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 checking out the theory that more business require to invest in cleaning up the electrical power grid so those dollars can be spent boosting 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 recover) their carbon footprint, clean up the grid, and broaden access to clean energy by constructing new solar projects in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were proving that you dont require to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase arrangement to help construct brand new solar tasks. Even big companies that have actually led the method in eco-friendly energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the most significant piece of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they might have little control over reduction techniques or where decreases might not be instant.

Inform us about Clearloop?
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 clean energy by building brand-new solar projects in American communities otherwise getting left. Were pioneering putting a carbon worth on the building and construction of new solar capacity thats measured in watts, not watt-hours, with a brand-new financing structure that allows a larger variety of companies to participate, while also being deliberate about the neighborhoods where were investing to attain a fair clean energy future. We just recently began 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 take on both filthy grids and economically distressed neighborhoods with our solar jobs
.
What difficulties do you face? Why?
Among the biggest obstacles for us, as a fairly brand-new entrant in the clean energy and carbon markets, is making reliability with industry leaders who may be used to doing things a particular method. Clearloop is challenging a few of the conventional methods in which brand-new solar developments have been funded, and bringing attention to brand-new locations and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions decreases into the business procurement discussion. Im a real believer that our vantage point from the middle of the country, and our lived experiences as founders from very different backgrounds, has actually brought into focus why we need more creative services to help tidy up the grid. Weve been motivated by business partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, as well as brands like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove invested in reclaiming their carbon footprint by assisting us build our very first solar task. Weve also had the fantastic fortune of discovering like-minded companies like ACORE who recognize the worth of bringing diverse point of views to tidying up the grid and have in fact constructed a program like Accelerate to ensure we have a seat at the table
.

For more information about Clearloop, go to https://clearloop.us/.
###.

How can prospective partners work with you?
Were proving that you dont need to be a Fortune 500 business with the ability to sign a power purchase agreement to help build brand name new solar projects. Even big business that have led the method in eco-friendly energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the most significant portion of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they might have little control over decrease techniques or where reductions might not be immediate.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the next installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation features market leaders and topics related to accelerating a fair and just shift to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are growing in the renewable resource sector.
Today, we are including Clearloop, an Accelerate member company founded by three Tennesseans who wish to make sure that the development and benefits of renewable energy reach all neighborhoods around our country equally, beginning with the communities that have a history of getting left. Click HERE for 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
.
What inspired you to start your business?
Clearloop began as a concept that changed into a business. In the early days– even before we had chosen the name– we were testing out the theory that more companies require to buy tidying up the electrical energy grid so those dollars can be spent enhancing the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is limited. For me, as one of 3 founders, this company was motivated by the desire to bring clearness to a big problem with an easy service. We wanted companies to take environment action in the very same community that invited my household as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the path was unclear
.