SunCast

Latest Episodes:

758: Transforming Transport: Lime Co-Founder On E-Mobility’s Role In Decarbonization Oct 31, 2024

About a third of global carbon emissions come from transportation, with most generated by private vehicles. Cities face a critical challenge: the “last mile” problem—how to efficiently connect people from transit hubs, like bus and train stations, to their homes or workplaces. When public transit falls short, commuters often turn to cars, increasing traffic, pollution, and emissions. Lime, a leader in micro-mobility, tackles this gap with e-bikes and e-scooters, offering a sustainable alternative for these short, essential urban trips. With over 500 million rides completed—covering more than a billion kilometers—Lime demonstrates how small shifts in behavior can make a big impact on decarbonization.

Nico met with Andrew Savage, co-founder and VP of Sustainability of Lime, during a visit to Savage’s hometown of Burlington, VT. Andrew draws from a career that spans solar energy, policy work, and government relations. Before joining Lime, Savage was a key figure at AllEarth Renewables, helping advance solar energy adoption in Vermont. He also served on political campaigns, advised mayors, and worked closely with Capitol Hill on policy initiatives. His deep expertise in environmental policy gave Savage a unique skillset to help steer Lime’s growth into 280 markets while keeping on pace with the company’s goal of net zero by 2030.

Curious how a career can span multiple sectors and still hold a true-north of decarbonizing the grid? Interested to learn how e-mobility is helping us achieve our carbon-free future?

Expect to learn:

Why early bike-share programs failed—and how Lime’s dockless model offers a better solution
How Lime recycles batteries and repurposes them for second-life uses
What carbon-reduction strategies keep Lime on track to meet its 2030 net-zero goal
How Lime uses rider data to help cities redesign streets and improve safety

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

757: Election Special: The Path for Clean Energy Under Trump or Harris Oct 30, 2024

Do you envision that the IRA could be rolled back with a new administration? This question seems to permeate the conversation(s) heard around the industry in the last 6 months.

Chris Sass, host of Insider’s Guide to Energy, sits down with Mona Dajani, Global Co-Chair of Energy, Infrastructure, and Hydrogen at Baker Botts, to explore the intersection of policy and energy markets. Drawing on decades of experience in clean energy transactions, Mona offers a true insider’s perspective on the election cycle, an update on green hydrogen and much more.

Sneak peak: “If we're pragmatic about it, I don't see the IRA going away materially… for two reasons…the IRA was enacted as law [and] there's a lot of red states that really have a lot of clean energy projects in their state.”

Regardless your political position, you’re aware the 2024 U.S. presidential election outcome could significantly shape the future of renewable energy in America. With candidates proposing vastly different energy policies, the next administration’s decisions will influence the pace of clean energy deployment, tax equity structures, and international investment.

Tune-in to learn:

How the energy policies of Harris and Trump could impact the renewable energy industry
Mona’s insights on the future of the IRA (Inflation Reduction Act)
The role of hydrogen in decarbonization
The need for faster regulatory and permitting processes to accelerate renewable energy deployment
How foreign conflicts impact renewables, from manufacturing to the price of gas and oil.

Do your research, listen to the episode, and—most importantly— if you’re a United States citizen, make your voice heard - VOTE!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

756: Expert Analysis, 3 Perspectives On What's Trending In Solar Oct 29, 2024

Curious what were the top product insights from RE+ 2024? Our industry experts scoured the show floor to uncover key solar technology and market trends.

Hear firsthand reports from the show floor in this special compilation episode where we are aggregating three different conversations into a compilation episode. Industry experts pick their favorites, make predictions and highlight their favorite energy storage and other home energy solutions.

Here’s our roster of experts & influencers:

Joe Ordia - Solar Surge
Ben Zientara - SolarReviews
Ryan Mayfield- Mayfield Renewables
Kate Collardson - Omnidian
Chris Crowell- Solar Builder
Ann Fischer - pv magazine USA
Ryan Kennedy- pv magazine USA
John Fitzgerald Weaver- Commercial Solar Guy

Expect to learn

How platform-based energy management systems are transforming battery solutions and grid integration.
The growing role of hybrid inverters in bridging energy storage and solar to create seamless home energy systems.
Why software innovations, like Aurora Solar’s obstruction detection, are cutting design time and improving project planning.
How domestic manufacturing, tariffs, and policy changes are influencing product development and supply chain strategies.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

755: Cultivating A Community of Clean Energy Professionals; Jen Szaro of AESP Oct 24, 2024

Building an efficient energy ecosystem requires collaboration, knowledge-sharing, strategic design, and workforce development.

