The Solar Maverick Podcast is the insiders guide to where the solar and energy markets meet entrepreneurship and trailblazing. Hosted by Benoy Thanjan - a serial entrepreneur and founder of Reneu Energy
Episodes
Jun 11, 2019
Jun 11, 2019
36 min
Episode Summary
Benoy and Suzanne discuss upcoming shows, how they came to work together at Reneu Energy, and discuss the NJ Solar Market in detail.
Benoy Thanjan
Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy and he is also an advisor for several solar startup companies. Reneu Energy is a premier international solar energy consulting firm and developer and the company focuses on developing commercial and industrial solar and utility scale solar plus storage projects. The company also sources financing for solar projects and hedges energy and environmental commodities. Reneu Energy has brokered $27 million in environmental commodities transactions.
Benoy received his first experience in Finance as an intern at D.E. Shaw & Co., which is a global investment firm with 37 billion dollars in investment capital. Before founding Reneu Energy, he was the SREC Trader in the Project Finance Group for SolarCity which merged with Tesla in 2016. He originated SREC trades with buyers and co-developed their SREC monetization and hedging strategy with the senior management of SolarCity to move into the east coast markets. Benoy also worked at Vanguard Energy Partners, Ridgewood Renewable Power, and Deloitte & Touche.
Suzanne Waters
Suzanne Waters is an experienced solar professional with a broad knowledge of the industry, including project development administration, marketing best practices, financial strategy, and team leadership. Before joining Reneu Energy, Suzanne worked as the Business Development Manager and Proposal Team Leader at Vanguard Energy Partners, a national solar developer, and their affiliate firm, Vanguard Energy Capital. She oversaw proposal development and contract execution, and collaborated on structured finance for large scale, multimillion-dollar projects. In addition, Suzanne has extensive experience in many aspects of the PV industry, with unmatched enthusiasm for its capabilities and a BA in Economics from Rutgers College at Rutgers University.
Insight from this Episode
- Where New Jersey is ranked among the states for solar.
- Strategies to stay ranked where they are.
- What Governor Christie did to fix the over supply of SRECS in the state in 2012x.
- What changes are coming to the New Jersey market.
- How these changes will affect the market as we know it today.
Quotes from the show:
- On coincidences "Life is, I don't think it's very randon.” Benoy Thanjan, Episode #32.
- New Jersey changes in the market "It will be a great transition into the community solar pilot” Benoy Thanjan, Episode #32
- “Perception is that only the wealthy can afford solar but there should be an opportunity with community solar where it's open to everyone.” Benoy Thanjan, Episode #32.
- “The state tells companies that are generating in that state that a certain amount of it has to be in renewables and a certain amount has to actually be in solar” Benoy Thanjan, Episode #29.
- "There's a race to build projects in NJ to get to that 5.1%” Benoy Thanjan, Episode #32
- On finding balance "Balance is very difficult and it's something I'm still working on.” Benoy Thanjan, Episode 32.
- Her favorite hashtag "#Carpe Solem it means seize the sun.” Suzanne Waters, Episode #32
Resources:
Reneu Energy Summer Solstice Party
Benoy Thanjan
info@reneuenergy.com
Suzanne Waters:
suzanne@reneuenergy.com
Jun 4, 2019
Jun 4, 2019
45 min
Episode Summary
Benoy and Amanda discuss the importance of operations & maintenance in the solar industry. Why Amanda started the cooperative? How she ensures that each company in the cooperative is bringing something to the table to elevate the cooperative? And the future of the cooperative in the solar industries and trends she is seeing in solar operations & maintenance.
About our Guest:
Benoy Thanjan
Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy and he is also an advisor for several solar startup companies. Reneu Energy is a premier international solar energy consulting firm and developer and the company focuses on developing commercial and industrial solar and utility scale solar plus storage projects. The company also sources financing for solar projects and hedges energy and environmental commodities. Reneu Energy has brokered $27 million in environmental commodities transactions.
