The Solar Journey Podcast

In the final episode of Season 2 of The Solar Journey, Torsten tackles one of the most debated areas of energy transition technology: green hydrogen production and usage. Putting the hydrogen-hype under a microscope, this episode taps the knowledge of a global expert in the field who, somewhat surprisingly, has some inconvenient truths to share.

Joining Torsten is Dr. Klemens Ilse, a physicist and materials diagnostics expert at the Fraunhofer Institute, where he leads research on materials for green hydrogen production. As Deputy Director of the Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for Hydrogen Energy at Kentech in South Korea, Klemens offers a truly global perspective on the future of green hydrogen production and storage.

With a background in photovoltaics, including award-winning research on PV soiling in desert climates, Klemens now applies his skills to the cutting edge of hydrogen technology. In this episode, he unpacks the colorful world of hydrogen—blue, green, grey, and beyond—while providing an honest take on its opportunities and challenges.

"Green hydrogen is often called the Swiss army knife of the energy transition," says Klemens, "but you wouldn't use a Swiss army knife for everything. It should be reserved for cases where no better tool is available." He highlights where hydrogen can make the biggest impact—hard-to-decarbonize sectors like steelmaking—and outlines the challenge posed by inefficient production and transportation.

Beyond the science, Klemens delves into the economics and policy of hydrogen. From Europe’s regulatory push to scale green hydrogen, to the bottlenecks of rare materials like iridium, this conversation sheds light on the forces shaping hydrogen’s role in a net-zero future.

As the closing episode of Season 2, and featuring such a hotly debated subject, this one is not to be missed. A bold exploration of hydrogen's potential and pitfalls, offering clear-eyed analysis and a roadmap for its role in the clean energy future.

PLUS – it’s a double-header Espresso segment, with Lisa Hirvonen from Italian-Chinese manufacturer FuturaSun joining to share her views from the recent PV Module Tech event in Malaga, Spain. And fan favorite Radovan Kopeček from the ISC Konstanz checks in again, fresh back from his whirlwind East Asian excursion, with dispatches from conferences in both Japan and China.

In the penultimate episode of season two, we've got a double header for you! Torsten reconnects with returning guests Christian Langen and Tobias Schütt, co-founders of Cleantech Bridge, a startup bridging the gap between venture capital and infrastructure funding for the rollout of innovative clean technologies. With decades of combined experience in the solar and energy storage industries, Christian and Tobias are tackling one of the most pressing challenges in renewable energy: scaling successful startups when traditional funding sources fall short.

From their early days at Conergy to launching impactful ventures like DZ4, Christian and Tobias share insights into navigating the "first of a kind" financing problems that can derail even the most promising companies. They delve into why SPVs (Special Purpose Vehicles) are key for asset-heavy business models and how entrepreneurial investors, like family offices, can unlock opportunities where conventional investors hesitate.

A resounding endorsement of the potential of renewables and solar in particular, Christian declares, “Solar is the cheapest source, together with wind and storage – it's exploding.” Meanwhile, Tobias emphasizes, “The risk is that the success of solar is so high it jeopardizes future successes. And the solution for that is more storage.”

An engaging overview of the challenges and opportunities of financing cleantech at scale, this episode is packed with insightful explainers and pearls of wisdom from two seasoned industry players – who admit that even with 20 years of experience, they "are still at the beginning of this all."

PLUS On this week’s Espresso, Torsten continues to gather perspectives from the U.S., where solar manufacturing keeps growing. Martin Pochtaruk, founder and CEO of Canadian-American module maker Heliene, runs the numbers of what it costs to establish both PV cell and module manufacturing in North America and provides an update on efforts to set up a solar supply chain there.

This week on The Solar Journey, Torsten speaks with Oliver Schulz-Wittmann, CTO of Holosolis, a veteran of the solar technological development. With a career spanning innovative startups, major R&D projects, and important roles in solar manufacturing, Oliver has seen a lot!

