The Freeing Energy Podcast · Bill Nussey - Author, TED Speaker, and Climate Investor

Michael Chanin: Emory University is going solar and doing it in a surprising way.

·38 min·3 clips

Michael Chanin reveals how Emory University is building one of the largest on-site solar deployments in the Southeast.

This episode of The Freeing Energy Podcast features host Bill Nussey walking the Emory University campus with Michael Chanin, founder and CEO of Cherry Street Energy. They discuss the large-scale, on-site solar power installation being developed at the Atlanta university. Chanin is the project leader for this solar deployment at Emory. The tour begins at the Fishburne parking deck, which features a solar array seven stories high. Chanin explains that the project helps Emory meet aggressive greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. The solar installation provides electricity to the campus at rates lower than those from the local utility. Emory University is one of the largest higher education solar deployments in the southeastern United States. The project transforms functional elements, like electrical conduit, into integrated artistic works. Chanin details the vision, leadership, and engineering skills required to execute such a campus-wide initiative. A core topic is how municipalities, universities, schools, and hospitals represent the majority of electricity consumers. The episode frames these institutions as key "local energy champions" for renewable adoption. The walking tour format provides an on-the-ground perspective of a commercial-scale solar installation. The conversation presents on-site solar as a practical financial strategy for large institutions beyond environmental benefits. Chanin shares specific details about the project's scale and integration into the campus landscape. The episode highlights the partnership between a private energy company and a major educational institution. The tone is conversational, educational, and optimistic, structured as an informal guided tour. The style is descriptive, aiming to make the technical project visually understandable for listeners. Listeners interested in commercial renewable energy projects, campus sustainability, and solar financing models would enjoy this episode. Those seeking highly technical engineering details or debates on energy policy might find it too introductory.

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