Sounds of Solar Podcast

Епизоде

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  Ep: 67: Ground Truth: How Technology is Transforming Modern Survey 16.07.2026 1ч

  Every successful solar project begins long before the first panel is installed. It begins with survey. In this episode of Sounds of Solar, EVS Project Manager-Survey Valerie Zurcher and Field Technician II-Survey Zachary Emerson explore one of the industry's most essential, yet often overlooked, disciplines. From establishing project control and capturing site topography to using LiDAR-equipped drones and processing massive datasets, they explain how accurate survey data drives every engineering decision that follows. The conversation also dives into the evolution of surveying technology, the growing role of AI, career opportunities for the next generation of surveyors, and why quality fieldwork reduces risk, improves designs, and sets every successful solar project up for success from day one.
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  Ep. 66: Built to Last - Why Solar Needs a Reliability Reset 22.06.2026 1ч 6мин

  What happens when the solar industry prioritizes cost over long-term reliability? In this episode of Sounds of Solar, hosts Christoph Bruhn and Prahalad Shivshankaran sit down with Create Energy Founder Dean Solon and Chief of Staff Joseph Fahrney to discuss why many of today's energy systems may not be built to last and what can be done differently. Drawing on decades of experience in manufacturing, solar, and energy infrastructure, Dean shares his perspective on product reliability, testing standards, repowering challenges, labor shortages, and the importance of designing systems for 30-plus years of performance, not just short-term success. The conversation explores integrated energy platforms, battery storage, predictive maintenance, and lessons learned from automotive manufacturing that could reshape the future of solar. If reliability matters, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
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  Ep. 65: Empowering Communities - Minnesota's Path to Net Zero by 2050 01.06.2026 49мин

  Minnesota has quietly become one of the nation's clean energy success stories, but what will it take to stay ahead? This day, the Sounds of Solar team sits down with Gregg Mast, Executive Director of Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM), to explore the trends shaping the state's energy future. Drawing on insights from CEEM's newly released 2026 Minnesota Energy Factsheet, Gregg discusses Minnesota's growing solar market, the state's path toward 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040 (net zero by 2050), and the economic impact clean energy development is having in communities across the state. The conversation also examines workforce needs, data center growth, permitting challenges, grid expansion, and the policies helping Minnesota remain a national leader in clean energy innovation. Download the 2026 Minnesota Energy Factsheet at cleanenergyeconomymn.org/factsheet.
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  Ep. 64: Designed to Deliver: Owner's Perspective on Energy at Gigawatt Scale 12.05.2026 51мин

  As AI-driven load growth reshapes the energy landscape, the pressure to deliver power faster has never been higher. In this episode of Sounds of Solar hosts sit down with Sapan Vyas of RWE to unpack what that means for renewable energy development at scale. Drawing from 15 years across EPC, consulting, and owner-side leadership, Sapan explores the realities behind hyperscale data centers, interconnection bottlenecks, transformer shortages, and the growing push for hybrid energy parks combining solar, storage, and gas generation. The conversation also dives into early-stage engineering assumptions, standardization versus flexibility, and why unresolved design decisions create costly "value leakage" during execution. A thoughtful, technical, and timely discussion on the future of energy infrastructure in the AI era.
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  Ep. 63: Mitigating Risks: Early Civil Decisions Shaping Solar Projects 25.03.2026 43мин

  Civil engineering decisions are made early, often quietly, yet they shape the trajectory of every solar project. In this episode, EVS Director of Civil Engineering Jeremy Schultz breaks down how site constraints, permitting realities, and stormwater design influence risk, cost, and constructability long before construction begins. From navigating inconsistent AHJ requirements to real-world lessons like landlocked basins and early layout tradeoffs, Jeremy shares where projects most often go wrong and how teams can think ahead to avoid it. If you want to understand what truly drives project success before the first pile is set, this conversation offers a grounded, field-tested perspective.
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  Ep. 62: Fast Track Automation - Tools Modernizing Utility-Scale Solar Design 18.02.2026 33мин

  What happens when solar projects outgrow the workflows built to design them? In this episode of Sounds of Solar, we talk with Clarke DeLisle, Product Development Lead at EVS, about how automation is reshaping utility scale solar engineering. Clarke shares what it looks like when traditional design workflows start to strain under growing project complexity, and how smarter tools can help engineers move faster without losing judgment or rigor. The conversation explores where automation genuinely adds value versus where hype can fall flat, how human expertise still anchors good design, and what skills will matter most as AI becomes part of everyday engineering work. Clarke also reflects on learning in fast-changing industries, taking smart risks, and building better ways of working from the inside out.
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  Ep. 61: Graduated. Now What? Real Talk with Renewables' Emerging Engineers 30.01.2026 53мин

