Solar Maverick Podcast

    Episode Summary In this episode, Benoy and Suzanne celebrate Suzanne’s 10th podcast episode with the Solar Maverick Podcast and talk about the upcoming Reneu Energy Holiday Party. They also update us on the New Jersey Community Solar Pilot Program and recap some previous Solar Maverick podcasts before covering energy consumed by cannabis grow facilities and the inevitable inclusion of renewable energy.   Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, as well as 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, as well as utility-scale solar plus storage projects. The company also sources financing for solar projects and hedges both energy and environmental commodities. Reneu Energy has brokered $27 million in environmental commodity 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 an unmatched enthusiasm for its capabilities and a BA in Economics from Rutgers College at Rutgers University.   Insights from this episode: Details on what it is like to be on a podcast, upcoming Solar Maverick podcasts, and what to expect from Solar Maverick in the future. Strategies on applying for the New Jersey Community Solar Pilot Program. Benefits of sophisticated grow facilities and how they work. Details on specific energy usage of cannabis cultivation. Benefits of the integration of two growing industries, solar and cannabis.   Quotes from the show:  On the cannabis industry: “It’s a huge growth area in the solar industry, especially as cannabis gets legalized in more and more states throughout the United States.” – Suzanne Waters, Episode #55 The way that Reneu Energy is different from other developers: “ We believe that solar is not the only solution.  That it is a multi-prong solution.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #55 On indoor grow facilities: “You know you’re yielding a better product which will give you better revenue.” – Suzanne Waters, Episode #55 “Most people in the cannabis industry are about, obviously, using less electricity and, obviously, renewable forms of electricity.”   – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #55 On Benoy touring MMD Shops: “It sounds very intricate, actually. I feel like there’s a lot of details behind-the-scenes that you don’t realize go into actually growing the plants.” – Suzanne Waters, Episode #55 “I’m still stuck on the amount of power that goes into running these facilities.” Suzanne Waters, Episode #55 “It will just be interesting to see how these industries, solar and cannabis, … it will be interesting to see how they grow and progress, complimenting one another.” – Suzanne Waters, Episode #55 On the outlook of solar and cannabis industries: “Both industries are growing exponentially and both will be growing for a very long time.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #55 Podcasts Mentioned:  SMP 42: Live Event - How Solar Technology is Changing the World SMP 45: Productivity Tips and Entrepreneurial Advice from the CEO and Founder of the Number 1 Millennial Platform Called Mogul with Benoy Thanjan and Tiffany Pham   Resources Mentioned: Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC) Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance (SIAA) Mid-Atlantic Solar & Storage Industries Association (MSSIA) Can solar help the legal marijuana growing industry?  by Kelly Pickerel - Solar Power World Online Greentours.com Can solar help the legal marijuana growing industry? by Benoy Thanjan - Solar World Online Achieving Affordable, Clean Energy Goals Through Off-Site Corporate PPAs - Renewable Energy World by Benoy Thanjan - Renewable Energy World 'A model of sustainable commerce': carbon footprint, grid concerns push SoCal weed industry to be more green by Melissa Daniels - Desert Sun   Conferences Mentioned: Reneu Energy Holiday Party The Reneu Energy Holiday Party will be on Thursday, Dec. 5th from 6 pm to 9 pm at Hudson Hall in Jersey City. We will also be celebrating the holidays and the 50th episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast which is one of the most popular podcasts in solar. The cost to attend the event is $10 and food will be served. Reneu Energy's CEO Benoy is also a co-owner of the event venue, Hudson Hall, a Czech biergarten and smokehouse. Stay Connected:   Benoy Thanjan Email: info@reneuenergy.com LinkedIn:Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Suzanne Waters Email: suzanne@reneuenergy.com  LinkedIn: Suzanne Waters Website: www.reneuenergy.com Facebook: Reneu Energy Sponsor: We would like to thank our sponsor for this podcast episode Infiniti Energy Services. Infinity Energy Services is a turn key solar development company with the focus on origination of opportunities between Maine and Virginia. They use their ability to structure financing and EPC projects as a value add with their partners. To learn more about Infiniti go to their web-site www.infinitienergyservices.net or contact Tom Loredo- Director of Project Origination 732-370-2446 We interviewed Michael Kushner who is the President at Infiniti Energy Services on Episode 49 of the Solar Maverick Podcast.   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, Podbean and youtube.     This episode was produced and managed by  Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com) 

