Solar Maverick Podcast

In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, host Benoy Thanjan sits down with Dr. Hunter McDaniel, CEO of UbiQD, a quantum materials company redefining how light interacts with solar technology.Hunter breaks down quantum dots and explains how this nanotechnology can dramatically improve solar performance by optimizing the light spectrum. The conversation dives deep into UbiQD’s landmark supply...

Episode Summary:Benoy sits down with MyWorkerAI founder William Szamosszegi to talk about how an “AI sales team as a service” can automate research, outreach, and lead generation for founders and renewable energy companies. They also dive into AI’s impact on the solar industry, personal branding, and the mindset tools entrepreneurs need to win in an AI-driven world. BiographiesBenoy ThanjanBenoy...

Episode Summary:In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy sits down with Rob Sternthal, Managing Director at Expedition Infrastructure Partners, to break down how investors evaluate solar platforms and development pipelines. Rob brings more than 20 years of experience in investment banking, tax equity, structured finance, and renewable energy, and he explains the real criteria that...

Episode Summary:In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, host Benoy Thanjan jumps to the other side of the mic with Kevin (“Kadro”) and Mike (“Higo”) from Climate Hive. They dig into the massive cost declines in solar and storage, why solar is a technology and not a fuel, and the impact of Let’s Share the Sun’s recent work in Puerto Rico. The conversation also explores how financing and...

In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, host Benoy Thanjan talks with Jon Semingson, President of Peak Demand, a leading recruitment firm focused on renewable energy and clean technology. Jon shares an inside look at how the intense growth of solar, storage and broader renewables is reshaping the talent market, what companies are doing right and wrong when hiring, and what candidates...

Episode Summary:Host Benoy Thanjan sits down with Nick Kerwin, VP at New Energy Equity and Versiris Energy, to break down what’s next for C&I rooftop solar, community solar, and storage. We talk market dynamics, project finance, interconnection realities, and how policy changes (the “Big Beautiful Bill” and related guidance) could reshape deal structures and timelines. Nick shares...

Episode Summary:Benoy sits down with co-host and Squarespace designer Li Wang to unpack how your website functions as core digital real estate for any solar brand. They cover platform choices, SEO that attracts qualified leads, and design tactics that convert visitors into discovery calls. Li also shares behind-the-scenes lessons from building the new Solar Maverick Podcast site and refreshing...

Episode Summary:In this special crossover episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, host Benoy Thanjan sits down with Ana Conde from PVcase originally featured on her Watt Matters Podcast to break down one of the most critical stages of solar project development: site selection and feasibility.From choosing the right land and navigating interconnection hurdles to understanding permitting,...

Episode Summary:Chris Lettman of Imperial Star Solar, an American-made solar module manufacturer, joins Benoy on the Solar Maverick Podcast to unpack how projects truly qualify for the 10% domestic content adder, why U.S. cells and traceability drive eligibility, and what U.S. manufacturing looks like at Imperial Star’s Houston facility. They also discuss supply realities, Tier 1 vs. bankability,...

Episode Summary:In this episode, Benoy Thanjan sits down with Sandhya Murali, Co-Founder & CEO of Solstice, and Sam Cote, Account Executive, to discuss the launch of Solstice’s groundbreaking Community Benefit REC program. It is an innovative structure that channels corporate sustainability investments directly into underserved communities.The program debuted in 2024 with Microsoft as one of...