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About the Episode:

We often take access to electricity, refrigeration, and running water for granted. In many parts of the world, these are luxuries. 

In today’s episode, Andi Kleissner and Kurt Kuhlmann, Co-founders and Co-CEOs of Amped Innovation, discuss how they’re changing lives by installing high-performance off-grid solar systems and appliances across Asia and Africa. Nico visited with the pair in their CA headquarters; Seated on two of their high-efficiency solar freezers, they share insights from making solar products that empower impoverished families in the “developing world” to earn stable incomes. 

Expect to learn:

• Amped Innovation’s strategies to encourage productive use of power in emerging markets
• How Amped Innovation designs products with affordability and repairability in mind to make clean energy accessible to the most remote communities. 
• How Amped Innovation leverages microfinance and Pay-as-You-Go systems to overcome financial barriers for families.
• About Amped’s full suite of products, from TVs and freezers to generators

Their entrepreneurial journey is inspiring; we hope you feel the same!

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Kurt Kuhlmann:

• LinkedIn

Connect with Andi Kleissner:

• LinkedIn

Check out Amped Innovation:

• Website | LinkedIn | X | Instagram | Facebook

Expect To Learn:

• Amped Innovation’s strategies to encourage productive use of power in emerging markets
• How Amped Innovation designs products with affordability and repairability in mind to make clean energy accessible to the most remote communities.
• The microfinance and Pay-as-You-Go systems Amped Innovation uses to overcome financial barriers for families, making solar solutions more attainable.
• About Amped’s full suite of products, from TVs and freezers to generators

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“I think one of the most unique features of humans, besides opposable thumbs, is kind of an infinite ability to take things for granted.”

— Kurt Kuhlmann

“I think it’s a mistake to sell something on price only and that applies to every single market, you have to have a product that has value. Everything we do is the lowest price it could possibly be, the performance is the thing that usually hooks people on the sale.”

— Andi Kleissner

Thanks again to this week's sponsor, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!

Speed up PV installations for lower LCOE with TrinaTracker and improve overall system value with optimized compatibility using Trina Solar’s industry-leading modules and the TrinaPro utility-scale or C&I Solutions. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/trina

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

Nico Johnson is the creator and host of SunCast, consistently rated a top solar podcast in the clean energy sector. The content of the show is geared towards listeners looking for insights on where the markets are headed, how to position themselves or their companies, and what today's market leaders do to stay ahead of the pack.

Nico is an Investor, Executive Coach, and 16-year veteran of the solar industry, having led development in the US and Latin America for global companies like Trina Solar and Conergy.

You can connect with Nico Johnson on Twitter, LinkedIn or email.

If you’ve been second-guessing your work decisions or maybe trying to reconsider how you "fit" in the renewable energy industry -> grab 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.