SMP 242: Inside Imperial Star’s U.S. Module Strategy

Episode Summary: Chris Lettman of Imperial Star Solar, an American-made solar module manufacturer, joins Benoy on the Solar Maverick Podcast to unpack how projects truly qualify for the 10% domestic content adder, why U.S. cells and traceability drive eligibility, and what U.S. manufacturing looks like at Imperial Star’s Houston facility. They also discuss supply realities, Tier 1 vs. bankability, and practical insights for developers and EPCs when procuring panels. Biographies Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions. Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market. As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar. Chris Lettman Sales Manager Chris serves as the Sales Manager of the US office at Imperial Star with a primary focus on Utility Scale and C&I clients. He started his solar energy career in 2009 selling turnkey systems to residential and mid-size commercial properties. Since that time, he has been involved in the development, acquisition and construction of numerous large utility scale and commercial scale solar projects throughout the United States. Chris has extensive experience and knowledge in the areas of project development, project finance and equipment sales. Prior to starting his career in the solar industry, Chris was a marketing manager for a publicly held pharmaceutical company in the United States. He is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and served in Southwest Asia during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He holds an MBA in Business from the University of Redlands California and currently lives in Southern California.   Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: [email protected]  LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Chris Lettman Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislettman/ Website:  https://www.imperialstar.com/

Episode Summary: In this episode, Benoy Thanjan sits down with Sandhya Murali, Co-Founder & CEO of Solstice, and Sam Cote, Account Executive, to discuss the launch of Solstice’s groundbreaking Community Benefit REC program.  It is an innovative structure that channels corporate sustainability investments directly into underserved communities. The program debuted in 2024 with Microsoft as one of the first pilot customers, marking a new chapter where renewable-energy certificates fund measurable social and economic impact. Sandhya and Sam share how this approach lets corporations, developers, and municipalities align ESG goals with local benefits, promote equitable clean-energy access, and strengthen the connection between clean power and social outcomes. Biographies Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions. Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market. As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar. Sandhya Murali Co-Founder & CEO Responsible for finances, product development, solar developer relationships, and financial inclusion. Sandhya began her career in Barclays’ investment banking division in New York and London, advising on and executing public equity transactions for Technology, Media and Telecom companies, and was also deeply involved in Barclays Philanthropy. Her volunteer work included Endeavor, Women’s World Banking, and Barclays’ Social Innovation Fund. During graduate school, Sandhya worked at Buen Power Peru, a for-profit social enterprise that distributes solar lamps and water heaters to off-grid communities in Peru. She holds a BBA from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management, where she received the Sustainability Certificate. Sam Cote Enterprise Account Executive Sam Cote is an Account Executive at Solstice, connecting the benefits of renewable energy to underserved communities through community solar and clean energy procurement. A former journalist who pivoted her career to focus on social and environmental impact, she is a talented project manager and communicator who drives strategic projects for community benefit. In her startup career, she’s supported revenue diversification through business plan development and implementation and subsequent new product sales, she’s previously been responsible for fundraising, managing acquisition and post-merger integration processes, contracting, grant-writing, and full-cycle recruiting – among other demands of supporting a hybrid social enterprise. Sam is proudly from the great state of Maine and a graduate of Boston University with a B.S. in Broadcast Journalism.   Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: [email protected]  LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Sandhya Murali  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandhyamurali/  Website:  https://solstice.us/       Sam Cote Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/samcotesolar/ Website:  https://solstice.us/   Previous episodes of the Solar Maverick Podcast with Solstice https://solarmaverick.podbean.com/e/smp-158-how-solstice-differiates-from-other-customer-acquisiton-and-management-company/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/solar-maverick-podcast/id1441876259?i=1000516940347

Episode Summary: Benoy sits down with Dimitrios Parikos, Senior Managing Director for Global Energy & Climate Tech Practice at Brown & Brown Risk Solutions, to unpack how insurance fits into underwriting, what coverages matter from construction through operations, how to navigate hail/wildfire risk, and why engaging a broker early protects your projects. Biographies Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions. Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market. As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar. Dimitrios Parikos Dimitrios Parikos is Senior Managing Director, Global Energy & Climate Tech at Brown & Brown Risk Solutions. With 25 years in insurance and 19 years focused on renewables, he leads a specialized team serving the energy industry for their insurance needs.. Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: [email protected]  LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Dimitrios Parikos  Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimitriosparikos/  Website:  https://www.bbrown.com/us/   Email:  [email protected] 

