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About the Episode:
One of the most common critical path bottlenecks of any infrastructure project, energy or otherwise, is the transformer and substation. The interconnection of the power plant to the electrical grid requires this hardware - and it’s famously hard to come by these days, with lead times often in excess of 18 months. If you’re involved in renewable energy, in particular EPC services, you know the pressure to deliver projects faster than ever. Dan Girard, CEO of Alternative Power Generation (APG), shares how his team consistently outpaces peers and large competitor, often building substations in under six months—compared to the typical 18-24 months.
Girard also reveals APG's focus on the underserved 1-50 MW solar market and their extensive experience with microgrids, offering valuable insights into how APG meets the complex demands of data centers, utilities, and more.
Expect to learn:
How APG builds substations in less than six months, cutting lead times in half.
The keys to thriving in the 1-50 MW solar market and why it’s an underserved opportunity.
The ins and outs of microgrid design, including real-world applications and challenges.
How strong supplier relationships help APG secure critical components faster than competitors.
Why customization and agility are essential in today’s energy landscape.
This episode provides a clear look at the practical strategies that keep APG ahead of their peers, from dramatically reduced lead times to customized microgrid solutions. Dan is a seasoned industry expert who offers practical strategies you can apply to your own projects.
Helpful RESOURCES:
Connect with Dan Girard
Check out Alternative Power Generation (APG):
Are transformers a bottleneck for your project?
Consider an American company with over 50 yrs manufacturing expertise: MGM Transformer
NOTEWORTHY QUOTEs:
“We look at that one megawatt to 50 megawatt as an underserved market. We try to focus on underserved markets.”
“If you’ve seen one microgrid, you’ve seen one microgrid. The biggest thing you got to do is sit down with the customer and say, what is your ultimate goal?”
Thanks again to this week's sponsor, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!
Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is Chint Power Systems America!
CPS America is the #1 supplier of 3-phase string inverters for Commercial & Industrial and Utility-Scale projects with more than 8 gigawatts of inverters installed on 20,000+ sites around the nation!
We are grateful for our GOLD sponsor:
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 15 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.