It also requires cooperation and community.

Professionals across the energy sector are streamlining grid management, advancing EV adoption, and developing demand flexibility programs to enhance efficiency. Achieving this requires not only technical expertise but also the ability to humanize energy solutions.

Jen Szaro, President & CEO of the Association of Energy Services Professionals (AESP), brings two decades of experience across research, utilities, and nonprofit leadership. Her career includes roles at the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) and the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC), where she led early efforts in solar and EV infrastructure.

At AESP, she focuses on bridging the knowledge gaps and bringing energy professionals together through collaborative design and impactful programs. The Flex Initiative and the EV Driver Experience (EVDX) are two notable examples, addressing technical challenges while fostering mentorship and professional growth.

Expect to learn:

Why distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar and storage reduce grid strain & avoid costly upgrades
How demand flexibility outperforms traditional demand response solutions
What EV adoption barriers were uncovered through EVDX’s design labs
Where AESP’s Utility Career Map and resource library suggest you should be looking
Why AESP’s mentorship programs help clean energy professionals thrive & grow

Listen in toexplore how Jen, dedicated volunteers, and the AESP team are driving the future of energy services and equipping professionals with the tools and knowledge to lead in the clean energy transition.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

754: Is This Renewable Energy’s Hidden Bottleneck? Ben Macias Explains Oct 22, 2024

One of the major bottlenecks in the renewable energy sector is tied to one of the oldest components of the energy grid and is an essential piece tying FAR More of our energy infrastructure together than most realize - the humble transformer. As more renewable energy projects are deployed, transformer shortages delay projects and create significant challenges for grid expansion.

Ben Macias, Chief Revenue Officer at MGM Transformers, brings over a decade of experience in the energy sector. Previously, he led sales at Shoals Technologies, where he was instrumental in that company's tremendous growth story and eventual IPO. Now at MGM, Ben oversees efforts to tackle transformer shortages by expanding production capacity and enhancing efficiency. Ben has a seasoned team focused on solving this industry bottleneck, and this conversation with Nico gives a glimpse into the not-so-sexy-but-necessary world of electromagnetic induction, probably not a topic you thought you’d learn about today! It’s helpful to know that in the many Gigawatts of projects Ben & his team at Shoals helped facilitate, this was always among the most surprising areas of bottlenecks holding projects (and factories, and much more) back from completion. He and the MGM team, with nearly 50 years’ experience in all types of transformer technology, are focused on fixing this shortcoming and doing it with American-made products.

Expect to learn:

How MGM is expanding capacity with new facilities in Texas.
The difference between wet and dry transformers and their applications.
Why transformer technology has remained largely unchanged for decades.
The importance of building a dream team to support customers.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

753: How To Achieve 10,000% Growth & Market Dominance, Bryan Wagner of CPS Americas Oct 17, 2024

To have record-setting growth and earn the number one spot in your market, it takes more than a good product. How do you build a team mindset and strategy around turning a relatively unknown company into a market leader? What frameworks and strategies can growth-focused companies use to stay ahead of the competition?

When Bryan Wagner took the leadership role at CPS America, a top manufacturer of solar Inverters, the company had less than 10 customers in the US Market. With more than 1000 customers and a 7+ yr run as the market leader of 3-phase string inverters, you could say that Bryan and his team have unlocked some success secrets. They’ve also managed tremendous internal growth, with more than 100 team members (up from a dozen) based here in the US.

According to Bryan, they’ve found the answer [to both team & product success]] through innovation, customer service, and a culture of continuous improvement. Recorded at CPS’s headquarters in Richardson, Texas, this conversation with Wagner looks at how the company scaled rapidly while staying competitive, humble and people-focused.

As President and General Manager of CPS America, Bryan Wagner draws from his career in sales and competitive sports, revealing how these experiences shaped his approach to leadership. He discusses the strategies that have helped CPS America dominate the market and grow from a small team to a major force in solar technology. This episode gives an inside look at the company’s growth mindset and how they’ve managed to not just achieve #1 market share but KEEP it in a very fast-paced innovation cycle and an industry characterized by the “race to the bottom” of intense price pressure.

Oh, and this episode is being released on his Birthday! So at least reach out and wish Bryan a happy earthstrong - and another blessed year around our favorite thermonuclear reactor!