  Episode Summary   In this episode Benoy is speaking with Mishka and Steve Ashbel, brothers and owners of MMD Shops of California, on the intricacies of entrepreneurship in the cannabis industry, the important role passion plays in growing your business, and the future of the cannabis industry across the country.  They discuss the power consumption of cannabis cultivation, how that growing industry will create an opportunity in renewable energy, and the inevitable integration of solar and cannabis industries.   Benoy Thanjan   Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, as well as 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, as well as utility-scale solar plus storage projects. The company also sources financing for solar projects and hedges both energy and environmental commodities. Reneu Energy has brokered $27 million in environmental commodity 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.   Mishka and Steve Ashbel   MMD owners and brothers, Steve and Mishka Ashbel, opened their first medical marijuana dispensary in North Hollywood, California in 2006, and have been at the forefront for advocating for safe and legal access to cannabis for over a decade.     They currently have four shops in California and are a leading resource for cannabis entrepreneurship across the country.  They are currently pursuing the idea of taking MMD Shops public.   Insights from this episode:   The origins of MMD Shops and entrepreneurship in the cannabis industry, including licensing and legal challenges. A brief history of legal cannabis and the issues early cannabis entrepreneurs faced paving the way for a new and growing industry. How the continued normalization of cannabis will affect the landscape of retail competition. The energy consumption involved in cannabis cultivation and the role of solar power and renewable energy will play in replacing traditional power sources. How the thriving cannabis industry will create an increased demand for solar power and lead to an integration of profitable, growing industries.       Quotes from the show:   On solar power in the cannabis industry: “...they are inevitably bound to make a marriage together, that’s going to happen.” – Mishka Ashbel, SMP #54 “It is becoming such a big and real industry that it’s not just for people who love consuming cannabis, it is developing as an industry” – Steve Ashbel, SMP #54 On discussing partnerships in new cannabis markets: “If it happens to be that somebody, in wherever they’re listening, and cannabis is new and emerging and they are looking for a strategic partner that has license operational experience, we are very much open to those discussions.” – Mishka Ashbel, SMP #54 “The right to choose your health and wellness and what you put into your body is incredibly important and we’re incredibly passionate about that.” – Mishka Ashbel, SMP #54 On using cannabis to alleviate illness symptoms: “We never say it’s a cure.  We say it’s about the quality of life.” – Mishka Ashbel, SMP #54 “We very much encourage that everybody get into the licensed cannabis space.  Don’t go into the illegal trade. Those days are over. We need to move on and turn this into an industry.  It needs to be taxed, it needs to be regulated.” – Mishka Ashbel, SMP #54 On the normalization of cannabis: “We are not competing with other cannabis retailers, we are competing with Starbucks.” – Steve Ashbel, SMP #54 “I think a lot of people are scared of failure, but failure is the best teacher in life.  That’s where you learn to adapt.” – Benoy Thanjan, SMP #54 “Cannabis producers use way too much energy; it’s not efficient, it’s not efficient at all.” – Mishika Ashbel, SMP #54 Podcasts Mentioned:    Tiffany Pham   SMP 45:  Productivity Tips and Entrepreneurial Advice from the CEO and Founder of the Number 1 Millennial Platform Called Mogul with Benoy Thanjan and Tiffany Pham Event Announced: Reneu Energy Holiday Party   Resources Mentioned:   Interim Control Ordinances (ICOs) Stay Connected:   Benoy Thanjan   Email: info@reneuenergy.com LinkedIn: @bthanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Mishka and Steve Ashbel   Website: MMD Shops  Instagram: MMD Long Beach LinkedIn: Mishka Ashbel Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, Podbean and youtube.   This episode was produced and managed by  Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com) 

Episode Summary For the first time on the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy is discussing permitting in the solar industry with Allison Rohrs while at the Solar Power International Conference ("SPI").  They delve into the details of the process of permitting, why permitting is necessary, and possible problems that might interfere with permitting.   Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, as well as 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, as well as utility-scale solar plus storage projects. The company also sources financing for solar projects and hedges both energy and environmental commodities. Reneu Energy has brokered $27 million in environmental commodity 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.   Allison Rohrs   Allison Rohrs has joined SWCA’s Pittsburgh office as Senior Renewable Energy Project Manager, contributing to the continuing development of SWCA’s work in renewable energy throughout the central and eastern U.S. Allison joins SWCA from the Saint Francis University Institute for Energy, where she was the Executive Director for nearly seven years, overseeing a wide range of energy related initiatives in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Her unique and diverse work experience spans operations and maintenance of electric (wind) generators, renewable energy site development, energy policy research, and community outreach.    Allison has well established relationships with renewable energy developers, investors, manufacturers, policy makers, and other key stakeholders. She studied Environmental Science at the University of Colorado and received her master’s degree in Energy and Mineral Engineering from Penn State. Allison is also a Certified Energy Manager by the Association of Energy Engineers.     Insights from this episode:   What permitting is and why it is important for the solar industry. The possible effects of energy projects on cultural and natural resources through Critical Impact Assessment ("CIA"). The specifics of types of permitting required and how they can be impacted by different factors. The benefits of applying for applications early and having a plan of action for your project. How solar projects can be affected because of regulations varying from state to state.   