Episode 736

736: How To Build Substations For Renewable Energy In Record Time: Dan Girard’s APG Success Formula

Published on: 3rd September, 2024

One of the most common critical path bottlenecks of any infrastructure project, energy or otherwise, is the transformer and substation. The interconnection of the power plant to the electrical grid requires this hardware - and it’s famously hard to come by these days, with lead times often in excess of 18 months.  If you’re involved in renewable energy, in particular EPC services, you know the pressure to deliver projects faster than ever. Dan Girard, CEO of Alternative Power Generation (APG), shares how his team consistently outpaces peers and large competitor, often building substations in under six months—compared to the typical 18-24 months.

Girard also reveals APG's focus on the underserved 1-50 MW solar market and their extensive experience with microgrids, offering valuable insights into how APG meets the complex demands of data centers, utilities, and more.

Expect to learn:

  • How APG builds substations in less than six months, cutting lead times in half.
  • The keys to thriving in the 1-50 MW solar market and why it’s an underserved opportunity.
  • The ins and outs of microgrid design, including real-world applications and challenges.
  • How strong supplier relationships help APG secure critical components faster than competitors.
  • Why customization and agility are essential in today’s energy landscape.

This episode provides a clear look at the practical strategies that keep APG ahead of their peers, from dramatically reduced lead times to customized microgrid solutions. Dan is a seasoned industry expert who offers practical strategies you can apply to your own projects.

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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SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

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Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

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Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

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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