

Solar Maverick Podcast
Benoy Thanjan
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
Mentioned books

Oct 28, 2025 • 8min
SMP 245: Community Solar Slowdown & the Grid Power Act Explained
This is episode 37 of The League, hosts David Magid and Benoy Thanjan (aka The Solar Maverick) break down the biggest clean energy headlines of the week.
They discuss why community solar installations fell 36% in early 2025, how storage pairing and IRA incentives could reignite growth, and the impact of Abby Hopper’s departure from SEIA after nine years of leadership. David also unpacks the Grid Power Act and how new FERC mandates could finally ease the interconnection backlog. Tune in for clean energy briefing packed with sharp insights and industry updates.
Host Bio: Benoy Thanjan
Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions.
Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental
commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market.
As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio.
Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund.
Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.
Connect with Benoy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benoythanjan/
Learn more: https://reneuenergy.com
Host Bio: David Magid
David Magid is a seasoned renewable energy executive with deep expertise in solar development, financing, and operations. He has worked across the clean energy value chain, leading teams that deliver distributed generation and community solar projects. David is widely recognized for his strategic insights on interconnection, market economics, and policy trends shaping the U.S. solar industry.
Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmagid/
If you have any questions or comments, you can email us at info@reneuenergy.com.

Oct 24, 2025 • 33min
SMP 244: The Science of Solar Site Selection
Episode Summary:
In this special crossover episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, host Benoy Thanjan sits down with Ana Conde from PVcase originally featured on her Watt Matters Podcast to break down one of the most critical stages of solar project development: site selection and feasibility.
From choosing the right land and navigating interconnection hurdles to understanding permitting, moratoriums, and evolving market dynamics, Benoy shares hard-earned lessons from developing over 100 MW of solar projects across the U.S. He also discusses how technology, AI, and relationships all play a role in finding and executing the right solar sites.
This conversation is packed with practical insights for developers, EPCs, investors, and anyone who wants to understand how the best projects actually get built.
Topics Covered:
What truly defines a “good” solar site and how to spot red flags early
How developers can evaluate flat land, proximity to three-phase power, and interconnection feasibility
The growing challenges in saturated markets like New York and New Jersey
How to navigate solar moratoriums, endangered species issues, and permitting
Real-world lessons from community solar and rooftop projects, including NYCHA’s Harlem portfolio
The role of AI, GIS tools, and automation in speeding up site selection and design
Why relationships, transparency, and trust still matter more than ever
How the “Big Beautiful Bill” and regulatory uncertainty are reshaping the solar landscape
Trends shaping the future: solar + storage, repowering assets, and new market geographies
Notable Quote:
“At the end of the day, you can have all the technology in the world, but if you can’t build relationships, it’s a lot harder to develop great projects. People do business with those they know, like, and trust.”
Key Takeaway:
Solar success starts long before construction. Smart site selection, community engagement, and disciplined feasibility analysis separate projects that thrive from those that never get off the ground.
Biographies
Benoy Thanjan
Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions.
Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market.
As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio.
Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund.
Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.
Ana Conde
Ana Conde is a seasoned product marketing leader with over 15 years in renewable energy. Known for her strategic mindset and passion for innovation, Ana brings clarity, curiosity, and deep industry knowledge to every conversation. As host of Watt Matters, she explores the ideas, people, and breakthroughs moving solar forward
Stay Connected:
Benoy Thanjan
Email: info@reneuenergy.com
LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan
Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com
Ana Conde
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-conde-df/
Website: https://pvcase.com/podcast/s1e2-podcast-science-solar-selection-benoy-thanjan

