Solar EPCs face growing pressure to deliver projects on time, manage costs, secure financing, and navigate changing energy policies. So how can smaller companies grow while protecting their profitability and reputation?

In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Forrest Cohn, co-founder of Utopian Power, to discuss building a reliable solar and battery storage business in a changing market.

Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Utopian Power develops renewable energy projects. It provides engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services for municipalities, municipally owned utilities, rural electric cooperatives, and other project developers. The company focuses primarily on projects under 10 MW, with experience across the Midwest and other US markets.

Whether you're a solar developer, EPC contractor, project owner, or clean energy professional, this episode offers practical insights into growing a solar business without compromising on project delivery.

IN THIS EPISODE

• How Utopian Power grew from a startup founded in 2020 into a renewable energy developer and EPC contractor.
• Why municipalities and smaller utilities can create opportunities for solar developers.
• How EPC companies can partner with developers to deliver community solar projects.
• Why bonding capacity matters when pursuing larger construction contracts.
• How financial discipline and responsible project selection help protect profitability.
• How Utopian Power approaches hiring, project pipelines, and business growth amid market uncertainty.
• How tariffs, equipment restrictions, and changing federal tax credit policies affect solar project costs.
• Why state policies and utility programs remain important to commercial solar deployment.
• What solar companies can do to build trust and strengthen the industry's reputation.

Connect with Forrest Cohn, Utopian Power

Forrest Cohn | LinkedIn
Utopian Power

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The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com