Silicon Ranch Radio

Silicon Ranch partner Nextracker has pioneered several innovations in solar tracker technology, including independent row, weather aware tracking algorithms, and have been leading the charge on domestic supply chain improvements. CEO Dan Shugar joins us for a discussion on how their innovations have reduced both costs and environmental impacts while also creating local jobs and community support for solar projects. These efforts enable Nextracker to partner with leaders like Silicon Ranch to deploy gigawatts of high-performing, sustainable solar projects.

Anna Clare Monlezun, rancher and rangeland ecosystem scientist, joins Nick de Vries to discuss grassland ecosystems, sustainable grazing practices, and the co-location of solar energy generation and regenerative agriculture. Anna Clare shares updates on a project close to her heart, Cattle Tracker, which aims to co-locate cattle grazing with solar energy generation. This conversation explores the importance of regenerative grazing practices and the role of herbivores in maintaining healthy grasslands as well as the concept of agrivoltaics, which involves the dual use of land for agriculture and solar energy generation.

In this episode, we're celebrating Veterans Day as Nick invites two military veteran team members, Daizjah Morris and Chris Frobuccino, on the show to discuss their journey between ending their time in service and finding their next mission in civilian life. For many, this transition can be one of the more challenging milestones in a military career, as veterans have to cope with a new identity and purpose in life that can feel extremely foreign to what they have been used to. Hear in this episode how the host and guests have used the skills and tools they developed in the armed forces to thrive in their next mission in civilian life.

Our eighth episode in the series exploring domestic manufacturing takes us to Middle Tennessee, where Nick is joined by Ben Macias, Chief Revenue Officer of Shoals Technologies Group, a leading global provider of Electrical Balance of Systems (EBOS) for eMobility, solar and energy storage systems, with three facilities located in Portland, Tennessee. They'll discuss Shoals contribution both to renewable energy and the resurgence in American manufacturing by way of its diversification into the solar sector and its subsequent growth. Join the conversation to learn about the historic opportunities presented by the renewable energy transition and how we can bolster domestic manufacturing here in the United States.

Our seventh episode in our on-going series exploring domestic manufacturing takes us to West Tennessee, where Nick is joined by Jason Neal, President of Hyosung HICO and Senior Executive VP of HICO America. They'll discuss what makes Memphis a truly unique location logistically for HICO's manufacturing of transformers, a real life case study for high-tech, green energy driven domestic manufacturing right here in the United States. Industry leaders like Silicon Ranch and HICO are excited to share the practicalities and benefits of on-shore manufacturing and why more projects should capitalize on access to local resources, both industrial and human, as part of the green energy transition to bolster domestic manufacturing.

In part six of this series, we'll explore the era defining opportunities presented by the clean energy transition and highlight innovative solutions entrepreneurs are developing to level up domestic manufacturing in the United States. In today’s episode, Nick speaks with Jim Tharp, Sr. Director of Operations at Wacker Chemical Corporation, a leading player and one of the world’s most research-intensive chemical companies, about the ways in which raw materials, skilled training, and community life can come together and form a more welcoming ecosystem for domestic manufacturing. Industry leaders like Silicon Ranch and Wacker are at the cutting edge of the renewable energy transition, but as you'll hear, it's the training and employment of skilled innovators of today along with the job seekers of tomorrow that will determine the shape and scope of domestic industry for the next generation.

We continue to explore domestic manufacturing and the innovative new solutions entrepreneurs are developing to fully leverage opportunities the solar industry offers. In today’s episode, Nick speaks with Suvi Sharma, co-founder & CEO at SOLARCYCLE — the country’s most advanced solar panel recycling solution, about the need to produce the parts and raw materials we need right here in the United States. Approaching solar projects through a circular lens helps reduce reliance on new mining of precious materials like silver and copper by enabling us to mine those materials from solar panels that have reached their end of useful life. But recycling end-of-life panels can provide more than a new source for materials. It can also provide a valuable source for new domestic factories and jobs. Listen in to this episode to learn how.

The conversation on the future of domestic manufacturing in the solar industry continues with Vinayak Gupta, Senior Vice President of Operations of Clean Energy Associates, a global company operating in the United States, Asia, and Europe, working on the soup to nuts of solar supply chains in terms of what it takes to bring new technology to production at scale of high quality. In this episode, Vinayak shares how module manufacturing can fully leverage the economic development opportunity that the solar industry brings.