  What really happens after you graduate with an engineering degree? In this episode of Sounds of Solar, emerging engineers in electrical power studies, substations, and civil engineering share candid perspectives on their first years in the renewable energy industry. From imposter syndrome and steep learning curves to mentorship, asking questions, and finding purpose in their work, this conversation explores the realities of moving from classroom theory to real-world engineering. A thoughtful look at early careers, growth, and what it truly means to become an engineer in renewables.
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  Ep. 60: Grid Under Pressure – Reengineering Transmission for a High Demand Future 14.01.2026 30мин

  In this episode of Sounds of Solar, we sit down with Ryan Grady, Director of Transmission at EVS, to unpack why the U.S. transmission grid is under unprecedented pressure. As aging infrastructure collides with explosive load growth from data centers, electrification, and renewable energy, transmission has become one of the most critical bottlenecks in the energy transition. Ryan explains how decades old lines are being pushed beyond their original design intent, why reliability and resilience are now central to planning decisions, and what utilities and engineers are doing to adapt. From data center driven demand to emerging design strategies, this conversation explores how transmission is being reshaped to support the grid we will rely on for decades to come.
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  Ep. 59: The Great Alignment: Tales of Tilt, Grade, and Gravity 23.12.2025 39мин

  This Sounds of Solar conversation dives into why solar site design is under more pressure than ever and what the industry must do to keep pace. As projects grow larger and timelines tighten, traditional workflows are struggling to keep up with increasing complexity, land constraints, and grid demands. The discussion explores how smarter tools, earlier decision making, and emerging automation are helping teams move faster while reducing risk and rework. From identifying bottlenecks in today's design process to rethinking how engineering supports developers and EPCs, this episode highlights a clear message: speed, accuracy, and adaptability are no longer optional. It is a forward-looking look at how solar engineering is evolving to meet the moment and build better projects from the ground up.
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  Ep. 58: Harvesting Energy: The Future of Agrivoltaics & Dual Purpose Farming 10.12.2025 41мин

  Agrivoltaics is having a moment and the Sounds of Solar hosts are here for it. In this lively episode, the team dives into the sunny intersection of farming and solar energy where crops, sheep, shade, and science all share the same field. From tomatoes to berries to goats with attitude, the crew explores how dual use land can boost farm productivity, cool panels, conserve water, and spark new opportunities for growers. They also break down design quirks, policy hurdles, and why this emerging trend is more approachable than it sounds. A fun, friendly intro to a renewable topic worth watching.
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  Ep. 57: Grid Instability, Global Perspectives, and Why BESS Matters Now 25.11.2025 33мин

  The hosts of Sounds of Solar dive into the realities of battery energy storage, grounding the conversation in personal stories of growing up with blackouts in Kenya and India. They explore how global grid instability shaped their understanding of energy access, then connect those experiences to today's rapid growth of BESS in the United States. The team breaks down key use cases like frequency regulation and energy arbitrage, reflects on policy trends driving adoption, and highlights why storage has become essential for grid resilience. With a mix of humor, real-world context, and engineering insight, this episode offers an engaging look at why BESS is becoming one of the most important tools in the modern energy transition.
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  Ep. 56: Policy in Motion: How States Keep Energy Growing 11.11.2025 49мин

  In this episode, the Sounds of Solar team sits down with Sarah Whebbe, Senior Policy and Regulatory Affairs Associate at MnSEIA, for a timely look at Minnesota's evolving clean energy landscape. Sarah breaks down the ripple effects of HR1, from accelerated timelines to the sudden challenges facing residential solar and community-scale developers, while highlighting the bright spots that remain, including strong bipartisan momentum around virtual power plants, agrivoltaics, and battery storage. She shares how Minnesota's 2040 carbon-free goal creates opportunity, why flexible interconnection and state-led innovation matter more than ever, and how community engagement and education will shape the next chapter of grid resilience. Packed with clarity, insight, and optimism, this episode explores where policy meets progress and why every voice in the energy ecosystem counts.
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  Ep. 55: Power Policies: Charting a Course Through Federal Uncertainty 28.10.2025 39мин

  In this episode of Sounds of Solar, the hosts talk with Erin Duncan, Vice President of Congressional Affairs for SEIA, about how federal policy changes are shaping the future of solar and energy storage. She shares insight from Capitol Hill on the rollback of IRA tax credits, the outlook for domestic manufacturing, and what these shifts mean for developers, utilities, and consumers. EVS Vice President of Renewable Energy, Sohan Das, joins to discuss how the industry can adapt, maintain stability, and continue driving innovation during uncertain times. Together, they explore why business certainty and collaboration are key to progress, and how the solar and storage sector remains a strong force for growth in America's clean energy future.
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  Ep. 54: Decoding SCADA: Nerve Center of the Renewable Grid 14.10.2025 37мин