From humble beginnings analyzing samples for radioactivity post-Chernobyl during his time in civil service, Oliver is currently leading plans to establish a 5 GW solar cell and module manufacturing facility in France. He shares insights into the challenges and opportunities in scaling European solar production and also dives into the evolving role of intellectual property in the solar industry, as well as why he believes nuclear energy cannot compete with the speed, cost, and scalability of renewables.

Drawing from his extensive experience in navigating technological development, market shifts, and startup environments, he reflects, "Just focus on the things you can do. And when you have something, if there's value in it, there will be a way to apply it, to use it. So don't get distracted from all the noise around you."

An inspiring listen for anyone interested in scaling businesses or driving change in renewable energy manufacturing – this conversation is brimming with thoughts on innovation, perseverance, and the future of clean energy in Europe and beyond.

PLUS on this week’s Espresso, Torsten touches base with a solar module maker that is trying to make it in America. Sirius PV is currently ramping a factory in Texas, and CEO Ercan Kalafat provides an update on the company’s progress.

This week on The Solar Journey, Torsten sits down with Karolina Attspodina, the dynamic CEO and co-founder of WeDoSolar. Karolina’s journey into the solar industry was informed by the desire to expand the boundaries of PV applications – giving apartment dwellers and renters the chance to benefit from the technology. 

Her company, WeDoSolar, specializes in smart balcony solar systems. And she has plenty of advice for clean technology entrepreneurs. 

As Karolina explains, "When you’re building a company, it's all about being fast, having the right team, and not being afraid to try new things." With her keen focus on simplifying tech for consumers, Karolina aims to transform urban solar adoption and redefine how we think about decentralized, accessible energy.

This week’s episode is packed with startup insights, helpful resources, and Karolina’s take on the power of mindset in business. We hope this episode inspires some listeners to start a climate tech business and begin their own solar journey!

PLUS in our Espresso segment – last week’s U.S. presidential election is still front of mind for many with questions abounding as to the impact a second Trump administration will have on solar, wind, and battery energy storage. Stephen Lacey, the co-founder of Latitude Media, joins Torsten to provide some insights into the complex picture.

In the first episode back after our mid-season break, Torsten reconnects with Andrew Blakers, who he studied under at the Australian National University back in the nineties.

Andrew is a true trailblazer in renewable energy and a developer and fierce advocate for solar technology. This episode explores Andrew’s journey from a student of physics at UNSW to renewable energy visionary.

With a blend of both sunny optimism and biting realism, Andrew offers insights into the challenges and opportunities in the global renewable energy transition, including advocating for the adoption of pumped hydro energy storage, which he believes has vast potential. As he explains, “We are going to end up with a much more reliable energy system that’s also cheaper and has zero emissions.” His perspective sheds light on why a distributed clean energy network represents a "quiet revolution" of the energy system in countries like Australia.

Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode to hear Andrew’s hot takes on topics ranging from grid stability to the misconceptions surrounding hydrogen and nuclear power.

PLUS In this week's Espresso segment, homegrown Australian renewable energy journalist and content creator Jonathan Gifford joins us with insights from the country's biggest renewable energy event: All Energy Australia 2024. 

This week's episode of The Solar Journey takes us to sub-Saharan Africa with Ndiarka Mbodji, CEO and founder of Kowry Energy, as the company rolls out sustainable energy solutions across the continent.

Ndiarka's background in chemistry and business management, plus a 15 year tenure in the corporate world at Rolls-Royce, led her to excel in operational roles. But it was her deep connection to Senegal, and her goal of helping the people there gain economic sovereignty, that led to her career shift to renewable energy. She shares how her experiences of going back and forth between Europe and Africa sparked a realization about the vast disparity in energy access—and why the future of development in Africa lies in affordable, reliable power.

With Kowry Energy, Ndiarka envisions energy as the "new currency for economic development," linking Africa's prosperous past with its bright future. “The number one thing you need is energy,” she emphasizes, discussing her company’s mission to foster economic sovereignty for rural communities through reliable, scalable off-grid solutions.

