Podcasts about silicon ranch

Jim Malooley, Director of Agrivoltaics Operations at Silicon Ranch, joins host Nick de Vries to discuss the innovative intersection of solar energy and regenerative land management. Jim shares how he went from running his own sheep farm to leading a team that oversees sheep grazing across three large solar ranches in Georgia. He dives into the unique challenges of managing flocks on solar sites—including shifting lambing schedules, fine-tuning nutrition, and using the sheep's natural behavior to control vegetation. Jim also highlights Silicon Ranch's cutting-edge facilities and research collaborations aimed at improving genetics and parasite resistance, offering a scalable model for revitalizing the U.S. sheep industry.

Energy consumption increases globally, with global power demand rising by 2.2% last year, surpassing the average annual increase for the past decade. Predictions indicate that this trend will continue due to the scaling of AI platforms, rising demand in emerging economies, and increased use of air conditioning. Despite this growing demand, global investment in energy startups reached its lowest level in four years in 2024, starting off slow in the first quarter. However, notable investment activity occurred in April, including a $258 million Series F round for Mainspring Energy and a $500 million investment for Silicon Ranch's solar projects. Base Power secured $200 million for battery backup solutions. Investment in energy efficiency and infrastructure increased, exemplified by The Stargate Project, which plans to invest $500 billion in AI infrastructure over four years, with $100 billion designated for immediate initiatives. The energy startup sector shows potential for a rebound, as historical trends indicate capacity for large investments, particularly in fusion technology.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sheldon Kimber says the grid is broken — at least for new data centers and other large, industrial loads that need lots of clean power, fast.  But the founder and CEO of Intersect Power believes there's a workaround that enables larger data centers and speeds up time to power: colocating behind-the-meter generation and storage on megasites rich with renewable resources.  In short, instead of bringing clean generation to load, bring load to clean generation. Major partners are on board with the strategy. Last December Intersect announced $800M in investment from Google and private equity firm TPG, along with a goal of catalyzing $20B in projects by 2030. So how does colocation work? And how far does it go? In this episode, Shayle talks to Sheldon about how colocation can help sidestep the challenges associated with grid upgrades, transmission, and permitting. They dig into topics like: Major forces shaping the market, like AI demand, the IRA, and tariffs Optimal PPA prices and tenures The right mix of grid-connected and behind-the-meter power The extreme version of colocation: off-grid data centers Megasite developers for hydrogen and crypto and how they took advantage of the AI boom Whether DeepSeek will cause energy demand to temper or accelerate Recommended resources Latitude Media: Google's new data center model signals a massive market shift Latitude Media: Load growth is changing how Silicon Ranch develops solar projects Latitude Media: Amazon's data center strategy: ‘Get back to being grid-tied' Catalyst: The US power demand surge: The electricity gauntlet has arrived Credits: Hosted by Shayle Kann. Produced and edited by Daniel Woldorff. Original music and engineering by Sean Marquand. Stephen Lacey is executive editor. Catalyst is brought to you by EnergyHub. EnergyHub helps utilities build next-generation virtual power plants that unlock reliable flexibility at every level of the grid. See how EnergyHub helps unlock the power of flexibility at scale, and deliver more value through cross-DER dispatch with their leading Edge DERMS platform, by visiting energyhub.com. Catalyst is brought to you by Antenna Group, the public relations and strategic marketing agency of choice for climate and energy leaders. If you're a startup, investor, or global corporation that's looking to tell your climate story, demonstrate your impact, or accelerate your growth, Antenna Group's team of industry insiders is ready to help. Learn more at antennagroup.com.

On this episode, host Nick de Vries is joined by Winston Vaughan, head of climate policy at Clearloop, Silicon Ranch's Carbon Solutions platform. Winston shares insights into Clearloop's innovative business model, which helps businesses of all sizes reclaim their carbon footprint by commissioning new solar projects in American communities where significant economic and environmental benefits can be achieved. We discuss the evolving landscape of carbon accounting and the concept of carbon blindness, highlighting how our approach to emissions can shape the strategic rollout of renewable energy for decades to come.

