Book a free consultation with Tim Montague to grow your solar business today!
https://calendly.com/tim-montague/coaching_consulting
Sponsor the show | If you make solar equipment, tools or software, you can reach thousands of energy professionals each week including decision makers, engineers, EPCs, installers, developers and asset owners.
https://www.cleanpower.group/mediakit
Today on the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague explores two critical aspects of modern solar development: effective industry partnerships and IRA compliance. Four industry veterans share insights on how collaboration and compliance can coexist with aggressive timelines:
Successful Partnership Dynamics:
OMCO and Sunstall have collaborated on over 100 projects together, including nearly 100 projects for Coldwell Solar in California
Key success factors include:
Rapid response time for field issues due to domestic manufacturing
Product evolution based on installer feedback, particularly bearing designs that accommodate field conditions
Consistent communication and clear expectations between all parties
Proper sequencing of material deliveries (piles first, followed by racking)
Real World Example - Wilcox Project:
4MW 'multi-site' project (powering a greenhouse complex) completed in 8 weeks from initial contact to completion
Success attributed to:
OMCO's ability to manufacture and ship from Phoenix facility
Sunstall's rapid team mobilization
Obodo Energy's decisive project management and clear communication
Pre-existing trust between partners enabling quick decisions
Project Strategy & Implementation:
Obodo Energy (John Mitman) emphasized importance of:
Clear pricing methodology from manufacturers and installers
Transparent communication about supply conditions
Early forecasting of resource availability
Trust-based relationships enabling rapid execution
IRA Compliance & Domestic Content:
OMCO Solar (Eric Goodwin) detailed their domestic manufacturing capabilities, currently at 88% domestic content for trackers with 100% expected by Q2 2025
Their fixed-tilt products already meet 100% iron and steel requirements
OMCO benefits from the 45X manufacturing tax credit, helping level pricing with international competitors
Labor Requirements & Documentation:
Sunstall (Helge Biernath) highlighted their experience with prevailing wage requirements since 2015
Emphasized the importance of state-specific documentation alongside IRA compliance
Shared strategic tip about securing LNTP 45 days before construction for apprenticeship requirement flexibility
Future Industry Outlook:
All panelists expressed optimism about:
Growing domestic manufacturing capacity
Improving cost competitiveness
Strong institutional investment support
Potential for further automation and innovation in installation
The discussion demonstrated how strong partnerships between manufacturers, installers, and EPCs can maintain efficient project timelines while meeting IRA requirements, with communication and trust serving as foundational elements for success.
Social Media Handles
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericgoodwin11
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kesler-13985b8
https://omcosolar.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/helgebiernath
https://sunstall.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mitman-359ab013/
https://www.obodoenergy.com/
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. CPS America has offices in California, New Jersey, and Texas. Learn more at https://www.chintpowersystems.com/
