Watt Matters by PVcase

PVcase

At PVcase, we’re on a mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. That’s why we created the Watt Matters podcast - a must-listen series for developers, engineers, analysts, and decision makers shaping the future of large-scale solar. Each episode tackles the tough realities behind why so many solar projects stall - and what we can do to fix it. We bring together industry leaders to share strategic insights, practical tools, and real-world experiences. Learn more at https://www.pvcase.com/

Épisodes

  1. The Foundation of Utility-Scale Solar

    16/12/2025

    The Foundation of Utility-Scale Solar

    In this episode of Watt Matters we sit down with Alice Thomas and Seif Gomaa from Solarport Systems, a UK-based manufacturer delivering ground-mount solar solutions across the UK and Europe. Together we explore what really goes on beneath the solar panels — from foundation engineering and site investigations to design optimisation, documentation standards, and emerging innovations like AI-driven workflows, trackers and carport systems. As projects grow in scale and complexity, mounting structures are not just a logistical detail — they are strategic drivers of cost, durability, yield and ultimately project bankability. Alice and Seif walk us through why early-stage due diligence, flexible foundation options, and strong supply-chain relationships increasingly differentiate successful solar developments from risky ones. Takeaways Local manufacturing dramatically reduces lead times and enables rapid spare-part support.Offering multiple foundation types (pile, ballast, gabion, X-anchor, etc.) makes even challenging terrain viable.Thorough geotechnical and topographical site investigations — including corrosion assessment and pull-out tests — are critical for long-term structural integrity.Documentation, code validation and traceability have become non-negotiable requirements for developers and investors.High-quality structural steel (e.g. S450 with advanced coatings) and tailored engineering can extend system life well beyond the traditional 25 years.Detailed 3-D layouts and topography-aware designs help avoid shading, grading or pile-clash issues — improving yield, constructability and bankability.Automation and AI are beginning to support repetitive tasks and QC processes — freeing up engineers to focus on design decisions and risk assessment.Tech is evolving: tracker systems and carport-mounted installations are among future growth areas for mounting providers like Solarport. Chapters (timestamps are approximate) 00:00 – Intro & context: why mounting systems matter 03:30 – Guest introductions: roles & motivations 05:00 – The advantage of being a UK-based manufacturer 07:30 – Evolution of site scale and foundation options 10:00 – Changes in design standards, warranty & longevity expectations 13:00 – Importance of site investigations, documentation and risk transparency 15:30 – How layout optimisation impacts yield and cost 18:00 – Project planning discipline: procurement & data quality 22:00 – Challenges: soil variability, archaeology, unexpected ground conditions 24:30 – Expanding from UK into EU: matching regional standards 26:00 – Use of AI and automation in engineering workflows 29:30 – Future of mounting: trackers, carports and continuous innovation 34:30 – Final thoughts: advice for developers & EPCs To learn more about accelerating solar project success and how PVcase supports developers from design to delivery, visit www.pvcase.com.

    33 min
  2. The BESS Revolution, with Swetha Sundaram

    18/11/2025

    The BESS Revolution, with Swetha Sundaram

    Battery energy storage systems (BESS) have rapidly evolved from a niche technology into a core pillar of the modern renewable grid. As utility-scale solar expands, storage is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential for delivering reliability and resilience.  In this episode of Watt Matters, Ana speaks with Swetha Sundaram, VP of Solar and Hybrid BESS Systems at RWE Clean Energy and co-author of The BESS Book, to unpack what’s driving this transformation. Swetha shares her insider’s perspective on the evolution of storage—from early pilot projects to today’s 200MW+ systems—and offers practical insights into permitting, design, safety, and revenue optimisation. She also explores how AI and new chemical systems are reshaping what’s possible for grid-scale storage, and why collaboration across communities and regulators is key to BESS success. To learn more about accelerating solar project success and how PVcase supports developers from design to delivery, visit www.pvcase.com. Takeaways BESS has become a critical part of grid infrastructure, not just a solar add-on.Safety and permitting remain top challenges, requiring proactive community engagement.Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry now dominates for cost and safety advantages.Project scale has increased from 10MW a decade ago to 200MW and beyond.AI and predictive analytics are unlocking smarter battery degradation management.Revenue realisation depends heavily on sophisticated software and dynamic dispatch.Permitting delays can be avoided by early collaboration with local authorities.Standalone storage is thriving post-IRA, enabling new grid and data centre applications.Long-duration technologies like sodium-ion and iron-air show strong future potential.The future of BESS lies in integration—across grids, industries, and digital systems. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and guest background 03:00 – Why BESS matters for the clean energy transition 06:00 – Writing The BESS Book and its intended audience 09:00 – What is BESS and how it works 12:00 – How technology, chemistry, and safety have evolved 15:00 – Permitting challenges and lessons learned 18:00 – The unique development and operational aspects of BESS 24:00 – Market dynamics, tariffs, and project economics 29:00 – The rise of standalone storage and data centre integration 33:00 – The role of AI in optimising storage performance 39:00 – Long-duration storage and emerging technologies 43:00 – Hard-earned lessons and key takeaways for developers 47:00 – The future of storage and closing thoughts

