In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy Thanjan speaks with Noelle Paige, Vice President of Project Development at Aspen Power. Noelle shares her journey from classical ballet and public administration into renewable energy, including her work at Cypress Creek Renewables, Sol Systems, Summit Ridge Energy, Onyx Renewables, and now Aspen Power. She discusses what it takes to lead project development teams, how Aspen Power approaches community solar and distributed generation, and why stable markets like New York, Illinois, and Maryland remain important for community solar growth. Benoy and Noelle also discuss the changing solar market, the impact of policy uncertainty, the growing role of battery storage, and how companies are adapting as the industry shifts from pure solar development toward broader energy solutions. The conversation also highlights Noelle’s involvement with Solar Sisters and the Let’s Share the Sun delegation to Puerto Rico, including the importance of women’s leadership, mentorship, and building a stronger, more diverse renewable energy industry. Biographies Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, a solar development and consulting firm, and the host of the Solar Maverick Podcast. He also serves as a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed more than 100 MW of solar projects across the United States, advised on more than 1 GW of energy projects worldwide, helped launch some of the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered approximately $50 million in renewable energy credit transactions. Before founding Reneu Energy, Benoy worked in Tesla’s Project Finance Group as an environmental commodities trader, where he managed one of the company’s largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated renewable energy credit transactions and worked with senior leadership to develop monetization and hedging strategies supporting the company’s expansion into East Coast markets. Benoy also served as Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, a solar and energy storage construction company, where he developed project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. At Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with approximately 125 MW of U.S. renewable energy assets, he evaluated investment opportunities, supported portfolio strategy, and played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable energy portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and in Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young. He also completed an internship on the trading floor at D. E. Shaw & Co., a global investment and technology development firm. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics from the NYU Stern School of Business, where he was an Alumni Scholar. Guest Information Noelle Paige Noelle Paige is Vice President of Project Development at Aspen Power, where she leads project development strategy and execution for distributed generation and community solar projects. She has approximately a decade of experience in the solar industry, with prior roles at Cypress Creek Renewables, Sol Systems, Summit Ridge Energy, and Onyx Renewables. Her background includes community outreach, zoning, project finance diligence, development management, and team leadership. At Aspen Power, Noelle and her team help guide projects from acquisition and development through development completion, working closely with channel partners, finance teams, policy teams, and preconstruction teams. Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: info@reneuenergy.com LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com Website: https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com/ Noelle Paige Email: npaige@aspenpower.com Aspen Power https://aspenpower.com Noelle Paige on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/noellepaige/ Solar Sisters https://solar-sisters.org Solar Sisters first interview on the Solar Maverick Podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT-7t_K_4Oo&t=1093s Sponsor This episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast is brought to you by Reneu Energy. Reneu Energy works with companies and organizations on renewable energy strategy, project development, owner’s representation, project finance, renewable energy credits, and market advisory services. To learn more, visit: https://www.reneuenergy.com Listen and Subscribe Subscribe to the Solar Maverick Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review. It helps more people discover conversations with the leaders shaping the future of solar, storage, and the energy transition. SMP 290 Key Takeaways 1. Community solar depends on stable markets Noelle explains that Aspen Power is focused on community solar markets with stable and predictable programs. New York and Illinois are especially important because their community solar frameworks give developers more certainty around project economics, awards, timelines, and offtake. 2. Project development is about execution A major theme of the episode is execution. From development milestones to permitting, finance, interconnection, landowner communication, and preconstruction, getting projects across the finish line requires coordination across many different teams. 3. Policy changes are forcing companies to adapt The conversation explores how changes to the investment tax credit, safe harboring, equipment requirements, and broader political uncertainty are forcing solar companies to rethink project design, timelines, and market strategy. 4. Storage is becoming increasingly important Noelle discusses how Aspen Power is evaluating storage opportunities, including solar-plus-storage and standalone storage. As the market changes, more companies are looking at batteries as a way to diversify, strengthen project economics, and maximize existing assets. 5. Leadership means serving your team Noelle shares her approach to management, including the idea that her team does not work for her, but that she works for them. She emphasizes listening, understanding how people learn and operate, and creating a culture where team members can grow and succeed. 6. Women’s networks are essential in renewable energy The episode highlights Solar Sisters, a growing community of women in solar and renewable energy. Noelle discusses the importance of peer support, mentorship, and creating spaces where women can share experiences, challenges, wins, and opportunities. 7. Diversity requires intentional action Noelle explains that hiring and leadership require more than good intentions. Companies need to be intentional about broadening candidate pools, creating access, and making sure more people have the opportunity to become “the best person for the job.” Memorable Quotes “People don’t work for me. I work for them.” “Learn it once, touch it once, do it once.” “Community solar is great for those of us who are trying to get a bunch of things done at once.” “You can build a great project and have all your permits, but if you don’t know where you’re selling your energy, there’s a big problem.” “Your network is everything, and it’s not just who you know, it’s who knows you.” “Go get some shit done, or get out of the way.”
