Interview of Dana Clare Redden, Founder, Solar Stewards

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the InPowered Women Podcast, Dana Clare Redden, founder of Solar Stewards, and Sharon discuss solar energy's profound impact, particularly in marginalized communities. Dana recounts founding Solar Stewards in 2016 to align corporate renewable goals with local projects, touching on topics like Renewable Energy Credits, involvement in the Georgia Solar Energy Association, and legislative victories such as House Bill 57. They delve into the current solar energy landscape in Georgia, addressing challenges like rising power rates and the importance of accessibility, especially for marginalized groups. Dana underscores the economic benefits and career opportunities in the clean energy transition, while emphasizing the significance of diversity, inclusion, and mentorship in the industry. Despite obstacles, they express optimism about the future of renewable energy and highlight the role of entrepreneurship. The conversation concludes with Dana sharing her interests outside of work and encouraging listeners to connect with Solar Stewards for further information and resources.

Sharon Lee

Sharon Lee is an accomplished entrepreneur and marketing expert dedicated to empowering female leaders. With a diverse background in sales and marketing across industries like advertising, magazine publishing, and solar energy, Sharon's journey showcases her versatility and determination. As the principal of Pinnacle Strategic Advisors, she assists businesses in enhancing their marketing strategies. Sharon's entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish her own consulting firm, reflecting her commitment to excellence. Alongside her professional pursuits, Sharon co-founded the InPowered Women's networking group, fostering mentorship and support for women in business. Through the InPowered Women Podcast, Sharon will share stories of resilient female leaders with listeners encouraging them to pursue their aspirations fearlessly.

 

Dana Clare Redden

Dana Clare Redden is a visionary leader in renewable energy, known for her commitment to sustainability and social equity. Founder of Solar Stewards, she bridges corporate goals with underserved communities, notably in Georgia. Her journey began with a realization of the need for solar projects in overlooked areas, leading to the establishment of Solar Stewards in 2016. Dana advocates for inclusive policies like House Bill 57 and fosters industry growth through initiatives like the Georgia Solar Energy Association. A strong proponent of diversity and mentorship, Dana's leadership inspires positive change in the renewable energy sector, driving towards a brighter, more equitable future.

 

Insights from this episode:

• Dana discusses the implications of policy impact on solar accessibility, specifically of a 12% power rate increase approved by Georgia Power, juxtaposing it against incentives for solar energy, which highlights the increasing accessibility of solar power despite rising rates.
• Conversation surrounding the disproportionate impact of rising energy costs on marginalized communities, particularly in Atlanta, where high energy burdens exacerbate existing income inequality, emphasizing the urgency to address these disparities.
• Dana advocates for empowering communities through technology by leveraging technology to not only lower energy bills but also create economic opportunities within communities, suggesting that the clean energy transition could spark new career paths and alleviate financial burdens.
• The influence of macroeconomic factors like inflation and supply chain issues on energy costs, stressing the importance of shielding vulnerable communities from the adverse effects of such trends is recognized by Dana and Sharon.
• Dana highlights entrepreneurship as a driving force behind the clean energy transition, emphasizing its role in job creation, economic growth, and community development, particularly for historically excluded groups.
• Emphasis is placed on the importance of women's leadership and mentorship in the renewable energy sector, advocating for collaborative spaces where women can support and empower each other.
• Discussion surrounding the significance of mentorship in navigating challenges within the industry, emphasizing the importance of experienced professionals supporting and guiding newcomers.
• Despite challenges, Sharon and Dana, express a collective optimism about the future of renewable energy, highlighting the progress made through collaboration and collective action, while encouraging listeners to engage in the clean energy movement.

 

Quotes from the show:

• “Well, you know, me from those days starting out at in Georgia doing distributed generation solar and just taking a look around the market, it became obvious that some of the projects in the communities that I know that we care so much about those historically excluded communities, those low and moderate income communities, you know, really needed additional help in getting some of these projects done.” – Dana Clare Redden, InPowered Women, Episode #4
• "And then to go into Georgia specifically, you know, Georgia Power is required to go through this rate study every three years called the Integrated Resources Plan IRP." – Sharon Lee, InPowered Women, Episode #4
• "There's an adage, it's expensive to be poor… When we can use technology to lower their bill, give them that control over their power, but also include more economic opportunities." – Dana Clare Redden, InPowered Women, Episode #4
• "You know, I don't want to be doing this until I die. I'd like to retire. And so, you know, I am looking forward to this next generation to kind of pass the torch to." – Dana Clare Redden, InPowered Women, Episode #4
• “There's no reason for women that are entering this field or workforce in general to re-invent these wheels." – Sharon Lee, InPowered Women, Episode #4

 

Resources Mentioned:

• Georgia Solar Energy Association
• Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
• Lee Peterson
• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)
• Justice 40 Initiative

 

Sharon Lee

Email: sharon@pinnaclestrategicadvisors.net

LinkedIn: Sharon Lee

 

Dana Clare Redden

LinkedIn: Dana Clare Redden

LinkedIn: Solar Stewards

Website: Solar Stewards

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