The conversation on the future of domestic manufacturing in the solar industry continues with John Fluker, President and CEO of Grenzebach North America, a leading global automation company with expertise manufacturing glass, plywood, solar panels and even the luggage wheeling through just about any airport across the globe. In this episode, John discusses the role automation plays in the opportunity to bolster manufacturing in the solar industry, and shares the secret to what makes his factories work so well, including training the workforce to maximize the efficiency of the equipment and processes in place. 

In this episode we continue to explore the unprecedented opportunity to bolster domestic manufacturing while transitioning our energy infrastructure to cleaner, more reliable, renewable energy sources. Here in the U.S. labs are already testing new technologies, their stress points, and long-term reliability. The type of information these labs produce is crucial to people building the next generation of solar products and solutions. Every advancement is a new opportunity to create value, but getting these advancements wrong can be costly. For today’s episode we speak with Dr. Teresa Barnes of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The work that Dr. Barnes and her team are preforming at NREL enables entrepreneurs to get these advancements right by supplying them with the necessary tools and knowledge.

To support the continued growth of solar and other industries it is becoming increasingly clear that the US needs to bolster its own domestic manufacturing infrastructure and shorten supply lines. Doing so requires a number of essential elements including leadership. In today’s episode, hosted by Nick de Vries, we kickoff a special series blueprinting domestic manufacturing and how it can be supported to drive economic development across the country. Join us for this conversion as we sit down with Matt Kisber, the Co-founder and Chairman of Silicon Ranch, to discuss the company’s leadership in and commitment to supporting domestic manufacturing.

In previous episodes, we heard from Clearloop's founders, Laura Zapata and Bob Corney about how their company is helping businesses of all sizes reclaim their carbon footprint while also expanding access to clean energy to communities that need it most. In this episode, Laura joins the conversation again, this time with Brad Robison of the Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association and Joe Azar, Director of Economic Development for Panola County, Mississippi to discuss Clearloop's first two projects in the Magnolia State, and their mission to meet the energy and economic development needs of the communities they serve.

Discover how we at Silicon Ranch continue to keep all of our solar plants operating at peak performance, and meet some of the technology partners and talented teams whose skills help us interpret data to predict and prevent future problems. In this episode, Jim Bausell is joined by Clay Helms, Performance Engineer on Silicon Ranch’s very own Technology and Asset Management team, and Peter Kobliska, VP of Business Development at GreenPower Monitor, to hear how they solve complex puzzles that help us keep the lights on and continue to harvest clean energy.

With us today on the show are Davin Smith, Regional Manager for Power Plant Maintenance for Silicon Ranch, and Jason Boatwright, one of Silicon Ranch’s Solar O&M Technicians. So, join us to hear how these two master detectives and craftsmen, are helping to make solar do more! And stay tuned for the end of our episode to hear “Home” an original tune from the talented Taylor Downes.

The solar energy industry is rapidly creating new jobs, new positions, and new opportunities for workers of all kinds, and at a rate never before seen. But with all that great power comes great responsibility, specifically to create valuable outcomes beyond clean, reliable energy generation. To help achieve those outcomes, Silicon Ranch teams up with regenerative ranchers across the country to deliver Regenerative Energy®, a design and land management platform that can be measured, verified, and reported. In this episode, host Jim Bausell sits down with Tyler Huber, an Agrivoltaic Technician at Silicon Ranch, and Bridget Hogan, our partner at White Oaks Pastures, to discuss their roles and farming practices that focus on regenerative land management, humane animal husbandry, and the support of rural communities while providing completely new job opportunities across the country.

Today we’re going to shine a light on local clean energy and, how through Regenerative Energy®, we and our partners are leading the way to a brighter agricultural—as well as energy—future in the local communities we serve. In this episode, we’re joined by one of our Regenerative Energy® partners, Trent Hendricks of Cabriejo Ranch. Listen in and hear how we’re making solar do more!

In our twenty-third episode of Silicon Ranch Radio, Jim Bausell looks back on this year’s best and most noteworthy podcast clips. Join us as we wrap up this year, and look forward to a sunny 2022 filled with peace and joy.

