Coffee with a Founder Podcast: Connor Hogan, OnePlanet

02- Jun-2026

On this episode of Coffee with a Founder, Beck Bamberger sits down with Connor Hogan, co-founder and CFO of OnePlanet Solar Recycling, a company helping tackle one of the renewable energy industry’s growing challenges: solar panel recycling.

The conversation explores why solar recycling is becoming a critical part of America’s clean energy future, the policy and infrastructure shifts shaping the industry, and what it takes to build a mission-driven company in a rapidly evolving market. They also unpack the realities of scaling a cleantech startup amid political uncertainty, global manufacturing pressures, and the operational demands of building sustainable systems at scale.

Connor also reflects on the personal side of entrepreneurship—from transitioning out of finance into climate tech to balancing founder life with becoming a new parent. Along the way, they discuss productivity, the value of slowing down in an always-connected world, and why building the right team may be the most important part of growing a company.

If you’re interested in climate innovation, renewable infrastructure, and the human side of entrepreneurship, don’t miss this episode.

show notes:

00:00 - Background and evolution of startup

00:00 - Starting in healthcare cybersecurity

04:55 - Winning an internal competition

08:11 - The impact of computer viruses

10:05 - Discussing economic incentives in healthcare

14:12 - The challenges of starting a startup

17:14 - Building success through trust

20:37 - Learning from successful mentors

25:21 - Wrapping up the episode

Read More About The Episode:

00:36: Solar’s recycling challenge

Beck Bamberger introduces Connor Hogan, CEO and co-founder of OnePlanet Solar Recycling, who explains the growing challenge of managing solar panels at the end of their life cycle. The conversation explores why solar panel recycling is becoming an increasingly important issue as adoption accelerates across the country.

2:04: Local pushback and regulatory hurdles

Connor Hogan discusses how the lack of clear recycling and disposal plans for aging solar panels has become a concern for local governments and communities. As permitting and zoning processes become more scrutinized, end-of-life management is emerging as a critical factor in the future of solar development.

3:36: Why panels get recycled early

The conversation examines the reasons solar panels are often removed before reaching the end of their expected lifespan. Connor Hogan highlights factors such as advances in panel efficiency, tax incentives, roof replacements, equipment upgrades, and broader asset management considerations.

5:19: Default paths for old panels

Connor Hogan explains what typically happens to decommissioned solar panels today, including landfill disposal and processing through traditional scrap facilities. He discusses the environmental and economic opportunities that are often lost when specialized recycling solutions are not available.

9:02: Setting boundaries as a founder-parent

The discussion shifts to entrepreneurship and family life, with Connor Hogan sharing how he balances the demands of running a startup while being present as a parent. He discusses creating clear boundaries, protecting family time on his calendar, and making the most of the early and late hours of the day.

16:26: Unlocking clear communication

Connor Hogan reflects on one of the most important lessons he has learned as a founder: the ability to communicate complex ideas simply. The conversation explores how clearly articulating OnePlanet’s mission and value proposition has been essential when speaking with investors, customers, and team members.

20:14: Building a circular future for solar

The episode concludes with a discussion about the future of renewable energy infrastructure, the role recycling will play in a more sustainable economy, and the opportunity to build systems that maximize both environmental and economic value from solar technology.