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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

Clearloop started as an idea that changed into a company. In the early days– even before we had chosen on the name– we were evaluating out the theory that more business need to invest in cleaning up the electrical power grid so those dollars can be invested enhancing the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is limited. Clearloop is a cleantech start-up that partners with companies of all sizes to help them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and expand access to tidy energy by constructing new solar tasks in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were proving that you dont require to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase agreement to help build brand name new solar tasks. Even huge companies that have led the way in eco-friendly energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the biggest piece of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they may have little control over reduction methods or where reductions might not be immediate.

Inform us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech start-up 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 building brand-new solar jobs in American communities otherwise getting left. Were pioneering putting a carbon worth on the building and construction of new solar capability thats determined in watts, not watt-hours, with a new financing structure that permits a broader selection of business to participate, while likewise being deliberate about the neighborhoods where were investing to accomplish an equitable tidy energy future. We just recently began on our very first utility-connected solar task in Jackson, Tennessee. As we grow, Clearloop will be concentrating on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we tackle both unclean grids and financially distressed neighborhoods with our solar projects
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What difficulties do you face? Why?
One of the most significant obstacles for us, as a relatively new entrant in the clean energy and carbon markets, is making credibility with market leaders who might be used to doing things a particular method. Clearloop is challenging some of the conventional methods in which brand-new solar advancements have been funded, and accentuating brand-new geographies and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions reductions into the business procurement discussion. Im a true follower that our perspective from the middle of the country, and our lived experiences as creators from extremely various backgrounds, has brought into focus why we require more innovative options to assist tidy up the grid. Weve been motivated by corporate partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, as well as brands like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove bought reclaiming their carbon footprint by assisting us build our extremely first solar project. Weve also had the great fortune of finding similar companies like ACORE who acknowledge the worth of bringing varied point of views to cleaning up the grid and have really built a program like Accelerate to ensure we have a seat at the table
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How can possible partners do business with you?
Were showing that you do not need to be a Fortune 500 company with the capability to sign a power purchase agreement to help develop brand name new solar tasks. Even huge companies that have actually blazed a trail in eco-friendly energy procurement are now confronted with the truth that the greatest portion of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they might have little control over reduction strategies or where decreases may not be immediate. That is where Clearloop can be found in– were a brand-new tool for businesses small and huge to take concrete environment action today and help us decarbonize the grid in the places that need it one of the most. We require more imaginative ways to help deal with the climate crisis in such a way that buys the locations where that dollar creates more economic chance and social movement for the neighborhoods where were building. Were firm followers that the ecological, health, and economic advantages of clean energy investments must reach all corners of our country and were searching for partners who are prepared to act
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For more information about Clearloop, visit https://clearloop.us/.
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The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the next installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation features market leaders and topics associated with accelerating an equitable and just transition to a sustainable energy economy. In acknowledgment 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 including Clearloop, an Accelerate member company founded by three Tennesseans who wish to ensure that the innovation and benefits of renewable energy reach all neighborhoods around our country similarly, beginning with the communities that have a history of getting left behind. Click HERE to get more information about Clearloops effect.
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 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 require to invest in cleaning up the electrical power grid so those dollars can be invested enhancing the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is limited.