
The Solar Maverick Podcast is the insiders guide to where the solar and energy markets meet entrepreneurship and trailblazing. Hosted by Benoy Thanjan – a serial entrepreneur and founder of Reneu Energy
Recorded at the ACORE Finance Forum, Benoy Thanjan speaks with James Gutman of S&P Global about the findings from S&P Global’s latest report created for ACORE on the state of renewable energy finance and investment in the United States.
James discusses the continued flow of capital into solar, battery storage, and other energy infrastructure, while examining the transmission, permitting, and market challenges that could constrain future growth.
The conversation also explores James’s work with Young Professionals in Energy New York City and the importance of mentorship, networking, and developing the next generation of energy leaders.
Biographies
Benoy Thanjan
Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, a solar development and consulting firm, and the host of the Solar Maverick Podcast. He also serves as a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups.
Over his career, Benoy has developed more than 100 MW of solar projects across the United States, advised on more than 1 GW of energy projects worldwide, helped launch some of the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered approximately $50 million in renewable energy credit transactions.
Before founding Reneu Energy, Benoy worked in Tesla’s Project Finance Group as an environmental commodities trader, where he managed one of the company’s largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated renewable energy credit transactions and worked with senior leadership to develop monetization and hedging strategies supporting the company’s expansion into East Coast markets.
Benoy also served as Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, a solar and energy storage construction company, where he developed project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. At Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with approximately 125 MW of U.S. renewable energy assets, he evaluated investment opportunities, supported portfolio strategy, and played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable energy portfolio.
Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and in Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young. He also completed an internship on the trading floor at D. E. Shaw & Co., a global investment and technology development firm.
Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics from the NYU Stern School of Business, where he was an Alumni Scholar.
Guest Information
James Gutman
Senior principal analyst at S&P Global focused on providing energy finance analysis and advisory services to financial and capital market clients. Previously a deal advisory senior associate with five and a half years experience in public accounting. He has a distinctive background: started his career advising entrepreneurs on building up successful businesses, scaling up full cycles accounting processes with growth strategies and tax planning. Moved into full time audit and then deal advisory at a Big 4 firm in New York City to assist asset managers and private equity in mergers and acquisitions with a specialization in renewables and infrastructure.
Stay Connected:
Benoy Thanjan
Email: info@reneuenergy.com
LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan
Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com
Website: https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com/
James Gutman
Report:
Email: james.gutman@spglobal.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-gutman/
Young Professional in Energy NYC: https://www.ypenyc.org/
Sponsor
This episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast is brought to you by Reneu Energy.
Reneu Energy works with companies and organizations on renewable energy strategy, project development, owner’s representation, project finance, renewable energy credits, and market advisory services.
To learn more, visit:
https://www.reneuenergy.com
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