In this episode of Sounds of Solar , we invite you to pull up a chair and enjoy an indepth conversation with Alfredo Espinosa, Senior Vice President of Solar Preconstruction at Moss Construction. Alfredo shares his journey from intern to industry leader, revealing how Moss has grown into one of the top solar contractors in the U.S. We dive into the exponential growth of solar, the evolving energy demand driven by AI and data centers, and the role of EPCs in shaping the future. Alfredo discusses ...
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 4Ep. 45
Hosts Russell Hamilton and Chris Bruhn take a deep dive into some of the most bizarre yet fascinating renewable energy sources. They discuss body heat-powered buildings, urine-powered batteries, and piezoelectric sidewalks that turn footsteps into electricity. The duo also explores the potential of sound energy, heat-harnessing roads, and gyms that generate power from workouts. Along the way, they share personal anecdotes—including Russ’s leap into sprint car racing—and reflect on career growth ...
Feb 24, 2025•32 min•Season 4Ep. 44
In this episode of Sounds of Solar , we welcome Eric Johnson, Geotechnical Manager at EVS, for an insightful conversation on the evolving role of geotech in solar energy. Eric shares his journey from residential and commercial projects to leading geotech for large-scale solar, highlighting the increasing project sizes and the unique challenges of soil testing, frost heave, and pile load testing. He discusses groundbreaking advancements in geotech, such as frost-resistant coatings and improved fr...
Feb 07, 2025•56 min•Season 4Ep. 43
Join us as we welcome back Scott Alwin, Survey Manager at EVS as he shares his journey from growing up in a surveying family to leading cutting-edge survey operations in the renewable energy sector. Learn how advancements in LiDAR technology and drone surveying have transformed data collection, improving efficiency and accuracy for large-scale solar projects. Scott dives into the critical role of ALTA surveys, the challenges of massive solar sites, and the future of aerial surveying—hint: it mig...
Jan 24, 2025•42 min•Season 4Ep. 42
In this episode of Sounds of Solar, host Christoph Bruhn and co-hosts Russell Hamilton and Prahlad Shivshankar sit down with Michael Carlson, EVS' Director of Power Studies, to explore the evolving world of renewable energy. Michael shares insights from his extensive experience in wind, solar, and battery energy storage systems (BESS), discussing the grid's shift from centralized to distributed generation. Key topics include the challenges of interconnection, the role of protection coordination,...
Jan 10, 2025•57 min•Season 4Ep. 41
Dive into the growth of solar engineering teams in this latest episode of Sounds of Solar! Hosts Christoph Bruhn and Prahalad Shivshankaran sit down with Raj Pawar, Director of Solar PV and Battery Storage at EVS , to explore how the company grew its solar department from 12 to 36 team members while maintaining top-tier quality and fostering a strong company culture. Raj shares his leadership strategies, including the importance of decentralized decision-making, building a leadership pipeline, a...
Dec 06, 2024•48 min•Season 4Ep. 40
Dive into the nitty-gritty of substations with Colin Paarmann, EVS Inc.'s substation manager, as we explore how civil and electrical engineering collide to power renewable energy projects across the nation. From collector substations to the art of stepping up voltage, this discussion blends high-level technical insight with a dash of humor....
Nov 22, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 39
In this episode of the Sounds of Solar , the boys explore what sustainable living could look like if money weren’t an obstacle. From community solar options to the latest in EV technology, they discuss the complexities of making greener choices and how policy, technology, and personal finances shape the way we approach sustainability. Must hear moments include how cost barriers impact our choices for solar and EVs, the practicalities of community solar for renters and homeowners, and small susta...
Nov 08, 2024•41 min•Season 4Ep. 38
Could Minnesota be the unexpected leader propelling the next wave of renewable energy and tech innovation? Join hosts Chris, Russell, and Prahalad, live from MnSEIA’s Gateway to Solar Conference, as they sit down with Minnesota Representative Patty Acomb to explore how groundbreaking policies are transforming Minnesota into a renewable energy powerhouse and attracting major tech companies. Discover how initiatives like the 100% Clean Energy by 2040 mandate, the establishment of the State Competi...
Oct 25, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 37
Recording LIVE from the expo floor of MnSEIA's Gateway to Solar conference, the Sounds of Solar podcast hosts speak with MnSEIA Executive Director Logan O'Grady and Bernadette Del Chairo from California Solar & Storage Assoc. (CALSSA) as they 'pull back the curtain' around distributed solar energy, net metering, and the work and lessons learned between California and Minnesota agencies.
Oct 08, 2024•46 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Structural engineering and solar energy - an unlikely pairing? Not for Structural Engineering Manager Abby Reetz. In this episode, we uncover the hidden world of structural engineering in utility-scale solar projects. Abby shares her unexpected transition from traditional building design to the solar industry, offering a unique perspective on t he engineering marvels behind massive solar farms, h ow PV foundations ground the solar revolution, designing for extremes, and s triking the perfect bal...