Oct 20, 2025 • 6min
SMP 243: Energy Market Shake-Ups & the Rise of Solar Repowering
This is episode 36 of The League, hosts David Magid and Benoy Thanjan (aka The Solar Maverick) break down the biggest clean energy headlines of the week.
They cover:
TotalEnergies’ $1.25B sale to KKR and what it signals about renewable asset valuations.
The collapse of $24B in U.S. Hydrogen Hub contracts and the broader implications for hydrogen’s future.
The IEA’s downgraded global renewable forecast—and why solar still leads the way.
The growing opportunity in solar repowering, where upgrading aging assets can boost returns at a fraction of the cost.
Host Bio: David Magid
David Magid is a seasoned renewable energy executive with deep expertise in solar development, financing, and operations. He has worked across the clean energy value chain, leading teams that deliver distributed generation and community solar projects. David is widely recognized for his strategic insights on interconnection, market economics, and policy trends shaping the U.S. solar industry.
Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmagid/
Host Bio: Benoy Thanjan
Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions.
Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market.
As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio.
Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund.
Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.
Connect with Benoy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benoythanjan/
Learn more: https://reneuenergy.com
If you have any questions or comments, you can email us at info@reneuenergy.com.

Oct 16, 2025 • 33min
SMP 242: Inside Imperial Star’s U.S. Module Strategy
Episode Summary:
Chris Lettman of Imperial Star Solar, an American-made solar module manufacturer, joins Benoy on the Solar Maverick Podcast to unpack how projects truly qualify for the 10% domestic content adder, why U.S. cells and traceability drive eligibility, and what U.S. manufacturing looks like at Imperial Star’s Houston facility. They also discuss supply realities, Tier 1 vs. bankability, and practical insights for developers and EPCs when procuring panels.
Biographies
Benoy Thanjan
Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions.
Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market.
As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio.
Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund.
Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.
Chris Lettman
Sales Manager
Chris serves as the Sales Manager of the US office at Imperial Star with a primary focus on Utility Scale and C&I clients. He started his solar energy career in 2009 selling turnkey systems to residential and mid-size commercial properties. Since that time, he has been involved in the development, acquisition and construction of numerous large utility scale and commercial scale solar projects throughout the United States. Chris has extensive experience and knowledge in the areas of project development, project finance and equipment sales.
Prior to starting his career in the solar industry, Chris was a marketing manager for a publicly held pharmaceutical company in the United States.
He is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and served in Southwest Asia during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He holds an MBA in Business from the University of Redlands California and currently lives in Southern California.
Stay Connected:
Benoy Thanjan
Email: info@reneuenergy.com
LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan
Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com
Chris Lettman
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislettman/
Website: https://www.imperialstar.com/

Oct 9, 2025 • 38min
SMP 241: Solstice: Turning RECs into Community Impact
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Benoy Thanjan sits down with Sandhya Murali, Co-Founder & CEO of Solstice, and Sam Cote, Account Executive, to discuss the launch of Solstice’s groundbreaking Community Benefit REC program. It is an innovative structure that channels corporate sustainability investments directly into underserved communities.
The program debuted in 2024 with Microsoft as one of the first pilot customers, marking a new chapter where renewable-energy certificates fund measurable social and economic impact. Sandhya and Sam share how this approach lets corporations, developers, and municipalities align ESG goals with local benefits, promote equitable clean-energy access, and strengthen the connection between clean power and social outcomes.
Biographies
Benoy Thanjan
Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions.
Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market.
As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio.
Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund.
Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.
Sandhya Murali
Co-Founder & CEO
Responsible for finances, product development, solar developer relationships, and financial inclusion. Sandhya began her career in Barclays’ investment banking division in New York and London, advising on and executing public equity transactions for Technology, Media and Telecom companies, and was also deeply involved in Barclays Philanthropy.
Her volunteer work included Endeavor, Women’s World Banking, and Barclays’ Social Innovation Fund. During graduate school, Sandhya worked at Buen Power Peru, a for-profit social enterprise that distributes solar lamps and water heaters to off-grid communities in Peru. She holds a BBA from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management, where she received the Sustainability Certificate.
Sam Cote
Enterprise Account Executive
Sam Cote is an Account Executive at Solstice, connecting the benefits of renewable energy to underserved communities through community solar and clean energy procurement. A former journalist who pivoted her career to focus on social and environmental impact, she is a talented project manager and communicator who drives strategic projects for community benefit. In her startup career, she’s supported revenue diversification through business plan development and implementation and subsequent new product sales, she’s previously been responsible for fundraising, managing acquisition and post-merger integration processes, contracting, grant-writing, and full-cycle recruiting – among other demands of supporting a hybrid social enterprise. Sam is proudly from the great state of Maine and a graduate of Boston University with a B.S. in Broadcast Journalism.
Stay Connected:
Benoy Thanjan
Email: info@reneuenergy.com
LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan
Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com
Sandhya Murali
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandhyamurali/
Website: https://solstice.us/
Sam Cote
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samcotesolar/
Website: https://solstice.us/
Previous episodes of the Solar Maverick Podcast with Solstice
https://solarmaverick.podbean.com/e/smp-158-how-solstice-differiates-from-other-customer-acquisiton-and-management-company/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/solar-maverick-podcast/id1441876259?i=1000516940347

