In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, host Benoy Thanjan sits down with Jarand Rystad, Founder and CEO of Rystad Energy, one of the world’s leading energy intelligence and data advisory firms. Jarand explains why solar has dramatically outperformed historical forecasts, how rapid cost declines have reshaped global power markets, and why many regions are now facing a new challenge: too much solar at the wrong times. As grids become saturated with midday generation, energy storage has emerged as the critical missing link. The conversation explores why the next five years will belong to energy storage, how batteries enable higher renewable penetration, and what this shift means for pricing, grid stability, and project economics. Jarand also shares insights on powering the AI and data center boom, the evolving role of gas and nuclear, long-duration storage innovations, and why electrification is fundamentally transforming the global energy system.

On this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, host Benoy Thanjan sits down with Jing Tian, Chief Growth & Revenue Officer at Tigo Energy, to explore how smarter electronics, AI, and energy intelligence are reshaping the solar industry. Jing shares her journey from a PhD in chemistry to becoming a global solar executive, including leadership roles across Asia and the U.S. She breaks down how module-level power electronics (MLPE) improve safety, flexibility, and performance in residential, C&I, and utility-scale solar and why MLPE is becoming foundational as solar converges with storage, software, and grid services. The conversation also dives into rapid shutdown requirements, AI-powered monitoring, and how predictive analytics can reduce O&M costs while improving system reliability. Jing closes with thoughtful advice for emerging leaders, women in clean energy, and anyone navigating the “solar coaster.”

In episode 40 of The League, Benoy Thanjan (The Solar Maverick) and David Magid break down why the solar market is undergoing a fundamental repricing of risk. Distributed generation platforms are coming to market as large players recycle capital and reset return expectations. At the same time, land is emerging as a major bottleneck.  Costs are rising, competition is intensifying, and traditional land-option strategies no longer work. Layer in permitting delays and growing uncertainty, and risk is now being priced earlier and more aggressively across solar development. The takeaway: solar fundamentals remain strong, but success in the next phase will depend on securing land early, managing permitting risk, and adapting capital strategies to a changing market.

In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, host Benoy Thanjan sits down with Dr. Hunter McDaniel, CEO of UbiQD, a quantum materials company redefining how light interacts with solar technology. Hunter breaks down quantum dots and explains how this nanotechnology can dramatically improve solar performance by optimizing the light spectrum. The conversation dives deep into UbiQD’s landmark supply agreement with First Solar, including how quantum dots can significantly boost bifacial solar efficiency, especially for thin-film modules. The episode also explores broader applications of quantum dots from building-integrated photovoltaics, solar windows, to agriculture and offers hard earned advice for clean-tech and deep-tech entrepreneurs navigating long commercialization cycles.

Benoy sits down with MyWorkerAI founder William Szamosszegi to talk about how an “AI sales team as a service” can automate research, outreach, and lead generation for founders and renewable energy companies. They also dive into AI’s impact on the solar industry, personal branding, and the mindset tools entrepreneurs need to win in an AI-driven world.

In episode 39 of The League, David Magid and Benoy Thanjan break down the latest developments reshaping the clean-energy market. They cover the Pine Gate Renewables bankruptcy, the push for new U.S. restrictions on Chinese solar and grid equipment, and the detention of Qcells shipments under UFLPA. David also highlights Section 232 tariff impacts and Google DeepMind’s new GenCast AI weather-forecasting model.

In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy sits down with Rob Sternthal, Managing Director at Expedition Infrastructure Partners, to break down how investors evaluate solar platforms and development pipelines. Rob brings more than 20 years of experience in investment banking, tax equity, structured finance, and renewable energy, and he explains the real criteria that determine platform value today. Benoy and Rob discuss why platforms are being repriced, how rising SG&A and longer development timelines are reshaping exits, and what investors are prioritizing in the current market. They also cover the Pine Gate bankruptcy, the renewed shift toward “develop and flip,” battery economics, tax credit insurance constraints, FEOC uncertainty, and the wave of distress expected to define the industry over the next two to three years.

In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, host Benoy Thanjan jumps to the other side of the mic with Kevin (“Kadro”) and Mike (“Higo”) from Climate Hive. They dig into the massive cost declines in solar and storage, why solar is a technology and not a fuel, and the impact of Let’s Share the Sun’s recent work in Puerto Rico. The conversation also explores how financing and innovation are accelerating clean energy adoption.

In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, host Benoy Thanjan talks with Jon Semingson, President of Peak Demand, a leading recruitment firm focused on renewable energy and clean technology. Jon shares an inside look at how the intense growth of solar, storage and broader renewables is reshaping the talent market, what companies are doing right and wrong when hiring, and what candidates should focus on to stand out. Benoy and Jon also dive into how recent policy changes and the “Big Beautiful Bill” landscape are influencing demand for specific skill sets, plus key takeaways from this year’s RE+ Las Vegas and what they signal about the future of the clean energy workforce.

