Podcast
Watts Up Renewables
Hosted by Watt’s Up Renewables, LLC · EN
🎙️ Watts Up! We’re bringing you the brightest in renewable energy!⚡️ You’ll hear from the legends that built our past, the dreamers shaping our future and the dedicated people leading the charge.🌎
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
EP 75 - Leadership Through Culture | Steven Errickson & Tyrone Amos | Eriksun Energy & Altair Energy Services
1w ago01:20:38Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Watt’s Up Renewables, we sit down with Steven Errickson of Eriksun Energy and Tyrone Amos of Altair Energy Services for a conversation packed with real-world stories, leadership insight, and lessons learned from life in the field. ⚡🌎 Steven and Tyrone have worked closely together across multiple projects over the years, building not just successful working relationships, but a strong inter-company bond rooted in trust, accountability, and mutual respect. Together, they share stories from the road, lessons from the traveling technician lifestyle, and what that life truly requires — not just from the techs themselves, but from their families and significant others as well. 🚛🛠️ We also dive into why company culture matters, why investing in people will always matter more than investing in job titles, and how honesty, transparency, and accountability can shape stronger teams and better businesses across the renewable energy industry. This episode is filled with authentic conversations, field experience, and leadership perspectives from two people who genuinely care about the people behind the work. 🤝⚡
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EP 74 - Engineering Safety | Joe Chacon | Padge LLC
2w ago01:10:07Tap to summarizeJoe Chacon of Padge LLC returns to the podcast for one of our most technical conversations yet. ⚡🔧 In this episode, we dive deep into the engineering side of renewable energy — from why thermodynamics matters more than most people realize, to the growing challenges and demands of system engineering across modern energy infrastructure. Joe breaks down how small design decisions can create massive impacts in efficiency, reliability, and long-term performance. We also explore practical field knowledge like how to extend the life of your fuses, why understanding failure points matters, and the importance of bridging the gap between engineers and technicians in the field. This episode is packed with real-world insight, technical discussions, and high-level thinking for the engineers, troubleshooters, and technical techs helping keep the industry moving forward. 🌎⚙️
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EP 73 - Where AI Meets The Grid | Gareth Brown & Andrew Brunskill | Clir Renewables
3w ago00:54:27Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Watt’s Up Renewables, we sit down with Gareth Brown and Andrew Brunskill from Clir Renewables to dive into the rapidly evolving role of AI and data analytics in the renewable energy industry. ⚡📊 We explore how artificial intelligence is helping reduce technical uncertainty, improve decision-making, and create more resilient and profitable renewable energy assets. Gareth and Andrew break down how Clir Renewables is leveraging advanced analytics and operational insights across more than 350+ GW of renewable assets worldwide — helping operators better understand performance, reliability, and long-term risk. This conversation goes far beyond software. We talk about the future of the industry, the growing importance of data visibility, and how AI is beginning to reshape the way renewable energy sites are operated, maintained, and optimized. If you’re interested in the intersection of technology, operations, and the future of clean energy, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 🌎🚀
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EP 72 - The Power Of Veterans | Kevin Doffing | Project Vanguard
May 501:04:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Watt’s Up Renewables, we sit down with Kevin Doffing of Project Vanguard for a conversation on The Power of Veterans. ⚡🪖 We dive into a perspective that’s not talked about enough in the industry — energy as a matter of national security. Kevin breaks down how our energy system can be viewed through the lens of combined arms in the military, where coordination, redundancy, and strategy all play a critical role in keeping the mission moving forward. We also get into the importance of bringing more diverse viewpoints into renewable energy, including voices that challenge the norm and push the conversation forward in new ways. Because if we’re serious about building a resilient energy future, it’s going to take more than one perspective. This episode is about leadership, mission, and the role veterans play in shaping the future of energy. If you care about where the industry is headed — and how we get there stronger — this is one you don’t want to miss. 🌎⚡
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EP 71 - Everyone Is A Safety Manager | Mike Williams
Apr 2801:16:06Tap to summarizeIn this powerful episode of Watt’s Up Renewables, we sit down with Mike Williams — a renewable energy trainer who’s deeply passionate about building a stronger, safer industry from the inside out. ⚡🦺 We dive into a critical question that doesn’t get asked enough: Are we actually training the people we promote into leadership roles? From new leads to managers, the expectation to lead safely is there — but the support and development don’t always follow. Mike challenges the industry to rethink how we prepare those stepping into positions of influence, and what happens when we don’t. This conversation also reinforces a mindset shift: safety isn’t just a department — it’s everyone’s responsibility. Every technician, every lead, every person on site has the authority to call a stop work if something doesn’t feel right. That kind of culture only works when it’s truly supported, not just stated. We also break down the importance of something simple, yet often overlooked — buddy checking your PPE. It’s a small act that can prevent major incidents, and a reminder that looking out for each other is a core part of the job. At the heart of it all, Mike brings it back to one idea: safety starts from within. It’s not just procedures or policies — it’s personal ownership, awareness, and the standards we hold ourselves to every single day. If you care about leadership, accountability, and building a safer future in renewable energy, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. 🌎⚡
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EP 70 - Conferences: Don't Just Attend - Dominate | Ian Steele | Here To Serve Renewables
