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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

For more information about Clearloop, go to 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, 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 worth on the building and construction of brand-new solar capability thats measured in watts, not watt-hours, with a brand-new financing structure that enables a broader variety of business to participate, while likewise being deliberate about the neighborhoods where were investing to achieve an equitable clean energy future. We just 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 take on both filthy grids and financially distressed communities with our solar jobs
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What challenges do you deal with? Why?
One of the greatest challenges for us, as a fairly new entrant in the clean energy and carbon markets, is making trustworthiness with market leaders who might be used to doing things a certain method. Clearloop is challenging some of the standard methods which brand-new solar advancements have actually been financed, and bringing attention to brand-new geographies and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions decreases into the business procurement discussion. Im a real believer that our perspective from the middle of the nation, and our lived experiences as founders from really different backgrounds, has brought into focus why we require more creative solutions to help tidy up the grid. Weve been encouraged by corporate partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, along with brand names like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove purchased recovering their carbon footprint by helping us build our extremely first solar project. Weve likewise had the excellent fortune of finding like-minded organizations like ACORE who recognize the value of bringing varied viewpoints to tidying up the grid and have in fact developed a program like Accelerate to guarantee we have a seat at the table
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Clearloop started as an idea that morphed into a business. In the early days– even before we had decided on the name– we were evaluating out the theory that more business require to invest in cleaning up the electricity grid so those dollars can be spent enhancing the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is limited. Clearloop is a cleantech startup 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 constructing brand-new solar projects in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were showing that you dont require to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase contract to help construct brand name brand-new solar jobs. Even big companies that have led the method in sustainable energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the greatest chunk of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they may have little control over reduction strategies or where reductions may not be immediate.

How can potential partners work with you?
Were showing that you do not require to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase contract to help build brand name new solar tasks. Even huge companies that have blazed a trail in renewable resource procurement are now confronted with the truth that the greatest 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 instant. That is where Clearloop can be found in– were a new tool for organizations little and big to take tangible climate action today and assist us decarbonize the grid in the places that require it the many. We need more imaginative methods to help tackle the environment crisis in such a way that purchases the places where that dollar produces more financial opportunity and social mobility for the communities where were developing. Were firm followers that the ecological, health, and financial advantages of tidy energy financial investments ought to reach all corners of our nation and were searching for partners who are prepared to take action
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The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the next installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation features market leaders and topics connected to accelerating an equitable and just shift to an eco-friendly energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are flourishing in the renewable resource sector.
Today, we are including Clearloop, an Accelerate member business founded by three Tennesseans who wish to ensure that the innovation and advantages of sustainable energy reach all neighborhoods around our nation similarly, beginning with the neighborhoods that have a history of getting left. Click HERE to read 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 start your business?
Clearloop began as an idea that changed into a company. In the early days– even before we had chosen on the name– we were checking out the theory that more business require to invest in cleaning up the electrical power grid so those dollars can be spent improving the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is limited.