CleanTech Talk — Solar, Batteries, EVs, AI

In this episode, Dylan McDowell, CEO of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL), and Hawai‘i State Senator Chris Lee break down why state action matters now more than ever in the clean energy transition, how hands‑on learning is shaping real policy outcomes, and what trends are defining the 2026 legislative landscape.

Copper Founder & CEO Sam Calisch joins the Cleantech Talk team to discuss how battery-equipped induction stoves are redefining what it means to electrify the kitchen, making clean cooking possible without expensive electrical upgrades or home renovations. Sam breaks down why traditional electrification has left many households behind, how Copper’s plug-in, battery-equipped stoves turn electrification into a simple appliance swap, and what this means for renters, affordable housing providers, and everyday families. The conversation also highlights real-world deployments with partners such as the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator and Esperanza Community Housing Corporation, showing how this approach is already delivering cleaner kitchens, cost savings, and healthier homes.

If all U.S. single-family homes adopted heat pumps, it would equal taking 32 million cars off the road. But we need to 10x the current adoption pace by 2030. Quilt CEO Paul Lambert explains how his team from Google, Apple, and Nest is making heat pumps irresistible — with sleek design, 25+ SEER2 efficiency, and software that makes systems smarter over time. He also discusses Quilt's rapid scaling strategy, its $20M Series B funding round, and the new 3-zone system.

What does it really take to build a stronger, smarter, clean energy future? In this episode of CleanTech Talk, we delve into the forces shaping the next era of solar energy. With decades of experience leading in the global energy space, from ABB and Schneider Electric to Enphase and now SolarEdge, General Manager for SolarEdge North America Marty Rogers shares a ground-level view of what’s next in inverter and storage innovation, how the US can take control of its domestic solar supply chain, and why sustainability must extend beyond the rooftop. We also delve into real-world solar trends across residential, commercial, and grid services, as well as the policy, technology, and manufacturing shifts necessary to scale with impact.

The Executive Director of new energy coalition Common Charge, Mary Rafferty, talks with CleanTechnica CEO Zach Shahan about what the organization is doing and how we can continuing advancing distributed energy in the United States in 2026.