  How does power actually move through the grid - and why can't we just "plug in" solar? In this episode, Sounds of Solar sits down with Jason Berger, SCADA Manager at EVS, to unravel the mysterious world of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA). From network neighborhoods and security protocols to grid reliability and the coming wave of automation, Jason explains how SCADA systems keep energy flowing and why their role is becoming even more critical as renewables scale. The conversation touches on cybersecurity, real-world grid events in Spain and Ukraine, and the 10× growth challenge facing U.S. power systems. Whether you're new to SCADA or deep in the industry, this episode offers clarity, insight, and a few laughs along the way.
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  Ep. 53: Breaking Barriers & Riding the Solar Coaster 30.09.2025 44мин

  Brenda Byers, VP of Design Management at McCarthy, joins the Sounds of Solar podcast to share her journey from aerospace engineering to becoming a leader in renewable energy. She reflects on the industry's growth, the evolving role of women in engineering, and the importance of mentorship and advocacy. Brenda discusses how project sizes have scaled dramatically, how her teams bridge design and construction, and how technology like drones is shaping the future of solar. With candid insights into leadership challenges, workplace culture, and balancing career demands, she offers practical advice for the next generation entering the "solar coaster." This episode shines a light on resilience, innovation, and the people pushing clean energy forward.
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  Ep. 52: Season 5 Begins - Fresh Faces & Solar Perspectives 23.09.2025 29мин

  Season 5 of Sounds of Solar kicks off with new voices and fresh perspectives! Host Chris Bruhn and returning co-host Prahalad Shivshankaran welcome two new panelists to the mic: Sheridan Henderson, civil engineer, and Walelign Kebede, power studies engineer. Together, the team dives into the latest shifts in renewable energy policy, the rise of battery storage, and why agility matters more than ever for engineers and developers. Along the way, the hosts share personal stories - from summer adventures and career inspirations to bold predictions about perovskites, hydrogen fuel cells, and the future grid. With humor, industry insight, and a clear passion for innovation, this season opener sets the stage for a dynamic year of conversations about how we build smarter, cleaner power.
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  Ep. 51: Resilience in Renewables - Leading Through Uncertainty 02.06.2025 45мин

  In this season finale of Sounds of Solar, we sit down with EVS leadership for a wide-ranging conversation on the evolution of renewable energy and where the industry is heading. From EVS's bold pivot into solar in 2014 to today's battery boom, data center demands, and the rise of AI-driven engineering tools, this episode explores what it takes to lead through uncertainty. Hear insights on policy, investment trends, and how EVS is preparing to modernize the grid for a cleaner, smarter future.
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  Ep. 50: Cabins, Culture & Career Growth: Why Monday's Don't Have to Suck! 19.05.2025 38мин

  In this episode of Sounds of Solar, host Chris Bruhn sits down with EVS' President Andy Kim and Director of HR Divya Divakaran for a candid conversation on what sets EVS apart in a competitive job market. They explore how culture drives recruitment, retention, and innovation—from Gen Z hires to seasoned engineers. Learn how EVS fosters psychological safety, supports remote teams, and turns core values into real-world impact. Whether you're navigating workforce challenges or curious about the future of renewables, this episode offers an inside look at building a purpose-driven team that's changing the way the world produces power.
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  Ep. 49: The Role of EPCs - Shaping the Future of Solar Energy 02.05.2025 59мин

  In this episode of Sounds of Solar, Michael Benitez, Senior Director of Engineering at Moss Construction, returns to discuss the evolving world of solar construction. Mike shares insights on Moss's EPC approach, the importance of construction-driven engineering, and the challenge of scaling skilled labor. We explore innovations like perovskite panels, the shift to higher voltage systems, and AI's growing role in design and delivery. From project logistics to the future of battery storage, Mike offers practical perspectives and a candid look at the technologies shaping large-scale solar projects. Tune in for real-world expertise, practical perspectives, and a fun dose of industry camaraderie.
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  Ep. 48: From the Arctic to Advocacy - An Explorer's Call for Climate Action 25.04.2025 1ч 11мин

  Legendary explorer and environmental advocate Will Steger shares powerful stories from his groundbreaking expeditions, his eyewitness account of climate change, and his lifelong commitment to purpose-driven leadership. We explore the founding of the historic Antarctic Treaty efforts, the vision behind the Steger Center for leadership and innovation, and his outlook on renewable energy and the future of the human spirit. From crossing frozen continents to inspiring global change, Steger offers insights on resilience, community, and building a better world. Whether you're passionate about adventure, sustainability, or leadership, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.