Throughout the conversation, Ndiarka touches on the challenges and opportunities of running a startup in a market as complex as Africa, how her corporate experience shaped her approach to leadership, and the critical role of quality in delivering long-term impact.

PLUS, in the Espresso segment Radovan Kopecek touches base to discuss the latest in manufacturing news from India and Europe, along with the IP disputes that are increasingly entangling TOPCon manufacturers.

This week Torsten sits down with one of the most influential voices in the solar research community, Martin Green, aka “the father of modern PV,” for a retrospective look at the early history and rapid progress of solar technology.

Martin’s groundbreaking work has shaped the industry as we know it, and his story is one of innovation and grasping opportunities as they arose. His early interest in microelectronics in Australia in the 1960s led to developing world-record-setting solar cells in the 80s. Humble despite these amazing achievements, Martin jokes, “One of my colleagues used to say I was famous in my own lunch box.” But with a ferry in Sydney Harbor set to be named after him, his impact is undeniable.

Martin details his pioneering work with what is now known as TOPCon and with PERC technology – both major breakthroughs in solar cell architecture. Although going against conventional wisdom and in a constant battle to secure funding, his team persevered. His thoughts on the naysayers? “We were told at the time we'd never make it into production. So, yeah, don't listen to the advice that you get given."

Looking ahead, Martin sees potential for even lower solar costs. "We might be looking at a future where solar is not just cheap, but insanely cheap." An icon in the field, his story is a must-listen for anyone curious about how solar became a leading solution in the fight against climate change.

PLUS On the Espresso segment this week, Torsten touches base with another Aussie solar innovator, James Allston from Orkestra Technologies. James is currently in Europe, setting the stage for the expansion of his software startup, and he provides some key takeaways from the recent Solar & Storage Live event in the UK.

In a special extended episode of The Solar Journey, Torsten Brammer speaks with influential industry voice, Gunter Erfurt, former CEO of Meyer Burger Technology AG, in his first interview since parting ways with the European manufacturing giant.

From his beginnings as a student of physics to one of the most well-known faces in Europe's solar manufacturing segment, Gunter's solar journey has taken him to unexpected places. He opens up about Meyer Burger’s bold pivot to solar cell and module production, how policy delay and eventual inaction represents a missed opportunity for Europe, and his vision for the future of solar manufacturing (spoiler: he's still hopeful).

Despite his persistent optimism, he doesn’t shy away from discussing the tough lessons learned, how younger German solar companies opposed pro-manufacturing policies, and why China’s solar dominance represents a risk to global energy security.

Informed and insightful, Gunter does not take a backwards step in defending the strategic decision to transition Meyer Burger's business toward making modules. "I decided let's go for it, and I have never regretted it."

PLUS: On this week's Espresso, Torsten speaks with Ivona Kafedjiska, a PV research strategy and policy consultant with the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, on the sidelines of the EU PVSEC event. She shares some of her key takeaways from the leading European academic conference for clean technology and gives her view on why hopes for a revival of solar manufacturing on the continent may not be lost.

In our second episode of the season, Torsten is joined at The smarter E in Munich by trailblazing solar analyst Jenny Chase, who was the first member of the BloombergNEF solar analyst team. Jenny, who has spent over 17 years shaping solar market intelligence, shares her journey from studying physics at Cambridge University to leading one of the world’s top sources for solar data and analysis.

Jenny walks us through the early days of solar, back when the price of polysilicon was astronomical and when installing half a terawatt of PV in one year (as we are on track to do in 2024) would've been unthinkable. She reflects on how solar has evolved to become an essential driver of the global energy transition and discusses the many challenges of analyzing an ever-changing and rapidly evolving market.

An extremely engaging conversation, sprinkled with her signature wit and no-nonsense approach, Jenny speaks to the joys of building a team, the perils of management, and the importance of doing what you love (which may or may not include tending to a flock of multi-generational geese).

