Solar Maverick Podcast

SMP 157: Proposed California Community Solar Program Update(April 2024)

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy spoke about the proposed community solar legislation in California with Derek Chernow with CCSA,  Stephanie Doyle from SEIA, and Steve Campbell from Vote Solar.   Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy and he is also an advisor for several solar startup companies.  He has extensive project origination, development, and financial experience in the renewable energy industry and in the environme...

SMP 156: How to develop Solar and Storage on Disturbed Land with AC Power?

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Annika Colston who is the President and Founder of AC Power.  AC Power is an award winning NYC certified (“Women Business Enterprise”) WBE focused on converting low value land into revenue-generating solar energy sites.  Annika speaks about many interesting topics like the complexities of developing on disturbed land, the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, and her suggestions to start a clean energy company...

SMP 155: Capital Solutions for Real Estate for Solar and Battery Storage with SolaREIT

Episode Summary.  In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Laura Pagliarulo who is the President and Founder of SolaREIT.  SolaREIT™ invests in land related to solar and battery developments through land acquisitions, lease monetization, and project re-powering.  Laura speaks about many interesting topics like how their  cost of capital is lower compared to development capital, why it is better for developers to lead with land purchase option than lease option with t...

SMP 154: How Aurora Solar is innovating the residential and commercial sales experience through software?

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Paul Grana who is Solar Software Leader and GM of HelioScope at Aurora Solar. Aurora’s cloud-based software transforms solar design, sales, and delivery. With just an address and electric bill, Aurora empowers you to generate a full, accurate, and customizable design for every customer.  Paul speaks about many interesting topics like how AI has impacted Aurora, listening to the customer has led to the company b...

153: How Sunstone Credit is providing debt financing for an underserved market in solar?

Episode Summary. In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Josh Goldberg who is Co-Founder and CEO of Sunstone Credit.  Sunstone Credit provides flexible financing solutions for businesses of all sizes, offering solar loans with borrower-friendly terms and an efficient application process.  Josh speaks about many interesting topics like how higher interest rates has impacted lending,  how Sunstone is more innovative on C&I solar financing compared to banks, and which...

SMP 152: How Anza Renewables is innovating solar module & energy storage procurement?

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Mike Hall who is CEO of Anza Renewables. Anza helps solar module and energy storage equipment buyers optimize and accelerate their buying process.  Mike speaks about many interesting topics like Effective $/Watt and total value, when most solar developers will be able to take advantage of the domestic content adder, and what storage technology is most popular.   Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and...

SMP 151: Proliferation of Flexible Solar in Space

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Paul Warley who is the CEO of Ascent Solar Technologies which is manufacturer of innovative, high performance, flexible thin-film solar panels for both existing and emerging agrivoltaic, space, and aerospace applications.  Paul talks about how thin-film solar will play a vital role with the renewable energy transition specially in space and agrivoltaics and the rapid rise of solar power in space. Benoy Thanjan...

SMP 150: How SunRaise Capital is innovating residential solar financing?

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Nathan Jovanelly who is the CEO and Founder of SunRaise Capital.  Nate talks about his new company SunRaise Capital which provides affordable and accessible renewable energy options to homeowners.  Nate talks about how transferability of the tax credit from the Inflation Reduction Act(“IRA”) will lead to a lot more solar deployment and allow solar installers to own their projects.  Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan...

SMP 149: Jigar Shah, Director of the LPO of the DOE, Discusses How the Solar Industry Has to Innovate

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Jigar Shah who is the Director for the Loan Programs Office(“LPO”) at the U.S. Department of Energy(“DOE”).  Jigar speaks about Virtual Power Purchase Agreements(“VPPAs”), DOE’s $3 Billion Partial Loan Guarantee to Sunnova’s Project Hestia, and how the solar industry has to innovate. Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy and he is also an advisor for several solar startup companie...

SMP 148: How Summit Ridge Energy is dominating the Virginia Community Solar Market?

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Garren Bisschoff who is the Senior Vice President of Business Development at Summit Ridge Energy(“SRE”).  Garren speaks about Summit Ridge Energy 100 MW Community Solar Portfolio in Virginia, the magnificent growth of Summit Ridge Energy, and his solar journey. Here is the press release discussed on the Solar Maverick Podcast. Summit Ridge Energy Becomes Market Leader in Virginia with 100 MW Community Solar P...

