Member Spotlight: Aric Saunders
I sat down with Aric Saunders, founder of Mana Energy and longtime member of the renewable energy industry. We discussed equitable energy, the talent pool in climate tech, and how the field has changed.
Will Hespe: Tell me a bit about yourself, and what kind of work you do.
Aric Saunders: I've been in the renewable energy industry for about 15 years now. I started back in 2010 with a solar company in Hawaii that focused on residential and small commercial solar projects. We targeted smaller customers—churches, schools, and nonprofits—and created a solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for them. Later, I adapted this concept for the residential market, providing the first solar PPA for native Hawaiians. As the electric grid in Hawaii became saturated due to the rapid growth in solar, it paved the way for the first residential energy storage market. This shift led me to the battery business, where I transitioned to the product side. For the last 11 years, I've been dedicated to energy storage, with a strong focus on facilitating an equitable energy transition. I believe renewable energy shouldn't be exclusive to the wealthy—it’s vital to provide solutions for marginalized communities. Most recently, I was with Electriq Power, which went public last July. After that, I ventured out to support other startups and reignited my entrepreneurial spirit by founding Mana Energy, which offers battery solutions for multifamily LMI communities and renters.
Will Hespe: What’s next for you?
Aric Saunders: When I started out on my own last year, I saw many untapped opportunities in advancing an equitable energy transition. We're still in the early stages, but there's an urgency to act. At Mana, we're taking a significant step by delivering low-cost, clean, and reliable power to underserved communities. Beyond that, there’s much more work to be done. I’m dedicating more time to sharing my 15 years of experience with the incredible talent entering the climate space. This is one of the main reasons I was excited to join 9Zero. While I don't have all the answers, I've encountered many of the challenges and opportunities out there. Advising climate startups brings me immense inspiration and joy. Every time I'm at 9Zero, I meet someone new, both passionate and driven to solve significant climate issues. It’s been invigorating to witness the energy, enthusiasm, and fresh ideas flooding into the space.
Will Hespe: Do you have any advice for people looking to get into climate tech?
Aric Saunders: Just dive in. You don’t need to start at a startup—join a company to really grasp the industry’s nuances and the challenges you’ll face while working in climate tech. There are regulatory hurdles, deployment issues, and various blockers that you might not recognize until you're in the trenches. Find a job in the space, especially if you're coming from Big Tech. This isn’t Big Tech, we don’t have those resources yet. But the work you do here will have long-term meaning.
Will Hespe: What are you most excited about when it comes to the future of climate innovation?
Aric Saunders: The diversity of people entering the space. I attended New York Climate Week last September and San Francisco Climate Week this year, primarily at 9Zero. The events were very different in focus but shared a common goal: addressing climate issues in various ways. Whether it's energy side, carbon capture, or sustainable fashion, so many people are now involved. The industry has evolved significantly in recent years, with a higher level of understanding about other sectors and how we can leverage existing and emerging technologies, like AI, to tackle these challenges.
Will Hespe: Why did you decide to join 9Zero?
Aric Saunders: For one, I love the team building—Matthew and Duncan are fantastic. I also resonate with their motto, “why can't climate week be every week?” It's a community of people eager to help and learn more. Many people are trying to enter the climate space, and they are full of questions and open to discussion. I believe in Matthew and Duncan, and what they're building at 9Zero.
