Best Distributing Solar Podcasts (2025)

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These Solar Tax Credits Are Still Standing — Episode 244 of Local Energy Rules 42:50

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3h ago42:50

42:50

Learn how non-profit and public entities can still benefit from solar tax credits, and the three steps to getting them. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/solar-tax-credits-ler244/ | Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, sha…

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The sunk cost dilemma 32:35

3m ago32:35

32:35

Deep into engineering studies for Project Cormorant, 8 Rivers' massive low-carbon ammonia facility, the team discovered new efficiencies that would create a safer, more advanced version of their hydrogen technology. But there was one problem: they'd already invested heavily in the current design. CEO Damian Beauchamp faced a classic dilemma. Should…

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126: Jigar Shah and Modern Energy Tech for a 100-Year-Old Grid 1:11:07

4h ago1:11:07

1:11:07

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we sit down with clean energy visionary Jigar Shah, former director of the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office, to imagine how we’d build the U.S. grid if we started fresh today. Instead of patching 100-year-old infrastructure, what if we designed around the tools of now — microgrids, distributed energy re…

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Education Planning After the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Key 529 Plan Changes, #270 11:03

5h ago11:03

11:03

Paying for education is a major expense for many families, so I’m breaking down why 529 plans remain the preferred way to save for college, thanks to their tax advantages and flexible growth. I unpack updates, such as increased limits for K-12 tuition withdrawals, expanded uses for trade and vocational schools, and the new ability to roll funds int…

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Maximizing Spousal Social Security Benefits for Married Couples, #269 12:16

7d ago12:16

12:16

For married couples planning their retirement, understanding spousal Social Security benefits can seem like a labyrinth. This week, I’m answering a listener's question about how spouses can maximize their Social Security benefits. Join me as I break down the key rules, eligibility requirements, and strategies that can help you and your spouse make …

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#125 - Why Supercapacitors are the Future of Long-Duration Storage with Wright Energy Storage Technologies 28:56

7d ago28:56

28:56

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we chat with Pieter Smit, Head of Global Sales at Wright Energy Storage Technologies (WEST), about how the company is redefining energy storage with supercapacitor-based systems. Unlike lithium-ion, WEST’s electrostatic storage delivers high efficiency, rapid charge cycles, and extreme durability — tested everywhe…

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The Town That Could Spark a Public Power Revolution — Episode 243 of Local Energy Rules 36:43

13d ago36:43

36:43

Slayton's public power takeover aims to improve reliability and safety. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/articles/slayton-public-power-ler243/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation …

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124: The Plug in Future of Solar with Whit Fulton 43:41

13d ago43:41

43:41

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we sit down with Whit Fulton, founder and Chief Product Officer of ConnectDER, to explore how a simple but powerful innovation, the meter socket adapter, is reshaping residential solar, storage, and EV adoption. By turning the meter socket into a universal plug-in point, ConnectDER removes one of the biggest barri…

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John Hickenlooper’s optimism in the face of opposition 34:22

13d ago34:22

34:22

Three years ago this month, the Inflation Reduction Act passed, marking the largest investment in climate policy in U.S. history. It included over $300 billion to address global warming and was expected to unlock nearly $3 trillion in private investment by 2032. But then came Donald Trump. Over the last eight months, the Trump administration has wo…

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Understanding HSA Changes for 2026, #268 17:46

15d ago17:46

17:46

The power of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) as a tool for both managing health expenses and building your retirement savings is often overlooked. On this episode, I’m sharing the basics of HSAs, highlighting their triple tax-free advantage, and explaining why they might be one of the best ways to maximize your retirement savings, even compared to m…

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CAMCO’s $250M REPP 2 Fund: Building the African grid of the future 41:52

24d ago41:52

41:52

In this episode of The Energy Talk, we delve into the inner workings of the REPP 2 fund, a groundbreaking initiative managed by Camco, aimed at transforming the renewable energy landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa. We welcome Ben Hugues (Fund manager of REPP 2) and Ieva Indriunaite (former head of REPP 2’s technical assistance facility), to share insig…

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#123: Rewiring the Mind with Sens.ai with Advanced Brain Wellness 55:50

21d ago55:50

55:50

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we sit down with Paola Telfer, CEO and founder of Sens.ai, to explore how neurotechnology is reshaping personal development, wellness, and mental health. By combining neurofeedback and biofeedback, Sens.ai delivers real-time insights into brain activity, helping people enhance focus, regulate emotions, and measure…

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Surviving the ACA Subsidy Cliff, #267 22:02

22d ago22:02

22:02

The future of Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) subsidies is a pressing issue for retirees and anyone shopping for health insurance on the ACA marketplace. With the generous subsidies brought by the American Rescue Plan Act set to expire at the end of 2025, I break down exactly how these subsidies work, what changes are coming in 2026, and what that …