Benoy received his first experience in Finance as an intern at D.E. Shaw & Co., which is a global investment firm with 37 billion dollars in investment capital. Before founding Reneu Energy, he was the SREC Trader in the Project Finance Group for SolarCity which merged with Tesla in 2016. He originated SREC trades with buyers and co-developed their SREC monetization and hedging strategy with the senior management of SolarCity to move into the east coast markets. Benoy also worked at Vanguard Energy Partners, Ridgewood Renewable Power, and Deloitte & Touche.
Amanda Bybee
Amanda has worked in the solar industry since 2003. Her entrée was promoting renewable energy policy in Austin, TX at Public Citizen, where she served as the coordinator of the Solar Austin Campaign. The campaign worked closely with Austin Energy to establish the first solar rebate program in Texas in 2004. Amanda then went on to work at Meridian Energy Systems, a solar EPC company.
Amanda joined Namasté Solar in January 2006 as an early member of the team. She held numerous roles over her 11 years there, from technical sales & design to business development. While there, she worked to obtain a federal charter for a unique financial institution that funds clean energy products and services: Clean Energy Credit Union (www.cleanenergycu.org). This was only the 17th federal charter issued since 2010, and the first in the state of Colorado for over 30 years. She continues to serve as a volunteer on the Supervisory Committee of the credit union.
In 2016, she helped earn an award from the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative to found the Amicus O&M Cooperative (www.AmicusOM.com). The O&M Cooperative brings together a network of providers across the country to provide coordinated services for geographically distributed portfolios. She now serves as its CEO, and is committed to the mission "to ensure that solar PV fulfills its promise as a responsible and reliable energy source, for generations to come." She obtained a BA in English and French from the University of Texas at Austin, and through solar, has found her "inner engineer."
Insight from this Episode
- What the intention of the cooperative is.
- How Clean Energy CU is helping make solar accessible to everyone.
- What makes the cooperative successful.
- The importance of each role within the cooperative.
- The 4 core values of Amicus O & M Cooperative.
- Benoy’s thoughts on why there have been changes on the investment side of the solar market.
Quotes from the show:
-
- On making repairs: “A big part of keeping O&M cost effective is trying to reduce travel time.” Amanda Bybee, Episode #31.
- “When we work together through the cooperative to elevate everyone’s game we all win.” Amanda Bybee, Episode #31
- “The name of the game is efficiency” Amanda Bybee, Episode #31.
- “The real heros of O&M are the technicians” Amanda Bybee, Episode #31.
- “O&M and solar is relatively new, we don’t have a lot of experience of long life assets” Benoy Thanjan, Episode #31.
- On working with installers and asset owners: “At the end of the day those services are being sold to the asset owner” Benoy Thanjan, Episode #31.
- About discussing O&M with clients ‘It’s really about adding value to our client” Benoy Thanjan, Episode #31.
- On O&M price differences: “People really didn’t understand what the true cost was.” Benoy Thanjan, Episode #31.
- Why there are lower ROIs now: “We’ve seen a lot of investors come into the market that have a lower investment requirement.” Benoy Thanjan, Episode #31.
Resources
Reneu Energy Summer Solstice Party
Benoy Thanjan
info@reneuenergy.com
Amanda Bybee
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandabybee
Tags: solar energy, renewable energy, reneu energy, Benoy Thanjan, Operations & Maintenance, Namaste, Amicus O&M Cooperative, Clean Energy CU, quality, elevate
May 28, 2019
May 28, 2019
41 min
Episode Summary
Benoy and Dominick discuss safety guidelines in solar and how Pro Circuit Electrical ensures safety for all of it’s employees. What got Dominick originally interested in working with solar, trends they are seeing in the market and advice for any new entrepreneurs. Also, Dominick talks about how to construct a great solar project.
About our Guest:
Benoy Thanjan
Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy and he is also an advisor for several solar startup companies. Reneu Energy is a premier international solar energy consulting firm and developer and the company focuses on developing commercial and industrial solar and utility scale solar plus storage projects. The company also sources financing for solar projects and hedges energy and environmental commodities. Reneu Energy has brokered $27 million in environmental commodities transactions.
Benoy received his first experience in Finance as an intern at D.E. Shaw & Co., which is a global investment firm with 37 billion dollars in investment capital. Before founding Reneu Energy, he was the SREC Trader in the Project Finance Group for SolarCity which merged with Tesla in 2016. He originated SREC trades with buyers and co-developed their SREC monetization and hedging strategy with the senior management of SolarCity to move into the east coast markets. Benoy also worked at Vanguard Energy Partners, Ridgewood Renewable Power, and Deloitte & Touche.
