Leading Through Change: FTC Solar CEO Yann Brandt on Innovation, Policy, and Solar’s Next Era

In this must-listen episode of Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy, host Wes Ashworth sits down with solar industry veteran Yann Brandt, President and CEO of FTC Solar. With nearly two decades of experience across manufacturing, project development, finance, and energy storage, Yann shares deep insights into the forces shaping the future of solar energy — and how FTC Solar is pushing the boundaries of innovation with next-gen tracker technology.

Inside FTC Solar’s Tracker Tech Evolution
Yann explains how FTC Solar’s tracker systems are optimizing utility-scale solar projects by increasing energy yield, improving installation speed, enhancing safety, and reducing labor costs.  He highlights the shift from 2P to 1P trackers and how FTC’s new “Pioneer” tracker is built for easier, faster, and safer installation — with forward-looking features designed to support AI integration, robotics, and smarter software tools. 

Tariffs, Trade Policy & Market Volatility
From 201 to 301 tariffs and global supply chain hurdles, Yann tackles the impact of unpredictable trade policies on long-term project planning and investment. He shares why uncertainty — not just the policy itself — is the real threat to solar progress, and how FTC is navigating the complexity with domestic manufacturing and smart scenario planning.

The IRA Debate: Beyond the Headlines
Yann demystifies the real stakes behind the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and why its solar tax credits and domestic content incentives are crucial to America’s energy transition. He breaks down the political risks to the IRA’s longevity and what renewable energy professionals must understand about “being in the room” when policy decisions are made.

Solar as a Capital Deployment Business
Shifting the mindset from tech to finance, Yann argues that the solar sector isn’t just about innovation — it’s about capital deployment. With billions being invested in solar infrastructure and AI-driven data centers, he urges companies to understand their place in the value chain and how they can drive ROI for energy investors.

Marketing, Mentorship & Leadership in Solar
Yann shares candid thoughts on the industry's marketing blind spots and the urgent need for better leadership development. He explains how mentorship, asking the right questions, and getting young professionals into the right rooms are essential to the long-term health of the clean energy workforce.

A Call to Action for Policy Engagement
A SEIA executive committee member, Yann stresses that policy is not a spectator sport. He calls on the solar industry — from installers to CEOs — to engage in political advocacy, contribute to PACs, and help shape a policy landscape that supports scalable solar growth.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

• FTC Solar’s product evolution and competitive edge
• Challenges of trade policy and tariffs in solar
• IRA tax credits and political risk
• Capital dynamics of the solar industry
• Marketing missteps and how to fix them
• The mentorship gap in clean energy leadership
• Advocacy, policy, and solar’s political future

🔗 Learn more about FTC Solar: https://www.ftcsolar.com/
Yann Brandt on LinkedIn

Wes Ashworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslgs/

• Email: wes@leegroupsearch.com
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