Krista Simicich
Digital Editor
Inside The Episode
From second-life battery storage to AI-powered contract intelligence and robotic labor, this edition of IESNA 2025 Insights showcases how early-stage innovators are solving real-world problems across the clean energy landscape.
Recorded live at the Hub during Intersolar & Energy Storage North America’s 2025 flagship event, these conversations highlight the technologies and minds reshaping how we build, maintain, and scale energy systems.
Founders and representatives from Moment Energy, Roboforce, SolarGrade, New Sun Road, Clean Solar Solutions, and ContractPower share their breakthroughs, setbacks, and strategic insights as they work to accelerate the transition to a smarter and more resilient energy future.
How AI, Robotics, and Battery Storage are Reshaping the Energy Industry
Featuring: Brandon Hong, Account Executive at Moment Energy, and Leo Ma, Founder and CEO at Roboforce
Leo Ma, founder of Roboforce, and Moment Energy’s Brandon Hong discuss how their companies address labor shortages and grid challenges with robotics and second-life EV battery storage. Hear their insights on scaling, customer acquisition, and the importance of ongoing innovation in the evolving clean energy market.
Topics include:
- Repurposing retired EV batteries for second-life energy storage
- Using robotics to automate high-risk, repetitive tasks
- Overcoming customer acquisition and growth hurdles
Solar Startups: Founders Share Insights on Growth, Challenges & Innovation
Featuring: Adrienne Pierce, CEO at New Sun Road, David Penalva, Co-Founder and CEO at SolarGrade, and Steve Williams, CEO at Clean Solar Solutions America
Three clean energy founders reflect on their entrepreneurial paths and the technologies driving their companies forward — from microgrid control systems to field service software and operations and maintenance solutions. They share lessons learned from early-stage challenges like staffing, funding, and building trust with customers, as well as the strategies they’re using to grow, differentiate, and stay agile in a rapidly evolving industry.
Topics include:
- Innovative solutions for solar field services and microgrids
- Early-stage challenges like staffing, funding, and product-market fit
- Growth through partnerships, specialization, and customer trust
The AI Revolution & Energy: Why Now, What’s Next?
Featuring: Bryan Villano, Co-Founder and CEO at ContractPower
CEO and co-founder Bryan Villano breaks down how ContractPower is using industry-specific AI to transform the way energy companies handle contract compliance and legal risk. Learn how unlike general AI tools, ContractPower is purpose-built for the sector — automating summaries, tracking regulations, and flagging potential issues before they escalate.
Topics include:
- How vertical AI differs from AI in energy
- Benefits of AI-driven contract intelligence for IPPs, utilities, and legal teams
- What’s driving AI adoption in clean energy, including regulation, complexity, and enterprise demand
About The Hub
Located in the IESNA 2025 exhibit hall, the Hub stage is an educational space that included included insightful interviews with top product and solution providers as well as educational presentations describing real-world applications and takeaways. Learn more here.
Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Supporting Sponsor
Stage Sponsor
Thank You to Our Partner
