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Despite decades of progress, the commercial solar market remains bogged down by slow development cycles and complex approvals, leaving millions of buildings and temporary power needs underserved. This challenge extends even to large-scale events like the Super Bowl & Burning Man, where fossil fuel generators dominate, contributing to significant carbon emissions. With the right innovation, this “messy middle” could unlock a massive opportunity for faster, more sustainable energy deployment.
Dr. Ryan Wartena, founder and CEO of Southern Beams Builds has developed Dragon Wings. This novel modular solar generator unfolds from a shipping container to reveal 60 solar panels, roughly 30kW of power. Drawing on his background in electrochemical engineering and experience founding Geli, an energy storage operating system acquired by Qcells, Ryan has created a solution designed for applications as diverse as temporary power, EV charging, and commercial solar. Dragon Wings have been deployed to support large public events from last year’s Super Bowl to Burning Man camps, and Dragon Wings shows the potential of scalable, factory-built modular solar.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- How Ryan is leveraging new composite solar panels, EV batteries, and factory-built design to scale this novel tech.
- The role of Dragon Wings in replacing fossil fuel generators at public events like Burning Man
- Wartena's entrepreneurial journey, including lessons learned from the successful exit
- of Geli and advice for other founders
Explore how Dragon Wings is advancing renewable energy deployment in the commercial sector and helping phase out traditional gas generators. Listen now!
Helpful RESOURCES:
Connect with Ryan Wartena:
Check out Dragon Wings:
NOTEWORTHY QUOTEs:
“The future of batteries is EV batteries, whether they’re in vehicles or connected to power electronics.”
— Ryan Wartena
““Nothing beats grit and hard work, and having a clear vision and sticking to it.”
— Ryan Wartena
Noteworthy Quotes:
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Nico Johnson
Entrepreneur & Podcaster
In my 20 year career, I've worked with dozens of entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and professionals in transition to clarify their mission, set or stretch their goals, and work through the barriers to their growth.
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