Scaling Solar Smarter: Innovation, Supply Chains, & the Future of Clean Energy

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What does it really take to build a stronger, smarter, clean energy future? In this episode of CleanTech Talk, we delve into the forces shaping the next era of solar energy. With decades of experience leading in the global energy space, from ABB and Schneider Electric to Enphase and now SolarEdge, General Manager for SolarEdge North America Marty Rogers shares a ground-level view of what’s next in inverter and storage innovation, how the US can take control of its domestic solar supply chain, and why sustainability must extend beyond the rooftop. We also delve into real-world solar trends across residential, commercial, and grid services, as well as the policy, technology, and manufacturing shifts necessary to scale with impact.

Marty sat down with CleanTechnica’s Scott Cooney to discuss these matters and more. You can listen via the embedded YouTube or SoundCloud players below, or you can listen on your favorite podcast network if it’s not one of those.

You can also listen to this and other CleanTech Talk podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, Overcast, Pocket, Podbean, Radio Public, or YouTube.

As more of a primer and in addition to the discussion above, here’s more from SolarEdge on what it is focused on these days:

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Strengthening the Domestic Solar Supply Chain: SolarEdge is actively reshoring critical manufacturing to the US, with production facilities in Florida, Texas, and Utah focused on key components such as inverters and circuit boards. This investment aligns with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) domestic content incentives and positions the company and its partners to access tax credits that require US-made equipment. Beyond incentives, it’s about building supply chain resilience and reducing exposure to global trade instability, while supporting job creation and cleantech leadership at home.

Sustainability — Practicing What We Preach: As a company enabling the clean energy transition, SolarEdge is also committed to decarbonizing its own operations, from responsible sourcing and waste reduction to energy-efficient product design. Sustainability is embedded throughout the value chain, with initiatives focused on reducing the carbon footprint of our manufacturing, packaging, and logistics operations. It’s about leading by example and holding ourselves to the same environmental standards we promote through our technologies.

Where Innovation is Heading in the Inverters & Storage Space: Inverters are evolving from simple energy converters to intelligent, grid-connected devices that manage power, storage, and load control in real-time. SolarEdge is at the forefront of this transformation, with new platforms like Nexus designed for higher reliability, seamless integration with batteries and EVs, and a dramatically improved installer experience. The future of innovation lies in grid-aware, software-defined systems that use AI and data to optimize performance, enhance resilience, and lower the lifetime cost of ownership.

Trends in Solar for Residential, Commercial, and Grid Services: Residential solar is increasingly about energy independence and resilience, with battery storage and backup capabilities now driving demand, especially in states prone to outages or high electricity rates. On the commercial side, sustainability mandates, rising utility costs, and new financing models are making solar + storage more attractive than ever. Meanwhile, grid services and virtual power plants (VPPs) are becoming a vital part of the equation, offering homeowners, businesses, and utilities new ways to share and monetize distributed energy while improving grid stability.

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What’s not to love about all that?