Expect to learn:

How Bryan’s sports background shapes his leadership style
Why mentorship and coaching are vital in leadership
How CPS America grew from 10 to 100 employees while keeping its culture
Strategies for managing rapid growth with operational excellence
The role of customer feedback in CPS America’s product innovation

Hit play to hear how Bryan Wagner and CPS America are knocking it out of the park with innovation, leadership, and a winning team strategy!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

752: The Nation’s Largest Building Products Distributor Turns to Solar; James Mason, ABC Supply Co Oct 15, 2024

ABC Supply is the nation’s largest building products distributor, responsible for 1 in 3 American roofs, and now they are setting their sights on what goes on top of our roof: solar panels. ABC Supply is positioned as “the necessary handshake across the aisle between the roofing and solar industry.” This conversation delves into the solar market from a roofer's perspective, exploring how the building supply industry is about to seize the many growing opportunities in solar energy.

James Mason, Vice President of Renewables at ABC Supply, has been pivotal in driving this transformation from within the company. With nearly two decades at ABC, James has a unique perspective on the future of solar and roofing, outlining the company’s strategy and how both roofers and solar installers must work together if this market is to scale appropriately.

Expect to learn:

How ABC Supply's 40+ years in building products distribution enables seamless solar integration.
Key strategies behind the national expansion of ABC Supply’s renewables division.
How to address the "ease of doing business" challenge for roofers transitioning into solar.
The company’s approach to training and educating roofers on solar integration, and solar installers on roofing!

Watch this and other insightful conversations recorded live at the PowerUp Live Podcast Stage over at www.suncast.live!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

751: How EVLO Energy Storage Is Working to Solve Tomorrow’s Grid Challenges with Martin Rheault Oct 11, 2024

Hydro-Québec (HQ), North America’s largest renewable energy producer, is expanding its footprint into battery storage through its subsidiary, EVLO Energy Storage. Born from decades of expertise in grid management as one of Canada’s largest utilities, EVLO is the result of much research & development by HQ into utlizing batteries for grid stabilization. EVLO specializes in battery energy storage solutions (BESS) to solve the grid challenges faced by the energy transition. Their solutions emphasize not only performance but also security, ensuring that modern grid technologies are protected from cyber threats.

Martin Rheault, Vice President of Sales and Business Development, shares his journey from a successful career running the renewables practice at a major engineering firm to taking on the challenge of scaling EVLO into a global player in the energy storage market. Along the way, he provides insights into domestic manufacturing in Canada and the U.S., and the mission to build safer, more reliable batteries that are grid-friendly.

Expect to learn:

Hydro-Québec's extensive research and development track record, including pioneering work on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries
Their approach to cybersecurity, including real-world testing
The role of domestic manufacturing in meeting energy storage demand and strengthening supply chains
EVLO’s transparent, collaborative engagement with customers to build trust and “derisk” project deployments.

Catch this conversation recorded live at the PowerUp Live Podcast Stage during RE+2024 in Anaheim. You can watch this and every other interview over at www.suncast.live!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

750: Clean Energy as a Wealth Creation Vehicle, Gilbert Campbell | Volte Energy Utility Oct 10, 2024

“Environmental justice is definitely an area that I’m passionate about because it’s deeply entwined with racial justice. Communities of color have been disproportionately victimized by environmental hazards, discriminatory environmental policy, and are far more likely to live in areas with heavy pollution.

At Volt, we are trying to reverse these injustices by building clean non-polluting solar plants in our communities.” - Gilbert Campbell

Pioneering innovative solutions like the Environmental Justice Power Purchase Agreement (EJPPA) to drive wealth creation and improve health outcomes through solar projects, Campbell has partnered with tech giants like Microsoft to supply 250MW of clean power. His model demonstrates how clean energy can simultaneously foster sustainability and social equity.

Marginalized communities across the country have long faced environmental injustice, overlooked for the kinds of development that bring economic opportunities - like renewable energy. As the shift to clean energy accelerates, prioritizing these communities and addressing both their health and financial needs is a key component of building a more equitable and just energy transition. With intentional deployment, solar projects have the power to close these gaps and create a more equitable future for all communities.

Gilbert Campbell, Founder & CEO of Volt Energy Utility, has dedicated his career to making renewable energy accessible, particularly for communities that have historically been left behind. A Howard University graduate and Board member of SEIA, Gilbert is a prominent leader and influential voice in clean energy.

