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While the residential solar market often steals the limelight, Tim Montague believes that the C&I solar sector holds immense potential, especially in the context of sustainability and the built environment. With an annual capacity of a couple of gigawatts in the US alone, C&I solar presents significant growth opportunities for those willing to embrace the challenges and learn the ropes.

As Tim readily acknowledges, the C&I solar sector is not for the faint of heart. Navigating the complexities of technical knowledge, sales skills, and regulatory understanding, along with handling lengthy sales cycles and multiple decision-makers, can be daunting. However, he encourages solar professionals not to shy away from these challenges but to embrace them as opportunities for growth and development.

In this interview, we tease out the initial spark that led Tim to make a career shift into the solar industry. From an energy fair in New Mexico as a boy, to his deep involvement in the clean energy transition in Illinois, Tim’s passion for sustainability and solar are more than skin deep.  Tim also shares some excellent advice on how he has been able to accelerate his knowledge in the solar industry, especially within the challenging C&I sector. 

Over the course of his journey, he’s become a go-to expert for C&I development. To support professionals seeking to excel in the C&I solar market, Tim has created two training courses available on HeatSpring – one on qualifying commercial solar leads and projects, and another on selling and developing C&I solar projects.

By sharing his knowledge and experiences, Tim aims to fill the gap in resources available for professionals interested in C&I solar. I believe that, along with Tim’s podcast (where his co-host is also a C&I expert), these courses can help you overcome the challenges of this sector more effectively.

I share Tim's optimism about the potential of C&I solar. The vast, untapped rooftops that we see when flying into and out of metropolitan airports remind us of the immense possibilities that lie ahead. The clean, reliable, and virtually perpetual energy from the sun is just waiting to be harnessed by those willing to take on the challenge.

If you're looking to expand your skillset and explore new opportunities in the C&I solar sector, Tim's HeatSpring courses are an excellent starting point. Let's grow solar together, Solar Warriors!


RESOURCES:

Connect with Tim Montague on LinkedIn.

Follow Clean Power Hour on LinkedIn and check out its website.


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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.