Dominick Matinelli:
Dominick is a founding partner at Pro Circuit Electrical. He and his partner started the company back in 2011 but Dominick’s interest in solar started back when he was working with a company that didn’t actually do any solar. From there he went to Vanguard Energy Partners LLC where he was the Director of Electrical Services and then started Pro Circuit Electrical in 2011 with his partner Josh Nierman.
Insight from this Episode
- Strategies to make safety a number one priority of a solar company.
- What hazards are unique to the solar projects from other construction projects.
- What Dominick really thought solar was when he first learned about it.
- Keys to success and how to implement them.
- Advice to new entrepreneurs.
- Benoy’s take on upcoming changes in the market
Quotes from the show:
-
- On his partnership with Josh “ Our strengths and weaknesses definitely counter balance each other and it was just inevitable that this was going to happen.” Dominick Matinelli, Episode #30.
- “Everybody gets to come home safely no matter what.” Dominick Matinelli, Episode #30
- On successful partnerships: “It’s all about people that are honest and transparent” Benoy Thanjan, Episode #30.
- On Dominick and Josh’s working relationship “I’m good at spreadsheets and Josh is good at everything else” Dominick Matinelli, Episode #30.
- “Safety is paramount in a successful operation.” Dominick Matinelli, Episode #30.
- “Don’t underestimate the power of your own integrity” Dominick Matinelli, Episode #30.
- “Reputation is everything and if you can’t make it by doing the right thing and doing right by all of your business associates then don’t even bother.” Dominick Matinelli, Episode #30.
- “Make sure every deal you cut, that both sides are a winner.” Dominick Matinelli, Episode #30.
- “Community solar is one of the fastest growing areas of solar” Benoy Thanjan, Episode #30.
Benoy Thanjan
info@reneuenergy.com
Dominick Matinelli:
Pro Circuit Electrical Contracting
May 21, 2019
May 21, 2019
39 min
Episode Summary
Benoy and Suzanne discuss Reneu’s Energy’s Summer Solstice Party and Benoy moderating a community solar panel at the NY Solar Summit while giving a SRECs 101 tutorial. SRECs is an environmental commodity that different states have created to incent development of renewable energy. Reneu Energy has brokered $28 million in SREC transactions and manage 12MWs of solar project with SREC asset management. Reneu Energy also has created SREC research on different states.
Benoy Thanjan
Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy and he is also an advisor for several solar startup companies. Reneu Energy is a premier international solar energy consulting firm and developer and the company focuses on developing commercial and industrial solar and utility scale solar plus storage projects. The company also sources financing for solar projects and hedges energy and environmental commodities. Reneu Energy has brokered $27 million in environmental commodities transactions.
Benoy received his first experience in Finance as an intern at D.E. Shaw & Co., which is a global investment firm with 37 billion dollars in investment capital. Before founding Reneu Energy, he was the SREC Trader in the Project Finance Group for SolarCity which merged with Tesla in 2016. He originated SREC trades with buyers and co-developed their SREC monetization and hedging strategy with the senior management of SolarCity to move into the east coast markets. Benoy also worked at Vanguard Energy Partners, Ridgewood Renewable Power, and Deloitte & Touche.
Suzanne Waters
Suzanne Waters is an experienced solar professional with a broad knowledge of the industry, including project development administration, marketing best practices, financial strategy, and team leadership. Before joining Reneu Energy, Suzanne worked as the Business Development Manager and Proposal Team Leader at Vanguard Energy Partners, a national solar developer, and their affiliate firm, Vanguard Energy Capital. She oversaw proposal development and contract execution, and collaborated on structured finance for large scale, multimillion-dollar projects. In addition, Suzanne has extensive experience in many aspects of the PV industry, with unmatched enthusiasm for its capabilities and a BA in Economics from Rutgers College at Rutgers University.
Insight from this Episode
- What SRECs are and how they work.
- How SRECs are a volatile market and fluctuate in value.
