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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

To find out more about Clearloop, see https://clearloop.us/.
###.

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, clean up the grid, and broaden access to tidy energy by building new solar jobs in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left. Were pioneering putting a carbon worth on the building and construction of brand-new solar capacity thats measured in watts, not watt-hours, with a new funding structure that enables a larger range of business to take part, while likewise being intentional about the communities where were investing to achieve an equitable clean energy future. We just recently began on our very first utility-connected solar task in Jackson, Tennessee. As we grow, Clearloop will be focusing on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we tackle both filthy grids and financially distressed neighborhoods with our solar projects
.
What challenges do you face? Why?
One of the greatest difficulties for us, as a relatively brand-new entrant in the clean energy and carbon markets, is making reliability with market leaders who may be used to doing things a particular way. Clearloop is challenging some of the conventional ways in which brand-new solar advancements have actually been financed, and bringing attention to new geographies and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions decreases into the business procurement conversation. Im a real follower that our viewpoint from the middle of the nation, and our lived experiences as creators from really different backgrounds, has brought into focus why we require more imaginative services to assist tidy up the grid. Weve been encouraged by corporate partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, along with brands like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove purchased recovering their carbon footprint by helping us construct our very first solar task. Weve also had the terrific fortune of finding similar companies like ACORE who acknowledge the value of bringing diverse point of views to tidying up the grid and have actually developed a program like Accelerate to ensure we have a seat at the table
.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy 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 transition to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are growing in the sustainable energy sector.
Today, we are including Clearloop, an Accelerate member company founded by three Tennesseans who desire to ensure that the development and benefits of renewable resource reach all neighborhoods around our country similarly, 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
.
What inspired you to start your company?
Clearloop began as a concept that morphed into a company. In the early days– even before we had actually decided 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 spent increasing the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is restricted.

Clearloop started as an idea that changed into a business. In the early days– even before we had actually 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 spent boosting the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is limited. Clearloop is a cleantech start-up that partners with companies of all sizes to assist them cut (or recover) their carbon footprint, clean up the grid, and expand access to clean energy by building new solar tasks in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were proving that you dont need to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase agreement to help construct brand name new solar tasks. Even big companies that have led the way in eco-friendly energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the most significant portion of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they might have little control over decrease strategies or where reductions may not be instant.

How can prospective partners do company with you?
Were showing that you dont need to be a Fortune 500 business with the capability to sign a power purchase contract to assist construct brand name new solar jobs. Even big business that have led the method in renewable energy procurement are now confronted with the reality that the most significant portion of their carbon footprint remains in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they may have little control over reduction methods or where reductions may not be immediate. That is where Clearloop is available in– were a brand-new tool for organizations small and huge to take concrete environment action today and assist us decarbonize the grid in the places that require it the many. We need more imaginative ways to help tackle the climate crisis in a way that purchases the places where that dollar creates more economic opportunity and social movement for the neighborhoods where were developing. Were firm followers that the ecological, health, and economic advantages of clean energy financial investments must reach all corners of our country and were trying to find partners who are all set to act
.