Today on the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Joe Ross, Associate Director of National Accounts and Channel Sales at CPS America, to discuss the evolution of power electronics, detailing the shift from central inverters to the more efficient and scalable string inverters. He explains why string inverters are revolutionizing commercial and utility-scale solar projects, offering greater reliability, easier maintenance, and better long-term financial performance.

But it’s not just about technology—Joe also shares his thoughts on mentorship, leadership, and the future of solar careers, emphasizing the importance of attracting new talent to the clean energy sector.

We also delved into key industry events and gatherings, including RE+ Boston on February 12-13 (CPS, Booth 654), Intersolar North America in San Diego on February 25-27 (CPS, Booth 2117), and CPS America's Innovation Day in Dallas on April 2. They highlight the significance of these events for networking, learning about new inverter technologies, and connecting with industry professionals. Check out CPS Product Innovation Day 2025: https://loom.ly/Ll19EVk

The conversation also dives into the financial calculus behind solar adoption, with Ross emphasizing that upfront savings from central inverters often pale against the operational costs of downtime.

If you’re ready to learn how solar inverters are shaping the future of energy and what’s next for CPS America, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

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Joe Ross

CPS America

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The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com

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The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

Today on the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague welcomes back Marc Palmer, founder and CEO of Conductor Solar, for an in-depth exploration of ITC (Investment Tax Credit) transfers in the solar industry. With over 15 years of experience in renewable energy finance, Palmer breaks down the complexities of tax credit transfers and explains how this mechanism is revolutionizing solar project financing.

The conversation delves into the practical aspects of ITC transfers, including pricing considerations ranging from 75 to 90 cents on the dollar, risk assessment frameworks, and minimum project sizes for viable transfers. Palmer shares valuable insights about the documentation process, IRS registration requirements, and common misconceptions about tax credit transfers. The discussion also covers important topics like direct pay options for nonprofits and the potential impact of changing political landscapes on solar incentives.

Whether you're a solar developer, contractor, investor, or simply interested in renewable energy finance, this episode provides essential knowledge about maximizing the value of solar projects through tax credit transfers. Don't miss this opportunity to understand how recent policy changes are creating new opportunities in the solar industry.

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Marc Palmer

Conductor Solar

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The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com

Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/

The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

Today on the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague explores two critical aspects of modern solar development: effective industry partnerships and IRA compliance. Four industry veterans share insights on how collaboration and compliance can coexist with aggressive timelines:

Successful Partnership Dynamics:

• OMCO and Sunstall have collaborated on over 100 projects together, including nearly 100 projects for Coldwell Solar in California
• Key success factors include:
  • Rapid response time for field issues due to domestic manufacturing
  • Product evolution based on installer feedback, particularly bearing designs that accommodate field conditions
  • Consistent communication and clear expectations between all parties
  • Proper sequencing of material deliveries (piles first, followed by racking)

Real World Example - Wilcox Project:

• 4MW ‘multi-site’ project (powering a greenhouse complex) completed in 8 weeks from initial contact to completion.
• Success attributed to:
  • OMCO's ability to manufacture and ship from the Phoenix facility
  • Sunstall's rapid team mobilization
  • Obodo Energy's decisive project management and clear communication

IRA Compliance & Domestic Content:

• OMCO Solar (Eric Goodwin) detailed their domestic manufacturing capabilities, currently at 88% domestic content for trackers with 100% expected by Q2 2025
• Their fixed-tilt products already meet 100% iron and steel requirements
• OMCO benefits from the 45X manufacturing tax credit, helping level pricing with international competitors

The discussion demonstrated how strong partnerships between manufacturers, installers, and EPCs can maintain efficient project timelines while meeting IRA requirements, with communication and trust serving as foundational elements for success.

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Eric Goodwin
Matt Kessler
Omco Solar
Helge Biernath
Sunstall
John Mitman
Abodo Energy

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Connect with Tim

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The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com

Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/

The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com