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The rogue idea that saved a hydrogen startup 38:07

27d ago38:07

38:07

In 2022, Zach Jones learned that his technical team at Graphitic Energy was secretly working nights and weekends on an unsanctioned approach to producing clean hydrogen from natural gas. It was an approach that abandoned the technology Zach and the company had spent years developing. And Zach wasn’t happy. With investors to answer to and a pilot pl…

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A Public Power Struggle in Tucson — Episode 242 of Local Energy Rules 44:13

27d ago44:13

44:13

Affordability and clean energy are driving a public power campaign to take over Tucson’s investor-owned utility. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/articles/tucson-public-power-ler242/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share wi…

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California's Distributed Battery Network Shows Its Power in Recent Test 5:25

1M ago5:25

5:25

The rapidly evolving energy landscape of 2025 is bringing remarkable innovations across multiple sectors, from affordable electric vehicles to creative renewable energy solutions and unexpected comebacks in nuclear power. Ford's announcement of a $30,000 electric pickup truck represents what CEO Jim Farley calls a "Model T moment" for the company. …

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Understanding the New Charitable Contribution Rules from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, #266 12:50

29d ago12:50

12:50

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act affects charitable contributions for retirees and individuals considering their tax strategies. I’m walking you through three major changes: the restoration of the charitable cash deduction for non-itemizers, new limitations on how much can be deducted for larger contributions, and a cap on itemized deductions for hig…

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#122: The Dirt-Simple Power of Biochar with USBI 50:22

28d ago50:22

50:22

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we sit down with Myles Gray, Executive Director of the U.S. Biochar Initiative (USBI), to explore how the ancient technique of biochar is making a modern comeback. He unpacks the science, market momentum, and growing demand around biochar — from vineyards and urban forests to concrete and stormwater management. Wi…

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Mobilizing local support for clean energy projects | Matt Traldi, Greenlight America 52:01

1M ago52:01

52:01

In this episode of Climate Positive, hosts Guy Van Syckle and Gil Jenkins are joined by Matt Traldi, co-founder and CEO of Greenlight America, to discuss how local dynamics are driving—or delaying—clean energy progress in the United States. Drawing on Matt’s background in grassroots advocacy and his transition to targeted climate action, the conver…

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#121: Personal Autonomous Shuttle Transport with SNAAP 33:12

1M ago33:12

33:12

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Christen Courville, President and COO of SNAAP Transportation about the future of autonomous, sustainable urban transit. Christen breaks down why SNAAP prioritizes personal over public, how its modular track doubles as energy infrastructure, and why a franchise model may be key to localized transport…

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US Energy Market Faces Data Center Boom, Fusion Breakthroughs & Offshore Wind Rollbacks 7:00

1M ago7:00

7:00

The digital revolution is fundamentally reshaping America's electrical grid, with data centers emerging as the dominant force driving unprecedented demand growth. American Electric Power's staggering forecast of 24 gigawatts of new load by 2030—18 gigawatts from data centers alone—signals a transformation that utilities across the country are scram…

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Should You Open a Trump Account for Your Child’s Future? #265 14:32

1M ago14:32

14:32

The brand-new “Trump account” is a tax-deferred savings option for American children created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. I break down who’s eligible for up to $1,000 in free government contributions, how these accounts work, and how they stack up against other popular savings vehicles like 529 plans, IRAs, custodial accounts, and regular bro…

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Smart Homes, Stronger Grids, Thanks to Distributed Power Plants — Episode 241 of Local Energy Rules 44:44

1M ago44:44

44:44

Learn about how distributed power plants lower electric bills and stabilize the grid.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/articles/distributed-power-plants-ler241/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/| Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a…

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PJM Capacity Auction Results As Bad As Feared, Portending a Grim Future For Customers 5:53

1M ago5:53

5:53

The energy landscape is transforming rapidly, with remarkable developments across multiple sectors reshaping how we generate, distribute, and consume power. Oregon leads the charge in grid modernization with groundbreaking bipartisan legislation that will enable both private and community microgrids, creating designated zones where these localized …

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#120: Innovative Solutions for Global Water Challenges with Brian Richter 52:34

1M ago52:34

52:34

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we’re joined by Brian Richter, president of Sustainable Waters and author of Chasing Water, for a deep and wide-ranging conversation about global water scarcity, climate-driven drought, and the politics of sharing a resource none of us can live without. From Cape Town’s infamous Day Zero to water truck deliveries …

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How the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Impacts Retirees, #264 15:23

