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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

To discover more about Clearloop, see https://clearloop.us/.
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Tell us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech startup that partners with companies of all sizes to help them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, clean up the grid, and broaden access to tidy energy by building new solar projects in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were pioneering putting a carbon value on the construction of brand-new solar capacity thats determined in watts, not watt-hours, with a brand-new funding structure that allows a broader variety of business to take part, while also being deliberate about the neighborhoods where were investing to achieve a fair tidy energy future. We just recently broke ground on our 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 unclean grids and economically distressed neighborhoods with our solar jobs
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What obstacles do you face? Why?
One of the biggest obstacles for us, as a relatively brand-new entrant in the tidy energy and carbon markets, is making trustworthiness with market leaders who may be utilized to doing things a particular method. Clearloop is challenging some of the conventional methods which new solar advancements have actually been funded, and accentuating new locations and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions decreases into the business procurement discussion. Im a true follower that our perspective from the middle of the country, and our lived experiences as founders from really various backgrounds, has brought into focus why we need more creative services to assist clean up the grid. Weve been motivated by corporate partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, in addition to brands like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove invested in recovering their carbon footprint by assisting us build our really first solar task. Weve likewise had the great fortune of finding like-minded companies like ACORE who recognize the value of bringing diverse perspectives to tidying up the grid and have actually built a program like Accelerate to guarantee we have a seat at the table
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How can potential partners work with you?
Were showing that you dont need to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase arrangement to help build brand name brand-new solar jobs. Even big business that have actually blazed a trail in renewable resource procurement are now faced with the truth that the biggest portion of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they may have little control over decrease techniques or where decreases might not be instant. That is where Clearloop can be found in– were a new tool for companies little and huge to take tangible environment action right now and help us decarbonize the grid in the places that require it the most. We need more creative methods to help tackle the environment crisis in such a way that invests in the places where that dollar develops more economic opportunity and social movement for the communities where were constructing. Were firm followers that the ecological, health, and financial advantages of clean energy investments ought to reach all corners of our nation and were looking for partners who are prepared to take action
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Clearloop began as a concept that changed into a company. In the early days– even before we had actually decided on the name– we were evaluating 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 clean energy is limited. Clearloop is a cleantech start-up that partners with companies of all sizes to help them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, clean up the grid, and broaden access to tidy energy by building new solar tasks in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were showing that you dont need to be a Fortune 500 business with the capability to sign a power purchase arrangement to help build brand name brand-new solar jobs. Even huge companies that have actually led the way in eco-friendly energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the greatest chunk of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they might have little control over decrease techniques or where decreases may not be instant.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the next installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation features industry leaders and topics connected to speeding up an equitable and just transition to an eco-friendly energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are thriving in the eco-friendly energy sector.
Today, we are featuring Clearloop, an Accelerate member company established by 3 Tennesseans who wish to make sure that the innovation and advantages of renewable resource reach all communities around our country similarly, beginning with the communities that have a history of getting left behind. 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 business. In the early days– even prior to we had selected 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 invested improving the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is restricted. For me, as one of 3 founders, this company was influenced by the desire to bring clarity to a large problem with a basic service. We wanted business to take climate action in the exact same neighborhood that welcomed my household as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the course was unclear
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