PLUS: On the Espresso segment, Sven Albersmeier-Braun reports from the new Solar & Storage Live Zürich event. Sven is from upstart Chinese power electronics and battery supplier Sigenergy, and he describes how the residential battery market in Switzerland is undergoing a transition, as fears of power shortages begin to fade.

We're kicking off Season 2 of The Solar Journey with solar industry leader Howard Wenger, President of Nextracker!
In this episode, host Dr. Torsten Brammer dives deep into Howard's incredible 40-year journey, from waiting in gas lines during the 1970's oil crisis to leading one of the world's most innovative solar tracker companies. Howard shares how he fell in love with photovoltaics (spoiler: he may bleed silicon!) and never looked back. He walks us through the early days of solar, when costs were sky-high, and people thought he was chasing a pipe dream.
Fast forward to today, and Nextracker is celebrating 100 gigawatts of solar trackers shipped. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what drives Nextracker's success and hear Howard's insights on what it will take to push solar energy and clean tech to the next level.
PLUS: On the Espresso segment, Radovan Kopecek from ISC Konstanz joins us live from Anaheim, California – from the RE+ trade show and conference. He provides an update on solar manufacturing in the US and how intellectual property issues are creating challenges for prospective cell producers in the country. He also hints at an opportunity for non-Chinese cell makers that may present a profitable sales channel in the currently challenging market situation.

In episode #022 of The Solar Journey, Dr. Torsten Brammer talks with Christian Langen Founder and Senior Advisor of Dynago. Christian has been active in leading solar businesses for about 20 years, from manufacturing wafers, cells, and modules with Sovello, building solar systems, and selling components with Conergy to selling inverters worldwide as Executive VP for SMA. For 10 years, he has been helping entrepreneurs and leaders in the industry as an independent advisor and board director. He is the chairman of Oxford PV, the Perovskite pioneer, and he helps entrepreneurs and investors buy and build businesses in the cleantech space. He calls himself a “free radical” and is a frequent contributor on LinkedIn and at industry events.

Connect with Chrisitan Langen on LinkedIn.

** Find this episode's transcript on The Solar Journey WEBSITE, on the BLOG page, under INTERVIEWS **

In this episode, Torsten Brammer talks to Tim Meyer, the owner of 3Epunkt, a consultancy for renewable solutions with renewable energy & sector coupling. Tim has more than 27 years of technology and management experience in the renewable energy and energy industry. Together with Torsten, he takes a closer look at our current situation in the European Energy market – specifically Germany. What challenges are we facing right now? How did we cope with the energy crisis so far? And what does it take to accelerate the renewable energy market to the next level?

#klimaschutz, #energiewende, #energiewirtschaft, #renewables

Connect with Dr. Tim Meyer on LinkedIn.

** Find this episode's transcript on The Solar Journey WEBSITE, on the BLOG page, under INTERVIEWS **

In this episode, Dr. Torsten Brammer talks to Dr. Volker Quaschning, a professor of renewable energy systems at the Berlin University of Applied Sciences Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin. Moreover, Volker is a co-founder of Scientists for Future, the author of multiple books, and a successful podcaster and YouTuber for renewable energy topics.

So this talk is about the dedication to make information about renewable energy and climate change transparent and assessable for all people, also beyond lecture halls. Learn more about the big challenges we are facing, why it seems so hard for human mankind to adopt a sustainable lifestyle, and how grassroots organizations work.

Connect with Dr. Volker Quaschning on LinkedIn & Twitter.

** Find this episode's transcript on The Solar Journey WEBSITE, on the BLOG page, under INTERVIEWS **

This episode is truly inspiring ☀️. Renewable energy can really make a difference in the world and improve living conditions and perspectives of whole communities. Africa GreenTec, empowers people to achieve more self-determination and growth through sustainable energy solutions. But it is easier said than done because electricity works differently in other countries. It is not only about access, but also about the quality of electricity, which requires tailored solutions.

