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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

Clearloop began as a concept that morphed into a company. In the early days– even prior to we had actually chosen on the name– we were checking out the theory that more business need to invest in cleaning up the electricity grid so those dollars can be invested enhancing 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 reclaim) their carbon footprint, clean up the grid, and expand access to clean energy by building new solar projects in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were showing that you dont require to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase agreement to help construct brand name new solar tasks. Even huge business that have led the way in sustainable 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 might have little control over reduction techniques or where decreases might not be instant.

To read more about Clearloop, go to https://clearloop.us/.
###.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the next installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation includes market leaders and subjects related to speeding up a fair and just shift to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are thriving in the renewable resource sector.
Today, we are featuring Clearloop, an Accelerate member business established by 3 Tennesseans who wish to make sure that the development and advantages of renewable resource reach all neighborhoods around our nation similarly, beginning with the neighborhoods that have a history of getting left behind. Click on this link to read more 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
.
What inspired you to begin your company?
Clearloop began as a concept that changed into a business. In the early days– even prior to we had selected the name– we were testing out the theory that more business require to buy tidying up the electrical power grid so those dollars can be invested improving the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is restricted. For me, as one of three creators, this business was influenced by the desire to bring clearness to a large problem with a simple option. We wanted companies to take climate action in the same neighborhood that welcomed my family as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the path was uncertain
.

Tell us about Clearloop?
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 clean energy by building brand-new solar tasks in American communities otherwise getting left. Were pioneering putting a carbon value on the building and construction of new solar capacity thats determined in watts, not watt-hours, with a brand-new funding structure that permits a wider array of business to get involved, while likewise being intentional about the communities where were investing to attain an equitable clean 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 take on both unclean grids and financially distressed neighborhoods with our solar jobs
.
What challenges do you face? Why?
One of the greatest obstacles for us, as a fairly brand-new entrant in the tidy energy and carbon markets, is earning trustworthiness with industry leaders who might be used to doing things a particular method. Clearloop is challenging some of the conventional ways in which brand-new solar developments have actually been funded, and bringing attention to new locations and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions decreases into the corporate procurement discussion.

How can potential partners work with you?
Were showing that you dont need to be a Fortune 500 company with the capability to sign a power purchase contract to assist construct brand name new solar projects. Even huge companies that have led the way in eco-friendly 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 might have little control over reduction techniques or where reductions might not be instant.