SMP 147: RE+ Conference Takeaways

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Nathan Jovanelly who is the owner of Jovanelly LLC and the CEO and Founder of SunRaise Capital.  Nate and Benoy speak about Takeaways from RE+ in Las Vegas in September.  RE+ is the biggest renewable energy trade show in the world with over 43,000 people who attended this past year.   Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy and he is also an advisor for several solar startup compani...

SMP 146: How Erthos is revolutionizing Utility Scale Solar Construction?

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Albie Fong who is the Sr. Director of Business Development at Erthos.  Erthos offers a full suite of products and services aimed at helping developers dramatically reduce the levelized cost of energy (“LCOE”) on utility-scale solar power plants. Albie discusses how Erthos innovates utility solar construction, how the company has gotten investors comfortable with their new innovative technology, and Albie speak...

SMP 145: US Community Solar Market Analysis

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Sarah Moon who is the Co-Founder & Principal at Fieldworks Power.  Fieldworks Power is a forward-thinking distributed energy development company focused on developing community solar projects in the United States. Sarah discusses the different community solar markets in the United States, the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act(“IRA”) for renewables, and her entrepreneurship journey.   Benoy Thanjan Benoy...

SMP 144: Luxpower: Introduces its Innovative Inverter Technology to the US Market

Episode Summary In this episode, Benoy and his co-host, Andy Daniels, Head of Tech Support for the Americas at LuxpowerTek, delve into the fascinating journey of their Shenzhen-based solar and storage inverter manufacturing company as they establish a local team and services to 'back up the backup' in the competitive US market. Join them as they explore the unique aspects of the US market, including its stringent regulations, solar production bankability, and policy incentives such as the I...

SMP 143: Insights on the US Solar and Storage Market

Episode Summary Benoy and his co-host David Magid, who is the founder and managing member of YSG Solar which is solar plus storage developer, discuss current major news and insights on the US Solar and Storage Market.  They are calling it the League which will be a weekly update of the major news in the Renewable Energy Industry.   In the first episode of the League, David and Benoy discuss the great opportunity with the Inflation Reduction Action(“IRA”),   US community solar update, and t...

SMP 142: The Benefits of Local Solar

Episode Summary Benoy interviews Robin Dutta who is the Campaign Director at Local Solar for All.   Local Solar for All’s mission is to create safer, more affordable and equitable ways to supply power to our communities.  Robin speaks about the benefits of Local Solar, the best states for Community Solar, and how the solar industry can improve our lobby and advocacy efforts. Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy and he is also an advisor for several solar star...

SMP 141: Unlocking Your Solar Project’s Potential with Operations and Maintenance

Episode Summary In this episode, Benoy interviews Jesse Waters who is the  Co-Founder of Tri-Force Energy - Commercial & Utility Scale Solar Inspections, Testing, & Repair Company.  He talks about the importance of operations & maintenance(O&M) for solar projects, how technology is improving the life of solar assets, and the importance of relationships for success in business. Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy and he is also an advisor for several solar st...

SMP 140: Agrivoltaics: One of the Next Frontiers in Solar

Episode Summary In this episode, Benoy interviews Dan French, the Executive Producer of the Solar Farm Summit and Virginia Solar Summit . Dan discusses Agrivoltaics, Virginia Solar Summit on August 31st, and the first annual Solar Farm Summit. Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy and he is also an advisor for several solar startup companies.  He has extensive project origination, development, and financial experience in the renewable energy industry and in th...

SMP 139: Opportunities and Challenges with the PJM Solar Market

Episode Summary In this episode of Solar Maverick Podcast,  Benoy is joined by his co-host Nate Jovanelly and they interview Kailtin Savage from Hodson Energy and Stephanie Johnson who is the Executive Director of Chesapeake Solar & Storage Association(“CHESSA”).  There are many interesting topics that were discussed regarding the challenges of the PJM Interconnection Queue, the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act(“IRA”), and finding talent for the renewable energy transition.   Benoy Th...

SMP 138: North America Solar Manufacturer discusses how they differentiate from Foreign Competition

Episode Summary In this episode of Solar Maverick Podcast,  Benoy speaks to Martin Pochtaruk who is a President at Heliene, US and Canadian manufacturer of High Efficiency Solar PV Modules.  Martin speaks primarily about how Heliene has differentiated itself from foreign solar manufacturers,  the opportunity for domestic solar panel manufacturing from the Inflation Reduction(“IRA”) and he discusses new solar panel technologies.  Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu ...