    36 min
  3. The Science of Solar Site Selection, with Benoy Thanjan

    14/10/2025

    The Science of Solar Site Selection, with Benoy Thanjan

    In this episode of Watt Matters, Ana discusses the realities of financing and developing solar projects in today’s market with Benoy Thanjan, Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy. Drawing from his extensive experience as an investor, advisor, and entrepreneur, Benoy shares insights into where projects succeed — and where they often fail. The conversation focuses on how capital, risk perception, and project structures influence solar’s growth, while also touching on the evolving role of developers, financiers, and policy in shaping outcomes. Learn the practical hurdles facing solar professionals and the opportunities to unlock more successful projects. Takeaways Financing remains the most critical bottleneck in solar project development.Early-stage risk management determines long-term project success.Policy incentives are important, but can’t replace strong fundamentals.Collaboration and transparency between developers and financiers is essential.The maturing industry demands greater efficiency and innovation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Benoy Thanjan 02:10 From Wall Street to solar energy 05:42 Understanding solar finance basics 09:15 Key risks in project development 13:28 Challenges for small vs. large developers 17:40 Policy, incentives, and market trends 21:55 Investor confidence and transparency 26:30 Collaboration for project success 30:05 Looking ahead: the future of solar finance To learn more about building the future of large-scale solar and how PVcase can help, head to www.pvcase.com

    32 min
  4. The State of Solar Development 2025, with Miguel Herrero

    17/09/2025

    The State of Solar Development 2025, with Miguel Herrero

    In this first episode of Watt Matters by PVcase, Ana is in conversation with Miguel Herrero, Senior Market Advisor at PVcase, to discuss the findings from PVcase’s recent State of Solar Development survey. He emphasises the optimism within the industry despite significant challenges that came as a result from surveying over 400 solar professionals across various markets.  Key themes include the optimism paradox, the critical pre-construction phase, and the need for better tools and processes to enhance project success. The conversation also highlights regional differences in solar development and the future direction of solar technology. Takeaways Miguel's journey into solar was driven by a desire to combat climate change.The 2025 State of Solar Development Report provides a comprehensive snapshot of the industry.Optimism in solar is high, with 84% of professionals reporting growth.The financing stage is the most critical hurdle for solar projects.High-quality engineering is essential for project success.The pre-construction phase is where most projects fail.Automation and better tools are needed to improve project efficiency.Regional differences exist in solar development challenges.The future of solar lies in smarter, more efficient processes.Collaboration and dialogue are key to overcoming industry hurdles. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Solar Enthusiasm 02:25 The State of Solar Development Report 05:09 Optimism in Solar: Growth and Challenges 08:13 The Optimism Paradox in Solar Projects 10:55 Identifying the Valley of Death 14:12 Best Practices for Successful Solar Projects 17:16 Regional Differences in Solar Development 20:02 Looking Ahead: The Future of Solar Technology To learn more about building the future of large-scale solar and how PVcase can help, head to www.pvcase.com

    24 min

  5. BANDE-ANNONCE

    Welcome to Watt Matters by PVcase

    Why do so many solar projects stall? And what can we do to change this?  Welcome to Watt Matters, the new solar podcast, powered by PVcase. In each episode, Ana Conde will be joined by exciting solar guests, ranging from industry leaders to influencers to engineers. We’ll take an in-depth look at a topic at the forefront of the solar conversation and explore the best tools and strategies for how to move solar forward.  From site selection and feasibility to yield optimisation and the latest tech, you’ll hear expert perspectives and practical solutions you can put to work right now. Follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts to be sure you won’t miss out on hearing these solar insights brought to light – because when more projects succeed, we all move closer to a sustainable future, together. To learn more about building the future of large-scale solar and how PVcase can help, head to www.pvcase.com

    2 min

Bande-annonce

À propos

At PVcase, we’re on a mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. That’s why we created the Watt Matters podcast - a must-listen series for developers, engineers, analysts, and decision makers shaping the future of large-scale solar. Each episode tackles the tough realities behind why so many solar projects stall - and what we can do to fix it. We bring together industry leaders to share strategic insights, practical tools, and real-world experiences. Learn more at https://www.pvcase.com/

Informations

  • Création
    PVcase
  • Années d’activité
    2 k
  • Épisodes
    5
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Cofruition
  • Site web de l’émission
    Watt Matters by PVcase