Quotes from the show: Talking about the tiny house tour in Pennsylvania: “We could show that, even on cloudy days or days it was raining, that we are still making electricity here.  And that is really powerful when you’ve been talking to a community that has only seen coal for the last hundred years. “ – Allison Rohrs, Episode #53   “Anyone in the solar/renewable energy space is an entrepreneur in their own way.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #53   “As an industry I think that we should be, and we are, in the business of doing good things for the environment and … I think regulation kind of ensures that is what is happening.”  – Allison Rohrs, Episode #53 On the permitting process: “Start these processes early because they take a lot of time and a lot of energy and very often they can stop a project.” – Allison Rohrs, Episode #53 “Be prepared that you might run into issues.” – Allison Rohrs, Episode #53 On attending the Solar Power Initiative ("SPI") conference: “I was blown away with how many people are exhibiting and how packed the convention center is.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #53   Talking about the book Ego is the Enemy: “We are all biased toward our perspective.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #53   “We think Pennsylvania is one of the next big markets for solar.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #53 Events Mentioned: Reneu Energy Holiday Party Podcasts Mentioned:    Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu   Lewis Howes Podcasts   Books Mentioned:    High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard   Ego is the Enemy and Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday   Resources Mentioned:   SWCA “Sound Science, Creative Solutions”   Solar Power International Conference   Sept. 23 - Sept. 26, 2019 Salt Lake City, Utah All Solar Power Events are produced by SEIA and SEPA, including the development of cutting-edge educational programs offered at each show. What sets Solar Power Events apart from other conferences is the support of these two organizations. All proceeds from the events go straight back into the industry.   National Geographic   State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO)   US Army Corps of Engineers   Influencer 2019   Oct. 10 - Oct. 12, 2019 San Diego, California INFLUENCER Magazine presents the first-ever conference exclusively for up-and-coming influencers, by experienced influencers, on how to grow your personal brand, monetize your content, reach more people, and dramatically scale your business. Stay Connected:   Benoy Thanjan   Email: info@reneuenergy.com LinkedIn: @bthanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Allison Rohrs   Email: allison.rohrs@swca.com Website: SWCA   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, Podbean and youtube.   This episode was produced and managed by  Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com) 

Episode Summary   In this episode, Benoy and Li discuss Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), their effect on solar industry financing, and what benefits long-term solar investments can provide to businesses and homeowners in the growing solar industry.  In addition, Benoy talks about upcoming conferences and events he will be attending.     Benoy Thanjan   Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, as well as 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, as well as utility-scale solar plus storage projects. The company also sources financing for solar projects and hedges both energy and environmental commodities. Reneu Energy has brokered $27 million in environmental commodity 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   Li Wang is a life-long journalist and communications professional. He worked as an intern for the Philadelphia Daily News, during the summer of the O.J. trial, and has since had some fascinating jobs, from being a business reporter, to an arts editor, to a film critic. He has since shifted his focus to digital marketing and creative services, and now his company, MJ Wang Media, develops brand messaging and identity through website design and content marketing.    Insights from this episode: Details on upcoming conferences that Benoy will be attending. Books and podcasts that have influenced Benoy and Li and the Solar Maverick Podcast. The crucial role customer service plays in business and how you represent your brand. The details on Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and how they are affecting financing and the development of the solar pipeline.     Quotes from the show:   “We are firm believers that if you own a brand you have the right to express how you want to carry that culture.” – Li Wang, Episode #52 “Personal branding is so huge.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #52 On news that US Utility Solar Pipeline has hit a new high: “It shows you that people are confident about what is happening in the solar industry.  Not all these projects in this pipeline are going to get developed, but it shows you that people are confident about what is happening in the solar industry.”  – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #52 “But, really, just get involved in the industry. We think all parts of the industry are going to grow.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #52 “The real value that we are seeing from a career perspective is a project developer.“ – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #52 “Any investment involves risk, but combined with the federal incentives and the terms I’m looking at it seems like accessibility to financing is pretty good for those who do want to get involved in solar.” – Li Wang, Episode #52 “In the past, there were a lot of good projects and not enough financing.  