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Solar Maverick Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Benoy Thanjan
The Solar Maverick Podcast is the insiders guide to where the solar and energy markets meet entrepreneurship and trailblazing. Hosted by Benoy Thanjan - a serial entrepreneur and founder of Reneu Energy
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- 3 days ago9 min
SMP 293: Why Execution Will Decide the Next Clean Energy Winners
The League Episode #51 – Show Notes In this episode of The League, Clean energy demand continues to accelerate as utilities, data centers, manufacturers, and large commercial customers seek more power. Solar, storage, transmission, and nuclear all have major opportunities, but the next phase of industry growth will depend less on demand and more on execution. In this episode of The League, we discuss the growing importance of permitting, interconnection, community engagement, tax-credit certainty, domestic manufacturing, and access to capital. We also examine the rising cost of grid upgrades in ISO New England, the renewed interest in nuclear development, and the continued evolution of tax equity and transferable tax-credit markets. The companies that can navigate complexity, manage risk, and move projects from development to operation will be best positioned to win. Host Bio: Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Rene Down down down down downu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions. Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market. As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar. Connect with Benoy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benoythanjan/ Learn more: https://reneuenergy.com https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com Host Bio: David Magid David Magid is a seasoned renewable energy executive with deep expertise in solar development, financing, and operations. He has worked across the clean energy value chain, leading teams that deliver distributed generation and community solar projects. David is widely recognized for his strategic insights on interconnection, market economics, and policy trends shaping the U.S. solar industry. Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmagid/ If you have any questions or comments, you can email us at info@reneuenergy.com. Please provide 5 star reviews If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share the Solar Maverick Podcast so more people can learn how to accelerate the clean energy transition. Reneu Energy Reneu Energy provides expert consulting across solar and storage project development, financing, energy strategy, and environmental commodities. Our team helps clients originate, structure, and execute opportunities in community solar, C&I, utility-scale, and renewable energy credit markets. Email us at info@reneuenergy.com to learn more.
- 1 weeks ago40 min
SMP 292: Where the Capital Is Flowing: Inside S&P Global’s Clean Energy Investment Trends Report
Recorded at the ACORE Finance Forum, Benoy Thanjan speaks with James Gutman of S&P Global about the findings from S&P Global’s latest report created for ACORE on the state of renewable energy finance and investment in the United States. James discusses the continued flow of capital into solar, battery storage, and other energy infrastructure, while examining the transmission, permitting, and market challenges that could constrain future growth. The conversation also explores James’s work with Young Professionals in Energy New York City and the importance of mentorship, networking, and developing the next generation of energy leaders. Biographies Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, a solar development and consulting firm, and the host of the Solar Maverick Podcast. He also serves as a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed more than 100 MW of solar projects across the United States, advised on more than 1 GW of energy projects worldwide, helped launch some of the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered approximately $50 million in renewable energy credit transactions. Before founding Reneu Energy, Benoy worked in Tesla’s Project Finance Group as an environmental commodities trader, where he managed one of the company’s largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated renewable energy credit transactions and worked with senior leadership to develop monetization and hedging strategies supporting the company’s expansion into East Coast markets. Benoy also served as Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, a solar and energy storage construction company, where he developed project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. At Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with approximately 125 MW of U.S. renewable energy assets, he evaluated investment opportunities, supported portfolio strategy, and played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable energy portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and in Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young. He also completed an internship on the trading floor at D. E. Shaw & Co., a global investment and technology development firm. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics from the NYU Stern School of Business, where he was an Alumni Scholar. Guest Information James Gutman Senior principal analyst at S&P Global focused on providing energy finance analysis and advisory services to financial and capital market clients. Previously a deal advisory senior associate with five and a half years experience in public accounting. He has a distinctive background: started his career advising entrepreneurs on building up successful businesses, scaling up full cycles accounting processes with growth strategies and tax planning. Moved into full time audit and then deal advisory at a Big 4 firm in New York City to assist asset managers and private equity in mergers and acquisitions with a specialization in renewables and infrastructure. Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: info@reneuenergy.com LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com Website: https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com/ James Gutman Report: https://acore.org/resources/clean-energy-investment-trends-sp-global-energy-report-produced-for-acore/ Email: james.gutman@spglobal.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-gutman/ Young Professional in Energy NYC: https://www.ypenyc.org/ Sponsor This episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast is brought to you by Reneu Energy. Reneu Energy works with companies and organizations on renewable energy strategy, project development, owner’s representation, project finance, renewable energy credits, and market advisory services. To learn more, visit: https://www.reneuenergy.com Listen and Subscribe Subscribe to the Solar Maverick Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review. It helps more people discover conversations with the leaders shaping the future of solar, storage, and the energy transition.
