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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

Clearloop started as a concept that changed into a business. In the early days– even prior to we had actually decided on the name– we were checking out the theory that more business require to invest in cleaning up the electrical energy grid so those dollars can be invested boosting the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is limited. Clearloop is a cleantech startup that partners with companies of all sizes to help them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and broaden access to tidy energy by building new solar jobs in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were proving that you dont require to be a Fortune 500 business with the capability to sign a power purchase contract to assist build brand brand-new solar tasks. Even huge business that have actually led the method in renewable energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the greatest piece of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they may have little control over decrease strategies or where decreases may not be immediate.

Inform us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech startup that partners with business of all sizes to help them cut (or recover) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and broaden access to clean energy by constructing new solar projects in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were pioneering putting a carbon worth on the building of new solar capacity thats measured in watts, not watt-hours, with a brand-new financing structure that allows a wider selection of companies to participate, while also being intentional about the communities 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 deal with both dirty grids and financially distressed neighborhoods with our solar jobs
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What obstacles do you face? Why?
One of the greatest challenges for us, as a reasonably brand-new entrant in the tidy energy and carbon markets, is making trustworthiness with market leaders who may be utilized to doing things a certain method. Clearloop is challenging a few of the standard methods which new solar developments have actually been funded, and bringing attention to new geographies and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions decreases into the corporate procurement conversation. Im a real follower that our viewpoint from the middle of the nation, and our lived experiences as founders from extremely various backgrounds, has brought into focus why we need more imaginative solutions to assist 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 reclaiming their carbon footprint by helping us construct our very first solar task. Weve likewise had the fantastic fortune of finding like-minded organizations like ACORE who acknowledge the worth of bringing varied point of views to cleaning up the grid and have actually 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 installment features industry leaders and subjects associated with 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 prospering in the sustainable energy sector.
Today, we are featuring Clearloop, an Accelerate member company founded by three Tennesseans who desire to make certain that the development and benefits of eco-friendly energy reach all communities around our country equally, starting with the communities that have a history of getting left. Click HERE to get more information 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 business. In the early days– even before we had actually selected the name– we were testing out the theory that more companies need to purchase cleaning up the electrical energy grid so those dollars can be invested boosting the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is limited. For me, as one of 3 creators, this company was inspired by the desire to bring clarity to a big issue with an easy solution. We wanted companies to take climate action in the exact same community that invited my family as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the path was uncertain
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To get more information about Clearloop, check out https://clearloop.us/.
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How can prospective partners do business with you?
Were proving that you do not need to be a Fortune 500 business with the capability to sign a power purchase arrangement to assist build brand brand-new solar projects. Even huge business that have actually led the method in renewable energy procurement are now confronted with the truth that the most significant portion of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they might have little control over decrease strategies or where reductions may not be immediate. That is where Clearloop can be found in– were a brand-new tool for organizations huge and little to take tangible environment action today and assist us decarbonize the grid in the places that need it the many. We need more imaginative ways to help tackle the environment crisis in a manner that purchases the locations where that dollar produces more financial opportunity and social mobility for the neighborhoods where were building. Were firm believers that the ecological, health, and financial advantages of clean energy investments must reach all corners of our nation and were looking for partners who are all set to act
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