Expect to learn:

How Gilbert’s values of service and community shaped his clean energy journey
How Gilbert leveraged his Corporate training into entrepreneurship and the origin of his energy businesses
Why mentorship and developing diverse clean energy leaders led to programs like the Sharing the Power Foundation's HBCU Clean Energy and Environmental Justice Fellowship
What are the challenges of clean energy communication and the need for better storytelling

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on how intentional clean energy investments can transform communities and create lasting impact.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

749: 45X-tra Things To Worry About With Battery Storage In 2025, John Zahurancik | Fluence Oct 08, 2024

The battery storage sector is [finally] stabilizing with 90% of the IRA tax credit rules now in place, providing developers more clarity and perhaps more certainty. However, domestic production, financing, and evolving tax credit policies still pose challenges, particularly to product development. As developers, you must contend with government policies, geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and safety concerns, all of which can delay projects and affect their long-term viability. And battery suppliers/manufacturers are all sorting out the wants versus the needs of developers as the market gets increasingly crowded & pushes the envelope on size & density.

In a recent live discussion, Fluence President John Zahurancik addresses these complexities, highlighting efforts to expand U.S. battery production and improve safety through rigorous fire safety testing.

Expect to learn:

How storage wasn’t traditionally driven by policy, until the IRA & 45x, but policy is now reshaping storage projects and driving domestic production.
Why 4-hour storage systems are most common and what’s needed to advance longer-duration technologies.
What is the potential impact of the upcoming election on renewable energy and trade policy.

To watch this and other insightful conversations recorded live at the PowerUp Live Podcast Stage in Anaheim during RE+ 2024, check out www.suncast.live!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

748: Scaling Energy Storage: Why Bigger Isn't Always Better | Andy Tang, Wärtsilä Oct 04, 2024

The energy storage market is truly moving faster than ever, and with it, the complexity of building and managing these projects and products that serve our need for 24/7 renewable power. It does, however, raise a number of interesting, if not troubling questions:

How does this rapid change impact the Total Cost of Ownership for battery energy storage projects?

Are there hidden costs to this pace of growth?

As we watch the industry scale, it has started to feel a bit like companies are rushing projects (and products) to market in a race to meet market demand and be “first” in a number of key areas, not the least of which is power density and battery size.

So we have to ask, “how big is too big?”

And, as sites begin to move closer to population centers, what do we do about the inevitable concerns surrounding noise ordinances?

Is Noise the next challenge in front of the industry?

I asked these and many others of today’s special guest while we were live on our PowerUp Live stage recently at RE+ 2024.

With over 12.5 gigawatt-hours of contracted storage systems, including 8.5 gigawatt-hours already in operation, Wärtsilä Energy Storage & Optimisation (ES&O) is rapidly expanding its global footprint across key markets, from the US and Canada to Chile, the UK, and beyond. With the market moving faster than ever, Wärtsilä is tackling both technical and logistical challenges, ensuring that its battery storage systems are ready to meet demand.

Andy Tang, Vice President of Wärtsilä ES&O, brings nearly two decades of expertise in battery storage and grid edge development to the table. And in our conversation, he addresses head on the impacts of rising energy density on Total Cost of Ownership (TCOE) and the hidden costs associated with larger, more complex systems.

Expect to learn:

Whether the race to greater energy-density batteries is really “good” for the market.
The emerging challenge of noise and how Wärtsilä is addressing it through advanced design and site planning
Tang’s advice for procurement managers in vendor & product selection.

Watch this and other insightful conversations recorded live at the PowerUp Live Podcast Stage over at www.suncast.live!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

747: The Fight for Solar Energy Rights | Anya Schoolman of Solar United Neighbors Oct 03, 2024

Seventeen years ago, two young boys from Washington, DC set a ball in motion that would spark a nationwide solar movement. What inspired them?

Al Gore.

Solar United Neighbors (SUN), a national nonprofit, began as a grassroots effort when two preteens, inspired by An Inconvenient Truth, rallied their neighbors to adopt solar energy. Their initial door-to-door campaign grew into a solar co-op, which has since evolved into SUN, has driven key policy changes across the USA and fosters a network of solar advocates that stretches coast-to-coast. In fact, their neighborhood-focused inkling of an idea has now facilitated over 10,000 residential solar projects, making localized, affordable solar accessible to communities everywhere and catalyzing the largest known community of solar owners we’ve found.