- Where and how SRECs are traded.
- What states are currently using the SREC incentive.
- Future of SRECs
Quotes from the show:
- “At Reneu Energy we have a lot of experience in SREC’s and we have brokered about 28 million.” Benoy Thanjan, Episode #29.
- On the decrease in value: “NJ had the Solar Energy Act in 2012 where they increased the demand” Benoy Thanjan, Episode #29
- “The demand is created by the state.” Benoy Thanjan, Episode #29.
- “The state tells companies that are generating in that state that a certain amount of it has to be in renewables and a certain amount has to actually be in solar” Benoy Thanjan, Episode #29.
- “It’s not a tradeable commodity where you can go on an exchange” Benoy Thanjan, Episode #29.
- “If you sign a long term contract and then you might be able to sell the SRECs on the spot market for much more than you signed that long term contract for.” Suzanne Waters, Episode #29.
- “The SACP is almost like a fine they have to pay if the renewable portfolio standard isn’t met.” Suzanne Waters, Episode #29.
Resources:
CBL Markets is connecting buyers and sellers to trade multiple environmental products on one screen. CBL Markets Exchange is spot marketplace for RECs. If you are interested in learning more about CBL Markets, contact Sean Barwin Phone (US): +1 212 520 2935 and Email: sean.barwin@cblmarkets.com. Let Sean from CBL know that you heard about them through the Solar Maverick Podcast.
http://www.cbourses.com
Intercontinental Exchange builds, operates and advances global markets through information, technology and expertise. An exchange that you can buy and sell SRECs.
Reneu Energy Summer Solstice Party
Benoy Thanjan
Suzanne Waters:
suzanne@reneuenergy.com
May 21, 2019
May 21, 2019
40 min
Episode summary: Benoy and Li talk about Benoy’s meeting with former President Barack Obama. Benoy talks about the Virginia’s solar market and how companies goals of 100% percent renewables is leading to a lot of development of utility scale projects in Virginia. Benoy talks about the benefits of having solar on brownfield and landfills. Li and Benoy discuss what podcasts motivate them and books to purchase and live by.
About our Guest:
Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy and he is also an advisor for several solar startup companies. Reneu Energy is a premier international solar energy consulting firm and developer and the company focuses on developing commercial and industrial solar and utility scale solar plus storage projects. The company also sources financing for solar projects and hedges energy and environmental commodities. Reneu Energy has brokered $27 million in environmental commodities transactions. Benoy received his first experience in Finance as an intern at D.E. Shaw & Co., which is a global investment firm with 37 billion dollars in investment capital. Before founding Reneu Energy, he was the SREC Trader in the Project Finance Group for SolarCity which merged with Tesla in 2016. He originated SREC trades with buyers and co-developed their SREC monetization and hedging strategy with the senior management of SolarCity to move into the east coast markets. Benoy also worked at Vanguard Energy Partners, Ridgewood Renewable Power, and Deloitte & Touche.
Li Wang
A life-long journalist and communications professional, Li Wang was hooked on the news as an intern at the Philadelphia Daily News during the summer of the O.J. trial. He has been a business reporter, arts editor and film critic. He has shifted his focus to digital marketing and creative services. His company, MJ Wang Media, develops brand messaging and identity through website design and content marketing.
Insights from this episode:
- Conversations between Benoy and former President Barack Obama
- The possibility of Benoy running for President in 2020?
- Industry updates on the Virginia Solar.
- How and why large companies have adopted the 100% renewable goals and how that is leading to solar development in Virginia.
- Upcoming speaking engagements of our hosts.