In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, host Benoy Thanjan sits down with Marty McKewon, Director of Renewable Energy and Chief Meteorologist at Indji Systems, during RE+ Las Vegas, the largest renewable energy conference in North America. Marty shares his expertise on how extreme weather events like hail, hurricanes, lightning, and other climate-driven risks how impact solar energy production and what operators can do to mitigate these threats. The conversation highlights the growing importance of weather intelligence and monitoring tools in protecting renewable assets and ensuring long-term project performance. Key Topics Covered Live from RE+ Las Vegas — the biggest clean energy gathering with over 40,000 attendees. The growing risk of extreme weather events and their direct impact on solar operators and project performance. Hail is one of the most damaging and costly risks to solar assets. How Indji Systems supports renewable operators with real-time weather monitoring and decision-making tools. The link between climate change and renewable energy production, and how meteorological forecasting can improve operational resilience. Strategies developers and asset managers can use to reduce weather-related downtime, optimize maintenance, and protect project returns. Marty’s outlook on the future of renewable energy operations in a climate-volatile world. Why This Episode Matters As renewable energy capacity grows, so do the challenges of protecting assets from unpredictable weather events. Marty provides practical insights for solar operators, developers, and investors looking to safeguard projects and maximize uptime. This episode is especially valuable for anyone working in asset management, O&M, or project finance who wants to understand how climate risks affect long-term returns.   Biographies Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions. Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market. As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar. Marty McKewon Marty McKewon is the Director of Renewable Energy and Chief Meteorologist at Indji Systems, where he helps renewable energy developers, operators, and investors mitigate risk from extreme weather events. With deep expertise in meteorology and climate impacts, Marty has built a career at the intersection of atmospheric science and clean energy operations. At Indji Systems, Marty leads efforts to provide real-time weather intelligence, forecasting, and monitoring tools that protect renewable assets from hail, lightning, hurricanes, and other severe weather events. His work supports solar, wind, and storage operators in improving operational resilience, reducing downtime, and safeguarding project performance. Marty is a recognized expert in how climate change is reshaping renewable energy production. He frequently speaks on the importance of integrating weather intelligence into project development, asset management, and investment decision-making.   Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: [email protected]  LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Marty McKewon Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marty-mckewon-20597636/ Website:  https://www.indjiwatch.com/ Email:  [email protected]

Episode Summary: In this special episode, Solar Maverick Podcast co-host Li Wang turns the microphone on Benoy Thanjan, who shares his experience as a 9/11 survivor and how that day changed the course of his life. Benoy recounts being inside the World Trade Center when the first plane hit, the chaos of escaping, and the lasting impact of witnessing tragedy up close. He opens up about gratitude, resilience, and how the experience pushed him to pursue work that makes a difference. Key Takeaways Living with Gratitude: Surviving 9/11 instilled a daily appreciation for life and the present moment. Purpose Beyond Profit: The experience inspired Benoy to leave a purely financial career path and dedicate himself to renewable energy and making an impact. Legacy of 9/11: The tragedy continues to affect survivors’ physical and mental health, but it also fuels determination to live with purpose.   Biographies Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions. Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market. As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar. Li Wang Better every day. That’s the way I aspire to live. I was born in 1973 in Philadelphia. My parents immigrated from Taipei and my dad’s first job out of graduate school was in Philadelphia. I’m a die-hard Eagles fan and being raised in that city has shaped my identity. Hip-hop culture served as my first artistic influence. Run-DMC, Public Enemy and the Beastie Boys shaped how I created my own environment. During the summer of O.J. trial I interned at the Philadelphia Daily News. I became hooked on journalism. I went on to another internship at the Des Moines Register and started my career as a business reporter for the Times of Trenton. I was the arts editor for the Honolulu Weekly and then the film critic for the Harrisburg Patriot-News. Website design I could see the end of the print industry so I decided to get a professional certificate in digital marketing from New York University. I started an agency with a partner doing SEO, PPC , content creation and website design. My partner decided to focus on software development and I turned my attention to website design. Today I help small business owners shine online with compelling websites to resonate with their target audiences. Personal interests I’m a fitness enthusiast (CrossFit), watch collector (14060M, PAM112, SBGA085), and father (Matthew and Noemi).   Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: [email protected]  LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Li Wang Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/liwang22/ Website:  https://www.littleoxworkshop.com/