We wrap up 2024 with a rather unique agrivoltaics episode. Today on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague sits down with Nick de Vries, Chief Technology Officer of Silicon Ranch, to explore the groundbreaking concept of regenerative energy. This innovative approach goes beyond traditional solar energy production by integrating sustainable agricultural practices that enhance soil health and promote biodiversity.Nick shares his journey with Silicon Ranch and discusses the company's commitment to owning the land on which solar projects are developed, allowing for a long-term vision that prioritizes both energy generation and environmental stewardship. The conversation delves into the dual-use concept, where solar installations not only generate electricity but also support agricultural activities such as grazing and crop production.Listeners will learn about Silicon Ranch's regenerative energy program, which aims to revitalize soils through practices like rotational grazing and carbon sequestration. This episode emphasizes the importance of sustainable land management in while fostering economic development in local communities.Join us for this insightful discussion that highlights the potential of regenerative energy to transform both our energy systems and our ecosystems. Don't miss out—tune in to discover how we can create a more sustainable future together!Social Media HandlesNick de VriesSilicon Ranch Support the showConnect with Tim Clean Power Hour Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com Review Clean Power Hour on Apple PodcastsThe 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

In this episode from the GEC Studio in Jekyll, Tim Echols talks with Cox Farms Steven Bradley, GEFA's Hunter Hill, MGAG's Chris Coan and Engineer Brandi Sharp.

As Director of Market Strategy at Silicon Ranch, Adian Markocic spends a majority of his time analyzing industry trends, regulations, and data to help guide the company's growth strategy. Adrian joins us to provide insight into the strategic planning and considerations that go into siting and developing new solar projects, as well as the evolving landscape of electricity demand and how solar power can and should be prepared to meet it.

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.

