This week we sit down with Eliza Wilson, a seasoned civil project manager at EVS, to explore the pivotal role civil engineering plays in the success of utility-scale solar projects.    Eliza dives deep into the delicate balance of site grading, stormwater management, and regulatory compliance that civil engineers must strike to create a solid foundation for solar projects.    She emphasizes the importance of adaptability, diverse skill sets, and strong cross-department collaboration in overcoming obstacles and delivering top-quality results.   Eliza shares real-world e ..read more

In this episode of Sounds of Solar, we welcome Logan O'Grady, the Executive Director of the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA). Logan brings his extensive knowledge and experience to discuss the current state of the solar industry in Minnesota, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and the importance of diverse clean energy solutions to meet the state's ambitious 2040 carbon-free goal. Throughout the episode, Logan shares valuable insights on: The role of MnSEIA in advocating for solar energy policy and creating a predictable, stable, and reliable industry for its membe ..read more

Today, Chairman of the Board Dennis Kim shares his "why" -- his passionate drive to forge a sustainable world for future generations. Facing the daunting challenge of climate change, Dennis refuses to let today's children down. He's leading the charge at EVS to implement green energy solutions, ensuring that our legacy is one of hope, not regret. This episode is a rallying cry for all who believe in taking bold action now to secure a livable planet for our children and beyond. 3 Must-Hear Moments: Dennis Kim's inspiring story from his early days in the industry to leading EVS towards greener ..read more

Today we're exploring the intricate dance between water and solar power. EVS's Hydrology expert, Byron Hinchey takes a deep dive into hydrology and shares expert insights that will change the way you think about renewable energy. Must-Hear Moments: Byron Hinchey's breakdown of hydrology's crucial role in setting design constraints and determining project costs. The surprising revelation that hydrology, often seen as a precise science, involves a significant amount of artistic interpretation. A deep dive into the concept of scour and its implications for solar farm infrastructure, especia ..read more

Are you ready to explore the cutting edge of solar energy solutions? This week, Chris Bruhn, Russell Hamilton, and Prahalad Shivshankaran put battery expert Michael McKinney in the hot seat to dive deep into the evolving world of battery storage, addressing the challenges and opportunities that come with integrating these technologies into our solar future.  Must-hear moments include: 1. Expert breakdown of the latest advancements in battery technology and how they're revolutionizing the solar industry. 2. A deep dive into overcoming regulatory and compliance challenges to streamline batt ..read more

Have you ever wondered how solar panels perform on cloudy days or what happens to solar energy in the winter? We tackle these questions head-on and set the record straight. This episode is a journey through the most common myths and misconceptions about solar energy, providing clarity and truth in an industry often shrouded in mystery. Thank you for pointing that out. Here's the revised list of must-hear moments with distinct themes: Five Must-Hear Moments: Debunking the Winter Solar Myth: Uncovering how solar panels perform in colder climates. Solar Efficiency on Overcast Days: Exploring ..read more

This week we dive into the rapidly evolving world of solar energy. Hosts Prahalad Shivshankaran, Russell Hamilton, and Chris Bruhn bring their expertise to the table, discussing Florida's surprising solar project deployments, the astonishing speed of solar construction, and the increasing role of battery energy storage systems.  It's an episode packed with intriguing discussions and industry insights. And if you're interested in learning more about EVS, visit https://evs-eng.com. Don't forget to subscribe and rate us   ..read more

Join Chris Bruhn, Prahalad Shivshankaran, and Russell Hamilton as they dive into EVS's role as a comprehensive solution for solar project development. They discuss the integration of multiple engineering disciplines and the impact on efficiency and coordination for utility-scale and distributed generation solar projects. You'll learn: The synergy of different teams at EVS and its impact on streamlining solar projects. An overview of the solar project lifecycle, emphasizing the importance of each stage from initial assessment to construction. Discussion on real-world challenges in solar p ..read more

Welcome to the third season of the 'Sounds of Solar' podcast! In this season opener, we're diving into the dynamic and rapidly evolving world of solar energy and renewable resources. Recorded at the headquarters of EVS, Inc. in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, this episode features our new hosts, Christoph Bruhn, Prahalad Shivshankaran, and Russell Hamilton. They bring fresh perspectives and deep insights into the latest advancements and challenges in the solar industry. This episode offers a rich discussion on solar energy's current state and future. The hosts, each with their unique background in en ..read more

Rao Konidena of Rakon Energy LLC is an independent consultant focused on providing policy and testimony support, business development, and training in wholesale energy markets.   If you are heavily involved in developing, building, and owning renewable energy assets, especially for solar and battery storage, then you will get a lot out of this episode.   Let's dive in!   Reach out and learn more about Rao: https://rakonenergy.com/   To learn more about EVS in Eden Prairie, MN, head here: https://www.evs-eng.com ..read more