Now there is so much financing and not a lot of good projects.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #52 Quoted by Benoy: “Ultimately, there's one investment that supersedes all others: Invest in yourself.  Nobody can take away what you've got in yourself, and everybody has potential they haven't used yet.” - Warren Buffett    Podcasts Mentioned:    SMP 45:  Productivity Tips and Entrepreneurial Advice from the CEO and Founder of the Number 1 Millennial Platform Called Mogul with Benoy Thanjan and Tiffany Pham   SMP 42: Live Event - How Solar Technology is Changing the World   SMP 43:  2019 Energy Storage Trends with Benoy Thanjan and Li Wang   SMP 47: Solar Financing 101 with Benoy Thanjan and Li Wang   Lewis Howes Podcasts   Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu   Books Mentioned:   High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard   Girl, Wash Your Face and Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis   Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh   How to Stop Worrying and Start Living and How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie   Resources Mentioned:   Mogul App   Rush Order Tees   The Investment Tax Credit (ITC)   PV Magazine; Off-site, In Mind  Achieving Affordable, Clean Energy Goals Through Off-Site Corporate PPAs SEIA Model Leases and PPAs   U.S. Utility Solar Pipeline Soars to 37.9 GW, A New Record   Conferences Mentioned:   Mogul X Conference   Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019 New York, New York Benoy was the Dean of the Hustle Track at the Mogul X innovative conference; made up of transformative classrooms, immersive experiences, and networking opportunities – all of which dive into the key aspects of a Mogul’s life including Failures, Work, Relationships, Health & Wellness, Travel, Finance, and Entrepreneurship. Each class is taught by the best of the best: world-class CEO’s, top executives, celebrities, and professors – taking their lifetime of learnings and expertise and turning it into actionable lessons for you.   Solar Power International Conference   Sept. 23 - Sept. 26, 2019 Salt Lake City, Utah   2019 Deloitte Renewable Energy Seminar   Oct. 2 - Oct. 4, 2019 Dallas, Texas Benoy spoke at the Deloitte Renewable Energy Seminar on Friday, October 4 in a panel on “Impact of renewable energy on the future of real estate” with Lisa Brown from Johnson Controls and Susan Nickey from Hannon Armstrong.   Influencer 2019   Oct. 10 - Oct. 12, 2019 San Diego, California INFLUENCER Magazine presents the first-ever conference exclusively for up-and-coming influencers, by experienced influencers, on how to grow your personal brand, monetize your content, reach more people, and dramatically scale your business. Stay Connected:   Benoy Thanjan   Email: info@reneuenergy.com LinkedIn: @bthanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Li Wang   MJWangMedia.com  Instagram: @liwang22 Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, Podbean and youtube.   This episode was produced and managed by  Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com) 

Episode Summary   In this episode, Benoy and Suzanne provide a general overview of the Community Solar program in various states and have a high-level discussion about the Community Solar initiative in New Jersey, including a deep-dive into tax credits and how they affect the development of solar projects.   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 an unmatched enthusiasm for its capabilities and a BA in Economics from Rutgers College at Rutgers University.   Insight from this episode:   The basics of the Community Solar initiative, including how it is defined by SEIA. The differences in the New Jersey pilot program versus other Community Solar programs. How Community Solar programs are growing and what challenges are facing those programs. How the SREC and ITC may affect the future of these programs and customers.  Specifics on the New Jersey incentives and their effect on other markets.    Quotes from the show: “Community Solar is one of the next big things in solar.” – Suzanne Waters, Episode #51  “Seems like financiers of community solar projects are getting comfortable with having a substantial number of the customers as residential and there is no long-term contracting.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #51  “Politicians love community solar because it provides access to people who would not normally have solar.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #51 Referring to the SREC: “What’s been challenging, actually, for developers who have been trying to develop projects in New Jersey for Community Solar is that they’re not sure they’ll get approved for the project and for the projects built, if they’ll qualify for that 5.1%.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #51 “The word mediocre stings a little bit when you hear it.” – Suzanne Waters, Episode #51   “If you really want to do big things, you have to be uncomfortable.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #51    “Carpe Solum.  For those of you that don’t know, it means: seize the sun” – Suzanne Waters, Episode #51  Benoy’s quote of the day: “If you don’t dream big, you’ll only ever be mediocre.”   Podcasts Mentioned:   SMP 23: Community Solar 101 with Benoy Thanjan and Suzanne Waters SMP 44: Community Solar 201 with Benoy Thanjan and Suzanne Waters SMP 19: Customer Acquisition and Billing in Community Solar with Benoy Thanjan and Eric Dahnke   Resources mentioned:    Solar Renewable Energy Credit   Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)   Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) - Community Solar   Stay Connected:   Benoy Thanjan   Email: info@reneuenergy.com LinkedIn: @bthanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Suzanne Waters Email: suzanne@reneuenergy.com  LinkedIn: Suzanne Waters Website: www.reneuenergy.com Facebook: Reneu Energy Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, Podbean and youtube.   This episode was produced and managed by  Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com) 