CTL Script/ Top Stories of August 3rd                Publish Date: August 3rd                  From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast    Today is Saturday, August 3rd and Happy heavenly Birthday to singer Tony Bennett. ***08.03.24 – BIRTHDAY – TONY BENNETT*** I'm Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  The Little Sober Bar to Open in Canton This Fall Property Taxes Could Be Going Up in Woodstock. What We Know Cherokee Sheriff's Office: Tree Falls on Car, Killing Driver   We'll have all this and more coming up on the Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast, and if you're looking for Community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  Commercial: CU of GA STORY 1: The Little Sober Bar to Oen in Canton This Fall      The Little Sober Bar, a mobile non-alcoholic bar based in Woodstock, is opening a permanent location in Canton at 160 Lee St. Suite A this September. The new retail space will offer a range of non-alcoholic beverages, including alcohol-free spirits, wines, beers, and mixers. In addition to the brick-and-mortar store, the bar will continue its mobile popups statewide. Founder Bryttany Hyde expressed excitement about expanding inventory and engaging more with the community through this new location. For updates, follow @thelittlesoberbar on social media. STORY 2: Property Taxes Could Be Going Up in Woodstock. What We Know    The city of Woodstock is proposing a new maintenance and operations millage rate of 5.223 mills, which would increase property taxes by 2.855%. This rate is 0.145 mills higher than the rollback rate of 5.078 mills needed to maintain the same revenue as last year. If approved, a home valued at $475,000 would see a tax increase of about $27.55, while a non-homestead property valued at $350,000 would face an increase of about $20.30. The city's budget for fiscal year 2025 is $80.6 million, a 10% decrease from last year. Public hearings on the proposed rate will be held on August 12, 19, and 26, with a final vote scheduled for August 26. All meetings will be at the Chambers at City Center, 8534 Main St. For more details, visit woodstockga.gov. STORY 3: Cherokee Sheriff's Office: Tree Falls on Car, Killing Driver   A 27-year-old man, Levi Benjamin Wilson from Woodstock, has died after a tree fell on his car during storms in southeast Cherokee County. The incident occurred on Vaughn Road near Canton around 7:48 p.m. Tuesday. Deputies found Wilson deceased in the vehicle; no one else was in the car. The Cherokee Sheriff's Office reported the tragic event on Wednesday morning. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info.    Back in a moment  Break: DRAKE STORY 4: Cherokee County Chorus Students Selected for Statewide Event    The Dean Rusk Middle School Chorus, directed by Joseph Salter, has been chosen to perform at the Georgia ACDA Fall Conference in October at Kennesaw State University. Selected as one of only four middle schools for this event, the chorus also received a unique grant to commission and premiere a new piece of music. STORY 5: Sawnee EMC Acquires More Solar Energy    Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation (Sawnee EMC) is expanding its solar energy portfolio by participating in five new utility-scale solar projects totaling 447 megawatts. Sawnee EMC will secure 60 megawatts from these projects, which are developed by Green Power EMC and will be operated by Silicon Ranch. The projects, scheduled to begin construction in 2025 and start coming online from late 2026 to late 2027, will be purchased at a fixed price for 25 years. This initiative aligns with Sawnee EMC's commitment to a diversified, environmentally responsible energy portfolio. With this addition, Sawnee EMC's renewable assets will reach approximately 184 megawatts. Commercial: INGLES 6 STORY 6: CCSD: Drive Safely Around School Buses, Bus Stops, Schools    As the school year began on August 1, the Cherokee County School District urged drivers to be cautious and follow road rules around schools and buses. Key reminders included: - Slowing down for school buses with yellow flashing lights; stopping for red flashing lights and waiting until they stopped flashing before resuming driving. - Never passing a stopped school bus; stopping whether behind or on the opposite side, unless it was a divided highway. - Slowing down near bus stops and school zones, and being vigilant for children crossing the street. - Expecting heavy traffic around schools as parents dropped off students before using CCSD buses. Local law enforcement increased their presence to ensure safety. For more information, the district directed people to visit www.cherokeek12.net/schools. STORY 7: Cherokee County Websites Shifts to .gov    As of August 1, 2024, Cherokee County has transitioned to a .gov domain for its official website and email addresses. The new website is www.cherokeecountyga.gov, and county emails now use @cherokeecountyga.gov. This change, aimed at enhancing cybersecurity and ensuring authenticity, follows over a year of effort by the county's IT department to secure the domain and migrate content. While most county websites have switched to .gov, some, like Cherokee Recreation and Parks, will remain on .org and .com domains. For comprehensive information, visit the updated county site.     We'll have closing comments after this.    COMMERCIAL: Heller 1   SIGN OFF –   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at tribuneledgernews.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network   Show Sponsors: ingles-markets.com drakerealty.com cuofga.org jeffhellerlaw.com     #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From SunPower to Silicon Ranch to now RWE, Tasha McCarter has provided engineering leadership at every stage in the lifecycle of a power plant. She is now tasked with ensuring continued cleantech growth by focusing on people, processes & technology for RWE, which has nearly 20,000 employees in 30 countries. In this Green Light episode, Catherine spoke with Tasha about where she anticipates the most utility-scale energy storage growth taking place in the coming years, & how she & her team are overcoming key obstacles to cleantech deployment through policy & technology. Tasha also shared her key tips on how to recruit & retain a diverse team; how her interest in energy was sparked by a literal light bulb during a third grade science project; & about the ways in which she is giving back by supporting other energy professionals. Thanks for tuning in to the Green Light. Now let's dive in. If you're a clean energy employer & need help scaling your workforce efficiently with top tier candidates, contact Catherine McLean, CEO & Founder of Dylan Green, directly on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3odzxQr. If you're looking for your next role in clean energy, take a look at our industry-leading clients' latest job openings: bit.ly/dg_jobs. 

In many cases, the land underneath solar panels can be more productive than a lot of people realize.

Silicon Ranch's Nick de Vries says a combination of energy generation and agricultural production can be replicated in many areas.