SMP 137: Discussion on Transferability Guidance for the Inflation Reduction Act with Adam from Foley & Lardner

Episode Summary In this episode of Solar Maverick Podcast,  Benoy speaks to Adam Schurle who is a Tax Partner with Foley & Lardner.  Adam speaks primarily about the transferability guidance provided by the IRS on the Inflation Reduction(“IRA”) and he also talks about the IRS guidance on Tax Credit Sales and Direct Cash Payments.   Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy and he is also an advisor for several solar startup companies.  He has extensive project orig...

SMP 136: Accelerating The Adoption Of Renewable Energy In The Pacific Islands

Episode Summary In this episode of Solar Maverick Podcast,  Benoy speaks to Sierra Jackovics who is Government and Energy Policy Specialist for Mana Pacific.  Mana Pacific is a social impact company and benefit corporation that develops, finances, and de-risks scalable island resiliency projects in Hawaii and the 22 Pacific Island Territories and Countries.  Sierra speaks about developing projects in the Pacific islands, how community engagement is so important when developing a solar proje...

SMP 135: A Perfect Fit-Solar and Bitcoin

Episode Summary In this episode of Solar Maverick Podcast,  Benoy is interviewed by Logan Chipkin about Solar and Bitcoin and how Solar Energy can be used for Bitcoin Mining.   Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy and he is also an advisor for several solar startup companies.  He has extensive project origination, development, and financial experience in the renewable energy industry and in the environmental commodities market.   This includes initial site ...

SMP 134: 2023 Solar Predictions

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Nathan Jovanelly who is the head of business development from Enerflo and the owner of Jovanelly LLC.  Enerflo is a platform for Solar Sales and Operations and has processed $2 Billion in solar transactions to date.  Nate speaks about his 2023 solar predictions and how technology is going to accelerate solar deployment.   Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy and he is also an ad...

SMP 133: An Update on the IRA and current trade policy issues in renewables by Greg Wetstone who is head of ACORE

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Gregory Wetstone who is the President and CEO of American Council on Renewable Energy (“ACORE”).  Greg gives an update on  the Inflation Reduction Act(“IRA”) and talks about current policy issues in renewables.  He also talks about how ACORE is leading as a trade organization in the equitable transition of renewables with the Accelerate Program and partnership with the National Urban League.   Benoy Thanjan ...

SMP 132: Update on the Great Progress of Let’s Share The Sun Foundation

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Bill Jordan and John Moran about Let’s Share the Sun Foundation.  Since 2010, Let’s Share the Sun Foundation has been installing solar across Haiti, Honduras, and Puerto Rico.  The Foundation has partnered with local solar installers, equipment manufacturers, and US solar companies to bring solar to communities in need around the world.   Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, as...

SMP 131: How Technology and Software are innovating the Solar Industry?

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Nathan Jovanelly who is the head of business development from Enerflo and the owner of Jovanelly LLC.  Enerflo is a platform for Solar Sales and Operations and has processed $2 Billion in solar transactions to date.  Nate speaks about many interesting topics like how technology and software is innovating the solar industry, how data is helping with lowering energy usage and using renewables more efficiently, an...

SMP 130: A Pilot Episode for a New Podcast from Spencer and Benoy where they speak about topics of interest

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, it is introduction of pilot episode of a new podcast from Spencer from Enerflo and Benoy where they speak about topics of interest. Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, as well as an advisor for several solar startup companies. Reneu Energy is a premier international solar energy consulting firm and developer, and the company focuses on developing commercial and industrial solar, as well as utili...

SMP 129: Learn About a Great Non-Profit Called Let’s Share the Sun Foundation

Episode Summary   In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Bill Jordan and John Moran about Let’s Share the Sun Foundation.  Since 2010, Let’s Share the Sun Foundation has been installing solar across Haiti, Honduras, and Puerto Rico.  The Foundation has partnered with local solar installers, equipment manufacturers, and US solar companies to bring solar to communities in need around the world.     Benoy Thanjan   Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu E...

SMP 128: How Enerflo is revolutionizing the residential sales process?