Episode Summary   In this milestone 50th episode of the Solar Maverick Benoy and Li discuss getting started in podcasts, read and reply to listener feedback, and recap some previous episodes. Benoy shares his thoughts on climate change and its effect on the solar industry, what part solar recycling might play in the future, and the shape of solar panels in regards to efficiency.  Most importantly, this episode is a HUGE THANK YOU to our listeners.   Benoy Thanjan   Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, as well as 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, as well as utility-scale solar plus storage projects. The company also sources financing for solar projects and hedges both energy and environmental commodities. Reneu Energy has brokered $27 million in environmental commodity 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   Li Wang is a life-long journalist and communications professional. He worked as an intern for the Philadelphia Daily News, during the summer of the O.J. trial, and has since had some fascinating jobs, from being a business reporter, to an arts editor, to a film critic. He has since shifted his focus to digital marketing and creative services, and now his company, MJ Wang Media, develops brand messaging and identity through website design and content marketing.    Insights from this episode: Why the first podcast is the hardest and how you can get to 50 episodes. What kind of an investment you need to make in podcast technology. How climate change is affecting the solar industry and panel recycling. The effects of technology on the shape of solar panels and increases in efficiency. The impact of these podcasts and the future of Solar Maverick.   Quotes from the show:   “I always prefer doing the interviews in person because I feel like the dynamics are a lot better, but, you know, there are some people that we would like to interview, but we can’t in person.“ – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #50 “It’s just amazing every month the number of downloads are getting bigger and bigger and larger and larger  “ – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #50 “It is just amazing to me how many people listen to the podcast. “ – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #50  “Solar energy is a way of combating climate change.  Obviously, we are seeing a proliferation of solar coming online and in record amounts.“ – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #50 “The future is pretty bright and it’s amazing.“ – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #50 “I think in the future there has to be some kind of hat that I can wear that’s going to turn that absorption into energy.” – Li Wang, Episode #50 “Benoy is humble, but he is widely connected.” – Li Wang, Episode #50 On the book How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie: “If you can distill down your decision-making process, mostly based on the facts and not your own self-induced stress, then your efficiency in turning around and going forward in decisions is going to be a lot faster.” – Li Wang, Episode #50 To our listeners “Thank you, we couldn’t have done it without you.” – Benoy Thanjan & Li Wang, Episode #50 Podcasts Mentioned:    The School of Greatness with Lewis Howes  Entrepreneurs on Fire with John Lee Dumas Smart Passive Income with Pat Flynn SMP 42: Live Event - How Solar Technology is Changing the World with Benoy Thanjan and panel of guests SMP 13: How to develop a great solar project and many other interesting topics about solar and entrepreneurship with Jim Spano from Spano Partners with Benoy Thanjan and Jim Spano SMP 41:  Solar Entrepreneur Perspective on Development of Solar and Storage Projects with Benoy Thanjan and Ben Levy   Books Mentioned:    Millionaire Fastlane by MJ Demarco   How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie   Resources Mentioned:   SmartFlower   Podcast Laundry   Podcast Movement   ZoomRooms Video Conferencing   SolSuntech, Inc.   Solar Backpacks   Solar Hats   SoSol Hats   BlinkList   Audible   www.podknife.com Benoy will be speaking at the Deloitte Renewable Energy Seminar on Friday, October 4 in a panel on “Impact of renewable energy on the future of real estate” with Lisa Brown from Johnson Controls and Susan Nickey from Hannon Armstrong.   2019 Deloitte Renewable Energy Seminar October 2-4, 2019 | Dallas, TX Stay Connected:   Benoy Thanjan   Email: info@reneuenergy.com LinkedIn: @bthanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Li Wang   MJWangMedia.com  Instagram: @liwang22 Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, Podbean and youtube.   This episode was produced and managed by  Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)   

