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 prior to we had chosen on the name– we were evaluating out the theory that more business require to invest in cleaning up the electrical energy grid so those dollars can be spent boosting the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is limited. Clearloop is a cleantech startup that partners with companies of all sizes to assist them cut (or recover) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and expand access to clean energy by developing new solar jobs in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were proving that you do not require to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase arrangement to help build brand name brand-new solar tasks. Even big companies that have actually led the method in renewable energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the most significant chunk of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they may have little control over reduction methods or where reductions may not be immediate.

Inform us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech startup that partners with companies of all sizes to assist them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, clean up the grid, and expand access to tidy energy by building brand-new solar projects in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were pioneering putting a carbon worth on the construction of new solar capacity thats measured in watts, not watt-hours, with a brand-new financing structure that permits a wider array of companies to get involved, while likewise being intentional about the communities where were investing to attain an equitable clean energy future. We recently began on our very first utility-connected solar project in Jackson, Tennessee. 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 projects
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What obstacles do you deal with? Why?
One of the most significant obstacles for us, as a fairly new entrant in the clean energy and carbon markets, is making trustworthiness with industry leaders who may be used to doing things a specific way. Clearloop is challenging a few of the standard methods which new solar developments have been financed, and bringing attention to brand-new locations and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions reductions into the corporate procurement conversation. Im a real follower that our vantage point from the middle of the country, and our lived experiences as creators from really different backgrounds, has brought into focus why we need more imaginative services to assist clean up the grid. Weve been encouraged by business partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, as well as brands like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove invested in recovering their carbon footprint by assisting us construct our really first solar project. Weve likewise had the fantastic fortune of finding like-minded companies like ACORE who recognize the value of bringing diverse viewpoints to cleaning up the grid and have really built a program like Accelerate to guarantee we have a seat at the table
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To read more about Clearloop, see https://clearloop.us/.
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The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the next installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation features market leaders and topics connected to speeding up a fair and simply shift to a sustainable energy 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 company founded by three Tennesseans who wish to ensure that the development and benefits of renewable resource reach all communities around our nation equally, starting with the communities that have a history of getting left behind. Click HERE 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
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What inspired you to start your business?
Clearloop began as an idea that changed into a business. In the early days– even before we had actually chosen the name– we were evaluating out the theory that more business require to invest in cleaning up the electrical energy grid so those dollars can be invested increasing the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is restricted. For me, as one of three founders, this company was inspired by the desire to bring clarity to a big problem with an easy solution. We wanted business to take environment action in the same neighborhood that welcomed my family as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the path was unclear
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How can possible partners work with you?
Were showing that you dont require to be a Fortune 500 company with the capability to sign a power purchase contract to assist develop brand brand-new solar projects. Even huge companies that have actually led the method in renewable energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the greatest portion of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they might have little control over decrease techniques or where decreases might not be instant.