1M ago15:23

15:23

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4th, brings about several important tax changes. I’m discussing what these updates mean, especially for retirees, and sharing practical advice on how to take advantage of new deductions and avoid unexpected tax hits. From permanent adjustments to tax brackets and an increased standard deductio…

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#119: How Utilities Can Unlock Capacity Without Building More with Switched Source 29:58

2M ago29:58

29:58

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Charlie Murray, CEO and co-founder of Switched Source about a deceptively simple idea with massive implications for the future of electricity: unlocking hidden capacity on our existing power grid without building new wires or generation plants. Switched Source’s power flow technology helps utilities …

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Required Minimum Distributions Explained, #263 23:07

2M ago23:07

23:07

This week on the show, we’re discussing the specifics of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) as we head into the second half of 2025. Whether you’re approaching your first year of RMDs or have been taking them for a while, I break down everything you need to know, from when you need to start taking distributions based on your birth year, to how R…

1
$20 Billion Energy Shockwave: Nuclear Revival, AI Grids & EV Takeover! 6:24

2M ago6:24

6:24

A potential nuclear revival emerges as Santee Cooper selects top contenders from fourteen proposals to complete the abandoned V.C. Summer nuclear reactors in South Carolina. After $9 billion spent and construction halted in 2017, the site remains in "mostly excellent condition" according to recent inspections, breathing new life into nuclear energy…

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#118: The Modern Age of Misinformation and Journalism with the Poynter Institute 1:10:47

2M ago1:10:47

1:10:47

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we chat with Neil Brown, president of the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of journalism and the growing challenge of misinformation. Neil explores how the 24/7 news cycle and the rise of social media have accelerated the spread of false information, and why …

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Why BlackRock Wants to Buy Your Electric Utility — Episode 240 of Local Energy Rules 44:16

2M ago44:16

44:16

Minnesota Power's sale would saddle captive utility customers with higher rates, but bring millions to shareholders. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/blackrock-utility-purchase-ler240/ | Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscrib…

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How the Big Beautiful Bill Impacts Solar & EV Tax Credits, #262 14:12

2M ago14:12

14:12

With the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, also known as the Big Beautiful Bill, significant changes are coming to both solar panel and electric vehicle tax credits. I break down what these changes mean, how they can affect your savings, and what steps you might want to take before these credits disappear. From figuring out if solar pa…

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U.S. Reverses Climate Bill, China’s Solar Surge & 7-Year Turbine Backlog 3:47

2M ago3:47

3:47

The energy landscape is experiencing a seismic shift with the passage of the "One Big, Beautiful Bill" into law. This dramatic policy reversal dismantles much of the Biden-era renewable energy initiatives, triggering the cancellation of tens of gigawatts of renewable projects and creating what promises to be persistently tight power markets for yea…

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#117: Eliminating The ‘Middle Mile’ In Food Distribution with Relocalize 26:51

2M ago26:51

26:51

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we connect with Wayne McIntyre, CEO of Relocalize, about how autonomous microfactories placed at distribution centers could revolutionize food production by eliminating transport emissions and reducing costs. They explore why packaged ice was the ideal starting point for helping this idea become reality, how robot…

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Risk and Reward of Withdrawing Social Security Benefits to Invest Them, #261 15:35

2M ago15:35

15:35

This week, I’m addressing a listener's question: Should you collect Social Security at age 62 and invest the money, or wait until your full retirement age, or even age 70, for a bigger benefit? I break down the math and the risks, weighing the advantages of guaranteed annual increases and cost-of-living adjustments against the potential (and pitfal…

1
Google, Gates & the Energy Tech Revolution: Fusion, Fission, and the Future 4:41

2M ago4:41

4:41

The clean energy landscape is transforming rapidly as major tech companies stake their claims in next-generation power sources. Google has made a significant move by signing a power purchase agreement with Commonwealth Fusion Systems for 200 megawatts from their planned Virginia facility, showing serious confidence in fusion technology's commercial…

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From sky to soil: turning satellite data into carbon-rich farmland | Aadith Moorthy, CEO of Boomitra 42:18

2M ago42:18

42:18

In this episode of Climate Positive, host Hilary Langer speaks with Aadith Moorthy, founder and CEO of Boomitra, a global soil carbon marketplace that pays farmers for adopting regenerative agriculture. Boomitra’s AI-powered platform uses satellite data to measure and verify carbon sequestration, turning healthier soil into long-term income for far…

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The Truth Behind California’s High Electric Bills — Episode 239 of Local Energy Rules 51:07

2M ago51:07

51:07

Utility overspending, not rooftop solar, is driving California’s rising rates – Richard McCann debunks the “cost shift” myth.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/truth-behind-CA-electric-bills-ler239/ Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget t…