Episode Summary  In this episode, Michael and Benoy discuss how consultative approach to solar development and financing add the most value to the customer to make the best decision.   In addition, they discuss the importance of transparency and close relationships in success in business.    Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, as well as 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, as well as utility-scale solar plus storage projects. The company also sources financing for solar projects and hedges both energy and environmental commodities. Reneu Energy has brokered $27 million in environmental commodity 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.   Michael Kushner Michael is responsible for Operations at Infiniti Energy Services.  He leads the project management staff to ensure all initiatives are completed on time and on budget, while focusing on the safety of all construction team members and quality of all installations.  He is involved in project strategy formulation during project development, as well as strategy implementation through completion.   Michael has more than 10 years of experience in managing operations in the residential, commercial and renewable energy sectors.  Before joining Infiniti Energy Services, Michael held an east coast regional operations manager position with SunEdison, where he successfully managed the development, execution and installation of more than 50MW in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland and Georgia.  He also held the position of Director of Construction at Pro-Tech Energy Solutions, LLC for two and a half years. During this time, he oversaw a project management and construction staff of twenty, while they successfully installed and interconnected over 120MWs of commercial and utility projects throughout the East Coast.   Insights from this episode: What separates Infiniti Energy Services from competitors and what markets they are focused on. How PPAs and the difficulties of financing can affect potential projects. How a background in real estate development can make it easier to develop solar projects and mitigate perceived risk.  How educating customers adds value to projects and being transparent creates stronger relationships and better business.  The benefits of the pilot program in New Jersey and how similar programs going forward will affect the industry. What entrepreneurship in solar means and ways to succeed in business ownership by developing a loyal staff. Different methods used to successfully balance life and business, such as meditation and turning off notifications.   Quotes from the show:   “Sometimes when you are so close to it you don’t necessarily take a moment to step back to see the strides you’ve already made because you’re focused on the strides you want to make.” – Michael Kushner, Episode #49 “You’re basically customizing solutions that add the most value to the customer. Whereas other parties might try to push a solution that might not necessarily be a good fit.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #49 “We like to be able to bring creative solutions to folks who want to move forward with potential projects. ” – Michael Kushner, Episode #49 In regards to financing solar “It shouldn’t be as complicated, I think, as some other finance companies make it. ” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #49 “When you conduct business transparently and openly, there is so much time that you can save. ” – Michael Kushner, Episode #49 “Beyond business, it’s just human interaction. ” – Michael Kushner, Episode #49 On creating a business team “It isn’t only about are they right for my company, but is my company right for them. ” – Michael Kushner, Episode #49 Regarding approach to success in entrepreneurship “You always have to think strategically.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #49   “Everyone’s path is different, right?  We’re all the same, but different ” – Michael Kushner, Episode #49   Resources Mentioned: New Jersey Clean Energy Program   Headspace - meditation and sleep app   Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency®     Benoy spoke about Steve Raeder who is CEO of Summit Ridge Partners and he is also SunEdison alumni like Micheal who was interviewed in Episode 26 of the Solar Maverick Podcast. Stay Connected:   Benoy Thanjan   Email: info@reneuenergy.com LinkedIn: @bthanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Michael Kushner    Email: infinitiES@optimum.net  Facebook: Infiniti Energy Services Website: Infiniti Energy Services Twitter: @InfinitiEnergy LinkedIn: Infiniti Energy Services   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, Podbean and youtube.   This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)   

 Episode Summary   In this episode of Solar Maverick we recap  the How Solar Technology is Changing the World live event with Steve Schwerd while covering Steve’s top three    things to look for in a business partner. In addition, Steve and Benoy cover the misrepresentation of solar efficiency in comparison to other resources and the benefits of recycling and reusing solar panels.   Benoy Thanjan   Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, as well as 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, as well as utility-scale solar plus storage projects. The company also sources financing for solar projects and hedges both energy and environmental commodities. Reneu Energy has brokered $27 million in environmental commodity 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 Schwerd   With over 25 years in Consulting Engineering, Mr. Schwerd has proven accomplishments in engineering design; project, client, staff and financial management; business development; engineering operations; and firm leadership. Experience ranges from creating small MEP (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing) departments to a Principal/Shareholder role as the engineering leader for a large multi-office, international full service Architectural & Engineering firm.   With energy and sustainable design a key focus for years, Steve then became involved in renewable energy and design in 2008 as Solar PV became an increasingly viable option.  He developed and led a full-service engineering team that emerged as a nationally recognized engineering leader for solar, having completed over 350 projects and 300MW across 25 states prior to his departure.  Upon establishing Schwerd Consulting, Steve can now follow his passion for renewable energy and be fully committed to and active in the Solar industry.      Insights from this episode: What three things you want in a business partner. Why proven results are a must. The benefits to business of interacting socially and professionally. How to build strong relationships with customers.  