Soliverse podcast
At Soliverse, we share powerful conversations shaping the future of solar energy and renewable innovation. Hosted by Peter Pongracz, a leading expert in solar technology, software, and clean energy
The Soliverse Podcast dives deep into the trends transforming the global solar industry.
Each episode features deep-dive discussions with solar pioneers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and investors, uncovering the ideas, technologies, and strategies driving the solar revolution.
From cutting-edge solar projects and AI-powered design tools to energy policy, finance, and sustainability insights, Soliverse brings clarity and inspiration to everyone passionate about the rise of solar power.
Soliverse podcast
Julia Wu & Anuj Saigal (SparkHQ.ai) on AI, Permitting Bottlenecks, and the Next Wave of Solar Development
In this episode of the Soliverse Podcast, Peter sits down with Julia Wu and Anuj Saigal—co-founders of SparkHQ.ai, the AI startup tackling one of clean energy’s biggest pain points: permitting.
With delays and cancellations killing up to 80% of solar projects, Spark is using large language models and real-world empathy to help developers build faster, smarter, and at scale.
They discuss:
🧠 Why AI is essential to energy infrastructure—not just a nice-to-have
📍 How Spark helps navigate 20,000+ local permitting jurisdictions
⚡ The real cost of zoning delays, moratoria, and sentiment blind spots
💻 Why legacy permitting tools can’t keep up—and Spark’s AI-first solution does
🌍 How battery storage and data centers are reshaping developer workflows
🧱 Lessons from Y Combinator and building in a high-stakes climate market
📊 Why the best developers are doubling down—despite market volatility
Connect with SparkHQ.ai:
🌐 Website: https://sparkhq.ai
📧 Email: julia@sparkhq.ai | anuj@sparkhq.ai
🔗 LinkedIn – Julia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaxwu
🔗 LinkedIn – Anuj: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anujsaigal/
Referenced Resources:
📚 Inflation Reduction Act
📊 Berkeley Lab – Interconnection & permitting stats
🧱 Ezra Klein on “Abundance” and infrastructure bottlenecks
Connect with Soliverse:
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6C2HVmlEcsFXJqzxlfT9uA?si=f7fe6e3ff9b441a5
🌐 Website: https://soliverse.energy
🔗 LinkedIn – Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterpongraczsaas
🔗 LinkedIn – Soliverse: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106534214/
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