Renewable Power Perspectives Q&A with Laura Zapata, Co-Founder of Clearloop

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

To read more about Clearloop, visit https://clearloop.us/.
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Clearloop began as an idea that morphed into a business. In the early days– even before we had chosen on the name– we were testing out the theory that more companies need to invest in cleaning up the electricity grid so those dollars can be spent boosting the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is limited. Clearloop is a cleantech start-up that partners with business of all sizes to help them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and expand access to tidy energy by developing brand-new solar tasks in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were showing that you do not need to be a Fortune 500 company with the capability to sign a power purchase agreement to help construct brand name brand-new solar tasks. Even huge companies that have actually led the way in sustainable energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the biggest portion of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they may have little control over reduction strategies or where reductions might not be instant.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the next installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment features market leaders and subjects associated with accelerating a fair and just transition to a renewable energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are growing in the renewable resource sector.
Today, we are featuring Clearloop, an Accelerate member company established by three Tennesseans who wish to ensure that the development and advantages of eco-friendly energy reach all communities around our country equally, beginning with the neighborhoods that have a history of getting left. Click on this link to find out more about Clearloops impact.
The following is a Q&A with Clearloop Co-Founder Laura Zapata and Constance Thompson, ACOREs Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs
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What inspired you to begin your business?
Clearloop started as a concept that changed into a company. In the early days– even before we had picked the name– we were checking out the theory that more business require to buy tidying up the electrical power grid so those dollars can be spent increasing the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is limited. For me, as one of 3 founders, this company was inspired by the desire to bring clarity to a big problem with a simple solution. We wanted business to take climate action in the very same community that welcomed my household as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the path was unclear
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How can potential partners work with you?
Were showing that you do not require to be a Fortune 500 business with the ability to sign a power purchase agreement to help build brand name brand-new solar projects. Even huge business that have led the method in eco-friendly energy procurement are now confronted with the reality that the greatest piece of their carbon footprint remains in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they may have little control over decrease methods or where reductions might not be instant. That is where Clearloop is available in– were a brand-new tool for companies huge and little to take concrete environment action today and help us decarbonize the grid in the places that need it the many. We require more imaginative methods to help tackle the climate crisis in a manner that purchases the places where that dollar creates more economic opportunity and social mobility for the communities where were constructing. Were firm believers that the ecological, health, and economic benefits of clean energy investments should reach all corners of our nation and were trying to find partners who are ready to take action
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Tell us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech startup that partners with business of all sizes to help them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and expand access to clean energy by building new solar tasks in American communities otherwise getting left. Were pioneering putting a carbon worth on the construction of brand-new solar capacity thats determined in watts, not watt-hours, with a brand-new funding structure that permits a broader array of business to participate, while likewise being deliberate about the communities where were investing to achieve an equitable tidy energy future. We recently began on our first utility-connected solar project in Jackson, Tennessee. As we grow, Clearloop will be concentrating on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we take on both dirty grids and financially distressed neighborhoods with our solar projects
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What challenges do you face? Why?
Among the greatest challenges for us, as a relatively new entrant in the clean energy and carbon markets, is earning trustworthiness with market leaders who may be used to doing things a specific way. Clearloop is challenging some of the conventional ways in which brand-new solar developments have actually been financed, and bringing attention to new geographies and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions reductions into the business procurement discussion. Im a true follower that our viewpoint from the middle of the nation, and our lived experiences as founders from really various backgrounds, has actually brought into focus why we need more creative options to help tidy up the grid. Weve been encouraged by business partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, as well as brand names like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove purchased recovering their carbon footprint by helping us develop our very first solar task. Weve also had the great fortune of finding similar companies like ACORE who recognize the worth of bringing varied viewpoints to tidying up the grid and have actually developed a program like Accelerate to guarantee we have a seat at the table
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