Michelle Knox, founder of WindSolar USA, joins Brent Muller on the Future-Proofed Podcast to discuss her incredible journey from insurance and Montessori education to leading a clean energy movement in Illinois. Michelle explains why renewable energy is now more affordable than ever, thanks to incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act and Illinois’ aggressive RPS goals. She also dives into how policy affects growth, the importance of storage technology, and what the “solar coaster” means for entrepreneurs in the space. It’s an eye-opening look into how one woman is driving real energy change while educating and empowering communities.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Michelle Knox’s Career Journey
02:45 – What Sparked Her Interest in Solar Energy
04:30 – Founding WindSolar USA & Early Growth
06:00 – How the Inflation Reduction Act Changed the Game
07:30 – Solar Incentives in Illinois & Cost Trends
09:30 – Why Education is the Most Powerful Solar Sales Tool
13:00 – Policy Inequity for Rural and Municipal Utility Customers
15:45 – The “Solar Bill of Rights” & Clean and Reliable Grid Act
17:30 – Emerging Tech: Efficiency Gains & Storage Solutions
25:30 – Where the Industry Is Headed Next
27:00 – How Michelle Uses AI in Her Business
30:00 – The “Solar Coaster” – Managing Policy Fluctuations
32:50 – How to Contact WindSolar USA
🔗 Connect with Michelle Knox:
🌐 Website: http://www.windsolarusa.com/, http://www.illinoissolar.org/, http://www.midwestrenew.org/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-knox-2b955213/
🔔 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast
📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller
💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
#SolarEnergy #WindSolarUSA #CleanEnergy #MichelleKnox #RenewableEnergy #IllinoisSolar #InflationReductionAct #FutureProofedPodcast #EnergyIndependence #GreenTech #SolarStorage #B2BSaaS #WomenInEnergy #SustainableLiving
https://valeogrowth.com/
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