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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

Clearloop began as a concept that changed into a company. In the early days– even prior to we had chosen on the name– we were evaluating out the theory that more business need to invest in cleaning up the electrical power grid so those dollars can be invested enhancing the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is restricted. 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 projects in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were showing that you do not need to be a Fortune 500 business with the capability to sign a power purchase agreement to assist construct brand name brand-new solar projects. Even big companies that have led the way in eco-friendly energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the biggest piece 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 instant.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the next installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment features market leaders and subjects connected to speeding up an equitable and simply transition to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are thriving in the renewable resource sector.
Today, we are featuring Clearloop, an Accelerate member business established by 3 Tennesseans who desire to make sure that the development and benefits of renewable resource reach all neighborhoods around our country similarly, beginning with the neighborhoods that have a history of getting left behind. Click HERE for 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 start your company?
Clearloop began as a concept that changed into a business. In the early days– even prior to we had chosen on the name– we were testing out the theory that more business need 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 restricted.

How can prospective partners work with you?
Were showing that you dont need to be a Fortune 500 business with the ability to sign a power purchase arrangement to assist develop brand name brand-new solar jobs. Even huge companies that have led the method in eco-friendly energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the most significant chunk of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they might have little control over decrease techniques or where decreases might not be instant. That is where Clearloop comes in– were a new tool for organizations huge and little to take concrete environment action today and help us decarbonize the grid in the places that need it one of the most. We need more creative methods to assist tackle the environment crisis in a way that buys the places where that dollar develops more economic chance and social mobility for the communities where were building. Were firm believers that the environmental, health, and financial benefits of tidy energy financial investments must reach all corners of our country and were searching for partners who are prepared to act
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For more information about Clearloop, go to https://clearloop.us/.
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Inform 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 expand access to clean energy by constructing new solar projects in American communities otherwise getting left. Were pioneering putting a carbon worth on the building and construction of new solar capability thats measured in watts, not watt-hours, with a new financing structure that permits a broader selection of companies to get involved, while also being intentional about the neighborhoods where were investing to accomplish a fair clean energy future. We recently began on our very first utility-connected solar project in Jackson, Tennessee. As we grow, Clearloop will be focusing on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we tackle both dirty grids and financially distressed neighborhoods with our solar projects
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What difficulties do you face? Why?
One of the most significant obstacles for us, as a relatively brand-new entrant in the tidy energy and carbon markets, is earning trustworthiness with industry leaders who may be used to doing things a certain method. Clearloop is challenging a few of the traditional methods in which new solar developments have actually been financed, and accentuating brand-new geographies and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions decreases into the corporate procurement discussion. Im a real believer that our vantage point from the middle of the nation, and our lived experiences as founders from very different backgrounds, has actually brought into focus why we require more imaginative options to help clean up the grid. Weve been encouraged by business partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, along with brand names like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove bought recovering their carbon footprint by assisting us build our extremely first solar task. Weve also had the terrific fortune of finding like-minded organizations like ACORE who acknowledge the value of bringing diverse point of views to cleaning up the grid and have in fact developed a program like Accelerate to ensure we have a seat at the table
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