Today on the Clean Power Hour, we reconnect with Kiya Segni, founder of Aduu Solar, who has successfully made the leap from engineering consultant to full-fledged solar installer in the lucrative DMV market (DC, Maryland, Virginia).
🔧 Business Transformation Insights: Kiya shares the critical differences between running an engineering firm versus a construction company, from managing installation crews to implementing comprehensive business systems. Learn how his 3+ years of consulting experience with contractors across all 50 states gave him invaluable insights into what works and what doesn't in solar installation.
💰 DMV Market Deep Dive: Discover why the DMV area is one of the strongest solar markets in the country, with Washington DC's Solar for All program offering SREC payments so high that some investors provide electricity for free just to capture the credits. Kiya breaks down Maryland's new Solar Access Program, which provides up to $7,500 in incentives, and explains how homeowners can earn $3,000-$5,000 annually from SRECs.
🏗️ Operational Excellence: Get insider knowledge on equipment selection (why Kiya chose microinverters over string inverters), licensing requirements across different states, and the logistics of equipment procurement. Learn about the systems and processes essential for scaling from 0 to 30+ installations per month.
🌍 Immigration & Entrepreneurship: Kiya opens up about his journey as an Ethiopian immigrant, from arriving in the US at 18 barely speaking English to working for the Department of Defense with top-secret clearance, and ultimately building his own successful solar company. His perspective on current immigration policies and the immigrant contribution to American business is both personal and profound.
⚡ Industry Challenges Ahead: With potential ITC elimination looming, Kiya discusses the real impact on residential solar and his strategic pivot toward commercial projects. Despite policy uncertainties, he remains committed to renewable energy for both business and environmental reasons.
Whether you're a solar professional looking to scale your business, considering entering the installation market, or interested in the intersection of immigration and entrepreneurship, this episode offers valuable insights you won't want to miss.
🎯 Perfect for: Consumers looking to go solar, solar professionals, renewable energy entrepreneurs, business owners considering vertical integration, and anyone interested in immigrant success stories in clean energy.
Connect with
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiya-segni-a14262183
https://aduusolar.com/
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The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 10GW 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 350kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. CPS America has offices in California, New Jersey, and Texas. Learn more at https://www.chintpowersystems.com/
00:00 Introduction
01:54 Guest Introduction: Kiya's Journey into Solar
04:15 Kiya's Transition from Consulting to Installation
05:21 Solar Market Insights: DC, Maryland, and Virginia
07:46 Incentives and Financial Benefits of Solar
10:47 Advice for Aspiring Solar Installers
13:55 Navigating Licensing and Regulations
15:44 Streamlining Equipment Procurement
19:22 Panel Recommendations and Options
20:23 Immigrant Experience in the US
28:54 Impact of ITC Phase-Out on Solar Industry
33:10 Future Plans and Commercial Solar
34:32 Conclusion and Contact Information