- 2 weeks ago39 min
SMP 291: How Bees, Biodiversity Data, and Agrivoltaics Are Transforming Solar Farms
Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy Thanjan speaks with Matt Coleman, CEO of Davis Hill Development and Principal of Skyview Ventures. The conversation centers on Davis Hill's partnership with HiveTracks, an innovative program that uses beekeeping and honey analysis as a biodiversity monitoring tool on solar sites. Matt explains how HiveTracks analyzes honey, pollen, and environmental DNA to track pollutants, invasive species, and ecosystem health, and how that data informs vegetative maintenance, mowing schedules, and seeding decisions on Davis Hill's projects. Benoy and Matt also discuss agrivoltaics and multi-use land strategies, including grazing, hay production, and a new cranberry bog project in Massachusetts, the importance of long-term partnerships with farmers and landowners, how community-focused land stewardship can strengthen permitting outcomes, and the evolving role of solar-plus-storage and standalone battery projects. The episode closes with Matt's advice for early-stage clean energy entrepreneurs on differentiation and market timing. Biographies Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, a solar development and consulting firm, and the host of the Solar Maverick Podcast. He also serves as a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed more than 100 MW of solar projects across the United States, advised on more than 1 GW of energy projects worldwide, helped launch some of the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered approximately $50 million in renewable energy credit transactions. Before founding Reneu Energy, Benoy worked in Tesla’s Project Finance Group as an environmental commodities trader, where he managed one of the company’s largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated renewable energy credit transactions and worked with senior leadership to develop monetization and hedging strategies supporting the company’s expansion into East Coast markets. Benoy also served as Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, a solar and energy storage construction company, where he developed project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. At Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with approximately 125 MW of U.S. renewable energy assets, he evaluated investment opportunities, supported portfolio strategy, and played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable energy portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and in Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young. He also completed an internship on the trading floor at D. E. Shaw & Co., a global investment and technology development firm. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics from the NYU Stern School of Business, where he was an Alumni Scholar. Guest Information Matt Coleman Matt Coleman joined Skyview in February 2016 and brings over fifteen years of expertise in renewable energy via project development and finance, corporate investment, and technology development. Mr. Coleman was most recently EVP of Business Development at Clean Focus, where he led the company’s commercial and utility solar power project development and acquisition. Prior to Clean Focus, Mr. Coleman co-founded and managed one of the first renewable energy sector hedge funds in the United States. He also helped launch two different concentrating solar firms, Soliant Energy and Hyperlight Energy, and developed and financed a variety of distributed generation technologies for RealEnergy. Mr. Coleman earned an MBA from the Anderson School at UCLA and a BA in Environmental Science from Johns Hopkins University. Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: info@reneuenergy.com LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com Website: https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com/ Matt Coleman Skyview Ventures https://skyviewventures.com/ Davis Hill Development https://www.davishilldevelopment.com/ Hivetracks https://www.hivetracks.com/ Matt Coleman on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattecolem/ Sponsor This episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast is brought to you by Reneu Energy. Reneu Energy works with companies and organizations on renewable energy strategy, project development, own
- 3 weeks ago54 min
Community Solar, Storage, and Getting Projects Done with Noelle Paige of Aspen Power
In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy Thanjan speaks with Noelle Paige, Vice President of Project Development at Aspen Power. Noelle shares her journey from classical ballet and public administration into renewable energy, including her work at Cypress Creek Renewables, Sol Systems, Summit Ridge Energy, Onyx Renewables, and now Aspen Power. She discusses what it takes to lead project development teams, how Aspen Power approaches community solar and distributed generation, and why stable markets like New York, Illinois, and Maryland remain important for community solar growth. Benoy and Noelle also discuss the changing solar market, the impact of policy uncertainty, the growing role of battery storage, and how companies are adapting as the industry shifts from pure solar development toward broader energy solutions. The conversation also highlights Noelle’s involvement with Solar