SMP 247: The Future of US C&I Solar and Storage with New Energy Equity(Versiris)

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 field-tested tactics for originating bankable projects, speeding development, and building durable partnership. 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.   Nick Kerwin Nick joined the New Energy Equity team in 2021 and has over 13 years of experience in the solar industry. He has worked on residential, C&I, community solar, storage and small utility-scale projects across the country. In his current role as Senior Vice President, C&I, Nick leads a team of Project Managers, Business Development, Project Engineers, and Marketing professionals working together to bring turn-key solar projects into our National Commercial and Industrial partners, focusing on driving efficiencies, reducing transaction costs, and building long-term partnerships in markets across the country. Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: [email protected]  LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com Website: https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com   Nick Kerwin      Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-kerwin-183857141/      Website:  https://www.newenergyequity.com/         https://versirisenergy.com/      Email:  [email protected]   Join Us for the Winter Solstice Fundraiser!  I’m excited to invite you to our Winter Solstice Fundraiser, hosted by Reneu Energy and the Solar Maverick Podcast on Thursday, December 4th from 6–10 PM at Hudson Hall in Jersey City, NJ! 🎟️ Get tickets here   This event brings together clean energy leaders, entrepreneurs, and friends to celebrate the season while raising funds for the Let’s Share the Sun Foundation, which installs solar and storage systems for families and communities in need in Puerto Rico. We’ll have: -Great food and drinks -Amazing networking with solar and sustainability professionals -Sports memorabilia auctions (with proceeds benefiting Let’s Share the Sun) -An inspiring community focused on making an impact through solar energy If you or your company would like to get involved as a sponsor, please message us at [email protected].