Quotes from the show:
- “I’m all about diversification and passive income.” -Benoy Thanjan, Episode 28
- “Focus on right now.” - Li Wang, Episode 28
- “You create your own luck” - Li Wang, Episode 28
- “It’s all about building your network and building strong, genuine, transparent relationships.” - Benoy Thanjan, Episode 28
- On implementing what you learn “It’s huge to put it into practice” - Benoy Thanjan, Episode 28
- On utilizing what you learn : “It’s one thing to read it but to put it into practice” - Li Wang, Episode 28
- On going after what you want: “If there’s something you want, what is the worst that can happen?” - Li Wang, Episode 28
Resources Mentioned:
Reneu Energy Summer Solstice Party
Podcasts:
Books:
Chasing Excellence by Ben Bergeron
How to Stop Worrying and Start Living
Stay connected:
Benoy Thanjan www.reneuenergy.com info@reneuenergy.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/bthanjan/
Li Wang: MJWangMedia.com Instagram: @liwang22
May 7, 2019
May 7, 2019
34 min
Episode summary:
Benoy and Li reflect on the Pacific Gas & Electric bankruptcy and its effect on the solar industry. The reason why PG&E is in bankruptcy due primarily to the liability from California wildfires. Benoy talks about current projects on the horizon, Colombia’s failed renewable energy auction, and the upcoming Summer Solstice party. Benoy also discusses passive income and what he looks at when he invests in different opportunities.
About our Guest:
Benoy Thanjan
Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy and he is also an advisor for several solar startup companies. Reneu Energy is a premier international solar energy consulting firm and developer and the company focuses on developing commercial and industrial solar and utility scale solar plus storage projects. The company also sources financing for solar projects and hedges energy and environmental commodities. Reneu Energy has brokered $27 million in environmental commodities transactions.
Benoy received his first experience in Finance as an intern at D.E. Shaw & Co., which is a global investment firm with 37 billion dollars in investment capital. Before founding Reneu Energy, he was the SREC Trader in the Project Finance Group for SolarCity which merged with Tesla in 2016. He originated SREC trades with buyers and co-developed their SREC monetization and hedging strategy with the senior management of SolarCity to move into the east coast markets. Benoy also worked at Vanguard Energy Partners, Ridgewood Renewable Power, and Deloitte & Touche.
Li Wang
A life-long journalist and communications professional, Li Wang was hooked on the news as an intern at the Philadelphia Daily News during the summer of the O.J. trial. He has been a business reporter, arts editor and film critic. He has shifted his focus to digital marketing and creative services. His company, MJ Wang Media, develops brand messaging and identity through website design and content marketing.
Insights from this episode:
- How the climate is affecting the economy
- How wildfires have a large effect on California utilities
- Why the Colombian Renewable Energy Auction Failed?
- Tips for young people getting into solar energy.
Important Links:
Reneu Energy’s Summer Solstice Party
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reneu-energys-summer-solstice-party-tickets-60983558465
Why did the Colombian Renewable Energy Auction fail? By Francisco Sanclemente, CFA-Energy and Infrastructure Investment Banking Associate at Bancapital S.A.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/way-forward-francisco-sanclemente-cfa/
Quotes from the show:
- Advice to young people in solar: “I think working at a solar company will be a huge opportunity.” -Benoy Thanjan, Episode 27
- Advice to young people in solar:“It’s all about getting real world experience” -Benoy Thanjan, Episode 27
- “It’s very important to build different passive income streams” -Benoy Thanjan, Episode 27
- “Luck is a creations, you create your own luck.” - Li Wang, Episode 27
- “You never know where a connection could come from” - Benoy Thanjan, Episode 27
- “Open your mind, open your eyes, listen to people and never judge people” - Li Wang, Episode 27
- “For opportunity to come your way you must ask” - Li Wang, Episode 27
- “It’s all about living life to it’s fullest.” - Benoy Thanjan, Episode 27
Stay connected:
Benoy Thanjan
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bthanjan/
Li Wang:
Instagram: @liwang22
Apr 30, 2019
Apr 30, 2019
46 min
Episode summary:
In this episode, Steve Raeder sits down to talk about the opportunities and challenges of solar over the past 10 years. Steve also discusses Summit Ridge’s focus on community solar and offering solar to the residential community and their initiatives throughout multiple states. Also, Summit Ridge is working to overcome the financing through the lenders to bring the solar option to more residential customers. Steve talks about the next phase of the company which is to own all the projects that they develop and co-develop.
About our Guests:
Benoy Thanjan
Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy and he is also an advisor for several solar startup companies. Reneu Energy is a premier international solar energy consulting firm and developer and the company focuses on developing commercial and industrial solar and utility scale solar plus storage projects. The company also sources financing for solar projects and hedges energy and environmental commodities. Reneu Energy has brokered $27 million in environmental commodities transactions.