Sisters and the Let’s Share the Sun delegation to Puerto Rico, including the importance of women’s leadership, mentorship, and building a stronger, more diverse renewable energy industry. Biographies Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, a solar development and consulting firm, and the host of the Solar Maverick Podcast. He also serves as a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed more than 100 MW of solar projects across the United States, advised on more than 1 GW of energy projects worldwide, helped launch some of the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered approximately $50 million in renewable energy credit transactions. Before founding Reneu Energy, Benoy worked in Tesla’s Project Finance Group as an environmental commodities trader, where he managed one of the company’s largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated renewable energy credit transactions and worked with senior leadership to develop monetization and hedging strategies supporting the company’s expansion into East Coast markets. Benoy also served as Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, a solar and energy storage construction company, where he developed project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. At Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with approximately 125 MW of U.S. renewable energy assets, he evaluated investment opportunities, supported portfolio strategy, and played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable energy portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and in Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young. He also completed an internship on the trading floor at D. E. Shaw & Co., a global investment and technology development firm. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics from the NYU Stern School of Business, where he was an Alumni Scholar. Guest Information Noelle Paige Noelle Paige is Vice President of Project Development at Aspen Power, where she leads project development strategy and execution for distributed generation and community solar projects. She has approximately a decade of experience in the solar industry, with prior roles at Cypress Creek Renewables, Sol Systems, Summit Ridge Energy, and Onyx Renewables. Her background includes community outreach, zoning, project finance diligence, development management, and team leadership. At Aspen Power, Noelle and her team help guide projects from acquisition and development through development completion, working closely with channel partners, finance teams, policy teams, and preconstruction teams. Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: info@reneuenergy.com LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com Website: https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com/ Noelle Paige Email: npaige@aspenpower.com Aspen Power https://aspenpower.com Noelle Paige on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/noellepaige/ Solar Sisters https://solar-sisters.org Solar Sisters first interview on the Solar Maverick Podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT-7t_K_4Oo&t=1093s Sponsor This episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast is brought to you by Reneu Energy. Reneu Energy works with companies and organizations on renewable energy strategy, project development, owner’s representation, project finance, renewable energy c
- Jun 30, 202631 min
SMP 289: The Author of The Lean Startup Explains How to Build an Incorruptible Company
Episode Summary: In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy Thanjan speaks with Eric Ries, bestselling author of The Lean Startup, about his new book, Incorruptible. Eric explains why successful companies often lose their mission as they grow, take on outside capital, and face pressure to prioritize short-term shareholder returns over long-term value. He explores how founders can protect the original purpose of their companies through stronger governance, legal structures, aligned investors, and what he calls “mission integrity.” The conversation also covers lessons from Costco, FedMart, Anthropic, public benefit corporations, employee ownership, and purpose trusts. Eric also explains why the core principles of The Lean Startup remain highly relevant in the age of artificial intelligence. Biographies Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, a solar development and consulting firm, and the host of the Solar Maverick Podcast. He also serves as a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed more than 100 MW of solar projects across the United States, advised on more than 1 GW of energy projects worldwide, helped launch some of the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered approximately $50 million in renewable energy credit transactions. Before founding Reneu Energy, Benoy worked in Tesla’s Project Finance Group as an environmental commodities trader, where he managed one of the company’s largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated renewable energy credit transactions and worked with senior leadership to develop monetization and hedging strategies supporting the company’s expansion into East Coast markets. Benoy also served as Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, a solar and energy storage construction company, where he developed project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. At Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with approximately 125 MW of U.S. renewable energy assets, he evaluated investment opportunities, supported portfolio strategy, and played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable energy portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and in Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young. He also completed an internship on the trading floor at D. E. Shaw & Co., a global investment and technology development firm. