In this episode of Sounds of Solar, we sit down with Ryan Grady, Director of Transmission at EVS, to unpack why the U.S. transmission grid is under unprecedented pressure. As aging infrastructure collides with explosive load growth from data centers, electrification, and renewable energy, transmission has become one of the most critical bottlenecks in the energy transition. Ryan explains how decades old lines are being pushed beyond their original design intent, why reliability and resilience are now central to planning decisions, and what utilities and engineers are doing to adapt. From data center driven demand to emerging design strategies, this conversation explores how transmission is being reshaped to support the grid we will rely on for decades to come.

This Sounds of Solar conversation dives into why solar site design is under more pressure than ever and what the industry must do to keep pace. As projects grow larger and timelines tighten, traditional workflows are struggling to keep up with increasing complexity, land constraints, and grid demands. The discussion explores how smarter tools, earlier decision making, and emerging automation are helping teams move faster while reducing risk and rework. From identifying bottlenecks in today's design process to rethinking how engineering supports developers and EPCs, this episode highlights a clear message: speed, accuracy, and adaptability are no longer optional. It is a forward-looking look at how solar engineering is evolving to meet the moment and build better projects from the ground up.

Agrivoltaics is having a moment and the Sounds of Solar hosts are here for it. In this lively episode, the team dives into the sunny intersection of farming and solar energy where crops, sheep, shade, and science all share the same field. From tomatoes to berries to goats with attitude, the crew explores how dual use land can boost farm productivity, cool panels, conserve water, and spark new opportunities for growers. They also break down design quirks, policy hurdles, and why this emerging trend is more approachable than it sounds. A fun, friendly intro to a renewable topic worth watching.

The hosts of Sounds of Solar dive into the realities of battery energy storage, grounding the conversation in personal stories of growing up with blackouts in Kenya and India. They explore how global grid instability shaped their understanding of energy access, then connect those experiences to today's rapid growth of BESS in the United States. The team breaks down key use cases like frequency regulation and energy arbitrage, reflects on policy trends driving adoption, and highlights why storage has become essential for grid resilience. With a mix of humor, real-world context, and engineering insight, this episode offers an engaging look at why BESS is becoming one of the most important tools in the modern energy transition.

In this episode, the Sounds of Solar team sits down with Sarah Whebbe, Senior Policy and Regulatory Affairs Associate at MnSEIA, for a timely look at Minnesota's evolving clean energy landscape. Sarah breaks down the ripple effects of HR1, from accelerated timelines to the sudden challenges facing residential solar and community-scale developers, while highlighting the bright spots that remain, including strong bipartisan momentum around virtual power plants, agrivoltaics, and battery storage. She shares how Minnesota's 2040 carbon-free goal creates opportunity, why flexible interconnection and state-led innovation matter more than ever, and how community engagement and education will shape the next chapter of grid resilience.

Packed with clarity, insight, and optimism, this episode explores where policy meets progress and why every voice in the energy ecosystem counts.

In this episode of Sounds of Solar, the hosts talk with Erin Duncan, Vice President of Congressional Affairs for SEIA, about how federal policy changes are shaping the future of solar and energy storage. She shares insight from Capitol Hill on the rollback of IRA tax credits, the outlook for domestic manufacturing, and what these shifts mean for developers, utilities, and consumers. EVS Vice President of Renewable Energy, Sohan Das, joins to discuss how the industry can adapt, maintain stability, and continue driving innovation during uncertain times. Together, they explore why business certainty and collaboration are key to progress, and how the solar and storage sector remains a strong force for growth in America's clean energy future.

How does power actually move through the grid - and why can't we just "plug in" solar? In this episode, Sounds of Solar sits down with Jason Berger, SCADA Manager at EVS, to unravel the mysterious world of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA). From network neighborhoods and security protocols to grid reliability and the coming wave of automation, Jason explains how SCADA systems keep energy flowing and why their role is becoming even more critical as renewables scale. The conversation touches on cybersecurity, real-world grid events in Spain and Ukraine, and the 10× growth challenge facing U.S. power systems. Whether you're new to SCADA or deep in the industry, this episode offers clarity, insight, and a few laughs along the way.

Brenda Byers, VP of Design Management at McCarthy, joins the Sounds of Solar podcast to share her journey from aerospace engineering to becoming a leader in renewable energy. She reflects on the industry's growth, the evolving role of women in engineering, and the importance of mentorship and advocacy. Brenda discusses how project sizes have scaled dramatically, how her teams bridge design and construction, and how technology like drones is shaping the future of solar. With candid insights into leadership challenges, workplace culture, and balancing career demands, she offers practical advice for the next generation entering the "solar coaster." This episode shines a light on resilience, innovation, and the people pushing clean energy forward.