#EP317

The solar industry faces a defining moment in Q4 2025. While regulatory challenges create uncertainty, well-capitalized players treat this period as a buying opportunity. Daniel Dus, CEO and founder of Cleantech Industry Resources (CIR), breaks down the market dynamics and explains how his company's global expertise positions it to thrive during industry consolidation.

Daniel Dus founded Cleantech Industry Resources (CIR) to provide development, construction, and operations services for solar and battery storage projects. His team of 140 professionals across three offices in India and the United States brings proven experience from building some of the world's largest solar installations, including work with Adani Green Energy as it scaled from startup to 16 gigawatts in operation.

Key Discussion Points:
The current solar market has split into thirds: one-third undercapitalized and struggling, one-third in wait-and-see mode, and one-third aggressively acquiring projects with strong capital backing - creating opportunities for companies like CIR that can execute complex transactions.

Cleantech Industry Resources serves 150 clients across the solar value chain, providing everything from interconnection studies and permit-ready planset packages to full EPC services, with particular expertise in rescuing distressed projects and navigating complex utility requirements.

The industry faces a "solar coaster" of boom-bust cycles driven by policy changes, but Dus emphasizes that downturns create opportunities for well-positioned companies to acquire projects at attractive valuations while competitors retreat.

CIR's competitive advantage comes from its India-based technical teams who have worked on massive international projects, bringing world-class expertise at competitive rates to US developers who struggle with margin compression.

Solar Fight Night, Dus's passion project since 2008, has raised nearly $2 million for clean energy nonprofits through 24+ events. The 2024 event set records with 2,400 tickets sold and $438,710 raised, while the 2025 event at Las Vegas's Zouk Nightclub drew over 3,300 attendees, the largest crowd in the event's history.

The launch of CleantechFactCheck.org aims to combat misinformation spreading through rural communities, providing a comprehensive database of myths, facts, and real stories from farmers and solar adopters to counter organized opposition campaigns.

Despite near-term headwinds from potential tariff increases and IRA uncertainty, fundamentals remain strong as solar and battery costs continue declining, making renewable energy increasingly competitive even without subsidies.

The Bottom Line: The solar industry is weathering another storm, but companies with capital, global expertise, and operational excellence are positioned to consolidate the market and emerge stronger. As Dus notes, "Darkness eventually turns to light" - and those who navigate the current challenges will be ready for the next growth phase.

Tim Montague is an affiliate of CIR and welcomes developers and EPCs to contact him for more information about working with CIR. [Book here: https://calendly.com/tim-montague/30min]

Connect with Daniel Dus, CIR
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielrdus
Website: cleantechindustryresources.com
Solar Fight Night: www.solarfightnight.org/

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