⭐ My guest today is Laura Zapata, Cofounder and CEO of Clearloop. Clearloop creates carbon solutions for organizations of all sizes, from global corporations to small businesses and educational institutions, to decarbonize the economy, expand access to clean energy, and accelerate the development of new solar projects in American communities where the greatest economic and environmental benefits can be achieved. Clearloops works in partnership with utility-scale solar developer Silicon Ranch, which acquired Clearloop in 2021. In addition, Laura is the former Head of Global Communications for Uber Eats, Press Secretary for Hillary Clinton's Presidential race in Ohio, and communications lead for other Congressional offices. ---

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 Chemie, a Tennessee-based 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.

In this episode, Matt Beasley from Silicon Ranch Solar joins Tim Echols and KC Boyce. In the second half of the show, Freddy Cardozo from Gas South discusses RNG.

The proverbial light bulb that sparked Tasha McCarter's interest in energy was an actual light bulb.A third grade experiment using a hand crank to produce electricity led to an accomplished career developing power plants for SunPower, Silicon Ranch, and most recently RWE as their vice president of solar engineering.For McCarter, who is Black, the rise to become one of the energy industry's foremost engineering leaders was anything but easy. While the industry's well-known diversity problem is slowly improving, there's still a long way to go.McCarter joined Episode 37 of the Factor This! podcast to talk about her career, Black History Month, and the energy industry's pursuit of a more diverse workforce.   If you enjoy receiving this podcast every week, and want to support our work, please take a quick second to leave a rating and review wherever you're listening. It has a huge impact on the podcast's success and will help us reach more listeners like you. Thanks again for listening to Factor This! from Renewable Energy World.

Today's Tactical Tuesday gives you an overview of regenerative energy — a transformative new standard of excellence for solar power plant design, construction, and operations that normalizes regenerative agriculture practices on solar farm sites. "If you've never heard about the amazing potential of regenerative agriculture and land use practices to naturally sequester a critical mass of CO2 in the soil and forests, you're not alone. One of the best-kept secrets in the world today is that the solution to global warming and the climate crisis (as well as poverty and deteriorating public health) lies right under our feet, and at the end of our knives and forks." - Ronnie Cummins, Regeneration International Steering Committee MemberOur guest today, Michael Baute, believes in the power of Regenerative Agriculture to help ensure solar farms care for the arable land and communities where they reside. Solar occupies the property on which it's built for upwards of 25 or more years, and Michael realized from his training in sustainable agriculture the possibility to utilize that land not just to avoid generating power from fossil fuels but to actually sequester CO2, thus giving the asset double duty! Now Michael, Vice President of Regenerative Energy & Carbon Removal at Nashville-based Silicon Ranch, is helping one of the country's largest independent solar power producers provide not just clean energy, but carbon negative solutions. Founded in 2011, Silicon Ranch Corporation (SRC) provides customized renewable energy, carbon, and battery storage solutions to various partners in the U.S. and Canada. Its portfolio includes more than 4 gigawatts of solar and battery storage systems contracted, under construction, or operating. We covered the amazing trajectory of SRC through the story of one co-founder, Reagan Farr, back in Episode 399 of SunCast.Silicon Ranch pioneered utility-scale solar in the Tennessee Valley and has continued as the region's market leader through 35 operating facilities. It owns and operates all projects in its portfolio and promotes a holistic approach to land management. Michael tells us how Silicon Ranch co-locates clean electricity generation and regenerative agriculture to provide further environmental, economic, and community benefits.Silicon Ranch trademarked its co-location process as Regenerative Energy™, and Michael shares how this creates added value for its customers and communities, as well as how they have decided to share their strategies and processes so more developers can adopt these practices.. Join us for a fascinating conversation.If you want to connect with today's guest, you'll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog.SunCast is presented by Sungrow, the world's most bankable inverter brand.You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you here: www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.Remember, you can always find the resources and learn more about today's guest, recommendations, book links, and more than 552 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on Twitter, LinkedIn or by

