Solar Tracking Technology: Higher Output, Better Economics | Joe Fleming

Solar has a hidden economics problem: too much generation at the same time can crush prices. In this episode of the Blue Ocean Solutions Podcast, Kreel Hutchinson sits down with Joe Fleming, co-founder of Cori Energy, to break down how solar tracking can improve efficiency, shift generation into higher-value hours, and reduce exposure to midday price cannibalization. Joe shares his background across petroleum geophysics, biomass, wind, and solar, then explains how Cori Energy developed a patented tracking solution for higher-latitude markets. The conversation also explores solar bankability, reliability, manufacturing strategy, UK and European supply chain challenges, AI’s role in optimization, and what it takes to scale a climate tech hardware company. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: • Why midday solar oversupply is becoming a major pricing problem • How solar tracking can improve output and value, not just volume • Why reliability and bankability matter for adoption • Cori Energy’s go-to-market strategy for residential and commercial solar • The challenge of building climate hardware in the UK and Europe • How AI is affecting technical design and startup efficiency CHAPTERS: 00:00 The solar cannibalization problem 00:53 Intro to Joe Fleming and Cori Energy 02:24 Joe’s background in energy and renewables 04:28 Why solar tracking became the focus 06:23 Why previous tracking solutions failed 08:20 How Cori changes solar economics 10:22 Team structure and market rollout 11:13 Go-to-market and residential entry strategy 12:49 Market education, reliability, and bankability 15:47 Marketing the system-level value proposition 18:41 How AI affects design and startup operations 21:38 Bottlenecks: awareness and manufacturing partnerships 23:48 What partnership efforts have worked so far 26:02 Key milestones for the next 12–18 months 28:15 Where to follow Joe and Cori Energy 29:07 Final thoughts on peak solar and the long road ahead ABOUT THE GUEST: Name: Jonathan Fleming - Jo Email: [email protected] Company: Corrie Energy Group Role: Co-Founder LinkedIn personal URL:   / jonathan-fleming-64665   Company website: https://corrieenergy.com/ ABOUT BLUE OCEAN SOLUTIONS The Blue Ocean Solutions Podcast, hosted by Kreel Hutchinson, features conversations with founders and leaders building the future of: • clean tech • renewable energy • infrastructure • construction innovation 🌊 Connect with Blue Ocean Solutions: Website: https://www.blueoceanaiagency.com LinkedIn:   / kreel-hutchinson   🎯 Interested in being a guest on the podcast or exploring how AI systems can help grow your business? Email: [email protected] 👀 WATCH NEXT Playlist: 💬 Join the Conversation If this episode inspired new ideas, comment below and share your biggest takeaway. Your insights help the entire community learn and grow together. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE If you enjoy conversations about clean tech, infrastructure, and AI-driven growth, subscribe to the channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode. #CleanTech #RenewableEnergy #EnergyInfrastructure