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Accelerating Capital Deployment in Distributed Renewable Energy: Odyssey’s Product Market Fit 30:50

2M ago30:50

30:50

In this episode, we sit down with Emily McAteer, CEO and Co-founder of Odyssey Energy Solutions, one of the most influential startups in the climate tech space for emerging markets. Odyssey is transforming how Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) projects are financed, procured, and managed—especially in emerging markets across countries in Africa, a…

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Five Reasons a Brokerage Account Might Be Better Than an Annuity for Your Investments, #260 23:50

2M ago23:50

23:50

I’m exploring a common dilemma for anyone coming into a lump sum of money, whether from an inheritance, the sale of a business, or another windfall: Should you invest in a traditional brokerage account or opt for an annuity? On this week's episode, I discuss the key differences between annuities and brokerage accounts, highlighting the five major p…

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#116: How Robotics and AI Are Making Recycling Economical with AMP 54:26

2M ago54:26

54:26

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we chat with Joe Castagneri, Director of Software at AMP, about why so much recyclable material still ends up in landfills, and how the economics of waste sorting are at the heart of the problem. Joe explains why recycling in rural areas often doesn’t pencil out, how the legacy systems incentivize hauling and bury…

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Facts vs. Fiction in Retirement Planning, #259 16:43

3M ago16:43

16:43

From the truths about making large purchases in retirement to whether you really need to pay off your mortgage before you stop working, I’m sharing years of financial expertise to challenge a few retirement myths so you can make balanced, informed decisions. We’re talking strategies for charitable giving, clearing up misconceptions about reverse mo…

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#115: Fusion’s Magnetic Mirror Magic for a Low-Carbon Energy Future with Realta Fusion 34:28

3M ago34:28

34:28

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we chat with Kieran Furlong, CEO and co-founder of Realta Fusion, about the promise and progress of nuclear fusion as a sustainable energy solution. The discussion touches on the mounting pressure of rising global energy demand and why nuclear, specifically fusion, could be a game-changing response. Kieran explain…

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The tape that led to a fusion breakthrough 50:41

3M ago50:41

50:41

In 2021, Commonwealth Fusion Systems proved it had built the most powerful magnet in the world. The breakthrough was based on a specific material - a tape - that conducts massive amounts of current with very little loss. Rick Needham, Chief Commercial Officer for CFS, says the breakthrough led to a $1.8 billion Series B fundraising round. Since the…

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Australia’s Rooftop Solar Revolution: A Postcard from the Future — Episode 238 of Local Energy Rules 1:00:20

3M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

Australia leads the world in rooftop solar adoption, offering crucial lessons for regulators and grid operators in the United States. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/australias-rooftop-solar-revolution-ler238/ Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | …

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Seven Smart Reasons to Leave Your Old 401(k) with a Previous Employer, #258 20:04

3M ago20:04

20:04

Building on last week’s discussion about why rolling over your old 401(k) into an IRA could be a smart move, this episode flips the script. It explores seven compelling reasons you might want to leave your 401(k) with your previous employer instead. I break down factors like fees, company stock advantages, penalty-free withdrawals, legal protection…

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#114: The New Reality of Extreme Weather with Victor Gensini 49:54

3M ago49:54

49:54

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Victor Gensini, professor of meteorology at Northern Illinois University, who explains how climate change is altering the frequency, intensity, and geographic reach of extreme weather events like hailstorms and tornadoes. He explains how the changing statistical distributions of climate make it harde…

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AWS, Meta & the Military Go Nuclear: New Energy Deals Reshape the Grid 5:24

3M ago5:24

5:24

The energy landscape is transforming rapidly as tech giants forge ahead with ambitious power supply strategies for their ever-expanding data center operations. Amazon Web Services has secured a monumental 1,920-megawatt agreement with Talon Energy to tap Pennsylvania's Susquehanna nuclear facility through 2042, cleverly restructuring a previously r…

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EV Grid Breakthrough, $2.9M Battery Grant, & Meta’s Massive Nuclear Deal 5:42

3M ago5:42

5:42

The future of energy is unfolding through innovative solutions that merge transportation, storage, and grid management into integrated systems. Utrecht's groundbreaking vehicle-to-grid network demonstrates this perfectly—transforming electric vehicles into mobile power plants that balance renewable energy while providing shared mobility services. T…

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Frontier Forum: Fixing distributed energy's finance gap 41:55

3M ago41:55

41:55

Clean energy attracts nearly $3 trillion in investment annually, but most of that capital flows to massive utility-scale projects through the world's biggest banks and large-scale asset managers. Meanwhile, smaller distributed projects — rooftop solar, batteries, microgrids — face a structural financing challenge that Amanda Li calls "death by a th…