Torsten Brammer wants to know, how it works exactly, so he talks to Torsten Schreiber, LinkedIn Top Voice 2022 for #sustainability and Founder/ CEO of Africa GreenTec. They are joined by Kady Tounkara, Brand Communication Director at AGT, former Olympian and Professional Basketball Player, and Chairperson of the World Anti-Doping Education committee.

Don't miss this enlightening talk!

Connect with Africa GreenTec on LinkedIn.

In this episode, Torsten Brammer talks to a pioneer in the field of quality insurance for PV power plants. Jörg Althaus is the Director of Engineering Services, QA, and ESG at Clean Energy Associates. CEA provides engineering and technical support services for #PV and battery storage. Before his current position, Jörg held various positions at TÜV Rheinland, a leading Testing, Inspection, Certification body in the solar industry.

You should listen to this podcast episode if you...

👉 ... want to gain insights about quality insurance in the fab and on the field

👉 ... want to know how reliable reliability tests really are

👉 ... are curious about the predictability of failure

👉 ... are wondering if fire guards would extinguish the fire in your house even if it has a rooftop installation 🚒 🔥

Connect with Jörg Althaus on LinkedIn.

In episode #016 of The Solar Journey Podcast, Dr. Torsten Brammer Speaks with Dr. Charles Gay. Charlie Gay is a pioneer in the PV manufacturing industry with over 45 years of solar experience.

He served most of his career in the private sector as leader at ARCO Solar, Siemens Solar Industries, ASE Americas, and Applied Materials. Dr. Gay also led the Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) for the U.S. Department of Energy and served as Director of the National Renewable Energy Lab.

He is co-founder of the Greenstar Foundation, an organization that develops multi-function solar-powered community centers in isolated villages throughout the developing world. As President of Galaxy Energy, Dr. Gay is transforming the automotive, aerospace, construction, pharmaceutical, energy generation, and storage industries. Charlie holds a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the University of California, Riverside. He was elected to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering in 2013.

Connect with Charles Gay on LinkedIn.

In episode #015 of The Solar Journey podcast, Dr. Torsten Brammer speaks with Mario Schirru. Mario Schirru has been in the renewable energy business since 2008 when he started his career as a Project Developer for GEO mbH. Five years later, he moved to Germany and started working as an Investment Manager for Capital Stage AG, now Encavis AG.

In 2015 he was appointed Investment Director and took over the responsibility for the company's investment activities. Finally, in 2019, he became responsible for the Operations Team. Mario holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Master’s degree in Control Engineering (both from the University of Pisa), and an MBA from Mannheim Business School.

Connect with Mario Schirru on LinkedIn. 

In episode #014 Dr. Torsten Brammer speaks with the University of Freiburg located in Fahnenbergplatz, Germany.

Dr. Brammer is the host and founder of The Solar Journey Podcast, and currently serves as the CEO of WAVELABS Solar Metrology Systems GmbH, and CEO for Photovoltaic Research and Consulting.

With the University of Freiburg, Dr. Brammer discusses his personal solar journey and what he's learned as the show's host (from other solar experts). Tune in to hear more. 

Connect with Dr. Torsten Brammer on LinkedIn. 

** Find this episode's transcript on The Solar Journey website, on the blog page, under interviews **

In episode #013 Dr. Torsten Brammer speaks with Dr. Pierre Verlinden. Dr. Verlinden is a photovoltaic (PV) scientist with 40 years of experience in high-efficiency silicon solar cell technology, IBC silicon cells, Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV), multi-junction III-V solar cells, detectors, optoelectronic and power devices.

The founder and managing director of Amrock, he specializes in design, process development and integration, modeling and characterization. His experience also includes the transfer of PV technology from University to Manufacturing, and the design and construction of PV manufacturing plants.

Dr. Brammer and Dr. Verlinden discuss the key milestones in PV-tech, sustainability in PV, recruitment, and what it takes to get solar to the next level. Tune in to hear all about what Dr. Verlinden is doing in the solar industry and more.

Connect with Pierre Verlinden on LinkedIn. 

** Find this episode's transcript on The Solar Journey website, on the blog page, under interviews **