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 before we had actually decided on the name– we were testing out the theory that more business require to invest in cleaning up the electrical power grid so those dollars can be invested increasing the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is limited. 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 new solar tasks in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were proving that you dont need to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase agreement to assist build brand brand-new solar jobs. Even huge companies that have led the method in sustainable energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the biggest portion of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they might have little control over reduction methods or where reductions may not be immediate.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the next installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment includes market leaders and subjects connected to accelerating a fair 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 business are growing in the eco-friendly energy sector.
Today, we are featuring Clearloop, an Accelerate member company established by 3 Tennesseans who desire to make certain that the innovation and advantages of renewable energy reach all neighborhoods around our nation equally, starting with the communities 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 company?
Clearloop started as a concept that changed into a company. In the early days– even before we had picked the name– we were evaluating out the theory that more business need to buy cleaning up the electricity grid so those dollars can be spent improving the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is limited. For me, as one of 3 creators, this business was motivated by the desire to bring clarity to a large problem with a basic option. We desired business to take climate action in the same community that invited my family as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the course was unclear
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Tell us about Clearloop?
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 broaden access to clean energy by developing brand-new solar tasks in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were pioneering putting a carbon value on the building of brand-new solar capacity thats determined in watts, not watt-hours, with a new financing structure that permits a larger range of business to participate, while likewise being intentional about the communities where were investing to achieve a fair clean energy future. We just recently broke ground on our very first utility-connected solar job in Jackson, Tennessee. As we grow, Clearloop will be concentrating on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we deal with both unclean grids and economically distressed communities with our solar tasks
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What obstacles do you face? Why?
One of the most significant obstacles for us, as a reasonably brand-new entrant in the clean energy and carbon markets, is earning credibility with market leaders who may be used to doing things a specific way. Clearloop is challenging some of the standard methods in which new solar advancements have actually been funded, and accentuating new locations and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions reductions into the corporate procurement conversation. Im a true follower that our perspective from the middle of the nation, and our lived experiences as founders from very different backgrounds, has brought into focus why we require more imaginative solutions to help clean up the grid. Weve been motivated by business partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, along with brand names like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove purchased reclaiming their carbon footprint by assisting us build our extremely first solar project. Weve also had the terrific fortune of finding like-minded organizations like ACORE who recognize the value of bringing varied perspectives to tidying up the grid and have really built a program like Accelerate to guarantee we have a seat at the table
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How can prospective partners work with you?
Were showing that you dont require to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase arrangement to help build brand new solar tasks. Even huge companies that have actually blazed a trail in sustainable energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the greatest chunk of their carbon footprint remains in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they might have little control over decrease strategies or where reductions might not be instant. That is where Clearloop can be found in– were a new tool for companies small and big to take tangible environment action right now and help us decarbonize the grid in the locations that need it the a lot of. We require more creative ways to assist tackle the environment crisis in such a way that buys the locations where that dollar produces more financial chance and social mobility for the neighborhoods where were developing. Were firm believers that the environmental, health, and financial advantages of clean energy investments must reach all corners of our country and were looking for partners who are all set to do something about it
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To find out more about Clearloop, visit https://clearloop.us/.
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