Benoy received his first experience in Finance as an intern at D.E. Shaw & Co., which is a global investment firm with 37 billion dollars in investment capital. Before founding Reneu Energy, he was the SREC Trader in the Project Finance Group for SolarCity which merged with Tesla in 2016. He originated SREC trades with buyers and co-developed their SREC monetization and hedging strategy with the senior management of SolarCity to move into the east coast markets. Benoy also worked at Vanguard Energy Partners, Ridgewood Renewable Power, and Deloitte & Touche.
Steve Raeder
Steve Raeder CEO and Founder of Summit Ridge. In the beginning, the company’s focus was commercial customers, cities and federal agencies that Steve had worked with for years, but over time, Summit Ridge Energy changed to working with communities and developing community solar. They developed a nearly 7-megawatt community solar project in Maryland, and the company is heavily invested across Illinois. He was previously the managing director of Northeast Business Development a Sun Edison.
Insights from this episode:
- Challenges of using solar power
- Bringing solar power to the residential customer
- Initiatives throughout the states
- How trends are changing toward the future in solar power.
- How to survive a competitive market.
Quotes from the show:
- “There is a time, call it in the next 10 years where this will be the cheapest resource.” - Steve Raeder
- “I’m a believer in the inevitability of what we’re doing.” - Steve Raeder Episode 26
- “Know your space, I think timing is somewhat natural” - Steve Raeder Episode 26
- “I knew what I wanted to do and I thought I knew how to do it.” - Steve Raeder Episode 26
- “Stay small, you can do a lot in the space. You don’t need 95 bodies” - Steve Raeder Episode 26
- “It became a very lucrative incentive and people at that time weren't sure” - Benoy Thanjan Episode 26
Stay connected:
Benoy Thanjan
https://www.reneuenergy.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bthanjan/
Summit Ridge
linkedin.com/company/summitridgeenergy/
Steve Raeder
linkedin.com/in/steve-raeder-5283a0?trk=org-employees_mini-profile_cta
Apr 23, 2019
Apr 23, 2019
37 min
Episode Summary
Benoy goes deep into Kumar’s experience of evolving from his finance background into developing distributive energy projects in the U.S. and the new innovations in customer acquisition and financing that have allowed Kumar to become successful with his company. In addition, Kumar share strategies to investing and why Kumar likes to invest during the seed round of companies that he believes in Cleantech.
About Our Guests:
Benoy Thanjan
Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy and he is also an advisor for several solar startup companies. Reneu Energy is a premier international solar energy consulting firm and developer and the company focuses on developing commercial and industrial solar and utility scale solar plus storage projects. The company also sources financing for solar projects and hedges energy and environmental commodities. Reneu Energy has brokered $27 million in environmental commodities transactions.
Benoy received his first experience in Finance as an intern at D.E. Shaw & Co., which is a global investment firm with 37 billion dollars in investment capital. Before founding Reneu Energy, he was the SREC Trader in the Project Finance Group for SolarCity which merged with Tesla in 2016. He originated SREC trades with buyers and co-developed their SREC monetization and hedging strategy with the senior management of SolarCity to move into the east coast markets. Benoy also worked at Vanguard Energy Partners, Ridgewood Renewable Power, and Deloitte & Touche.
Kumar Aiyer
Kumar is the founder and Managing Partner of Blue Flame Energy Finance LLC, a start-up company in Carlsbad, CA focused on the commercial and industrial energy sector. Since 2011 he has served as the Managing Partner of CleanFin LLC., a structured-finance advisory firm focused on the sustainability sector. Prior to his career in clean energy finance, he was a portfolio manager and strategist on Wall Street in the residential mortgage and asset backed securities industry. He was a senior portfolio manager at ZAIS Group, a structured credit asset management firm in Red Bank, NJ from 2006 to 2011, working on residential mortgage securities and whole loans. He has also served in senior research strategy roles at Banc of America Securities, Credit Suisse, and Paine Webber.