Oct 6, 2025 • 8min
SMP 240: U.S. Solar Policy Pivot & NYC Climate Week Recap
This is Episode 35 of the League. You give us five minutes, we’ll give you the best clean energy news. Benoy and David recap NYC Climate Week and the week’s biggest energy storylines: a reported Trump-era policy pivot away from solar (ITC cuts, federal-land limits, tariffs) and what that could mean for installs; FEOC (Foreign Entity of Concern) supply-chain uncertainty; Blue Ridge Power layoffs. Plus, takeaways from nuclear policy sessions and stubbornly rising power prices.
Host Bio: David Magid
David Magid is a seasoned renewable energy executive with deep expertise in solar development, financing, and operations. He has worked across the clean energy value chain, leading teams that deliver distributed generation and community solar projects. David is widely recognized for his strategic insights on interconnection, market economics, and policy trends shaping the U.S. solar industry.
Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmagid/
Host Bio: Benoy Thanjan
Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions.
Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market.
As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio.
Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund.
Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.
Connect with Benoy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benoythanjan/
Learn more: https://reneuenergy.com
If you have any questions or comments, you can email us at info@reneuenergy.com.

Oct 2, 2025 • 28min
SMP 239: Solar Insurance 101
Episode Summary:
Benoy sits down with Dimitrios Parikos, Senior Managing Director for Global Energy & Climate Tech Practice at Brown & Brown Risk Solutions, to unpack how insurance fits into underwriting, what coverages matter from construction through operations, how to navigate hail/wildfire risk, and why engaging a broker early protects your projects.
Biographies
Benoy Thanjan
Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions.
Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market.
As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio.
Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund.
Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.
Dimitrios Parikos
Dimitrios Parikos is Senior Managing Director, Global Energy & Climate Tech at Brown & Brown Risk Solutions. With 25 years in insurance and 19 years focused on renewables, he leads a specialized team serving the energy industry for their insurance needs..
Stay Connected:
Benoy Thanjan
Email: info@reneuenergy.com
LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan
Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com
Dimitrios Parikos
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimitriosparikos/
Website: https://www.bbrown.com/us/
Email: Dimitrios.Parikos@bbrown.com

Sep 30, 2025 • 4min
SMP 238: RE+ Las Vegas 2025: V2G Luxury Vehicle Launch, ITC Rush & Solar’s Strength
Live from RE+ Las Vegas 2025!
On episode 34 of the League, David Magid and Benoy Thanjan covered the top clean energy trends we’re seeing:
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) innovation — Acura’s 2026 luxury EV showcases how EV batteries can provide backup power, resilience, and even revenue for homeowners while integrating into virtual power plants.
EPC + supply chain bottlenecks — With new ITC rules and project rushes, developers must coordinate early with EPCs and suppliers to avoid costly delays.
M&A momentum — Madison Energy Infrastructure just acquired NextEra Energy Resources DG platform, signaling strong demand for distributed generation.
At RE+ we’re also seeing retail electricity pricing climb sharply, especially in PJM, making solar even more competitive as the lowest-cost, fastest-to-build source of electricity.
A big thank you to Honda for letting us record this episode from their booth — it was the perfect backdrop to talk about innovation, resilience, and the future of clean energy.
Give us 5 minutes and we’ll give you the top insights in clean energy.
Host Bio: David Magid
David Magid is a seasoned renewable energy executive with deep expertise in solar development, financing, and operations. He has worked across the clean energy value chain, leading teams that deliver distributed generation and community solar projects. David is widely recognized for his strategic insights on interconnection, market economics, and policy trends shaping the U.S. solar industry.
Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmagid/
Host Bio: Benoy Thanjan
Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions.
Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market.
As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio.
Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund.
Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.
Connect with Benoy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benoythanjan/
Learn more: https://reneuenergy.com
If you have any questions or comments, you can email us at info@reneuenergy.com.