In this episode, Anya Schoolman, Executive Director of Solar United Neighbors, shares how her son, Walter and his friend Diego’s vision for neighborhood-wide solar purchasing planted the seed for a national movement.

Expect to learn:

What is the Solar for All program and how it is expanding solar access to underserved communities.
How Solar United Neighbors expanded into a nationwide movement now representing one million solar homeowners.
Why we can’t decarbonize without distributed solar
Who wins because of the organization’s efforts in consumer protection, ensuring transparency in solar contracts.

Listen in to hear how a local project transformed into a national effort driving clean, working toward affordable solar energy for all!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

746: What To Watch In The Evolving BESS Market, with Dave Hebert & Neha Sinha - Wärtsilä Oct 01, 2024

Advancements in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are setting new standards in renewable energy integration and at a break-neck pace. Wärtsilä Energy Storage and Optimization (ES&O) has long been a leader of this innovation, developing solutions to meet the growing demand for larger, more efficient battery systems, while recognizing the limitations of scale in the race to pack in the most energy density. With a diverse portfolio of products, from their flagship DC block Quantum series to the newly introduced Quantum3, a 5 MWh AC block with integrated string inverters, Wärtsilä continues to push the boundaries of energy storage technology.

Listen in to this Live-recorded session as Dave Hebert, Director of Sales Management, and Neha Sinha, Product Manager for Energy Storage Systems at Wärtsilä, discuss how their products address critical challenges like space constraints, auxiliary power, and noise reduction while adapting to evolving market demands and the complexities of product development.

Expect to learn:

Auxiliary power optimization that reduces costs and prevents early battery degradation.
Innovative approaches to managing noise in densely populated areas.
Benefits of maintaining both AC and DC block products in their portfolio.
Design and manufacturing choices in a policy-driven market

Catch this conversation recorded live at the PowerUp Live Podcast Stage in Anaheim. Watch now at www.suncast.live!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

745: The Return of American Solar Manufacturing Sep 27, 2024

Domestic manufacturing is making a COMEBACK!

There, I finally admit it. I never thought it’d happen, to be honest, as you’ll here in today’s episode.

On August 8th, we were invited to Houston, Texas for the grand opening of SEG Solar's new solar module factory. In the heart of oil & gas country, this state-of-the-art facility raises the bar for domestic solar manufacturing. With fully automated production lines producing two gigawatts of panels annually—and plans to expand to five gigawatts by 2030, SEG Solar is leading the charge in bringing manufacturing back to U.S. soil.

If you’ve not been inside a real solar manufacturing facility, neither had we - we take you INSIDE for this unique first-hand look.

And, if you haven’t yet, subscribe to SunCast Media & watch the factory tour.

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

744: Direct-to-Consumer Solar? Project Solar Founders Matthew Smith & Trevor Hiltbrand Explain Sep 26, 2024

What if you could go online, get a solar quote in under a minute, and bypass door knocking sales reps? That's the promise of Project Solar, a Utah-based startup with over $23 M in Series A funding, that's changing the way residential solar is sold.

Founders Matthew Smith and Trevor Hiltbrand are disrupting the solar market with a direct-to-consumer model that eliminates the middleman, offering transparency and simplicity. Leveraging their deep e-commerce expertise and entrepreneurial backgrounds, they created a platform that empowers homeowners with clear, low pricing and a streamlined process. Their journey has been defined by significant early success, even acquisition offers, and almost immediately finding the coveted “product-market fit”, all while maintaining a rabid focus on customer experience.

It’s rare that I think someone is truly, actually, changing the way we do things - Project Solar is one of those rare finds.

Expect to learn:

How Project Solar’s quoting tool delivers accurate solar quotes in under a minute.
Why Project Solar’s focus on simplicity and transparency is reducing the inflated costs commonly found in traditional solar sales.
What regulatory efforts are needed in addressing the “bad actors” in the current market
Where hiring the right team fits into Project Solar's long-term success in saving customers $42M and counting.
When the founders realized the need to refine their business model to meet the changing financing needs of their customers.

