Sept. 25, 2025

How Solar, Batteries, and Microgrids Are Reshaping the Grid

How Solar, Batteries, and Microgrids Are Reshaping the Grid

#309 Solar energy now dominates 80% of new grid additions globally. But what comes after solar becomes the cheapest energy source on Earth? Tim Montague joined the Solar Maverick Podcast to reveal the next chapter of the energy transition. I share insider insights that every energy professional needs to know. What You'll Discover: The 3 pillars of successful commercial solar sales that separate top performers from the restWhy batteries have a "value stack" that goes far beyond backup powerHow...

#309

Solar energy now dominates 80% of new grid additions globally. But what comes after solar becomes the cheapest energy source on Earth?

Tim Montague joined the Solar Maverick Podcast to reveal the next chapter of the energy transition. I share insider insights that every energy professional needs to know.

What You'll Discover:

  • The 3 pillars of successful commercial solar sales that separate top performers from the rest
  • Why batteries have a "value stack" that goes far beyond backup power
  • How microgrids are creating a fractal energy system that's more resilient than traditional grids
  • The real impact of federal policy changes on solar deployment
  • Why virtual power plants are becoming the secret weapon against rising electricity costs
  • My transition from solar-only to battery and microgrid consulting
  • The AI revolution is coming to the energy sector

I break down complex energy concepts into practical strategies you can implement immediately. Whether you're selling solar today or planning for the battery storage boom, this episode delivers actionable insights from someone who's been in the trenches.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Technical mastery vs relationship building in commercial sales
  • Financial modeling for energy storage projects
  • Regional differences in battery value stacks
  • Data center energy demands driving grid transformation
  • Collaboration strategies between utilities and clean energy companies

Connect With Benoy Thanjan 

Benoy Thanjan

Solar Maverick Podcast

Website

Support the show

Connect with Tim

Clean Power Hour
Clean Power Hour on YouTube
Tim on Twitter
Tim on LinkedIn

Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com

Review Clean Power Hour on Apple Podcasts

The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com

Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/

The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Please subscribe on your favorite audio platform and on Youtube: bit.ly/cph-sub | www.CleanPowerHour.com | contact us by email:  CleanPowerHour@gmail.com | Speeding the energy transition!