What if the solution to America's 70-year nuclear waste problem was hiding in plain sight?

Rod Baltzer, CEO of Deep Isolation, joins Tim Montague to reveal how his company plans to revolutionize nuclear waste storage using existing oil and gas drilling technology. With nuclear waste currently piling up at power plants across the country and costing taxpayers $2 million daily in storage fees, this conversation couldn't be more timely.

Deep Isolation recently raised $33 million to demonstrate their breakthrough approach: using directional drilling to create mile-deep boreholes that can safely store nuclear waste for thousands of years. Unlike the failed Yucca Mountain project, their modular solution works at individual plant sites and could save taxpayers over $50 billion.

In this episode, you'll discover how Deep Isolation's Universal Canister System works, why 80% of US nuclear sites could use this technology, and how their approach differs dramatically from traditional repository methods. Rod explains the technical details of boring 18-inch holes a mile underground, the safety standards they exceed by a factor of 1,000, and why this solution makes sense whether you support nuclear energy or not.

The conversation covers the regulatory landscape, industry response, and what comes next after their upcoming full-scale demonstration. With 87 patents and growing international interest, Deep Isolation represents a practical path forward for one of America's most persistent environmental challenges.

This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in energy policy, environmental solutions, or innovative approaches to complex infrastructure problems.

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Rod Baltzer LinkedIn

Deep Isolation

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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, Tim Montague sits down with Tara Brown-Selders, VP of Business Development at Kensington Vanguard, to discuss two critical topics for solar developers: title insurance and women's leadership in clean energy.

Tara breaks down why title insurance protects your solar investments. She explains how proper title searches going back 60+ years prevent costly surprises from liens, judgments, mineral rights, and ownership disputes. For developers securing rural land for solar projects, this protection proves essential.

The conversation shifts to women in clean energy. As president of Eco Women and strategic partnership chair for Clean TX Houston, Tara shares practical strategies for bringing more women into solar careers. She discusses how organizations like WRISE (Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy) and Solar Sisters create pathways for women to advance in this male-dominated field.

You'll learn about Texas's renewable energy boom. The state now generates 40% of its power from wind and solar in the first half of 2025. Grid reliability has actually improved with more renewables, contrary to common assumptions. Tara explains how Texas allows the co-location of oil production and solar facilities on the same land parcels.

For solar developers, Tara outlines Kensington Vanguard's national reach from Phoenix to New York. She describes their specialized approach to energy project title insurance.

For professionals seeking career advancement, she provides specific steps to expand your network through informational interviews and industry events. She emphasizes the value of joining professional organizations and leveraging job boards focused on clean energy.

This episode delivers actionable insights for solar developers needing title services and professionals looking to advance their clean energy careers. Press play to discover how proper title insurance protects your projects and how the industry benefits from diverse leadership.

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Tara Brown-Selders

Kensington Vanguard

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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 last week’s Clean Power Hour live, Tim Montague and John Weaver discussed the latest solar industry developments, from deployment projections and regulatory challenges to cutting-edge technology breakthroughs. This episode covers critical insights for commercial solar professionals, including uptime optimization, project development strategies, and emerging battery technologies that could reshape the energy storage landscape.

Episode Highlights

• FEOC and Tax Credits - BloombergNEF’s U.S. solar forecast through 2028 and what developers can do to prepare (PV Magazine)
• Sodium-Ion Batteries - Peak Energy’s utility-scale pilots and why sodium could be the next big storage technology (Canary Media)
• Second-Life EV Batteries — Redwood Materials’ microgrid data center with 63 MWh of repurposed storage (Canary Media)
• Efficiency race heats up - 17 solar modules now exceed 25% efficiency, with AIKO launching first 500W residential panel under 2 square meters (Solarbe Global)
• Safe harbor strategies for C&I projects - developers rushing to lock in tax credits before FEOC rules bite.
• AIKO Solar launches a 500 W residential module under 2 m² with 25% efficiency, one of the highest-performing panels in its class (Link).

As the clean energy sector races toward unprecedented growth, navigating policy hurdles like FEOC, embracing new battery chemistries, and pushing solar panel efficiency to record highs will shape the industry’s trajectory. This episode offers a front-row seat to the technological and regulatory shifts redefining solar and storage, insights you won’t want to miss if you’re building the future of clean power.

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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

Think battery storage systems are fire hazards? The data tells a different story.

Today on the Clean Power Hour, Joe DeBellis, Global Head of Clean Energy at FireTrace, reveals shocking findings from a survey of nearly 4,000 Americans about battery storage safety. While headlines focus on rare fire incidents, 71% of Americans actually support battery energy storage technology.

Here's what you'll discover:

The surprising truth about battery fires: 89% start from electrical components, not the batteries themselves. Only 11% originate from battery cells or modules. Fire incidents have dropped 97% between 2018-2023, with just one fire per 35 gigawatts of installed capacity.

Why public opposition exists: 52% of the 29% who oppose battery projects lack basic information about the technology. Misinformation drives fear more than actual risk data.

What's inside battery containers: Beyond batteries, these systems contain HVAC equipment, power conversion systems, battery management systems, and control cabinets. Each component presents different fire risks requiring specific suppression strategies.

FireTrace's dual approach to safety: Clean agent systems protect electrical components without damaging electronics. Aerosol technology using potassium carbonate prevents thermal runaway in battery cells.

How developers can improve project approval: Proactive safety planning beats reactive measures. Early engagement with authorities having jurisdiction and communities builds trust through education.

The regulatory landscape: UL 9540, NFPA 855, and evolving safety standards are creating better frameworks for safe deployment.