Episode Summary: Tim Montague, host of Clean Power Hour and author of Wired for Sun: The Commercial Solar Playbook, joins Benoy to share how commercial solar projects can be structured for long-term success. The conversation covers how to quickly qualify opportunities, manage interconnection risk, and scope EPC contracts to protect margins. Tim also breaks down how the Big Beautiful Bill influences C&I project economics and what developers can do to scale repeatable business models in 2025 and beyond.   Biographies Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions. Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market. As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar. Tim Montague Tim Montague is a solar developer, solar & storage expert, coach, and consultant with over 30 years of experience in technology, sustainability, and triple bottom line business. As President of the Clean Power Consulting Group and host and creator of the Clean Power Hour podcast, Tim has helped dozens of technology entrepreneurs and businesses grow and create a positive impact. His motto is "Let's grow solar & storage!"   Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: [email protected]  LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   TIm Montague  Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cleanpowerhour/ Website:  https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/ Wired for Sun Book:  https://www.amazon.com/Wired-Sun-Strategy-Step-Step-ebook/dp/B0FJSG8PVH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1YQGJET8LZJZ1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lOW0xetQ9-e5e90Is3zg2u_EBixUOl0Uyc_jsS7vy1c-PnTltAG4CgFpskZnAU_6vGp-wONOQGFOnKmBs_DRkjRNa4A7QigAo9QP5bOBZJAL5IHLwLSBzR8Oui2tqMvvZ5_GL_mwVoEd4y2ljPsHME4z--Ik7kg2t8e3g997ncfuxdKtANXQBqpiBMgV2mDWIJ2vv1i32hMZLThNvc5PNTnvnOld_YK1nF0Eivd-k4U.9NObYCnV1_Y08b4ImlNskcKPcBhJ9_IZIhrQ18t1yS0&dib_tag=se&keywords=wired+for+sun&qid=1757334378&sprefix=wired+fo+r%2Caps%2C1389&sr=8-1

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, host Benoy Thanjan sits down with Daniel Dus, CEO of Clean Tech Industry Resources (CIR) and founder of Solar Fight Night. Daniel shares his unique perspective on how his company is reshaping solar development through “Development as a Service” and “Construction as a Service” models, making it easier for developers, financiers, and EPCs to scale projects efficiently. Benoy and Daniel dive into industry trends, lessons learned from years of experience, and how CIR is positioning itself as a critical partner in today’s fast-changing renewable energy landscape. The conversation also highlights one of the largest renewable-energy fundraising events coming up at RE+ in Las Vegas, Solar Fight Night, and why community and collaboration are more important than ever.   Biographies Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions. Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market. As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.   Daniel Dus 18 years in renewable energy C-suite and Board roles, overseeing the completion of over $1 billion worth of renewable energy projects spanning 23 states nationwide. MBA, Stanford Certified Project Manager, Villanova Certified Six Sigma Master Lean Blackbelt, Certificates in Energy Hedging, NERC, Grid Security and SCADA. Previously led the US division of a $32 billion top-three global, fully integrated renewable energy platform, which encompassed PV manufacturing to asset ownership, and was a vital part of a $100 billion multinational corporation. Achieved notable project honors, including a Congressional Certificate of Recognition from the US House of Representatives, Recognition for an Innovative Public-Private Partnership from The White House, and the title of Best Solar Collaboration by Solar Power Generation USA. Served a diverse array of clients, including JP Morgan Chase, Hertz, Westfield Malls, Bridgestone, UCLA, Intuit, Hilton, Panasonic, Macerich, CBS Studios, and numerous cities, such as Los Angeles, Pasadena, San Diego, Santa Monica, Breckenridge, Aurora, Orange, and Southbridge. Seasoned executive with extensive experience in the renewable energy sector. Recognized as the Founder of Shared Estates and Co-Founder of Solar Fight Night, the largest renewable energy non-profit fundraiser worldwide.   Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: [email protected]  LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com    Daniel Dus Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielrdus/ Website:  https://cleantechindustryresources.com/ Solar Fight Night:  https://www.solarfightnight.org/   This episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast is brought to you by Leo Berwick. Leo Berwick is a tax, valuation, cost segregation, modeling and financial due diligence advisory firm focused on infrastructure, energy, renewables, and private equity. They are a carefully curated team of top talent within each of these core disciplines. Their sector focus and coordinated teams allow them to move fast, stay efficient, and get deals done.  Whether it’s tax structuring, due diligence, financial modeling, valuations, or post-deal support, Leo Berwick covers the full deal lifecycle.  With decades of experience and an acute awareness of commercial considerations that can make or break a deal, Leo Berwick is helping investors unlock value in some of the most important sectors of the future.  To learn more, visit leoberwick.com.