This week on the Interconnections podcast, NPM's East Coast Reporter Colt Shaw is joined by Matt Beasley, Chief Commercial Officer with Silicon Ranch.In late October, the Georgetown County Council in South Carolina deferred the second “reading” or vote for Silicon Ranch's Lambert I and II solar projects after sustained vocal opposition from some residents. That reading was deferred to this week.Matt Beasley sat down to chat with New Project Media ahead of the hearing about residential opposition to solar projects, how it has changed in recent years, and why the solar industry needs to meet the pushback with transparency and information. Beasley previously served as President of the Tennessee chapter of Solar Energy Industries Association, or TenneSEIA, and has witnessed firsthand the growth of solar across the Southeast.New Project Media (NPM) is a leading data, intelligence and events company providing origination led coverage of the renewable energy market for the development, finance, advisory & corporate community.

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.

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.

In this episode, host Thomas Obermeier sits down with Silicon Ranch co-founders Reagan Farr, CEO and President, and Matt Kisber, Chairman of the Board. Since starting the company together with former Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen in 2011 in Nashville, TN, they have grown the utility-scale solar owner and operator into one of the largest independent power producers in the United States. In this episode, they discuss Silicon Ranch's origin and unique struggles as a solar company in the Southeast in the early 2010s, their recent $775mm new equity capital raise, the value of strong stakeholder partnerships in times of crises, as well as how regenerative land management practices and solar energy can be mutually beneficial.

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.

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.

In this episode you'll learn aboutThe Ripple Center, a new program to educate future sustainable business leaders.How social entrepreneurs will disrupt and reshape our economy.What it takes to be a successful  social entrepreneur.Ripple Center curriculum and timeframe.What it's like to be acquired as a young social entrepreneur.Why Silicon Ranch acquired Clearloop, and what CEO Reagan Farr saw in Laura that was special.Related article:  Silicon Ranch Corp. buys Clearloop solar energy company, weighs new investor backingRelated article:  ESG proponents push for legislation addressing retirement investingRelated podcast:  Investing in the Energy Transition with Salim SamahaThe Ripple CenterClearloopSilicon RanchGuest BiosA longtime educator and entrepreneur, Mike Chodroff is the founder and CEO of The Ripple Center.  He was an educator for 20 years and launched his own publishing company.  Laura Zapata is CEO and a co-founder of Clearloop, which aims to make renewable energies available to all. She is a former communications director for Phil Bredesen and head of global communications for Uber Eats. As co-founder, president, and chief executive officer of Silicon Ranch, Reagan Farr is responsible for ongoing operations and execution of the company's strategic growth plan. Under his leadership, Silicon Ranch has transacted in excess of $1.5 billion of project financing with regional and global financial institutions, while successfully commissioning every project the company has contracted since it began operations in 2011. From developing the initial ambitious plan for Silicon Ranch to growing a company that has earned a global reputation as one of the premier solar energy providers in the industry, Reagan has been instrumental to the company's growth. Reagan also serves on Silicon Ranch's Board of Directors.

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.

Joining me this week On The Virg is the Chairman of Silicon Ranch Corporation, Matt Kisber. We discuss cheap, renewable energy, storage, and the direction energy around the world are going. Matt served the TN House of Representative for 20 years, and he shares all of his influencers and processes he used to navigate the political scene and how it evolved into his entrepreneurial journey at Silicon Ranch. Plus we discuss wine, St. Louis Cardinals, Motown, and Hong Kong.

Joining me this week On The Virg is the Chairman of Silicon Ranch Corporation, Matt Kisber. We discuss cheap, renewable energy, storage, and the direction energy around the world are going. Matt served the TN House of Representative for 20 years, and he shares all of his influencers and processes he used to navigate the political scene and how it evolved into his entrepreneurial journey at Silicon Ranch. Plus we discuss wine, St. Louis Cardinals, Motown, and Hong Kong.

