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:
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has unlocked unprecedented federal funding for solar energy, promising billions of dollars to transform the industry. But where is this money going, and how can residential solar installers capitalize on the opportunity? Industry experts reveal the strategies and programs that are poised to help drive solar adoption in rural and low-income communities across the country.
Scott Nguyen, Co-founder and CEO of Bodhi, Sean Garren, Chief Program Officer at Vote Solar, and Corey Ramsden, VP of Go Solar Programs at Solar United Neighbors, share their insights on the nuances of these programs, the challenges facing low-income communities, and the innovative financing models that are emerging to make solar more accessible than ever before.
Expect to learn:
The expanded benefits of the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant and how it can reduce project costs by up to 50%.
How the $7 billion Solar for All program is being rolled out across the country.
Strategies for installers and developers to navigate the complexities of grant applications.
Why compliance with federal guidelines, such as Davis-Bacon and Build America Buy America Act, can be a competitive advantage.
Watch this and other insightful conversations recorded live at the PowerUp Live Podcast Stage at www.suncast.live!
Helpful RESOURCES:
Connect with Scott Nguyen:
Connect with Sean Garren:
Connect with Corey Ramsden:
Check out Bodhi:
Check out Vote Solar:
Check out Solar United Neighbors:
NOTEWORTHY QUOTEs:
“The IRA was passed a little over two years ago, promising hundreds of billions of dollars for solar. I’m happy to say that today, the dollars have started to flow.”
“Farming isn’t always profitable, so what can we do to preserve farmland? This is a big concern, and having that REAP grant available for farmers to help them out is just a really great opportunity for communities like ours.”
“Tell your local legislators and decision makers, because they need to know the opportunity they’re missing and the fact that this money is going to go away if it’s not getting out the door, and then to just dovetail that with tell the positive stories. We really need to get out there and talk about how solar can be transformative for individuals and communities. These programs are going to create a lot of really transformative change.”
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.