How recycling solar panels can further the strong idea of renewable energy. What trends may be affecting the solar industry. How the efficiency of solar transfer is perceived.   Steve Schwerd’s three things you want in a business partner:   1: They have to have proven results in their field.   2: They have to be able to develop business.   3: They have to be someone you want to have a beer with.       Quotes from the show:   “Clients and customers they don’t pay for your skills, they don’t pay for your knowledge, they pay for the application of that result. ” – Steve Schwerd, Episode #48 “You need to be able to enjoy their company socially because it can be challenging enough professionally.” – Steve Schwerd, Episode #48  “These are huge points that anyone can use in any type of partnership.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #48 “I think that people are looking for people that are authentic, that are themselves. I think people appreciate it.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #48 “Quality and value is first and foremost, but we want everybody involved in the process to be comfortable.  You have to have a likeability factor because at the end of the day people are putting their trust in you. ” – Steve Schwerd, Episode #48  “Don’t let the business overwhelm you.” – Steve Schwerd, Episode #48  “The sun is there everyday.  We are going to be wasting it if we’re not taking that and converting it to electricity. ” – Steve Schwerd, Episode #48   “Is there ever business as usual?” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #48 Resources Mentioned:   Schwerd Consulting LLC   SEIA - Solar Industries Energy Association   Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency®   www.podknife.com   2019 Deloitte Renewable Energy Seminar October 2-4, 2019 | Dallas, TX   Benoy will be speaking at the Deloitte Renewable Energy Seminar on Friday, October 4 in a panel on “Impact of renewable energy on the future of real estate” with Lisa Brown from Johnson Controls and Susan Nickey from Hannon Armstrong. Stay Connected:   Benoy Thanjan   Email: info@reneuenergy.com LinkedIn: @bthanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Steve Schwerd   Email: admin@schwerdconsulting.com Facebook: Schwerd Consulting Website: Schwerd Consulting LLC Twitter: @schwerdsolar LinkedIn: Schwerd Consulting   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, Podbean and youtube.     This episode was produced and managed by  Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)   

SMP 47: Financing Solar 101   Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick we dive into Benoy’s finance origin story going back as far as his 7th grade stock/finance class. In addition we also learn about Benoy’s parents influence on his entrepreneurial path, secrets to financing solar projects and upcoming tax incentives for solar investing.   Benoy Thanjan   Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, as well as 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, as well as utility-scale solar plus storage projects. The company also sources financing for solar projects and hedges both energy and environmental commodities. Reneu Energy has brokered $27 million in environmental commodity 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   Li Wang is a life-long journalist and communications professional. He worked as an intern for the Philadelphia Daily News, during the summer of the O.J. trial, and has since had some fascinating jobs, from being a business reporter, to an arts editor, to a film critic. He has since shifted his focus to digital marketing and creative services, and now his company, MJ Wang Media, develops brand messaging and identity through website design and content marketing.    Insights from this episode: The benefits and importance of early financial education How internships shape your future The importance of mentors and relationships  How and why video helps to establish trust Secrets to financing Solar Projects The blueprint to solar financing 101 Insight to solar tax incentives and upcoming changes      Quotes from the show:   “The ITC has created hundreds of thousands of jobs, sparked more than 150 billion in private investment and helped grow solar deployment by more than 10,000 percen”t – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #47   “The reason I push people to do video is it helps establishes trust.” – Li Wang, Episode  #47   “Fortunately or Unfortunately more people prefer to watch videos than to read” – Li Wang, Episode  #47   “I have 10 years of experience in the solar industry, I don't consider myself just a financing person because I’ve been on all sides of the transactions and on all of the development aspects of it and even on the construction side” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #47    “It’s interesting because 10 years of experience in the solar industry, you’re considered a veteran because it’s such a new industry.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #47   Resources Mentioned: Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency®   Solar met 2.7% of U.S. electric demand during the first half of 2019   How a battery can be eligible for the ITC today and possibly in the future   Model Leases and PPA   www.podknife.com Benoy will be speaking at the Deloitte Renewable Energy Seminar on Friday, October 4 in a panel on “Impact of renewable energy on the future of real estate” with Lisa Brown from Johnson Controls and Susan Nickey from Hannon Armstrong.   2019 Deloitte Renewable Energy Seminar October 2-4, 2019 | Dallas, TX Stay Connected:   Benoy Thanjan   Email: info@reneuenergy.com LinkedIn: @bthanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Li Wang   MJWangMedia.com  Instagram: @liwang22 Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, Podbean and youtube.  

