# Solar Factories and HVDC Lines - Pollent Power Pushing

- Show: [The Amp Hour](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour)
- Published: 2014-07-02
- Length: 1h 17m
- Episode: 205
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-07-02-solar-factories-and-hvdc-lines-pollent-power-pushing
- Listen: https://theamphour.com/205-solar-factories-and-hvdc-lines-pollent-power-pushing/

## Summary

Hosts Dave Jones and Chris Gammell discuss the viability of solar power, debunking the 'Solar Roadways' project while praising Elon Musk's new solar factory in Buffalo. Gammell reveals his former employer, ABB, and explains the engineering behind High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission lines and high-voltage switching relays. The conversation also covers a vintage 1970s schematic drafting machine by Mergenthaler and the acquisition of test equipment maker Hameg by Roden Schmotz.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-07-02-solar-factories-and-hvdc-lines-pollent-power-pushing#t=0) Introduction and Contest Update
- [20:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-07-02-solar-factories-and-hvdc-lines-pollent-power-pushing#t=1240) Debunking Solar Roadways
- [27:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-07-02-solar-factories-and-hvdc-lines-pollent-power-pushing#t=1661) Elon Musk's Solar Factory and Quality
- [44:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-07-02-solar-factories-and-hvdc-lines-pollent-power-pushing#t=2660) ABB and HVDC Transmission Technology
- [1:00:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-07-02-solar-factories-and-hvdc-lines-pollent-power-pushing#t=3636) 1970s Mergenthaler Schematic Drafter
- [1:08:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-07-02-solar-factories-and-hvdc-lines-pollent-power-pushing#t=4088) Hameg Acquisition and NSA Playset

## Topics

- [Energy & climate tech](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/energy-and-climate-tech)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)
- [Test & measurement](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/test-and-measurement)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises, early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- ABB (company)
- Elon Musk (other)
- Solar Roadways (product)
- Mergenthaler (company)
- Hameg (company)
- Roden Schmotz (company)
- IGBT (chip)
- KiCad (tool)
- LG (company)
- Cree (company)
- Siemens (company)
- NSA (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Getting more energy on the wires](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2022-11-03-getting-more-energy-on-the-wires) (Catalyst)
- [Powering EVs: Microgrids & DC Charging Solutions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2025-08-19-powering-evs-microgrids-dc-charging-solutions) (Moore's Lobby)
- [Don't Miss Season 2 of Moore's Lobby](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2021-01-16-dont-miss-season-2-of-moores-lobby) (Moore's Lobby)
- [The rise of grid power electronics with Drew Baglino](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-02-19-the-rise-of-grid-power-electronics-with-drew-baglino) (Catalyst)
- [Ep 137: Maximum Power Point, Electric Car Hacking, Commodore Drive Confidential, and Tesla Handles](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2021-09-24-ep-137-maximum-power-point-electric-car-hacking-commodore-drive-confidential-and) (Hackaday Podcast)

## Citing this page

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