The key takeaway: Focus fire prevention efforts on electrical components, not just batteries. This approach addresses 89% of actual fire risks while building community trust through education.

Connect with Guest

LinkedIn: Joe DeBellis

Website: Firetrace

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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

Join hosts Tim Montague and John Weaver for another episode of Clean Power Hour Live, bringing you the latest developments in wind, solar, and battery storage. In this episode, the hosts dive into the complex implications of policy changes on clean energy deployment, showcase impressive solar installations, discuss the critical role of battery storage in grid stability, and explore global trends in renewable energy adoption. From curtailment reduction in California to electric vehicle adoption in Norway, this episode covers the full spectrum of clean energy developments shaping our industry.

Episode Highlights

• Bloomberg New Energy Finance projects US clean energy installs will plunge 41% after 2027, though installations are expected to remain strong through 2027 with 53+ gigawatts of solar capacity planned for 2025. (Bloomberg/BNF)
• Global grid-scale battery storage deployment increased over 50% in the first half of 2025 (Benchmark)
• New York State releases ambitious plan targeting 35 gigawatts of PV and 9.4 gigawatts of battery storage by 2040 (PV tech)
• US Customs agency seized 146 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden inside unusually thick solar panels. (PV Magazine - Emiliano Bellini)
• Ameren Missouri submits rate increase requests ranging from 29% to 39%, highlighting how rising electricity costs will make solar economics more attractive for consumers. (Link)
• California solar curtailment decreased 12% despite 18% more solar capacity installed. (PV Magazine - John Weaver)

The hosts emphasize that energy professionals should focus on battery storage integration and diversification strategies to navigate the changing policy landscape while capitalizing on the continued growth in clean energy deployment through 2027.

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Connect with Tim

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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 energy transition faces political headwinds, but market forces tell a different story. Today on the Clean Power Hour, Keith Zakheim, CEO of Antenna Group and host of the Age of Adoption podcast, shares why he remains bullish on clean energy despite policy challenges.

Keith brings 20 years of communications experience in the clean energy sector. His agency has grown alongside the industry, helping companies navigate everything from the early cleantech boom to today's political landscape. In this conversation, he breaks down why the transition continues regardless of Washington politics.

Key Discussion Points:

• Why 96% of new grid capacity in April 2025 came from renewables
• How corporate demand from tech giants creates policy-agnostic growth
• The shift from "age of innovation" to "age of adoption" in clean energy
• Communication strategies for sustainability companies in challenging times
• Why energy abundance arguments resonate better than climate messaging
• The economics driving renewable competitiveness without subsidies
• How to align clean energy with administration priorities around security, strength, and prosperity

Keith explains why supply and demand fundamentals favor renewables. Tech companies need massive amounts of new electricity for AI and data centers. Traditional energy sources face capacity constraints and long build times. This creates opportunities for solar, wind, and batteries to compete purely on economics.

The conversation covers practical advice for clean energy companies on messaging and market positioning. Keith advocates for incremental change over radical transformation, focusing on multiple value propositions beyond environmental benefits.

This episode offers perspective for energy professionals, investors, and policy watchers trying to understand market dynamics beyond political noise. Keith's experience guiding companies through multiple industry cycles provides valuable insights for navigating current uncertainties.

Connect with Keith Zakheim

LinkedIn

Antenna Group

Age of Adoption Podcast

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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

Ready to discover why smart solar developers and farmers are choosing agrivoltaics over traditional solar?

Today on the Clean Power Hour, join host Tim Montague and four industry leaders who share real data, proven results, and practical insights on how vertical racking helps farmers achieve superior returns compared to conventional approaches

🎯 Featured Experts:

• Helge Biernath - Founder & CEO of Sunzaun
• Ian Skor - Founder & CEO of Sandbox Solar
• Professor Majdi Abou Najm - UC Davis Researcher
• John Langdon - Oregon farmer and "Solar Saves Farms" advocate

Why This Matters to YOU:

For Solar Developers:

✅ 15x higher energy density per square foot with vertical systems

✅ Premium pricing - capture afternoon peak rates up to 62¢/kWh

✅ Lower LCOE through reduced soiling, snow issues, and maintenance

✅ New market access in areas where traditional solar faces opposition

For Farmers & Landowners:

✅ Income diversification without losing agricultural production

✅ 8-12% water savings, reducing operational costs

✅ 120%+ land productivity (energy + agriculture combined)

✅ Enhanced crop resilience through beneficial microclimate creation

For Investors & Financial Professionals:

✅ Proven ROI models with real performance data

✅ Multiple revenue streams from a single land asset

✅ Risk mitigation through diversified income sources

✅ Scalable solutions from pilot to commercial deployment

🎪 Upcoming Events Mentioned:

• Solar Farm Summit (August 4-7, Chicago)
• California Agrivoltaics Day (November 5, UC Davis)

Connect with Guests

Helge Biernath

Ian Skor

Professor Majdi

John Langdon

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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

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 2050
• How We Recycle Solar achieves 60% refurbishment rates on incoming panels
• The technical process of extracting valuable materials like silver, aluminum, and silicon
• Why companies like First Solar and Q Cells are building in-house recycling facilities
• New state regulations in Texas, Washington, and California driving industry change
• The economics that make solar recycling profitable while competing with landfill costs

Adam 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 viable
• Proper recycling can recover critical materials for domestic supply chains
• Industry needs federal policy to accelerate adoption beyond current 5+ year timeline
• Local recycling creates jobs and reduces transportation costs for raw materials

Don't miss this essential conversation about building a truly sustainable solar industry from cradle to grave.

Connect with Adam Saghei:

• LinkedIn: Adam Saghei
• Website: werecyclesolar.com

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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