Episode 623

623: Solar's Dirty Little Secret: How Yezin Taha and Nevados Engineering Are Changing the Landscape

Published on: 17th August, 2023

The solar energy industry is facing an increasingly pressing challenge: the scarcity of usable flat land. As the demand for solar energy grows, suitable areas for traditional solar trackers and arrays are becoming limited. The situation is complicated by the costs and environmental impact of grading land to create flat surfaces for installation. This process, often referred to as solar's "dirty little secret," is not only expensive but also poses significant environmental and post-construction issues. The industry is now compelled to find innovative approaches to adapt solar technology to uneven and non-flat terrains.

Yezin Taha, the CEO of Nevados Engineering, is at the forefront of addressing this complex problem. With a background in engineering and a pioneering spirit, he has led Nevados in developing a revolutionary method to install solar panels on uneven terrain. The company's unique approach eliminates the need for grading land, reducing both financial and environmental burdens. By circumventing the traditional requirement for grading, Nevados aims to help the industry save up to 10% of project costs and minimize land disruption. Yezin's visionary leadership emphasizes not only technological innovation but also a strong emphasis on values like transparency, partnership, and leadership.

Beyond the technological advancements, Yezin shared profound insights into team building, company culture, perseverance, and leadership. He stressed the importance of understanding personalities within a team, fostering the right culture, and growing through challenges. The conversation also revealed how hiring experienced leaders and clearly communicating the company's mission can transform growth and scaling efforts. Yezin's story is a testament to entrepreneurial resilience and innovation, painting a picture of a leader committed to not only solving a pressing industry problem but also building a thriving, value-driven organization.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

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About the Podcast

SunCast
Your resource for developing a clean energy or climate tech career
Nico Johnson takes you into conversations with those at the forefront of Renewable Energy.

SunCast gives an inside look into what is happening in renewable energy. From conversations with the biggest Solar Panel manufacturers in the world to the small startups creating the future of renewable energy, such as carbon capture and battery technology breakthroughs.

SunCast is dedicated to providing the knowledge, research, tools and expert guidance you need to understand, grow and be ahead of the curve in the fastest-growing markets in the world.

Featuring over 600 conversations, Nico has interviewed people from Tesla, SolarCity, Trina Solar, Meyer Burger, Conergy, SunEdison, Energy Vault and even the US Government... to name a few. Covering topics such as Solar Power, Wind Energy, Batteries, Electric Vehicles, Carbon Capture, Finance, Hydrogen, and more.

You can watch SunCast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SunCastMedia

...or view the full archive of SunCast episodes here: https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes