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 evaluating out the theory that more business require to invest in cleaning up the electrical energy grid so those dollars can be invested enhancing the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is restricted. Clearloop is a cleantech start-up that partners with business of all sizes to assist them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and expand access to tidy energy by building brand-new solar projects in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were showing that you do not require to be a Fortune 500 business with the ability to sign a power purchase agreement to assist develop brand brand-new solar tasks. Even big companies that have led the method in sustainable energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the most significant chunk of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they may have little control over decrease methods or where reductions may not be instant.

Tell us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech start-up that partners with companies of all sizes to assist them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and broaden access to clean energy by developing new solar jobs in American communities otherwise getting left. Were pioneering putting a carbon value on the building and construction of new solar capability thats measured in watts, not watt-hours, with a new funding structure that enables a broader variety of business to take part, while also being intentional about the communities where were investing to attain a fair clean energy future. We recently broke ground on our first utility-connected solar project in Jackson, Tennessee. As we grow, Clearloop will be concentrating on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we deal with both filthy grids and economically distressed communities with our solar tasks
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What obstacles do you face? Why?
One of the biggest obstacles for us, as a fairly new entrant in the clean energy and carbon markets, is earning reliability with market leaders who might be used to doing things a particular way. Clearloop is challenging a few of the conventional methods which brand-new solar advancements have been financed, and bringing attention to brand-new geographies and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions decreases into the business procurement conversation. Im a true follower that our perspective from the middle of the nation, and our lived experiences as founders from really various backgrounds, has actually brought into focus why we need more creative solutions to assist tidy up the grid. Weve been motivated by business partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, as well as brand names like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove purchased reclaiming their carbon footprint by helping us build our really first solar project. Weve likewise had the great fortune of finding similar companies like ACORE who recognize the value of bringing varied point of views to cleaning up the grid and have in fact constructed a program like Accelerate to ensure we have a seat at the table
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The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the next installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation includes market leaders and subjects connected to speeding up a fair and simply shift to an eco-friendly energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are flourishing in the renewable energy sector.
Today, we are including Clearloop, an Accelerate member business founded by three Tennesseans who wish to make sure that the development and advantages of sustainable energy reach all neighborhoods around our nation equally, beginning with the communities that have a history of getting left. Click on this link 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 begin your business?
Clearloop started as a concept that changed into a company. In the early days– even before we had actually chosen the name– we were testing out the theory that more companies need to buy cleaning up the electricity grid so those dollars can be spent improving 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 large problem with a basic solution. We wanted companies to take environment action in the exact same community that welcomed my family as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the path was uncertain
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To read more about Clearloop, see https://clearloop.us/.
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How can potential partners do company with you?
Were proving that you dont need to be a Fortune 500 business with the ability to sign a power purchase arrangement to help construct brand brand-new solar projects. Even big business that have led the way in sustainable 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 decrease methods or where reductions might not be immediate.