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 debt
• How solar companies are focusing on quality over quantity to weather the storm
• Midwest Solar Expo takeaways and industry sentiment
• State incentives becoming critical as federal support wanes
• The AI-driven energy demand boom creating a "Clash of Titans"
• Dean Solon's revolutionary Create solar technology with 3,000-volt modules
• ITC transfers and M&A opportunities in the middle market
• Why energy independence arguments may save solar despite political headwinds

Marc 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: marc@conductorsolar.com
• LinkedIn: Marc Palmer

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

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 wih

Kiya Segni

Aduu Solar

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

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 means
• Breaking gender and racial barriers in solar installation
• Working in underserved communities and environmental justice areas
• Building diverse teams for competitive advantage
• Community solar development strategies

If 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 WindFree

Eric Heineman

Cynthia Myers

Steve Larosiliere

Windfree

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