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Spencer who is the co-founder from Enerflo.  Enerflo is a platform for Solar Sales and Operations and has processed $2 Billion in solar transactions to date.  Spencer speaks about many interesting topics like how lowering soft costs is the next big thing in solar, Enerflo’s software simplifies the solar process, selling residential solar online will become more popular, and other solar trends and predictions. ...

SMP 127: An Investor differentiates itself by assisting with project development.

Episode Summary In this episode of Solar Maverick Podcast, John Chaimanis and Benoy Thanjan talk about Kendall Sustainable Infrastructure (KSI), how it was founded and how it can differentiate itself from its competitors. Their conversation in this episode goes into development capital, John's ideal projects, his thoughts on frictionless close, why he discourages discounting electricity for community projects, and how he values solar projects and renewable energy.   Benoy Thanjan Benoy T...

SMP 126: Benoy Thanjan discusses what the Australian Solar Market can learn from the US Solar Market

Episode Summary In this episode of Solar Maverick Podcast, Nigel Morris and Benoy Thanjan discuss the differences between the Australian and U.S solar markets and the varying pricing costs. Benoy highlights the high solar prices, especially in the U.S, and the factors contributing to the costs. Finally, he provides lessons that the Australian market can learn from the U.S solar industry and what he thinks is the future of the U.S solar market.    Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founde...

SMP 125: Solar Expert Discusses Bitcoin and the Great Opportunity for Solar!

Episode Summary In this episode of Solar Maverick Podcast, Kent Halliburton takes us on his journey into the solar industry and bitcoin mining. Starting immediately after college, he worked at REC Solar for a few years before moving to Real Goods. He picked up his dream of traveling and began pursuing his passion for crypto. He takes us through the journey of how he was able to bring together his passion for crypto and tie it to his passion for solar energy. Kent talks about bitcoin mining ...

SMP 124: Landgate is innovating how solar developers and investors acquire land for solar projects

SMP 123: How Extensible Energy is changing how Solar Sales sells to Commercial Customers?

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with John Powers about his company Extensible Energy whose mission is to bring energy intelligence to the small to medium building owners. Some of interesting things that John speaks about building energy intelligence for small to medium commercial and industrial buildings and changing how Solar sells to Commercial Customers. Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, as well as an advisor...

SMP 122: The author of the Freeing Energy Book Discusses How Local-Scale Solar and Batteries are Disrupting the Energy Industry!

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Bill Nussey about his new book Freeing Energy which is a must read if you are in the solar industry or interested in solar.  The book focuses on how innovators are using local-scale solar and batteries to disrupt the global energy industry from the outside in.  Freeing Energy is a deeply researched, actionable guide for anyone that cares about the future of energy—from startups, policymakers, investors, and uti...

SMP 121: DroneBase inspects solar projects at scale to increase energy output and mitigate risk.

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Mark Culpepper who is the GM for global solar solutions at DroneBase, which is accurately and cost-effectively inspect solar assets to identify system anomalies so you can increase energy output, recover lost energy revenue, and mitigate risk.  Mark Culpepper speaks about many interesting topics like how Dronebase is able troubleshoot modules with thermal scan at scale, manned aircrafts allow thermal scan at sc...

SMP 120: Developer/Investor discusses scaling solar development and how to determine a new solar market

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Nobel Chang who is the Managing Partner of Commercial Strategy & Business Development from Palladium Energy.  Palladium Energy is a solar developer and investor that develops utility scale solar projects in the US.  Nobel speaks about many interesting topics like how to look at a new solar market, how to scale solar development, and what makes a project bankable. Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and...

SMP 119: How Enerflo’s software solution is innovating residential solar and lowering soft costs?

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Nathan Jovanelly who is the head of business development from Enerflo.  Enerflo is a platform for Solar Sales and Operations and has processed $2 Billion in solar transactions to date.  Nate speaks about many interesting topics like how lowering soft costs is the next big thing in solar, Enerflo’s software simplifies the solar process, selling residential solar online will become more popular, and other solar t...

SMP 118: REACTIVATE: The New Innovative Solar Platform, Powered by Invenergy and Lafayette Square

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Jordan Leventhal from Invenergy and John Moran from Lafayette Square.  They discuss REACTIVATE which is a new innovative solar platform which is a joint venture between Invenergy and Lafayette Square. By 2030, Reactivate seeks to develop three gigawatts (“GW”) of renewable energy capacity, save $50 million in energy costs for LMI households, sign 100 contracts with minority or women-owned contractors, and facil...

