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It’s an exciting time to be involved in the renewable energy industry, and Kimberlee Centera is eager to share her experience of what it was like starting out when solar was just beginning to gain momentum in the early 2000s and how the lessons she’s learned along the way have given her great success in all areas of her life. 

Kimberlee emphasizes the integral role of networking, mentorship, and relationship-building. To succeed in the renewable energy industry, she believes it’s crucial to form beneficial and meaningful links with the right people. By networking and connecting with industry experts, CEOs, mentors, and job contacts, Centera explains that you can open up opportunities, co-create nourishing environments, and build invaluable knowledge.

As CEO of TerraPro Solutions, Kimberlee talks a lot about her experience in handling risk management appropriately. Renewable energy projects are long-term investments, but part of what makes them successful is the availability of seasoned risk management strategies. By having a robust risk management plan kept in place, Centera stresses that progress can be made more assuredly and with greater stability. 

Kimberlee walks us through best practices used for working with developers to ensure success. She emphasizes the importance of "perfected site control," which requires ensuring the right landowners, land rights, and documentation are in place. She highlights issues like securing transmission right of way and addressing subordination of existing liens, which are critical for project financing but often overlooked. 

“We looked at a 30-mile transmission line that had probably every kind of ownership you could have from state lands to tribal lands, to federal lands, you know, public agencies, private individuals, and so there's a very complex strategy that needs to go into acquiring that, and then perfecting it.” 

TerraPro Solutions help clients through the process of initial site control, executing and recording documents, navigating parameters of site control, finding the right landowners and project partners, as well as financing which includes a long list of necessities. 

“Most of the time these things don’t align, but we can fix those issues.” 

Looking towards the future of the renewable energy industry, Kimberlee sees several trends emerging, such as increasing demand for early-stage work and pivoting. A lot of companies are now using diversification and agility to expand their energy portfolios, and Centera believes this is a great way for companies to remain responsive and flexible to changing conditions.

Overall, Kimberlee emphasizes the importance of networking, mentorship, risk management, relationship-building, and being forward-thinking and prepared for the future. By taking the opportunities available, asking the right questions, and having the availability to receive, she believes that anyone can succeed in the renewable energy industry.

BOOKS MENTIONED AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTEs:

“Most of the time these things don’t align, but we can fix those issues.”
— Kimberlee Centera

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ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

Nico Johnson is the creator and host of SunCast, consistently rated a top solar podcast in the clean energy sector. The content of the show is geared towards listeners looking for insights on where the markets are headed, how to position themselves or their companies, and what today's market leaders do to stay ahead of the pack.

Nico is an Investor, Executive Coach, and 16-year veteran of the solar industry, having led development in the US and Latin America for global companies like Trina Solar and Conergy.

You can connect with Nico Johnson on Twitter, LinkedIn or email.

If you’ve been second-guessing your work decisions or maybe trying to reconsider how you "fit" in the renewable energy industry -> grab 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.