Organizations across the country are increasingly seeking a wider range of options to meet not only their renewable energy targets, but also their decarbonization, and broader ESG goals. Clearloop is the only company that offers organizations of all sizes a way to reclaim their carbon footprint by building solar farms that both clean up the grid and benefit economically distressed communities. In our latest episode of Silicon Ranch Radio, Jim welcomes Clearloop’s CEO and Co-Founder, Laura Zapata, and COO and Co-Founder, Bob Corney, who share insight into how their company uses tangible, traceable carbon offsets to help these organizations create positive social, economic, and environmental impacts.

Thanksgiving reminds us to be thankful for what we have. Americans have come to know this holiday for the food as well as an opportunity to tell those around us how much we appreciate them for what they bring to our lives. As we reflect on how grateful we are for the work we get to do and the people on our team here at Silicon Ranch, we wanted to share a few words of gratitude this Thanksgiving. In our twenty-first episode of Silicon Ranch Radio, Jim Bausell welcomes eight of his colleagues at Silicon Ranch who have come together to share their personal messages of what they are thankful for.

In this special Veterans Day episode of Silicon Ranch Radio, Jim is joined by Silicon Ranch team members, Erin Hanratty and Ryan Edwards, to discuss how U.S. military veterans such as themselves can and are contributing to not just our company but our industry. Listen in as these two discuss how they’ve gone from powering the defense of our nation, to powering our partners and communities.

In this episode, you’ll hear the Vice President of Renewables and Sales at Mitsubishi Electric Power, Adam Kabulski, as we explore the advantages of energy storage and the exciting prospects of battery energy storage systems (BESS).

How does energy feed into the overall economic development of our country? When you consider energy’s role in our economy, it’s more than a commodity, but rather the foundation of growth. New businesses have always demanded an energy partner that can provide affordable, reliable, plentiful power for their operations. In our eighteenth episode of Silicon Ranch Radio, Jim Bausell welcomes the CEO of South Carolina’s Power Team, James Chavez. James’s work with the SC Power Team, driving economic development in support of our partners at the Central Electric Power Cooperative and the 20 distribution cooperatives it serves across South Carolina, makes him a unique voice in this conversation. Together these groups embody the cooperative principles – particularly Cooperation Among Cooperatives, and Concern for Community – that are so aligned with Silicon Ranch’s core values. Listen in as these two explore the essential role that economic development plays in building the future of our region, our communities, and our quality of life.

Ten years ago in Pulaski, Tennessee, Silicon Ranch became pioneers in the solar energy industry with the birth and creation of a new 1.4 MW solar project. In this episode, host Jim Bausell uncovers the lessons learned by two members who were present at the groundbreaking moment: Senior Vice President of Technology, Nick DeVries and retired Director of Construction and Safety, Jeff Lee.

We believe our employees can make a real difference in the communities we serve, and as Silicon Ranch celebrates its tenth anniversary, we remain committed to that mission. In this episode, Director of Project Development, Ali Weaver, and Director of Economic and Community Development, Gina Brown, join host Jim Bausell to discuss the integral role Silicon Ranch has played as a corporate citizen of the many communities we serve, and the creative ways that engagement and development has allowed us to make a profound, sustainable impact on the local and global community.

Did you know solar installations in the U.S. are predicted to quadruple in size by 2030? In this episode, Senior Vice President of Project Finance, Virginia Williams, and Director of Business Development, John Thompson, joins host Jim Bausell to discuss the growing demand for carbon-free power, and we'll take a dive deep into the world of solar economics by uncovering the purpose behind a power purchase agreement.

Explore how we build our solar plants, and hear some of the necessary considerations during our entire construction process. In the third episode of our series MEET US AT THE GATE, Vice President of Projects, Morgan Day, and Director of Construction, Clint Abrams, joins host Jim Bausell to discuss the logistics behind building first-class solar generating plants. Day and Abrams explain the ins and outs of constructing safe and effective solar plants that will provide long-lasting and dependable clean energy.

What should you look for when scouting out locations for future solar energy plants? In the second episode of our series MEET US AT THE GATE, Luke Wilkinson, Senior Vice President of Project Development here at Silicon Ranch, joins host Jim Bausell to share his insights about choosing a great site for solar generation. Learn from Luke as he discusses the four qualities to look for in a “perfect” site and how close partnerships can help make solar energy available in our communities.