SMP 117: European Commercial Solar Discussion with the Pioneer of PPA Financing in Europe

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Harald Overholm who is the CEO and Founder of Alight Energy.  Alight Energy is the leading solar Power Purchase Agreement provider in the Nordics and developing more than 500 MW of PPA-based onsite and offsite projects across Europe.  Harald speaks about many interesting topics like the European PPA market, how the European solar market has evolved, and how higher electricity prices in the past year is allowing...

SMP 116: Innovative Financing Solutions for Developers to Own Solar Projects

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with Jim Spano who is the Co-Founder, Head of Originations of Sol-REIT and Mark Settles who is the CEO of Sol-REIT.  Sol-REIT offers long-term, fixed rate debt that matches the operational life of an asset and at a lower cost of capital.  Jim and Mark speak about many interesting topics like how developers can keep more of the value that they created with their solar projects, their innovative financing to help deve...

SMP 115: How solar projects produce EMF radiation and how this can be cleaned and filtered?

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with B.D. Erickson who is the CEO of Satic USA and Satic Solar which produces electronic products that cleans and filters EMF radiation and Satic Solar is involved in residential solar.  B.D. Erickson speaks about many interesting topics like how solar projects produce EMF radiation or dirty electricity, what trends are increasing EMF radiation, and the Montana solar market. Satic is offering a 10% discount to Sola...

SMP 114: Developer discusses how to develop a great solar project and what solar markets in the US to focus on.

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy speaks with David Magid who is Managing Member and Founder of YSG Solar which is a solar developer based in New York City with a solar pipeline in excess of 100MWs.  David speaks about many interesting topics like how to develop a good solar project, what are great markets in the US to develop solar, and how the grid should compensate energy storage. Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, as ...

SMP 113: How Clean Choice Energy is the easiest way for a customer to procure renewable energy?

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy talks with Tom Matzzie who is President & CEO at CleanChoice Energy which expand access to clean energy through clean electricity, community solar, and offset products.  Tom speaks about many interesting topics like how Cleanchoice is the easiest solution to procure renewable energy, how data science is lowering customer acquisition cost, and the future of the community solar.  Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder ...

SMP 112: Developer/Owner Discusses Great States in the US to Develop Solar

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy talks with Mateo Chaskel who is Managing Director, USA at UGE which develops, owns and operates community and commercial solar generation & storage projects.  Mateo speaks about many interesting topics like how UGE develops solar in state markets early before it becomes saturated, competitive advantages of developing and owning projects, and prime community solar markets.    Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder an...

SMP 111: Innovative Data Driven Solar Insurance Solutions

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy talks with Jason Kaminsky who is COO at kwh Analytics which is insuring the energy transition through the most comprehensive renewable energy data.  Jason speaks about many interesting topics like how kwh uses data to create insurance products like their solar revenue put product, how hail storm in Texas damaged a solar plant and how that impacted the insurance market, and underperformance of solar projects is common based...

SMP 110: 30 Year Solar Veteran discusses solar‘s future and the Australian Market

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy talks with Nigel Morris who is Head of Business of Development at Solar Analytics, has 30 years of experience in the solar industry, and has two solar podcasts. Nigel speaks about many interesting topics like the importance of data on the solar industry, the Australian solar market, and future solar trends.  Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, as well as an advisor for several solar startu...

SMP 109: Expert‘s Insights on the Texas Renewable Energy Market

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy talks with Jesson Bradshaw who is CEO of Energy Ogre which is an electricity management company that uses proprietary systems to ensure its customers are always getting the best prices on their energy electricity.  Jesson speaks about many interesting topics like how solar is technology and it will continue to decrease in cost and talks about how energy storage technology will be different for utility scale storage compare...

SMP 108: How RatedPower is lowering technology costs and innovating with their engineering design software?

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy talks with Andrea Barber who is the Founder and CEO of RatedPower.  RatedPower built pvDesign, a cloud-based software that carries out the design and engineering of utility-scale solar pv plants and their software has designed 800 Gigawatts of solar projects.  Andrea speaks about many interesting topics like the importance of software how it significantly reduces the cost of solar, increase efficiencies, and allows more fl...