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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the next installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment features market leaders and subjects connected to accelerating a fair and simply shift to a sustainable energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are prospering in the renewable energy sector.
Today, we are featuring Clearloop, an Accelerate member company established by 3 Tennesseans who desire to make certain that the innovation and advantages of eco-friendly energy reach all communities around our country similarly, starting with the communities that have a history of getting left. Click HERE 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 start your business?
Clearloop began as an idea that morphed into a company. In the early days– even before we had chosen the name– we were testing out the theory that more companies require to buy tidying up the electrical power grid so those dollars can be invested enhancing the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is limited. For me, as one of 3 creators, this company was influenced by the desire to bring clarity to a large problem with a basic option. We desired companies to take climate action in the very same neighborhood that invited my family as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the course was uncertain
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For more information about Clearloop, check out https://clearloop.us/.
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Clearloop started as a concept that changed into a business. In the early days– even prior to we had chosen on the name– we were checking out the theory that more companies require to invest in cleaning up the electrical energy grid so those dollars can be invested increasing the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is restricted. Clearloop is a cleantech startup that partners with business of all sizes to assist them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and broaden access to clean energy by constructing new solar jobs in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were showing that you dont require to be a Fortune 500 business with the capability to sign a power purchase arrangement to help develop brand name brand-new solar tasks. Even huge business that have led the method in sustainable energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the greatest chunk of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they might have little control over decrease techniques or where reductions may not be instant.

Tell us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech start-up that partners with companies of all sizes to assist them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and expand access to clean energy by constructing new solar projects in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left. Were pioneering putting a carbon worth on the building and construction of new solar capability thats measured in watts, not watt-hours, with a brand-new financing structure that enables a larger variety of business to get involved, while likewise being deliberate about the neighborhoods where were investing to achieve a fair tidy energy future. We just recently broke ground on our first utility-connected solar task in Jackson, Tennessee. As we grow, Clearloop will be concentrating on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we deal with both unclean grids and financially distressed neighborhoods with our solar tasks
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What challenges do you face? Why?
One of the biggest challenges for us, as a reasonably brand-new entrant in the clean energy and carbon markets, is making reliability with market leaders who might be utilized to doing things a certain method. Clearloop is challenging a few of the conventional methods which new solar advancements have been funded, and accentuating new geographies and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions decreases into the corporate procurement conversation. Im a true follower that our perspective from the middle of the country, and our lived experiences as creators from very various backgrounds, has actually brought into focus why we need more innovative services to help tidy up the grid. Weve been motivated by corporate partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, along with brands like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove purchased reclaiming their carbon footprint by helping us build our extremely first solar job. Weve likewise had the terrific fortune of discovering like-minded organizations like ACORE who acknowledge the worth of bringing diverse perspectives to tidying up the grid and have really developed a program like Accelerate to guarantee we have a seat at the table
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How can potential partners do business with you?
Were showing that you dont require to be a Fortune 500 business with the capability to sign a power purchase contract to assist develop brand name brand-new solar jobs. Even huge business that have actually led the way in renewable energy procurement are now confronted with the truth that the most significant piece of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they may have little control over decrease techniques or where decreases might not be instant. That is where Clearloop is available in– were a brand-new tool for businesses small and huge to take concrete climate action today and help us decarbonize the grid in the places that require it one of the most. We need more creative methods to assist tackle the environment crisis in a way that invests in the places where that dollar produces more economic chance and social movement for the communities where were developing. Were firm followers that the environmental, health, and financial benefits of clean energy investments need to reach all corners of our nation and were looking for partners who are all set to act
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