 600V string inverter, a product poised to revolutionize the solar industry.

The discussion covers the evolution of string inverter technology, the shift from central to string inverters in utility-scale projects, and how CPS America's new product addresses market demands. Bryan and Anton share insights on the product's development process, emphasizing the importance of customer feedback and collaboration.

Key topics include the benefits of virtual central configuration, load break rated DC disconnecting, anti-PID features, and the potential for repowering existing solar sites. The guests also touch on CPS America's market leadership, manufacturing capabilities, and future plans for scaling their technology.

Whether you're a solar professional, project developer, asset owner or simply interested in the latest advancements in renewable energy technology, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of solar inverters and their role in accelerating the clean energy transition. Tune in to learn how CPS America is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in solar energy conversion.

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Bryan Wagner
Anton Patton
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

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 episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague interviews Gil Hough, Executive Director of the Tennessee Solar Energy Industries Association (TenneSEIA). The discussion offers a comprehensive look at the unique energy landscape within the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) region, which spans Tennessee and parts of six other states.

Key points:

1. TVA Background: Created as part of the New Deal, TVA initially focused on flood management, electrification, and economic development. Its energy mix has evolved from hydroelectric to include coal, nuclear, natural gas, and increasingly, renewables.
2. Current Energy Landscape:
   • TVA's power generation includes hydro (6-10%), coal (being phased out by 2035), nuclear, natural gas, and growing solar and storage capacity.
   • About 1 GW of mostly large-scale solar currently operating, with 3 GW more under construction or in late-stage development.
   • TVA aims for 10 GW of solar by 2035.
3. Market Segments:
   • Utility-scale: Directly contracted with TVA
   • Generation flexibility: Allows local power companies to generate up to 5% of their load with renewables
   • Distributed generation: Challenging market, especially for residential and small commercial
   • Emerging community solar sector
4. Success Stories: Gil highlights projects like the Toyota 30 MW solar plant in Huntsville, Alabama, demonstrating the economic benefits of large-scale solar adoption.
5. Federal Funding Impact: Programs like Solar for All are accelerating distributed generation and benefiting low-income communities.
6. Challenges and Opportunities:
   • Length of interconnection queue
   • NIMBY pushback in some rural areas
   • Transition to FERC 2023 and new transmission planning processes
7. TenneSEIA's Role: Gil emphasizes TenneSEIA's position as a cooperative partner working with utilities, distinguishing it from more aggressive advocacy organizations.
8. Upcoming Event: TenneSEIA's annual conference on November 20-21 in Huntsville, Alabama, focusing on the TVA market, with about 500 attendees expected.

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Gil Hough
TenneSEIA

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Connect with Tim

Clean Power Hour
Clean Power Hour on YouTube
Tim on Twitter
Tim on LinkedIn

Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com

Review Clean Power Hour on Apple Podcasts

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, Tim Montague sits down with Brendan Miller, Deputy Director of the Land and Liberty Coalition, to discuss building support for renewable energy projects in rural communities across America.

Brendan shares his unique journey from farmer and local school board member to renewable energy advocate, offering valuable insights into the complex dynamics of rural politics and property rights. Learn about the innovative approaches the Land and Liberty Coalition uses to combat misinformation, engage with local officials, and build grassroots support for clean energy initiatives.

Discover why some common arguments against renewable projects often miss the mark in rural areas and hear about the surprising benefits these developments can bring to struggling farming communities. From protecting topsoil to providing economic lifelines, this conversation challenges many preconceptions about the impact of solar and wind projects on agricultural land.

Whether you're a renewable energy professional, a concerned citizen, or simply curious about the future of rural America in the clean energy transition, this episode offers a fresh perspective on one of the most pressing issues facing the industry today.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to bridge the gap between big energy developers and small-town communities, and learn about the critical role of effective messaging in securing local support for renewable projects.

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Brenden Miller
Land and Liberty Coalition

Support the show

Connect with Tim

Clean Power Hour
Clean Power Hour on YouTube
Tim on Twitter
Tim on LinkedIn

Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com

Review Clean Power Hour on Apple Podcasts

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