SMP 244: The Science of Solar Site Selection

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, moratoriums, and evolving market dynamics, Benoy shares hard-earned lessons from developing over 100 MW of solar projects across the U.S. He also discusses how technology, AI, and relationships all play a role in finding and executing the right solar sites. This conversation is packed with practical insights for developers, EPCs, investors, and anyone who wants to understand how the best projects actually get built. Topics Covered: What truly defines a “good” solar site and how to spot red flags early How developers can evaluate flat land, proximity to three-phase power, and interconnection feasibility The growing challenges in saturated markets like New York and New Jersey How to navigate solar moratoriums, endangered species issues, and permitting Real-world lessons from community solar and rooftop projects, including NYCHA’s Harlem portfolio The role of AI, GIS tools, and automation in speeding up site selection and design Why relationships, transparency, and trust still matter more than ever How the “Big Beautiful Bill” and regulatory uncertainty are reshaping the solar landscape Trends shaping the future: solar + storage, repowering assets, and new market geographies Notable Quote: “At the end of the day, you can have all the technology in the world, but if you can’t build relationships, it’s a lot harder to develop great projects. People do business with those they know, like, and trust.” Key Takeaway: Solar success starts long before construction. Smart site selection, community engagement, and disciplined feasibility analysis separate projects that thrive from those that never get off the ground.   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 $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.   Ana Conde Ana Conde is a seasoned product marketing leader with over 15 years in renewable energy. Known for her strategic mindset and passion for innovation, Ana brings clarity, curiosity, and deep industry knowledge to every conversation. As host of Watt Matters, she explores the ideas, people, and breakthroughs moving solar forward   Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: [email protected]  LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Ana Conde      Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-conde-df/ Website:  https://pvcase.com/podcast/s1e2-podcast-science-solar-selection-benoy-thanjan