We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast
About the Episode:
US manufacturing is back!
We were recently invited to a ceremony to celebrate the expansion of Nextracker’s dedicated steel torque tube manufacturing lines at JM Steel’s Leetsdale facility in Pittsburgh. This historic site, formerly Bethlehem Steel(the company that produced the landing craft for Normandy during World War II) now manufactures low-carbon steel tubes for solar trackers. Among the many dignitaries present at the event were 3 people on Nico’s yet-to-be-interviewed bucket list, so he got the chance to get some genuine reaction commentary and excellent b-roll of the factory line up-and-running (see our Youtube video for that!)
You’ll hear from these 3 pioneering solar warriors in today’s episode:
Yuri Horowitz, CEO of Sol Systems,
David Crane, DOE Undersecretary for Infrastructure, and
Kelly Speakes-Backman, Executive VP, Public Affairs at Invenergy
Each has an interesting perspective to offer on how the solar industry is reshoring manufacturing.
Expect to learn:
How the U.S. government plans to fast-track permitting and workforce training
Exactly how this clean green steel factory is aiming to triple its output.
Ways companies like Invenergy plan to support domestic manufacturing
Updates on the DOE’s commitment to awarding billions in infrastructure funds.
It’s beautiful to see manufacturing returning to U.S. soil. Hit play to learn why now is the time for solar companies to reshore manufacturing… And the incentives they’ll earn for doing so.
Helpful RESOURCES:
Connect with Yuri Horwitz:
David Crane:
Connect with Kelly Speakes-Backman:
Check out Sol Systems:
Check out Invenergy:
Check out Nextracker:
Check out JM Steel:
Resources:
NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:
“By reinvesting in the communities and building the mechanical infrastructure to build the equipment we use. We’re tightening that fabric that we have with our communities, frankly, with our country.”
“When you win the competition, that’s called selection, you’ve been selected. To be under contract that’s called awarded, my goal is to have as much of that 70-80 billion awarded under contract by the end of this year.”
“This is an amazing example of how people are taking advantage of the policies that have been put in place. As a developer, builder, and operator, we’ve got to make sure we’ve got the domestic content so that we can take full advantage of the IRA, Inflation Reduction Act. I think that’s how we do it one link at a time.”
Thanks again to this week's sponsor, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!
Speed up PV installations for lower LCOE with TrinaTracker and improve overall system value with optimized compatibility using Trina Solar’s industry-leading modules and the TrinaPro utility-scale or C&I Solutions. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/trina
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.