PhD, Electrical Engineering from University of Rochester
MS, Renewable Energy Systems from Loughborough University
Insight from this episode:
- The challenges related to developing small scale solar projects
- BlueFlame’s technology platform called Hyperqual to assist developers and installers with financing their projects
- Tips on how to procure and scale businesses
- Strategies to streamline and finance a distributed energy portfolio
- How to recognize needs in a market
- Tips to use prior knowledge in other industries on our current endeavors
- In depth explanation of C-Pace- Commercial Property as a Solar Energy
- Strategies to finding product market fit
- Secrets to recruiting great team members
Kumars suggestions for being an entrepreneur
- Be passionate about what you do
- Do research to make sure there is adequate funding for your business to grow
Quotes from the show:
- “What we found is practice is very different from theory.”- Kumar Aiyer Episode 25
- “I am very passionate about climate change and renewables at a high level. ”- Kumar Aiyer Episode 25
- “We are working with a lot of greenhouses that grow organic lettuce and things like that, that are also big energy consumers and they need innovative financing” - Kumar Aiyer Episode 25
- “Right now C-Pace is limited to certain states and jurisdictions” - Benoy Thanjan Episode 25
- “I put money where my mouth is” - Kumar Aiyer Episode 25
- “Our focus is very simple, we want to bring in the cheapest cost of financing to these projects for our customers” - Kumar Aiyer Episode 25
- “Identify the segment that you are looking to finance make sure there is adequate funding for your business plan to go 1-3 years and grow” - Kumar Aiyer Episode 25
Resources Mentioned:
Stay Connected:
Solar Maverick Podcast:
Benoy Thanjan
info@reneuenergy.com
Kumar Aiyer:
info@bfef.biz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kumaraiyer/
Apr 16, 2019
Apr 16, 2019
32 min
Episode Summary
Benoy and Li reflect on the success of the Solar Maverick Podcast and share their expertise. Li explains the importance of branding through website design, providing key tips for converting observers to clients. Benoy explains the economics behind solar energy and he discusses trends that he is seeing in the solar and energy storage industry. Benoy talks about opportunity zone investment in the new tax code and how it can be an opportunity for solar.
About Our Guests:
Benoy Thanjan
Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy and he is also an advisor for several solar startup companies. Reneu Energy is a premier international solar energy consulting firm and developer and the company focuses on developing commercial and industrial solar and utility scale solar plus storage projects. The company also sources financing for solar projects and hedges energy and environmental commodities. Reneu Energy has brokered $27 million in environmental commodities transactions.
Benoy received his first experience in Finance as an intern at D.E. Shaw & Co., which is a global investment firm with 37 billion dollars in investment capital. Before founding Reneu Energy, he was the SREC Trader in the Project Finance Group for SolarCity which merged with Tesla in 2016. He originated SREC trades with buyers and co-developed their SREC monetization and hedging strategy with the senior management of SolarCity to move into the east coast markets. Benoy also worked at Vanguard Energy Partners, Ridgewood Renewable Power, and Deloitte & Touche.
Li Wang
A life-long journalist and communications professional, Li Wang was hooked on the news as an intern at the Philadelphia Daily News during the summer of the O.J. trial. He has been a business reporter, arts editor and film critic. He has shifted his focus to digital marketing and creative services. His company, MJ Wang Media, develops brand messaging and identity through website design and content marketing.
Insight from this episode:
- Li shares his three questions for evaluating a marketing strategy:
- So what?
- Who cares?
- Why you?
- How to revamp your website by eliminating stock photos
- Strategies for improving your business by prioritizing your website
- Benoy talks about Massachusetts solar incentive program.
- Discussion on Federal Solar Incentives.
- Benoy talks about how returns on solar projects are getting lower due to increased competition from investors.
- Benoy talk about the tax code changes with opportunity zones and it could be a great opportunity with solar power.
