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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

Clearloop started as a concept that morphed into a company. In the early days– even prior to we had actually decided on the name– we were testing out the theory that more companies require to invest in cleaning up the electricity grid so those dollars can be spent enhancing the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is limited. Clearloop is a cleantech startup that partners with business of all sizes to assist them cut (or recover) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and broaden access to tidy energy by developing new solar jobs in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were proving that you dont require to be a Fortune 500 business with the capability to sign a power purchase agreement to assist build brand new solar jobs. Even big companies that have actually led the method in eco-friendly energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the greatest piece of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they may have little control over decrease strategies or where reductions might not be instant.

How can prospective partners do company with you?
Were showing that you do not require to be a Fortune 500 company with the capability to sign a power purchase agreement to assist develop brand brand-new solar projects. Even big business that have actually led the method in renewable energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the biggest piece of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they may have little control over reduction techniques or where decreases may not be immediate.

To read more about Clearloop, check out 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 site series.
Each installment features industry leaders and topics connected to accelerating a fair and simply shift to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are growing in the renewable resource sector.
Today, we are including Clearloop, an Accelerate member business established by three Tennesseans who wish to make certain that the innovation and benefits of renewable energy reach all communities around our country similarly, beginning with the communities that have a history of getting left. Click on this link to get 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 company?
Clearloop started as an idea that changed into a business. In the early days– even before we had chosen on the name– we were testing out the theory that more business need to invest in cleaning up the electrical energy grid so those dollars can be spent boosting the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is limited.

Tell us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech start-up that partners with business of all sizes to assist them cut (or recover) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and expand access to clean energy by building new solar jobs in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were pioneering putting a carbon worth on the building and construction of new solar capacity thats determined in watts, not watt-hours, with a new financing structure that enables a larger variety of business to participate, while also being intentional about the communities where were investing to accomplish a fair clean energy future. We recently broke ground on our first utility-connected solar job in Jackson, Tennessee. As we grow, Clearloop will be concentrating on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we tackle both unclean grids and financially distressed communities with our solar tasks
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What challenges do you face? Why?
One of the greatest challenges for us, as a reasonably brand-new entrant in the clean energy and carbon markets, is making credibility with industry leaders who might be utilized to doing things a certain method. Clearloop is challenging a few of the standard ways in which new solar developments have been funded, and bringing attention to new locations and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions reductions into the corporate procurement discussion. Im a true follower that our vantage point from the middle of the nation, and our lived experiences as founders from very various backgrounds, has brought into focus why we require more creative options to assist clean up the grid. Weve been encouraged by business partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, in addition to brand names like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove bought recovering their carbon footprint by helping us build our really first solar job. Weve likewise had the excellent fortune of discovering similar companies like ACORE who recognize the worth of bringing varied perspectives to tidying up the grid and have actually developed a program like Accelerate to guarantee we have a seat at the table
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