Episode Summary   In this episode, Benoy interviews Dan French, the Founder and CEO of Brownfield Listings. Dan discusses opportunity zones and brownfields, explaining how these topics intersect with solar advancement. Dan also discusses his experiences in creating Brownfield Listings and shares his entrepreneurial advice.   Benoy Thanjan   Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, as well as 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, as well as utility-scale solar plus storage projects. The company also sources financing for solar projects and hedges both energy and environmental commodities. Reneu Energy has brokered $27 million in environmental commodity 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.   Dan French   Dan French is the Founder and CEO of Brownfield Listings. Dan is a trained attorney and transaction expert with domestic and international experience. His U.S. practice has focused on real estate transactions, environmental risk transfer and redevelopment. Long a student of the deal his watchword is ‘due diligence’, which helps explain why Dan has been trusted to lead transaction support initiatives for some of the largest companies in the world. His transactional experience encompasses thousands of properties of all conditions across two dozen states, with more than a billion dollars of property and environmental liability successfully transacted.   He has received an LL.M. in Business Law from Erasmus University in Rotterdam, a J.D. from St. Louis University School of Law, and a B.A. in history from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dan is leading a redevelopment renaissance within the larger real estate revolution—a technological, civic, social and market-based movement lifting the form and function of humanity’s built-environment to new heights, taking the health and wealth of our communities with it. He believes proactive due diligence is the difference in successful real estate transactions and in life.   Insights from this episode:   Strategies on understanding opportunity zones Strategies to understanding brownfields Secrets to solar market mixers How to make a market when it does not already exist Strategies on how brownfields can help the solar industry   Quotes from the show:   “Brownfield listing is a property market place and project marketplace for real estate with reuse challenges. Dan [French] is a trained attorney and transaction expert with domestic and international expertise. His U.S. practice is focused on real estate transactions, environmental risk transactions, and redevelopment.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #46   “Solar is one of our biggest segments. We have a tag, or species, in our taxonomy… called brightfield, so you can tag your site as a brightfield, which [tells] the market that you’re interested in pursuing solar development… You can be a greenfield… We have greyfields. It’s a rainbow of opportunities on the property side and professional side.” – Dan French, Episode #46   “We built a great educational program with speakers, public and private sector folks, along the two tracks tilted towards our different segments of the audience. So we had the solar, developer, and vendor track, and then the land owner and community track… and our idea is to coach them up and then throw them in the solar market mixers.” – Dan French, Episode #46   “I think the market mixers are a great idea. I mean as a speaker of the event, meeting with the different land owners, you are really able to build a relationship with them. And you know it’s a lot easier to follow up with them once they’ve met you, and they’re a lot more responsive than say… if it was a cold sort of call or… they received some sort of letter.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #46   “A brownfield is a real estate parcel that may or may not be contaminated, so it’s land that has been previously developed. We’re not quite sure what was there before, sometimes you know for sure, but sometimes you don’t. It may have been a factory a hundred years ago.” – Dan French, Episode #46   “If you’re selling commercial real estate or industrial property, you need to undertake an environmental investigation before you buy it, or you may step into the chain of liability. So if you buy a brownfield, and do not do your environmental homework, then you may be partly liable, even if you didn’t actually do the pollution yourself.” – Dan French, Episode #46   “There needed to be a place that you could be in your pajamas at midnight. Like it was really hard! How do we get our environmental liabilities out there in a way that the market can understand? Get in front of a lot of people at once? There was no market, there was no simple place to list in five minutes. That’s what the kernel of Brownfield Listings was, and from that we grew into this ecosystem.” – Dan French, Episode #46   “We’re doing that again [the Opportunity Zone Boot Camp and Pitch Competition] actually, in Newark, New Jersey at NJIT on October 17th. We run on the same format. There is going to be a great educational program in the morning through midafternoon, and then a pitch competition in the early evening, and that reception in the evening we’ll announce the winners.” – Dan French, Episode #46     Resources Mentioned:   Learn more about the Opportunity Zone Boot Camp & Pitch Competition Coming to Newark, New Jersey October 17   Learn more about the National Brownfields Conference Coming to Los Angeles, California December 11-13 Benoy was on webinar with Dan French called Powering up Brightields  Benoy speaks about the Virginia Solar Market and Dan speaks about the opportunity to redevelop brightfields with solar.   Stay Connected:   Benoy Thanjan   Email: info@reneuenergy.com LinkedIn: @bthanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Dan French   Email: info@brownfieldlistings.com Call: 312-988-0256 Website: https://brownfieldlistings.com/     Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes and Podbean