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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

Inform us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech startup that partners with companies of all sizes to help them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and expand access to clean energy by constructing 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 deal with both filthy grids and economically distressed communities with our solar projects
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What challenges do you face? Why?
One of the biggest challenges for us, as a relatively new entrant in the tidy energy and carbon markets, is making reliability with industry leaders who may be utilized to doing things a certain way. Clearloop is challenging some of the standard 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 discussion. Im a true believer that our vantage point from the middle of the country, and our lived experiences as creators from very different backgrounds, has actually brought into focus why we require more creative options to help clean up the grid. Weve been encouraged by corporate partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, along with brands like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove bought reclaiming their carbon footprint by helping us build our very first solar job. Weve also had the great fortune of discovering like-minded organizations like ACORE who recognize the value of bringing varied point of views to cleaning up the grid and have really developed a program like Accelerate to guarantee we have a seat at the table
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To find out more about Clearloop, see https://clearloop.us/.
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How can possible partners work 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 assist build brand new solar projects. Even huge companies that have actually led the method in sustainable energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the greatest portion of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they may have little control over reduction strategies or where reductions might not be instant.

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 restricted. Clearloop is a cleantech start-up that partners with business of all sizes to help them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, clean up the grid, and broaden access to clean energy by constructing brand-new solar jobs in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were showing that you dont need to be a Fortune 500 business with the ability to sign a power purchase arrangement to help develop brand name new solar projects. Even big business that have actually led the way in sustainable energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the biggest portion of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they may have little control over decrease methods or where reductions might not be instant.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the next installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation includes industry leaders and subjects associated with speeding up an equitable and just shift to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are flourishing in the renewable energy sector.
Today, we are featuring Clearloop, an Accelerate member business founded by three Tennesseans who want to make certain that the development and benefits of eco-friendly energy reach all communities around our country similarly, beginning with the neighborhoods that have a history of getting left. Click HERE to find out 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 business?
Clearloop began as a concept that changed into a business. In the early days– even before we had decided on the name– we were testing out the theory that more companies require to buy cleaning up the electricity grid so those dollars can be invested boosting the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is limited. For me, as one of 3 founders, this business was influenced by the desire to bring clearness to a large issue with a simple service. We wanted business to take environment action in the very same neighborhood that invited my family as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the path was unclear
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