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 installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment features market leaders and subjects associated with speeding up an equitable and simply 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 prospering in the eco-friendly energy sector.
Today, we are including Clearloop, an Accelerate member business established by 3 Tennesseans who wish to ensure that the innovation and benefits of renewable energy reach all neighborhoods around our nation equally, beginning with the neighborhoods that have a history of getting left behind. Click on this link for 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 a concept that changed into a company. In the early days– even prior to we had selected the name– we were testing out the theory that more companies need to buy cleaning up the electrical energy grid so those dollars can be spent increasing the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is limited. For me, as one of three creators, this company was motivated by the desire to bring clearness to a large problem with a simple option. We wanted business to take climate action in the very same community that invited my family as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the path was unclear
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Clearloop started as an idea that morphed into a business. In the early days– even prior to we had actually chosen on the name– we were checking out the theory that more companies need to invest in cleaning up the electrical energy grid so those dollars can be spent enhancing 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 help them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and broaden access to tidy energy by building brand-new solar projects in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were proving that you do not require to be a Fortune 500 company with the capability to sign a power purchase agreement to assist construct brand brand-new solar projects. Even huge companies that have actually led the method in renewable energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the biggest chunk of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they might have little control over reduction strategies or where decreases may not be immediate.

For more information about Clearloop, visit https://clearloop.us/.
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Tell us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech start-up that partners with companies of all sizes to help them cut (or recover) their carbon footprint, clean up the grid, and broaden access to tidy 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 communities with our solar jobs
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What difficulties do you deal with? Why?
Among the greatest difficulties for us, as a fairly new entrant in the tidy energy and carbon markets, is earning trustworthiness with market leaders who might be used to doing things a specific method. Clearloop is challenging a few of the traditional ways in which brand-new solar developments have actually been funded, and bringing attention to brand-new geographies and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions reductions into the business procurement discussion. Im a real follower that our viewpoint from the middle of the country, and our lived experiences as creators from really different backgrounds, has actually brought into focus why we need more innovative services to assist clean up the grid. Weve been encouraged by business partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, in addition to brands like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove purchased recovering their carbon footprint by assisting us construct our really first solar job. Weve also had the great fortune of finding similar companies like ACORE who acknowledge the value of bringing diverse viewpoints to tidying 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 potential partners do company with you?
Were proving that you do not need to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase agreement to help construct brand brand-new solar projects. Even big business that have actually led the method in eco-friendly energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the biggest piece of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they may have little control over decrease methods or where reductions might not be instant.