Quotes from the show:
“The biggest mistake that people make is adding stock photos.” - Li Wang Episode 24, on website branding and marketing
“The biggest takeaway about your website is to simplify, use high quality images, and make your messaging succinct.” - Li Wang Episode 24
“Even if you are a business that’s referral-based, some of those referrals may not be converting as easily or as quickly.” - Li Wang Episode 24, on the importance of having a well-constructed website
“Building a marketing presence and branding are huge differentiators especially with people in the same marketplace.” - Benoy Thanjan Episode 24
“The solar economy is one of the fastest growing sectors of the US economy.” - Benoy Thanjan Episode 24
“Energy storage is a game changer and once energy storage become economically it is going to be huge.”-Benoy Thanjan Episode 24
“Some Investors are taking development risk to get higher return on solar projects.”-Benoy Thanjan Episode 24
Resources Mentioned:
2019 is going to be a great year for Solar and the 2018 Year in Review! by Benoy Thanjan
Stay Connected:
Solar Maverick Podcast:
Benoy Thanjan
info@reneuenergy.com
Li Wang:
Instagram: @liwang22
li@reneuenergy.com
Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, and solarmaverickpodcast.com
Apr 9, 2019
Apr 9, 2019
27 min
Episode Summary
Benoy and Suzanne discuss Community Solar and why this is an exciting area for renewable energy. From the challenges of contract tenure to providing access for low to moderate income housing, this is an area you should expect to see significant expansion. Expect to gain real insight and understanding of community solar.
About our Guest:
Benoy Thanjan
Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy and he is also an advisor for several solar startup companies. Reneu Energy is a premier international solar energy consulting firm and developer and the company focuses on developing commercial and industrial solar and utility scale solar plus storage projects. The company also sources financing for solar projects and hedges energy and environmental commodities. Reneu Energy has brokered $27 million in environmental commodities transactions.
Benoy received his first experience in Finance as an intern at D.E. Shaw & Co., which is a global investment firm with 37 billion dollars in investment capital. Before founding Reneu Energy, he was the SREC Trader in the Project Finance Group for SolarCity which merged with Tesla in 2016. He originated SREC trades with buyers and co-developed their SREC monetization and hedging strategy with the senior management of SolarCity to move into the east coast markets. Benoy also worked at Vanguard Energy Partners, Ridgewood Renewable Power, and Deloitte & Touche.
Suzanne Waters
Suzanne Waters is an experienced solar professional with a broad knowledge of the industry, including project development administration, marketing best practices, financial strategy, and team leadership. Before joining Reneu Energy, Suzanne worked as the Business Development Manager and Proposal Team Leader at Vanguard Energy Partners, a national solar developer, and their affiliate firm, Vanguard Energy Capital. She oversaw proposal development and contract execution, and collaborated on structured finance for large scale, multimillion-dollar projects. In addition, Suzanne has extensive experience in many aspects of the PV industry, with unmatched enthusiasm for its capabilities and a BA in Economics from Rutgers College at Rutgers University.
Insight from this Episode
- How to share in the benefits of community solar projects without owning or developing your own project.
- Why community solar should get everyone excited about solar.
- How community solar is becoming more readily available for low to moderate income households.
- How community solar has been affected by different challenges.
- How community solar, net metering and credits work together.
Quotes from the show:
- ·In regard to 100% renewable energy goals, “I think what we’ve seen are the challenges related to policy that’s able to move as quickly as the goals of the state.” Benoy Thanjan, Episode #23.
- “Community Solar is one of the fastest growing sectors of the industry.” Benoy Thanjan, Episode #23.
- “Community solar allows you to buy credits through virtual net metering from a solar project…it’s definitely access to provide solar in a way that hasn’t been there before.” Benoy Thanjan, Episode #23.
- “The challenge for community solar has been finding financing parties that are comfortable with the lesser tenure of a contract.” Benoy Thanjan, Episode #23.
- In regard to different structures of community solar: “The most popular structure is the subscription-based model, which is easier to structure and less expensive.” Benoy Thanjan, Episode #23.
- “Virtual net metering is what allows a household or business to receive the net metering credits associated with a net metering project that they don’t actually share an electricity meter.” Suzanne Waters, Episode #23.
- “You don’t have to own the project to share in the credits.” Suzanne Waters, Episode #23.
- “Community Solar is taking solar to the next level, where it really should be available to the masses. So if community solar doesn’t get everyone excited about solar, I don’t know what will!” Suzanne Waters, Episode #23.
- “Carpe Solem (Seize the Sun)” Suzanne Waters, Episode #23.
Benoy Thanjan
info@reneuenergy.com
Suzanne Waters: