Today on the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague explores two critical aspects of modern solar development: effective industry partnerships and IRA compliance. Four industry veterans share insights on how collaboration and compliance can coexist with aggressive timelines:

Successful Partnership Dynamics:

• OMCO and Sunstall have collaborated on over 100 projects together, including nearly 100 projects for Coldwell Solar in California
• Key success factors include:
  • Rapid response time for field issues due to domestic manufacturing
  • Product evolution based on installer feedback, particularly bearing designs that accommodate field conditions
  • Consistent communication and clear expectations between all parties
  • Proper sequencing of material deliveries (piles first, followed by racking)

Real World Example - Wilcox Project:

• 4MW ‘multi-site’ project (powering a greenhouse complex) completed in 8 weeks from initial contact to completion.
• Success attributed to:
  • OMCO's ability to manufacture and ship from the Phoenix facility
  • Sunstall's rapid team mobilization
  • Obodo Energy's decisive project management and clear communication

IRA Compliance & Domestic Content:

• OMCO Solar (Eric Goodwin) detailed their domestic manufacturing capabilities, currently at 88% domestic content for trackers with 100% expected by Q2 2025
• Their fixed-tilt products already meet 100% iron and steel requirements
• OMCO benefits from the 45X manufacturing tax credit, helping level pricing with international competitors

The discussion demonstrated how strong partnerships between manufacturers, installers, and EPCs can maintain efficient project timelines while meeting IRA requirements, with communication and trust serving as foundational elements for success.

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Eric Goodwin
Matt Kessler
Omco Solar
Helge Biernath
Sunstall
John Mitman
Abodo Energy

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The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com

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The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

Today on the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with David Huebsch, Field Service Engineer and Manager for CPS America's Central Region. Drawing from his unique background transitioning from wind turbine maintenance to solar inverter service, David shares valuable insights into the critical role of field service in the solar industry.

The conversation delves deep into the daily challenges and responsibilities of solar field service, from commissioning new sites to troubleshooting communication issues and managing customer relationships. David offers a fascinating glimpse into the technical aspects of inverter maintenance, the importance of proper installation, and the crucial role of customer support in the solar industry.

We also delved into CPS America’s upcoming fourth annual Product Innovation Day on April 2nd in Dallas where solar professionals gather for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at upcoming product releases and industry innovations. This mini-conference provides unparalleled networking opportunities with CPS America's leadership team, engineering department, and customer support specialists while offering attendees valuable insights into the company's latest technological developments. Check out CPS Product Innovation Day 2025: https://loom.ly/Ll19EVk

The episode also highlights CPS America's approach to customer service and the importance of building strong relationships with clients. Whether you're a solar professional, project developer, or simply interested in the technical side of solar energy, this episode offers valuable insights into what keeps solar farms running efficiently.

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David Huebsch
CPS America
CPS America Innovation Day

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Connect with Tim

Clean Power Hour
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Tim on Twitter
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Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com

Review Clean Power Hour on Apple Podcasts

The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com

Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/

The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

Today on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague sits down with Eric Goodwin, Vice President of Business Development at OMCO Solar, to explore the evolution and future of solar manufacturing in the United States. From its roots as a truck bumper manufacturer in 1955 to becoming America's largest custom roll former with 13GW of annual solar racking capacity, OMCO's story exemplifies the transformation of US manufacturing in the renewable energy era.

Eric shares invaluable insights into OMCO's journey from a contract manufacturer for other racking companies to developing their own innovative product line, including fixed-tilt and tracker solutions. The conversation goes deep into the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, domestic content requirements, and how OMCO achieves 88-92% domestic content in their products. Listeners will learn about OMCO's exciting partnership with Create Energy, founded by industry pioneer Dean Solon (founder of Shoals Technologies), and their shared vision for advancing US solar manufacturing.

We also discussed our upcoming exclusive webinar featuring OMCO Solar, Sunstall, and Obodo Energy on Jan 23, 1 PM Eastern, Noon Central, 11 AM Mountain, and 10 AM Pacific! Eric Goodwin and Matt Kessler from OMCO Solar, Helge Biernath, CEO of Sunstall, and John Mitman, CEO of Obodo Energy, will share their insights on handling project changes, adapting to unexpected site conditions, managing supply chain disruptions, and implementing module changes mid-installation with minimal impact. Learn from their years of successful collaboration and discover how strong partnerships can drive project success even in challenging circumstances.

This webinar will showcase practical examples and strategies that have helped their teams deliver successful solar installations while minimizing change orders and project delays. Register here for the webinar.

Don't miss this comprehensive discussion about one of the most critical components of utility-scale and distributed-generation solar projects.

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OMCO Solar Webinar
Eric Goodwin
OMCO

Support the show

Connect with Tim

Clean Power Hour
Clean Power Hour on YouTube
Tim on Twitter
Tim on LinkedIn

Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com

Review Clean Power Hour on Apple Podcasts

The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com

Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/

The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com