Sep 26, 2025 • 6min
SMP 237: Community Solar, Safe Harbor, and Scaling Solar in 2025
In the 34th episode of the League Podcast, Benoy Thanjan and David Magid break down the most important trends shaping the renewable energy market today. In just five minutes, we cover the biggest opportunities and risks facing developers, investors, and innovators in solar, storage, and beyond.
Key Takeaways
Data Centers Driving Demand – Over 9.4 GW of interconnection applications in New Jersey’s PSEG market in the last 12 months, led by data centers and advanced manufacturing.
Community Solar Boom – New Jersey targets 3 GW by 2029, opening opportunities for rooftop developers; Illinois, Maryland, and New York projects can now pencil without the ITC if interconnection and lease terms align.
Hybrid Power Solutions – A 944 MW behind-the-meter natural gas + battery storage plant in Pennsylvania highlights the shift toward hybrid generation and reliability models.
Solar + Storage vs. Gas – New Jefferies analysis shows solar + storage is now cheaper than natural gas on a levelized cost basis.
Safe Harbor Updates – New rules replace the 5% test with “beginning of construction” standards for projects above 1.5 MW AC, requiring four-year continuity and physical work tests.
Capacity Growth Outlook – EIA forecasts 64 GW of solar and 18 GW of storage additions in 2025, making solar nearly half of all new U.S. capacity.
Why It Matters
David highlights how developers can prepare for interconnection competition, leverage new community solar programs, and navigate shifting tax credit rules. I share insights on the new safe harboring provisions and what they mean for financing and project timelines. Together, we paint a picture of a rapidly scaling clean energy sector where solar is poised to supply 50–60% of U.S. electricity within two decades.
Host Bio: David Magid
David Magid is a seasoned renewable energy executive with deep expertise in solar development, financing, and operations. He has worked across the clean energy value chain, leading teams that deliver distributed generation and community solar projects. David is widely recognized for his strategic insights on interconnection, market economics, and policy trends shaping the U.S. solar industry.
Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmagid/
Host Bio: Benoy Thanjan
Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions.
Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market.
As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio.
Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund.
Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.
Connect with Benoy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benoythanjan/
Learn more: https://reneuenergy.com
Action Items for Developers & Investors
Move quickly to secure rooftop leases under NJ’s 3 GW community solar target.
Explore Illinois, Maryland, and New York for non-ITC community solar opportunities.
Consult legal experts on safe harbor compliance.
Track solar + storage cost trends versus gas for future investment decisions.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share, and leave us a 5-star rating — it helps us bring you more cutting-edge clean energy insights.

Sep 24, 2025 • 6min
SMP 236: Solar for All Terminated: Policy Shifts and U.S. Solar Growth Slowdown
In this episode 32 of The League, hosts David Magid and Benoy Thanjan (Reneu Energy, Solar Maverick Podcast) break down the biggest solar and clean energy headlines of the week.
Topics we cover today:
Solar for All Terminated: The Trump administration halts the $7B program, impacting nearly 1M low-income households. Legal challenges are expected.
U.S. Solar Growth Slows: Utility-scale solar grew just 10% in mid-2025 vs. mid-2024 — a sharp drop from the 33% growth seen the prior year. Texas (+14%) and Arizona (+24%) surged, while California and Florida lagged.
The Big Beautiful Bill: How developers are racing to complete projects before year-end to capture full tax credits.
Texas ERCOT Storage Shake-Up: New four-hour non-spinning reserve requirements squeeze battery developers, benefiting gas peakers.
Why Solar Still Wins: As costs fall, investors say projects can pencil without the ITC — even with tariffs.
Key takeaway: Solar is a technology, not a fuel — and the cheapest, fastest-growing source of new energy.
If you have any questions or comments, email us at info@reneuenergy.com.