Episode Summary: In this episode, host Benoy Thanjan sits down with Dorian Hunt, Partner and Head of Renewables at Leo Berwick, to unpack the new safe harbor rules, the impacts of the Big Beautiful Bill, and what’s coming next in tax and policy guidance for renewable energy. Dorian also dives into repowering projects, economic obsolescence, co-location strategies, bonus depreciation, and solar industry trends.  Dorian offers practical advice for developers and investors navigating today’s fast-changing environment. Biographies Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MW of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions. Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market. As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MW of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar. Dorain Hunt Dorian leads Leo Berwick’s Energy & Renewables tax practice.  Dorian has 20 years of experience in tax credit monetization, with clients including renewable energy project developers, tax equity investors, project lenders, insurers and syndicators. Prior to joining Leo Berwick, he was a leader in the Power and Utilities and Energy Transition practices of a Big 4 firm, where he focused on providing tax consulting services with respect to tax credit-driven project finance across, with a focus on renewable energy. Dorian is a thought leader in the tax credit space and has authored articles on topics including the potential implications for “direct pay” of renewable energy tax incentives and on the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on the US renewable energy industry.  He has also presented on these and other similar topics for organizations such as IPED, NARUC, and the Boston Bar Association. Dorian has experience with myriad energy incentive programs including Treasury 1603 grants, 48C advanced energy manufacturing studies, and the rapidly-developing field of 45Q carbon capture credits.   Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: [email protected]  LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Dorian Hunt  Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorian-hunt/ Website:  https://www.leoberwick.com/ Newsletter:  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/energy-transition-insider-7197296760090750976/

Episode Summary: In this episode, Benoy sits down with Kent Halliburton, CEO of Sazmining, to explore the surprising parallels between Solar and Bitcoin mining. Kent explains how Sazmining makes Bitcoin mining simple for everyday investors, why mining thrives on renewable energy, and what both industries can learn from each other. They also dive into the future of money, hyperinflation, and lessons from building companies in two disruptive industries. Biographies Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MW of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions. Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market. As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MW of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.   Kent Halliburton Kent is the CEO and Co-Founder of Sazmining and a veteran in the renewable energy sector. Kent led sales and business development for a publicly traded solar energy company, managing a team of over 100 people with a 9-figure sales target.   Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: [email protected]  LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Kent Halliburton Liinkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalliburton/ Website:  https://www.sazmining.com/ Twitter:  khaliburton    Financial Raise for Sazmining-https://invest.timestampfinancial.com/offering/sazmining/details Books Mentioned: Check Your Financial Privilege by Alex Gladstein Broken Money by Lyn Alden

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, host Benoy Thanjan interviews Maryssa Baron, Founder & CEO of BuildQ, an AI-powered platform transforming clean energy project development and finance. Maryssa shares her journey from pioneering early PPAs to becoming an attorney and COO at a global IPP, before launching BuildQ. She explains how AI is reducing risk, cutting OPEX, and streamlining due diligence and financing. They also discuss the impact of the Big Beautiful Bill, safe harbor challenges, and why unsubsidized solar remains competitive. Maryssa offers practical advice for entrepreneurs and insight into how AI is reshaping renewable energy.   Biographies Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MW of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions.. Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market. As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.   Maryssa Barron Maryssa Baron is the Founder & CEO of BuildQ, an AI-powered platform streamlining clean energy project development, financing, and M&A. With a background spanning PPA advisory, project finance, law, and executive leadership at a global IPP, Maryssa brings a unique perspective on solving the industry’s most complex challenges. She is also an attorney and passionate entrepreneur dedicated to accelerating the clean energy transition through technology and innovation.   Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: [email protected]  LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Maryssa Barron Liinkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryssa-barron/ Website:  https://www.buildq.ai/ Email:  [email protected]