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.

This is Part One of a two-part series with Reagan Farr, CEO of Silicon Ranch, a pioneer of solar development in the Southeastern US. We talk about his childhood in Baton Rouge, where "curiosity ruled the day" in a home of educators, law school, and 8 years as a commissioner with the Governor of Tennessee. Reagan was there when the state decided to attract clean energy companies both for headquarters and production in TN, tweaking the tax code to encourage entrepreneurship and the light bulb moment when policymakers realized that tax credits would quickly lower the production cost of solar and ultimately customer & industry operating costs through clean renewable power. Hear the whole story here, and visit the blog for show notes and links mentioned in the interview. Remember you can always find the resources and learn more about today's guest, recommendations, book links, and more than 380 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com. Text Nico and start a conversation! +1 (310) 634-1780 You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on Twitter, LinkedIn or email

This is Part Two of our two-part series with Reagan Farr, CEO of Silicon Ranch, a pioneer of solar development in the Southeastern US. If you missed part 1, it's probably useful to queue that one up first, as it sets the tone for this episode. And, this one is a longer episode, as we get into the details of how Reagan and his cofounders Matt Kisber and former Governor Phil Bredesen, put the business together and grew it over the last 10 yrs to become one of the largest and most respected Independent Power Producers in the industry. Along the way, we learn how they raised the capital, where they directed their efforts, philosophy on types of projects and development they seek to foster, and ultimately how they decided to sell the business to global energy giant, Shell. Hear the rest of the story here, and remember you can always find the resources and learn more about today's guest, recommendations, book links, and more than 380 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com. Text Nico and start a conversation! +1 (310) 634-1780 You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on Twitter, LinkedIn or email

This is Part One of a two-part series with Reagan Farr, CEO of Silicon Ranch, a pioneer of solar development in the Southeastern US. We talk about his childhood in Baton Rouge, where "curiosity ruled the day" in a home of educators, law school, and 8 years as a commissioner with the Governor of Tennessee. Reagan was there when the state decided to attract clean energy companies both for headquarters and production in TN, tweaking the tax code to encourage entrepreneurship and the light bulb moment when policymakers realized that tax credits would quickly lower the production cost of solar and ultimately customer & industry operating costs through clean renewable power. Hear the whole story here, and visit the blog for show notes and links mentioned in the interview. Remember you can always find the resources and learn more about today's guest, recommendations, book links, and more than 380 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com. Text Nico and start a conversation! +1 (310) 634-1780 You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on Twitter, LinkedIn or email

This is Part Two of our two-part series with Reagan Farr, CEO of Silicon Ranch, a pioneer of solar development in the Southeastern US. If you missed part 1, it's probably useful to queue that one up first, as it sets the tone for this episode. And, this one is a longer episode, as we get into the details of how Reagan and his cofounders Matt Kisber and former Governor Phil Bredesen, put the business together and grew it over the last 10 yrs to become one of the largest and most respected Independent Power Producers in the industry. Along the way, we learn how they raised the capital, where they directed their efforts, philosophy on types of projects and development they seek to foster, and ultimately how they decided to sell the business to global energy giant, Shell. Hear the rest of the story here, and remember you can always find the resources and learn more about today's guest, recommendations, book links, and more than 380 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com. Text Nico and start a conversation! +1 (310) 634-1780 You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on Twitter, LinkedIn or email