Apr 2101:37:13Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Watt’s Up Renewables, we welcome back Ian Steele of Here To Serve Renewables for a powerful, real-world conversation on leadership and industry growth. ⚡🎙️ We kick things off by diving into what truly separates great managers from the rest. From autocratic styles to influencer-driven leadership, Ian breaks down the different approaches to management — what works, what doesn’t, and how leadership directly impacts team performance and safety in the field. 🔧 Then we shift gears into a deep discussion on renewable energy conferences — the good, the bad, and everything in between. We talk about what actually makes these events valuable, where companies often miss the mark, and how to maximize ROI whether you’re attending or exhibiting. From networking tactics to deciding when it’s the right time to invest in a booth, this episode is packed with practical insights for companies looking to grow and stand out. 🚀 If you’ve ever wondered how to lead better, connect smarter, and get more out of industry events — this one’s for you. 🌎
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EP 69 - High Voltage, Higher Standards | Stephen San Juan | Rise Renewable Energy
Apr 701:08:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Watt’s Up Renewables, we welcome back Stephen San Juan of Rise Renewable Energy — a company dedicated to developing, training, and supporting the technicians who keep this industry moving. This conversation dives deep into the growing demand for medium voltage (MV) and high voltage (HV) expertise as renewable energy systems continue to scale. Stephen shares real-world insights on why the industry must evolve its training standards to match the complexity and risk of today’s infrastructure. We also tackle a critical operational question: Is one technician ever enough on-site? From efficiency to safety, we break down the challenges and risks of solo work versus having a second set of eyes — and how that decision can directly impact outcomes in the field. Safety takes center stage as we explore how injuries can be prevented through stronger training, better procedures, and a culture built around proactive risk management. One of the biggest takeaways? PPE is not your first line of defense — it’s your last. The real protection comes from planning, communication, and doing the job right before hazards ever escalate. If you’re in the field, leading a team, or shaping training programs, this episode delivers practical insight into what it takes to build a safer, more capable renewable energy workforce. ⚡
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EP 68 - Colton Tiefenthaler | Utilizing Skills In The Field
Mar 1701:13:50Tap to summarizeIn this special episode of Watt’s Up Renewables, we welcome back a familiar voice — Colton Tiefenthaler — for a conversation that blends career insight, industry perspective, and real-life milestones. Colton shares his unique journey from pursuing a degree in political science to discovering the vast opportunities within the renewable energy industry. From breaking into the field to navigating the transition between solar and wind, he offers a firsthand look at how these sectors differ in operation, culture, and day-to-day work in field service. We also dive into the often-unspoken “politics” of the field — how teams operate, how decisions are made, and what it really takes to grow in this industry. It’s an honest and insightful discussion for both new technicians and seasoned professionals alike. Beyond the technical side, this episode carries a deeper personal meaning. Colton opens up about becoming a new father, while Adam reflects on stepping into the role of grandfather for the first time — creating a full-circle moment that brings both heart and perspective to the conversation. This episode is packed with real-world experience, industry knowledge, and genuine moments that remind us what this journey is all about. 🎙️ Tune in for a conversation that bridges generations, careers, and the future of renewable energy.
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EP 67 - Josh Rogers | Truckroll | The Importance of Mental Fitness
Mar 1001:08:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Watts Up Renewables, we sit down with Josh Rogers, founder of Truckroll, for a powerful conversation about the evolution of technicians in the renewable energy industry and the often-overlooked topic of mental fitness in the field. Josh shares his journey from military service into the renewable energy sector, beginning in residential solar, transitioning into wind energy, and eventually working in battery storage. His path mirrors the natural progression many technicians are experiencing today as the industry expands and skillsets evolve across multiple technologies. We dive into how technicians are moving between sectors like wind, solar, and storage as the industry grows, and why collaboration between trades and technologies is becoming more important than ever. Josh also explains how Truckroll is helping technicians strengthen their mental resilience, decision-making, and cognitive readiness—skills that are just as critical as technical ability when working in high-stakes energy environments. The conversation also explores the rapid rise of AI, how learning is changing across the renewable workforce, and what the future might look like for technicians navigating an increasingly digital and data-driven industry. From career transitions and industry collaboration to mental performance and the future of learning, this episode is packed with insight for anyone working in or entering the renewable energy space.
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EP 66 - Jeremy Norris | Wind Power Solutions | Blade Recycling With Integrity
Feb 2401:00:03Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we welcome back Jeremy Norris of Wind Power Solutions for a powerful follow-up conversation on where the wind industry is headed — and what it takes to build a company with integrity at its core. We dive deep into one of the most important conversations in renewables today: blade recycling. Jeremy shares how Wind Power Solutions is tackling end-of-life challenges head on, why sustainability must extend beyond generation, and what responsible stewardship of wind assets truly looks like. We also unpack a topic that doesn’t get talked about enough — why the best sales professionals in this industry are seasoned field operators first. Experience on the blades, in the nacelle, and on the ground builds credibility that can’t be faked. In wind, respect is earned. Beyond business, Jeremy opens up about where he and his family are in this season of life, what growth looks like now, and where Wind Power Solutions is going next. From operational excellence to long-term vision, this conversation highlights what happens when strong leadership meets real industry experience. This is our second time hosting Jeremy — and the depth, honesty, and forward thinking make this one a must-listen for anyone serious about the future of wind energy.
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