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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

To find out more about Clearloop, visit https://clearloop.us/.
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The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the next installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment features industry leaders and topics related to accelerating an equitable and simply shift to a renewable energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are prospering in the eco-friendly energy sector.
Today, we are including Clearloop, an Accelerate member company founded by 3 Tennesseans who wish to make certain that the innovation and benefits of renewable resource reach all neighborhoods around our nation equally, starting with the communities that have a history of getting left. Click on this link for more information 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 business. In the early days– even before we had actually decided on the name– we were testing out the theory that more business need to buy tidying up the electrical power grid so those dollars can be spent enhancing the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is limited. For me, as one of 3 creators, this business was influenced by the desire to bring clearness to a large problem with a simple option. We desired business to take environment action in the exact same community that invited my family as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the path was uncertain
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Tell us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech startup that partners with companies of all sizes to help them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and expand access to clean energy by building brand-new solar projects in American communities otherwise getting left. Were pioneering putting a carbon worth on the construction of new solar capacity thats determined in watts, not watt-hours, with a new funding structure that enables a wider array of business to take part, while likewise being intentional about the communities where were investing to attain a fair tidy energy future. We recently began on our very first utility-connected solar project in Jackson, Tennessee. As we grow, Clearloop will be focusing on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we deal with both dirty grids and financially distressed communities with our solar projects
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What obstacles do you face? Why?
Among the biggest obstacles for us, as a reasonably new entrant in the clean energy and carbon markets, is earning reliability with industry leaders who may be used to doing things a certain way. Clearloop is challenging some of the standard methods which new solar developments have actually been financed, and accentuating brand-new locations and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions reductions into the business procurement discussion. Im a true believer that our perspective from the middle of the country, and our lived experiences as founders from really various backgrounds, has actually brought into focus why we need more creative solutions to help tidy up the grid. Weve been encouraged by business partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, along with brands like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove bought recovering their carbon footprint by helping us develop our really first solar project. Weve likewise had the terrific fortune of discovering similar organizations like ACORE who recognize the value of bringing diverse point of views to tidying up the grid and have in fact built a program like Accelerate to ensure we have a seat at the table
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Clearloop began as a concept that changed into a business. In the early days– even before we had actually decided on the name– we were testing out the theory that more business need to invest in cleaning up the electricity grid so those dollars can be invested increasing the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is limited. Clearloop is a cleantech startup that partners with companies of all sizes to help them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and broaden access to tidy energy by developing brand-new solar projects in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were showing that you do not require to be a Fortune 500 company with the capability to sign a power purchase arrangement to assist build brand brand-new solar projects. Even huge business that have actually led the method in eco-friendly energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the greatest portion of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they may have little control over decrease methods or where reductions may not be immediate.

How can prospective partners work with you?
Were proving that you dont require to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase agreement to assist develop brand brand-new solar jobs. Even huge business that have actually blazed a trail in eco-friendly energy procurement are now confronted with the reality that the most significant portion of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they might have little control over reduction techniques or where reductions may not be immediate. That is where Clearloop is available in– were a brand-new tool for businesses small and big to take concrete climate action right now and help us decarbonize the grid in the locations that require it one of the most. We need more imaginative ways to help deal with the climate crisis in a method that purchases the places where that dollar produces more economic chance and social movement for the neighborhoods where were building. Were firm believers that the ecological, health, and financial advantages of clean energy investments ought to reach all corners of our nation and were looking for partners who are prepared to do something about it
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