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics from the NYU Stern School of Business, where he was an Alumni Scholar. Guest Information Eric Ries Eric Ries is an entrepreneur, author, and leading thinker on innovation, management, and organizational design. He is best known as the author of the New York Times bestseller The Lean Startup, which introduced the Build-Measure-Learn framework and helped transform how startups and established companies develop new products under conditions of uncertainty. His latest book, Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad and How Great Companies Stay Great, examines why organizations lose their founding principles and how leaders can design companies that remain trustworthy, mission-driven, and successful over the long term. Eric has worked with startups, major corporations, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and leaders across industries to create more innovative and resilient organizations. Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: info@reneuenergy.com LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com Website: https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com/ Eric Ries Website: https://incorruptible.co Website: https://howisincorruptiblegoing.com Legal services (Virgil): https://tryvirgil.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eries/ Please provide 5 star reviews If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share the Solar Maverick Podcast so more people can learn how to accelerate the clean energy transition. Reneu Energy Reneu Energy provides expert consulting across solar and storage project development, financing, energy strategy, and environmental commodities. Our team helps clients originate, structure, and execute opportunities in community solar, C&I, utility-scale, and renewable energy credit markets. Email us at info@reneuenergy.com to learn more
- Jun 24, 202646 min
SMP 288: Why Solar Racking Can Make or Break a Project
Episode Summary: In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Bill Taylor, CEO and owner of DCE Solar, about his 17-year journey building one of the solar industry's most resilient racking and construction companies. Bill shares how DCE Solar grew from a racking supplier into a group of businesses spanning racking systems, construction services, engineering and design, carports, ground mounts, rooftop systems, and single-axis trackers for solar projects across the United States. The conversation covers how Bill has navigated the "solar coaster" through financial discipline, a strong company culture, and a focus on quality and long-term customer relationships rather than competing purely on price. Bill and Benoy also dig into the technical side of racking and tracker design for challenging terrain and cold climates, DCE's exclusive U.S. partnership with Spain's Axial Structures, and why AI-driven data center growth is making reliable power access more critical than ever for the US’'s energy strategy. Biographies Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $50 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions. Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market. As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, a large solar and storage construction firm, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar. Guest Information Bill Taylor Bill Taylor is an accomplished entrepreneur and executive with over two decades of experience successfully navigating and scaling the alternative energy and sustainability sector. As the CEO and Owner of DCE Solar, DCE Services, and DCE Design, he is driven by a commitment to innovation and an unwavering belief in making solar the most cost-effective energy source globally. Under his leadership, the DCE companies design, engineer, and build solar power plants, managing projects from complex commercial carports and rooftops to large-scale 100 Megawatt (MW) utility installations nationwide. Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: info@reneuenergy.com LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com Website: https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com/ Bill Taylor Website: https://www.dcesolar.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billetaylor/ Bill Taylor recommended Good to Great by Jim Collins. Please provide 5 star reviews If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share the Solar Maverick Podcast so more people can learn how to accelerate the clean energy transition. Reneu Energy Reneu Energy provides expert consulting across solar and storage project development, financing, energy strategy, and environmental commodities. Our team helps clients originate, structure, and execute opportunities in community solar, C&I, utility-scale, and renewable energy credit markets. Email us at info@reneuenergy.com to learn more.
