SMP 301: Solar's Next Chapter: Affordability, Storage and the Grid

In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy Thanjan speaks with Sachu Constantine, Executive Director of Vote Solar, about why state-level policy is becoming increasingly important to the future of solar.

They discuss major industry challenges including interconnection delays, permitting, policy uncertainty, and rising electricity demand from AI, data centers, EVs, and electrification. Sachu also explains how solar plus storage can improve grid reliability and how emerging solutions such as plug-in or balcony solar could expand access to renters and apartment residents.

Despite political and regulatory headwinds, Sachu remains optimistic about solar’s future because of falling costs, improving technology, growing consumer demand, and the need for faster deployment of new electricity generation.