Have you ever wondered what really goes on beyond the fence of one of our more than 145 solar power plants across the country? Our series MEET US AT THE GATE will get you up close and personal with the men and women who literally keep the lights on, allowing solar power to flow into your communities 24/7. In this episode, we'll hear from Lynsey Tibbs, Director of Asset Management, and James Millis, Manager of Fleet Maintenance, two of many colleagues who keep their eyes on the small, and not so small, details behind managing and maintaining an efficient, self-sustaining plant.

Memorial Day is a beloved holiday across America. But how many people truly know and understand the meaning behind this patriotic day of honor? And how is it different from holidays such as Veterans Day and Independence Day? In today’s special episode of Silicon Ranch Radio, Jim Bausell talks with three individuals from some of the communities Silicon Ranch serves. Listen in as our colleagues, partners, and neighbors reflect on Memorial Day and share its personal significance to them.

In this episode, Jim sits down with Gil Hough, the Executive Director for the Tennessee Solar Energy Industries Association (TenneSEIA). Gil has been a leader, a consensus builder, and a true champion of the solar energy efforts within the Tennessee Valley. Jim and Gil discuss the power of partnerships and how it draws all of us together to make solar do more. So, listen in and be inspired as we explore how joining together helps us all to accomplish great things within the solar industry.

We are re-joined by Director of Regenerative Energy and Land Management, Michael Baute. Since being on the show this past Fall, Michael has been responsible for a new website which contains the Regenerative Energy Standard. He also built his team to oversee our innovative holistic land management platform while increasing the number of solar farms implementing it. Also tune in to find out what ‘agrivoltaics’ is and how we are using it to make solar do more for local communities, American agriculture, and the land we are fortunate to steward.

In this episode, Jim sits down with Keith Dennis, Vice President of Consumer Member Engagement at NRECA, the national association that represents 900 plus electric cooperatives serving the daily electricity needs of consumers in 48 states. We'll take a deep dive into the new ‘Beneficial Electrification World’ Keith first described in his 2015 white paper titled Environmentally Beneficial Electrification and discuss the important role clean renewable energy will play in this far-reaching energy transition.

In this episode, Jim Bausell is joined by Silicon Ranch’s Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Matt Kisber. Matt is an innovator, entrepreneur, and community and economic development leader with a fascinating background — from the Tennessee state legislature to serving as the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic Development under Governor Phil Bredesen. In their conversation, Matt shares with Jim the journey he took with his partners in making a solar dream come true.

In this episode, our host Jim Bausell is joined by Silicon Ranch’s Senior Vice President of Technology and Asset Management, Nick de Vries. Nick is a problem solver, inventor, and veteran. In their conversation, Nick speaks with Jim about how he arrived at Silicon Ranch and what goes into his team’s work to manage our portfolio of more than 140 solar power plants across 14 states coast to coast...Here's a hint: DATA!

Our fifth episode features Mark Cayce, President and CEO of Ouachita Electric Cooperative, an electric cooperative headquartered in Camden, Arkansas. This episode wraps up a three-part series, Local Power, Solar Power, which takes a look at how local solar farming and strategic partnerships can light up your community. Mark brings decades of real-time, real-world experiences that all of us can learn from, so you won't want to miss this episode.

Our fourth episode features Jeff Dykes, President and CEO of BrightRidge, a public utility headquartered in Johnson City, Tennessee. The second installment in our series “Local Power, Solar Power,” this episode takes a look at how local solar farming and strategic partnerships are lighting up communities. By providing clean energy options, Silicon Ranch is working to help improve quality of life, create new business and jobs, and power the next generation.

Our third episode features Silicon Ranch Corporation’s Vice President of Business Development, Matt Brown. This episode begins our series “Local Power, Solar Power,” which takes a look at how local solar farming lights up your community. By providing you with clean energy options, Silicon Ranch is working to improve your quality of life, create new business and jobs in your area, and power the next generation.

Our second episode features Michael Baute, our Director of Regenerative Energy and Land Management. He shares his thoughts on Silicon Ranch’s efforts in co-locating regenerative farming practices and solar energy generation - a process that we call Regenerative Energy. Our innovative process compounds the already positive impact of solar facilities to provide further environmental, economic, and community benefits. Join us to learn more!

For decades the formula for economic development has been predictable. But recently, businesses have set goals that include their energy supply being from 100% clean renewable energy. As a result, the paradigm for economic development has shifted.