A conversation about the Tennessee-Japan commercial relationship. Let's put the Tennessee-Japan commercial relationship in numbers. Statewide FDI statistics 1,021 FDI establishments 156,439 employees Approximately $40B in capital investment Japan is the largest FDI nation 190 establishments in the state with a Japanese parent company 54,080 employees Nearly $20B in capital investment The 54,080 Tennesseans employed by Japanese-owned companies is more than the employment totals of the next four nations combined (Germany – 20,897; UK-11,600; France – 10,440; Canada – 8,807). Japan's investment includes pioneering companies like Nissan, Toshiba, Sharp and Denso along with new investment like Advanex Americas that recently announced a spring manufacturing facility in White House (Robertson County). The new companies get the big press, but Japanese companies continue to reinvest in communities all across Tennessee … several for over 30 years. Matt Kisber Former Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Chairman of the Board, Silicon Ranch Matt is a co-founder of Silicon Ranch and served as CEO of the company until becoming Chairman in July 2019. As Chairman, Matt works closely with the company's executive leadership to set and implement its ambitious growth strategy. Under his leadership, Silicon Ranch has become one of the fastest-growing developers, owners, and operators of solar energy plants in the U.S., with a portfolio that includes more than 1.6 Gigawatts of PV systems that are contracted, under construction, or operating coast to coast. Matt brings a unique background to Silicon Ranch having been a business owner and having served eight years as Tennessee Commissioner of Economic Development. He has also worked with industry leaders from across the U.S. and around the globe to bring investments and jobs to Tennessee. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, Matt served 10 terms in the Tennessee House of Representatives. Philip Bredesen 48th Governor of Tennessee (2003-2011), Founding Chairman, Silicon Ranch Philip Bredesen served as Tennessee's Governor from 2003 until 2011 and Mayor of Nashville from 1991 until 1999. He is known for his bipartisan approach to problem-solving and his careful fiscal management. Among those who have served in senior elected positions, Governor Bredesen has a unique depth of healthcare experience in both the private and public sectors. Prior to entering public service, Bredesen worked in the healthcare industry. Between research trips to the public library, he drafted a business plan at his kitchen table that led to the creation of HealthAmerica Corp. in 1980, a Nashville-based healthcare management company. The company eventually grew to more than 6,000 employees and was traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The company was sold in 1986. Additionally, Gov. Bredesen is considered a serial entrepreneur, having helped start and mentor several successful companies, many of which subsequently became publicly traded on various stock exchanges.

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.

In this episode, Commissioner Tim Echols and KC Boyce talk big solar with Silicon Ranch. In the 2nd half, Edward Gresham joins from Savannah to talk energy efficiency. After that, Tim interviews Alan Shedd and Stephen Loftin about plug-in hybrids.

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.

What started as being a nice neighbor to a regenerative farm has turned into a whole new way of building and maintaining solar projects for Silicon Ranch. With close to 1 GW of installed projects, the utility-scale solar developer and owner was seeing the real impact of using herbicides and pesticides to manage vegetation growth. After siting a new project next to one of the larger regenerative ranchers in the Southeast, Silicon Ranch (whose mission is to be a supportive community member) wanted to ensure it wasn't applying chemicals or contributing to soil erosion that may affect the rancher's mission. With some tips from the rancher, Silicon Ranch dove into regenerative land management practices that could improve the land at each of its solar sites. In this episode of the Contractor's Corner podcast, Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Silicon Ranch CEO Reagan Farr about the company's regenerative energy process, and how bringing more native plants and grazing livestock to solar sites can make a big impact on communities. Silicon Ranch is celebrating 10 years in the solar industry, and so is SPW's Pickerel, so listen in as they talk about the decade-club. https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/04/contractors-corner-silicon-ranch/

Meatcasters! This week we're combining the power of solar power and regenerative agriculture.  We're talking to Trent Hendricks, from Cabriejo Ranch. Trent and his team are working with Silicon Ranch to graze ruminant animals to help manage the acres that their solar panels sit on. In addition to this next-level initiative, Trent and I discuss…. Why Trent's creativity far outweighs his Spanish Trent's journey from cheesemonger to regenerative rancher Regenerative parenting - raising kids with holistic management principles Trent is probably one of the most charismatic and passionate people I've spoken to for the Meatcast and you can really hear it come thru during our interview. Also, learn how you can have a dramatic impact on my mom's self esteem. Relevant Links Cabriejo Ranch Silicon Ranch launches Regenerative Energy