The Sounds of Solar

Welcome to The Sounds of Solar, an engineering podcast series packed with questions, insights, and discussions on everything you want to know about engineering and clean energy. Topics range from facts about the solar market, opinions on energy storage, how to interview for engineering positions, studying tips, current events, innovations, conventions and so much more. Our engineering podcast is for anyone who wants to learn more and stay current on the renewable industry (i.e., college students, partners, and engineers).

Check out the latest episodes below, watch us on YouTube, or listen in wherever you stream your favorite podcasts!

Podcast Channels

Ep 40: Solar Success: Scaling Teams & Delivering Success

Dive into the growth of solar engineering teams in this latest episode of Sounds of Solar! Hosts Christoph Bruhn and Prahalad Shivshankaran sit down with Raj Pawar, Director of Solar PV and Battery Storage at EVS, to explore how the company grew its solar department from 12 to 36 team members while maintaining top-tier quality and fostering a strong company culture. Raj shares his leadership strategies, including the importance of decentralized decision-making, building a leadership pipeline, and the role of standardized processes in sustaining rapid growth. Whether you’re a solar industry veteran or a newcomer, this episode offers valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of scaling in a competitive industry.

Ep 39: Bridging Solar - Insight into Substations

Dive into the nitty-gritty of substations with Colin Paarmann, EVS Inc.'s substation manager, as we explore how civil and electrical engineering collide to power renewable energy projects across the nation. From collector substations to the art of stepping up voltage, this discussion blends high-level technical insight with a dash of humor.

Ep 38: If Money Was No Object, How We'd Go Green

In this episode of the Sounds of Solar, the boys explore what sustainable living could look like if money weren’t an obstacle. From community solar options to the latest in EV technology, they discuss the complexities of making greener choices and how policy, technology, and personal finances shape the way we approach sustainability. Must hear moments include how cost barriers impact our choices for solar and EVs, the practicalities of community solar for renters and homeowners, and small sustainable actions that add up, from composting to cloth bags.

Ep 37: Minnesota's Road to 100% Clean Energy by 2040 with MN Representative Patty Acomb

Could Minnesota be the unexpected leader propelling the next wave of renewable energy and tech innovation? Join hosts Chris, Russell, and Prahalad, live from MnSEIA’s Gateway to Solar Conference, as they sit down with Minnesota Representative Patty Acomb to explore how groundbreaking policies are transforming Minnesota into a renewable energy powerhouse and attracting major tech companies. Discover how initiatives like the 100% Clean Energy by 2040 mandate, the establishment of the State Competitiveness Fund, and innovative permitting reforms are accelerating solar adoption and drawing hyperscale data centers from tech giants like Meta, Google, and Amazon to the North Star State.

Ep 36: Building the Backbone of Solar: Structural Engineering with Abby Reetz

Structural engineering and solar energy - an unlikely pairing? Not for Structural Engineering Manager Abby Reetz. In this episode, we uncover the hidden world of structural engineering in utility-scale solar projects. Abby shares her unexpected transition from traditional building design to the solar industry, offering a unique perspective on the engineering marvels behind massive solar farms, how PV foundations ground the solar revolution, designing for extremes, and striking the perfect balance between cost, efficiency, and longevity.

Ep 35: Season 4 Kickoff! Summer Adventures and Solar Optimism

The boys are back for Season 4! Join Chris, Russell, and Prahalad as they catch up on their summer adventures, from Greek getaways to Portland explorations and Indy car races. Special guest Abby Reetz drops by to dish on the RE+ solar convention in Anaheim, sharing insights on industry trends and the latest tech.

Live from Gateway to Solar: California Solarcoaster

Recording LIVE from the expo floor of MnSEIA's Gateway to Solar conference, the Sounds of Solar podcast hosts speak with MnSEIA Executive Director Logan O'Grady and Bernadette Del Chairo from California Solar & Storage Assoc. (CALSSA) as they 'pull back the curtain' around distributed solar energy, net metering, and the work and lessons learned between California and Minnesota agencies.

Meet the Hosts

Chris Bruhn

Structural Project Manager

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Chris Bruhn is a Structural Project Manager at EVS. Chris joined EVS in 2021 and became the lead podcast host for The Sounds of Solar in 2023.

Chris is passionate about renewables, especially hydrogen and all facets: fuel cell tech, transport, green hydrogen, etc. He is particularly interested in solar structural design and solar structural optimization moving forward in the future.

Chris is on the ASCE PV Structures committee as well as the Wind Loads Subcommittee PV Task Group.

Outside of his career at EVS, Chris is an avid cyclist. “I love riding but also collecting late 80s-1990s GT mountain bikes and rebuilding them.” Chris.

He has a part-time gig working with his partner and her business ‘Adornwell’ which manufactures cocktail infusion kits. Chris also has a background in art/music/audio and has been playing in bands for nearly 20 years.

He has extensive experience producing music on the technical side, as well as experience producing and acting in theatre shows. “I’ve also got a few fingerstyle guitar albums should you be into that sort of thing. Yes, they’re on spotify.” Chris.

Prahalad Shivshankaran

Electrical Engineer

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Prahalad Shivshankaran has been with EVS since 2021 on the electrical engineering team. Prahalad was born and raised in India. After completing his bachelor’s degree from Sastra University, Prahalad moved to Philadelphia where he pursued his master’s degree in electrical engineering, and was then introduced to solar + storage.

Prahalad is a big consumer of podcasts, and he believes podcasting is an opportunity to leverage his ability to listen while challenging himself to unknowns with industry experts.

Prahalad also enjoys hiking, playing soccer, cricket and ping-pong, and plays percussion for a South Asian band “Penn Sargam”. Prahalad and his wife like spending their weekends traveling and exploring the beautiful landscapes the country has to offer.

Russell Hamilton

Electrical Studies Project Manager

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Russell Hamilton has been with EVS since 2020. Russell has helped EVS build their grounding studies team and is now an Electrical Studies Project Manager.

Russell became one of The Sounds of Solar podcast hosts in 2023 and he is excited about getting the renewable energy industry more exposure with the podcast. Russell is from California and grew up racing family-owned sprint cars.

He moved to Minnesota 24 years ago and has three sons that he loves spending his free time with. Russell enjoys hiking, camping, and spending as much time outside as possible.

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