Oct 04, 2024•40 min•Season 4Ep. 36
The boys are back to kick off Season 4! Join Chris, Russell, and Prahalad as they settle into the new studio and share their summer adventures and industry insights. This premiere episode takes you from Russell's Greek excursion and first piloting experience to Chris and Prahalad's Pacific Northwest explorations. Special guest Abby Reetz joins the conversation, offering a comprehensive overview of the RE+ solar convention in Anaheim. Get ready for in-depth discussions on the latest industry tren...
Sep 20, 2024•25 min•Season 4Ep. 35
In this must-listen season finale, the Sounds of Solar team tackles the industry's most pressing issue: tariffs on solar modules and batteries. We share worst-case scenarios and real-world examples of how these tariffs are driving up costs and delaying projects. Join us as we explore: How tariffs strain budgets and push back timelines The engineering challenges of module changes and redesigns The ripple effects on the entire solar supply chain Plus, we discuss potential strategies for navigating...
Jun 10, 2024•35 min•Season 3Ep. 34
Navigating the complexities of green hydrogen and power-to-X technology is crucial for driving progress in the renewable energy sector. In this episode, Michael Klein, Head of Project Development at EE North America, shares his expertise on the regulatory framework, cost-effectiveness, and safety aspects of hydrogen projects. Solar engineers and decision-makers cannot miss this insightful conversation on the transformative potential of green hydrogen in decarbonizing various industries. Must Hea...
May 30, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 33
The Sounds of Solar podcast is live from the floor brining you the highlights of CleanPower 2024, a major renewable energy conference in Minneapolis. Hosts Chris, Russell, and Prahalad interview top industry professionals, including Adam Pratt from McCarthy Building Companies, Michael Klein and Alex Ng from EE North America, Sohan Das from EVS, and Michael Benitez from Moss and Associates. Gain insights into the latest trends and technologies, such as battery energy storage systems (BESS), the f...
May 08, 2024•36 min
In this episode we highlight an extraordinary achievement in the renewable energy sector, showcasing EVS, Inc.'s pivotal contribution to powering the Super Bowl entirely with renewable energy for the first time. Focus is placed on the innovative solar energy projects, particularly the Arrow Canyon project, which played a crucial role in this landmark achievement. 3 Must-Hear Moments: The Engineering Behind the Super Bowl’s Green Energy: Discover how DC-coupled energy storage systems enabled one ...
Apr 12, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 31
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 obst...
Apr 01, 2024•32 min•Season 3Ep. 30
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 advocati...
Mar 18, 2024•36 min•Season 3Ep. 29
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 Moment...
Mar 01, 2024•33 min•Season 3Ep. 28
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 d...
Feb 16, 2024•33 min
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 in...
Feb 02, 2024•36 min
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: Uncov...
Jan 19, 2024•33 min•Season 3Ep. 25
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...
Jan 06, 2024•31 min
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...
Dec 15, 2023•43 min•Season 3Ep. 23
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 discu...
Dec 01, 2023•23 min•Season 3Ep. 22
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...
Jul 01, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 21
On today's episode, we have two guests from our engineering firm EVS, Michael Carlson, our Director of Power Studies and Substation, along with Sayem Ali, our Lead substation engineer. We will dive into substation engineering power system studies and why we have started a substation design group. If you're interested in substations, reactive power and beer (you'll hear what I mean), this is the perfect episode for you. So without further delay, let's dive right in. Learn more about a future at E...
Oct 29, 2021•42 min•Season 2Ep. 20
Today we welcome Noah Waterhouse. Noah is the Director of Civil Engineering at EVS. We'll cover why civil engineering is important to solar and battery storage projects, how much civil engineering for solar projects has changed in the last few years, and the importance of doing tracker grading and hydrology. Reach out to Noah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-waterhouse-9b65b512/ Learn more about the Sounds of Solar Podcast: https://www.evs-eng.com/sounds-solar/
Aug 06, 2021•36 min•Season 2Ep. 19
Global Senior Manager, Electric Vehicles for the World Resources Institute. For two decades, Erika Myers has worked on clean energy efforts in government, along with for-profit and non-profit roles. Today we'll talk about the exciting future of consumer, commercial, and public EV's, and how public utilities are preparing the supply chain. Learn more and contact Erika here: https://www.wri.org/profile/erika-myers To learn more and subscribe, head here: https://www.evs-eng.com/sounds-solar/ Lookin...
Jun 21, 2021•37 min•Season 2Ep. 18
Today we welcome Supria Ranade, Senior Director of Power Marketing and Wholesale Operations at Lightsource BP. If you are involved in developing and building renewable energy assets, especially solar and battery storage, then you are going to get a lot out of our conversation. We cover the recent Texas power outage, PPA's, how to analyze markets for the best return, and more. Find out more about Supria here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/supria-ranade-991a674 Listen to past episodes and subscribe ...
May 28, 2021•44 min•Season 2Ep. 17
