media
Podcast: How Paired Power Is Transforming EV Charging with Solar Microgrids
Highlights from Tom McCalmont’s Interview on the Charged UP! Podcast
On a recent episode of Charged UP!, Paired Power CEO Tom McCalmont joined host Rich Berliner to talk about the future of EV charging, the power of solar microgrids, and why intelligent energy infrastructure is critical to scaling electrification.
???? Why Solar Microgrids Make Sense Now
Tom opened with the origin story of Paired Power: born from a simple but powerful question—Can we charge EVs directly from solar panels? The answer led to a patented DC-to-DC charging system and eventually, to a suite of microgrid EV charging products that pair solar, battery, intelligent software and optional grid connections.
“A microgrid allows you to still be connected to the grid—but have the resiliency to keep charging vehicles when the grid goes down.”
From workplace fleets to public parking lots, microgrids offer scalable, modular solutions that can be deployed faster and with less disruption than traditional infrastructure.
???? Scalable Fleet and Workplace Charging
For larger deployments, Paired Power offers PairFleet, a higher-capacity solar microgrid solution built for fleet and workplace charging. It’s designed to scale and integrate with battery storage and grid access to support dozens—or even hundreds—of EVs.
One standout innovation for smaller needs is PairTree—a pop-up solar canopy that can be installed in just hours. It’s ideal for temporary or remote sites that need clean solar charging for 1 to 4 EVs.
???? The Four Pillars of Great Charging Software
Tom didn’t just focus on hardware—he broke down Paired Power’s software platform into four pillars:
- Design – Planning an efficient system tailored to the site
- Operation – Using AI to manage real-time energy flow (e.g., when clouds reduce solar output)
- Customer Service – Real-time support when something goes wrong
- Driver Experience – Real-time data that keeps users informed
“Software is what creates the intelligent energy flow—and that’s the sweet sauce.”
???? The Future Is Level 2 (Not Fast Charging)
While fast charging has its place on highways, McCalmont emphasized that Level 2 charging is where the real opportunity lies—especially for workplaces, schools, and apartments.
“People don’t need 200 miles in 15 minutes. They need 30 miles while they’re at work, in class, or at the movies.”
???? Powering Through Grid Constraints
Tom also spoke candidly about the challenges of grid limitations. Many cities and companies simply don’t have the infrastructure to support dozens of chargers. But solar + storage changes the equation:
“If you can augment it with solar, you might suddenly have enough capacity.”
He cited examples where commercial sites could go from 10 to 100 chargers with the help of Paired Power’s microgrids.
???? Adoption Will Continue—With or Without Mandates
When asked about government mandates for EV adoption, Tom was optimistic:
“People love EVs. They’re cleaner, quieter, faster—and cheaper to maintain. Once you experience it, you’re not going back.”
???? Share-Worthy Quotes
Some top soundbites and key takeaways from the podcast include:
- “Electricity is everywhere. You don’t need a gas station to refuel anymore.”
- “An industry addicted to incentives is an industry on drugs. We want to get off the drugs.”
- “The grid is unreliable, expensive, and aging. Solar + storage is the answer.”
- “You don’t need fast charging when your bus sits parked for 22 hours a day.”
???? Listen to the Full Interview
To hear the full conversation, visit Charged UP! Podcast, and learn more about Paired Power’s solutions at pairedpower.com.