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The state of solar projects: why booming growth is exposing flaws in project delivery
September 8, 2025
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The BESS Revolution, with Swetha Sundaram
S1E3 episode overview
In this episode of Watt Matters, Ana speaks with Swetha Sundaram, VP of Solar and Hybrid BESS Systems at RWE Clean Energy and co-author of The BESS Book, about one of the fastest-evolving pieces of the clean energy puzzle: battery energy storage systems (BESS).
Once seen as an optional add-on to solar, BESS is now recognized as a core component of grid reliability and energy flexibility. Drawing from her experience across utilities, consultancies, and large-scale development, Swetha explains what’s driving this rapid evolution — from safety and standardization to software and AI — and how developers can navigate the unique challenges of deploying storage at scale.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why BESS is now essential for grid stability and renewable integration.
How technology and chemical innovations are improving cost and safety.
The critical role of community engagement and permitting strategy.
How to manage degradation, performance, and revenue optimization.
What AI and predictive analytics mean for the next generation of storage.
The opportunities in standalone and hybrid storage projects.
What long-duration and emerging chemical systems could unlock next
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction and guest background
03:00 – Why BESS matters for the clean energy transition
06:00 – Writing The BESS Book and its intended audience
09:00 – What is BESS and how it works
12:00 – How technology, chemistry, and safety have evolved
15:00 – Permitting challenges and lessons learned
18:00 – The unique development and operational aspects of BESS
24:00 – Market dynamics, tariffs, and project economics
29:00 – The rise of standalone storage and data centre integration
33:00 – The role of AI in optimising storage performance
39:00 – Long-duration storage and emerging technologies
43:00 – Hard-earned lessons and key takeaways for developers
47:00 – The future of storage and closing thoughts
To learn more about accelerating solar project success and how PVcase supports developers from design to delivery, visit www.pvcase.com.
Meet Our Guest
Swetha Sundaram is Vice President of Solar and Hybrid BESS Systems at RWE Clean Energy, where she leads design and technology strategies for large-scale solar and storage projects across North America. With over a decade of experience spanning utilities, consulting, and project development, she brings a rare full lifecycle perspective to renewable integration.
Previously, Swetha led BESS Project Design at RWE and worked in energy consulting at DNV Energy Insights, focusing on technical due diligence for major storage deployments.
She is also the co-author of The BESS Book, a leading reference on battery energy storage design, finance, and execution. Passionate about advancing sustainable grid solutions, Swetha continues to shape the industry's approach to reliable, scalable storage for the clean energy future.
Meet the Host
Ana Conde is a seasoned product marketing leader with over 15 years in renewable energy. Known for her strategic mindset and passion for innovation, Ana brings clarity, curiosity, and deep industry knowledge to every conversation. As host of Watt Matters, she explores the ideas, people, and breakthroughs moving solar forward.
About the Watt Matters podcast
On Watt Matters, a podcast from PVcase, we speak with industry leaders about the major challenges they run into daily. We get to the root of why projects fail and share the recipe for building a more resilient foundation for success.
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