Solar Dominates 2025 Energy Additions; Nuclear Sees Major Expansion Welcome to our weekly Renewable Energy Briefing! Stay informed on the latest industry trends.  Episode #38 Briefing Highlights: -U.S. government and Westinghouse in $80 billion deal for new nuclear power  -Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) in a massive deal to acquire utility giant AES  -New federal report shows solar made up almost three-quarters of all new power in 2025 (19GW) -Federal government cancels $7 billion for low-income solar; over 20 states are now suing Solar continues its dominance in 2025, accounting for 19 GW of the 26 GW of new U.S. energy capacity added this year. Meanwhile, the nuclear renaissance accelerates as the U.S. government and Westinghouse announce an $80B deal that reshapes the future of baseload power. Benoy and David break down the biggest transactions—including GIP’s acquisition of AES—and the implications of federal policy changes, such as the Trump administration canceling $7B in solar grants aimed at low-income communities. Get the clean energy insights you need in five minutes.

Host Benoy Thanjan sits down with Nick Kerwin, VP at New Energy Equity and Versiris Energy, to break down what’s next for C&I rooftop solar, community solar, and storage. We talk market dynamics, project finance, interconnection realities, and how policy changes (the “Big Beautiful Bill” and related guidance) could reshape deal structures and timelines. Nick shares field-tested tactics for originating bankable projects, speeding development, and building durable partnership.

Benoy sits down with co-host and Squarespace designer Li Wang to unpack how your website functions as core digital real estate for any solar brand. They cover platform choices, SEO that attracts qualified leads, and design tactics that convert visitors into discovery calls. Li also shares behind-the-scenes lessons from building the new Solar Maverick Podcast site and refreshing Reneu Energy’s web presence.

This is episode 37 of The League, hosts David Magid and Benoy Thanjan (aka The Solar Maverick) break down the biggest clean energy headlines of the week. They discuss why community solar installations fell 36% in early 2025, how storage pairing and IRA incentives could reignite growth, and the impact of Abby Hopper’s departure from SEIA after nine years of leadership. David also unpacks the Grid Power Act and how new FERC mandates could finally ease the interconnection backlog. Tune in for a five-minute clean energy briefing packed with sharp insights and industry updates.

In this special crossover episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, host Benoy Thanjan sits down with Ana Conde from PVcase  originally featured on her Watt Matters Podcast to break down one of the most critical stages of solar project development: site selection and feasibility.

This is episode 36 of The League, hosts David Magid and Benoy Thanjan (aka The Solar Maverick) break down the biggest clean energy headlines of the week. They cover: TotalEnergies’ $1.25B sale to KKR and what it signals about renewable asset valuations. The collapse of $24B in U.S. Hydrogen Hub contracts and the broader implications for hydrogen’s future. The IEA’s downgraded global renewable forecast—and why solar still leads the way. The growing opportunity in solar repowering, where upgrading aging assets can boost returns at a fraction of the cost.

Chris Lettman of Imperial Star Solar, an American-made solar module manufacturer, joins Benoy on the Solar Maverick Podcast to unpack how projects truly qualify for the 10% domestic content adder, why U.S. cells and traceability drive eligibility, and what U.S. manufacturing looks like at Imperial Star’s Houston facility. They also discuss supply realities, Tier 1 vs. bankability, and practical insights for developers and EPCs when procuring panels.

In this episode, Benoy Thanjan sits down with Sandhya Murali, Co-Founder & CEO of Solstice, and Sam Cote, Account Executive, to discuss the launch of Solstice’s groundbreaking Community Solar Benefit REC program.  It is an innovative structure that channels corporate sustainability investments directly into underserved communities. The program debuted in 2024 with Microsoft as one of the first pilot customers, marking a new chapter where renewable-energy credits fund measurable social and economic impact. Sandhya and Sam share how this approach lets corporations, developers, and municipalities align ESG goals with local benefits, promote equitable clean-energy access, and strengthen the connection between clean power and social outcomes.

This is Episode 35 of League.  You give us five minutes, we’ll give you the best clean energy news. Benoy and David recap NYC Climate Week and the week’s biggest energy storylines: a reported Trump-era policy pivot away from solar (ITC cuts, federal-land limits, tariffs) and what that could mean for installs; FEOC (Foreign Entity of Concern) supply-chain uncertainty; Blue Ridge Power layoffs.  Plus, takeaways from nuclear policy sessions and stubbornly rising power prices.

Benoy sits down with Dimitrios Parikos, Senior Managing Director for Global Energy & Climate Tech Practice at Brown & Brown Risk Solutions, to unpack how insurance fits into underwriting, what coverages matter from construction through operations, how to navigate hail/wildfire risk, and why engaging a broker early protects your projects.

Live from RE+ Las Vegas 2025! On episode 34 of the League, David Magid and Benoy Thanjan covered the top clean energy trends we’re seeing: Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) innovation — Acura’s 2026 luxury EV showcases how EV batteries can provide backup power, resilience, and even revenue for homeowners while integrating into virtual power plants. EPC + supply chain bottlenecks — With new ITC rules and project rushes, developers must coordinate early with EPCs and suppliers to avoid costly delays. M&A momentum — Madison Energy Infrastructure just acquired NextEra Energy Resources DG platform, signaling strong demand for distributed generation. At RE+ we’re also seeing retail electricity pricing climb sharply, especially in PJM, making solar even more competitive as the lowest-cost, fastest-to-build source of electricity.