- Jun 19, 20265 min
SMP 287: Solar Surpasses Coal in the U.S. but Legal and Political Risks Are Rising
The League Episode #50 – Show Notes In this episode of The League, Benoy Thanjan and David Magid break down the latest clean energy trends. They discuss litigation surrounding alleged battery leaks in Suffolk County, the revocation of a permit for a major Ohio solar project, and the growing regulatory risks confronting developers. They also explore why data centers, warehouses, and other large energy users are increasingly adopting behind-the-meter solar and storage as grid constraints and interconnection delays make access to reliable power a critical business issue. The episode concludes with a major industry milestone: solar generated more U.S. electricity than coal in May 2026. Benoy and David explain why pairing solar with battery storage can make renewable power more valuable, flexible, and responsive to periods of peak demand. Host Bio: Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Rene Down down down down downu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions. Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market. As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar. Connect with Benoy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benoythanjan/ Learn more: https://reneuenergy.com https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com Host Bio: David Magid David Magid is a seasoned renewable energy executive with deep expertise in solar development, financing, and operations. He has worked across the clean energy value chain, leading teams that deliver distributed generation and community solar projects. David is widely recognized for his strategic insights on interconnection, market economics, and policy trends shaping the U.S. solar industry. Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmagid/ If you have any questions or comments, you can email us at info@reneuenergy.com. Please provide 5 star reviews If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share the Solar Maverick Podcast so more people can learn how to accelerate the clean energy transition. Reneu Energy Reneu Energy provides expert consulting across solar and storage project development, financing, energy strategy, and environmental commodities. Our team helps clients originate, structure, and execute opportunities in community solar, C&I, utility-scale, and renewable energy credit markets. Email us at info@reneuenergy.com to learn more.
- Jun 11, 202654 min
SMP 286: How AI Is Making Project Finance 10x Faster
Episode Summary: In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Inigo, co-founder and CEO of Concentro and founder of Folio, about how AI is helping streamline clean energy project finance. Inigo shares the story behind Concentro and how tax credit transferability created new opportunities in the market. The conversation focuses on Folio, an AI-powered platform created by Concentro that helps project finance teams organize data rooms, manage diligence, extract key information from documents, and prepare projects for financing. Biographies Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $50 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions. Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market. As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar. Guest Information Iñigo Rengifo Melia Iñigo Rengifo Melia is the co-founder and CEO of Concentro and Folio, two companies transforming how clean energy projects are financed and managed. An electromechanical engineer by training with a strong background in energy, Inigo began his career as the first employee at a startup studio, where he was part of the founding team of two early-stage companies. He then joined McKinsey as a management consultant, specializing in energy including a nearly 10-month engagement helping one of Spain's largest utilities build and launch a distributed generation platform. Inigo went on to earn his MBA from Harvard Business School, where he met his co-founder Tao. Concentro is a hands-on tax credit transferability platform focused primarily on distributed generation, managing the entire process from diligence to transaction management to legal documentation. The firm works with both sellers (IPPs, developers, sponsors) and buyers (corporations seeking vetted tax credits). Folio, spun out from Concentro's internal tooling, is an AI-powered diligence and project finance platform that helps clean energy teams process documentation faster, maintain precision, and manage the full lifecycle from financing preparation through asset management. Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: info@reneuenergy.com LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com Website: https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com/ Iñigo Rengifo Melia Folio Website: getfolio.io Concentro Website: concentro.io Email (Folio): inigo@getfolio.io Email (Concentro): inigo@concentro.io LinkedIn: Iñigo Rengifo Melia — Concentro Solar Maverick listeners can request a free two-month trial of Folio — mention Solar Maverick when reaching out. Prior Episode of the Solar Maverick with Inigo and Tao from Concentro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgIbZo4upM8 Summer Solstice Fundraiser A special thank you to everyone who attended and supported the Summer Solstice Fundraiser benefiting Let’s Share the Sun. It was an incredible evening bringing together the clean energy community to support solar and battery storage for communities in Puerto Rico. We are grateful to our sponsors and partners who helped make the event possible, including Folio, Concentro, SolHarvest Energy, Kinetic Communities Consulting, Jordan Energy, Positive Deviancy, New Energy Equity, Reneu Energy, the Sol
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The Solar Maverick Podcast is the insiders guide to where the solar and energy markets meet entrepreneurship and trailblazing. Hosted by Benoy Thanjan - a serial entrepreneur and founder of Reneu Energy
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