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 actually decided on the name– we were testing out the theory that more business 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. 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 expand access to tidy energy by building new solar projects in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were proving that you dont require to be a Fortune 500 business with the ability to sign a power purchase arrangement to assist construct brand new solar tasks. Even huge companies that have led the method in renewable energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the greatest piece of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they might have little control over reduction methods or where reductions might not be immediate.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the next installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment features industry leaders and topics related to accelerating a fair and just shift to an eco-friendly energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are flourishing in the eco-friendly energy sector.
Today, we are including Clearloop, an Accelerate member business founded by three Tennesseans who want to make sure that the development and advantages of renewable resource reach all communities around our country similarly, beginning with the neighborhoods that have a history of getting left behind. Click HERE to discover 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 company?
Clearloop started as a concept that morphed into a business. In the early days– even prior to we had actually chosen the name– we were testing out the theory that more companies require to purchase cleaning up the electrical energy grid so those dollars can be invested improving the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is limited. For me, as one of three creators, this company was inspired by the desire to bring clearness to a big issue with a simple solution. We wanted companies to take climate action in the same neighborhood that invited my household as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the path was uncertain
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To discover more about Clearloop, see https://clearloop.us/.
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How can potential partners work with you?
Were proving that you dont require to be a Fortune 500 business with the ability to sign a power purchase contract to assist construct brand brand-new solar jobs. Even huge business that have led the way in renewable energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the greatest chunk of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they may have little control over decrease strategies or where decreases might not be immediate.

Tell us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech startup that partners with companies of all sizes to help them cut (or recover) their carbon footprint, clean up the grid, and broaden access to clean energy by developing new solar tasks in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. As we grow, Clearloop will be focusing on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we tackle both dirty grids and economically distressed neighborhoods with our solar jobs
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What obstacles do you face? Why?
One of the biggest obstacles for us, as a fairly brand-new entrant in the clean energy and carbon markets, is earning reliability with market leaders who might be used to doing things a certain way. Clearloop is challenging some of the traditional methods in which new solar developments have actually been financed, and bringing attention to brand-new geographies and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions reductions into the business procurement conversation. Im a true believer that our perspective from the middle of the country, and our lived experiences as creators from extremely various backgrounds, has actually brought into focus why we need more innovative solutions to assist clean up the grid. Weve been motivated by business partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, as well as brand names like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove bought recovering their carbon footprint by helping us develop our very first solar task. Weve also had the great fortune of discovering like-minded organizations like ACORE who recognize the worth of bringing varied perspectives to tidying up the grid and have actually developed a program like Accelerate to ensure we have a seat at the table
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