Want to know how Project Solar is bringing transparency and simplicity to the solar buying process? Listen in to learn how their direct-to-consumer online platform is transforming the way solar is sold!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

743: Jigar Shah On Why Nuclear Makes Sense - The Math May Surprise You… Sep 24, 2024

Many of our regular listener energy nerds are aware that the U.S. Department of Energy Loan Programs Office (LPO), under the leadership if Secretary Granholm and Jigar Shah, has evolved from a near-dormant entity with just one loan in the previous administration to committing over $31 billion to projects across critical clean energy sectors like hydrogen, storage, solar, EVs, Carbon sequestration and more. With an expanded pipeline of 209 applications requesting $281.1 billion in financing, the LPO is driving innovation and growth in the clean energy sector, and we’re even seeing a veritable rebirth of the Nuclear industry here with Vogle 3 & 4 coming online as well as the Palisades plant in Michigan coming out of retirement!

Jigar Shah, as Director of the LPO, has engaged 6,500+ organizations, ensuring the energy transition is private-sector led and government-enabled. And the sheer numbers in the results are eye-opening. In particular, the support for the nearshoring of our critical manufacturing infrastructure.

Expect to learn:

How utilities can utilize virtual power plants (VPPs) and grid modernization to effectively manage growing energy loads.
The evolving partnership between utilities and the solar industry
The importance of reshoring energy technology manufacturing for U.S. energy independence
How the LPO is unlocking the renewable potential of tribal lands and creating broad-based wealth
The critical role of geothermal and nuclear energy in replacing coal plants with clean, firm power

Catch this and other impactful conversations recorded live at the PowerUp Live Podcast Stage in Anaheim. Watch now at www.suncast.live!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

742: Mosaic’s Journey to $15 Billion in Residential Solar Loans with Co-founder & Executive Chair, Billy Parish Sep 19, 2024

When I started SunCast, it seemed like there were lots of “Pioneers”; I even did a series focused on Solar Pioneers. That was 9 yars ago. Nowadays, most people are following playbooks others have written, and true pioneers are few-and-far-between. But I do still get to bring real pioneers on the show. Today’s guest has taken all 9 years to lock down, despite having first met Billy Parish in 2011, fully 4 yrs before I started SunCast! Good things come to those who wait. And you’ve waited a long time for this story, as Never Before Told…The Billy Parish, Mosaic Anthology!

How does a social activist unexpectedly become a pioneer in solar financing, helping shape the industry while funding over $15 billion in residential solar loans?

Billy Parish, Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Mosaic, turned his passion for activism into a mission to make solar power accessible and affordable for millions of homeowners. Before founding Mosaic, Parish was a youth activist and impatient budding entrepreneur. His first real breakout success was Energy Action Coalition, a youth-driven climate movement, which laid the foundation for his work in clean energy. His work brought him international acclaim, including being a Rolling Stone Climate Hero and Mother Jones Student Activist of the Year, all while he was “taking time off” from Yale! When he turned his focus to solving solar energy’s finance & scalability problem, little did he realize it’d turn into a nearly 2-decade journey, much naysaying, and a few ‘pivots’. Nevertheless, through Mosaic's innovative financing models, they have empowered thousands of contractors and funded billions in residential solar loans - and in many ways, it seems they’re just getting started.

Billy traveled from his residence in Berkeley, CA, to Washington, DC, to sit down with Nico and share his journey, insights, and Mosaic’s standout innovations. One of Mosaic’s major achievements includes launching the first 20-year solar loan product and a fully digital point-of-sale system credit application process that revolutionizes solar financing. Parish explains his "theory of change," focusing on making clean energy accessible to all through engagement and equity—a journey that earned him a feature in Rolling Stone for his climate leadership.

Expect to learn:

Billy Parish’s blend of activism and entrepreneurship as a driving force for opening solar as an accessible asset class to millions.
Mosaic’s shift from crowdfunding to institutional investors, scaling to $15 billion in loans.
Mosaic’s innovations in digital infrastructure that makes solar financing fast and easy for homeowners.
Why U.S. solar installations take months, and how Mosaic is working to cut delays.
How tools like SolarAPP can save thousands per project by speeding up solar permitting.

Listen now as Nico finally gets to deeply connect with one of Solar’s widely-accepted iconic pioneers, Billy Parish.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

741: RE+ 2024 Recap: Tesla Competition? Bi-Directional EV Charging? What You Shouldn’t Have Missed… Sep 17, 2024

As RE+ 2024 wound to a close last Thursday, Nico Johnson sat down with three of the solar industry’s top content creators to discuss the standout innovations and key takeaways they captured from the largest clean energy event in North America. They dive into how solar is evolving beyond just panels on rooftops and into integrated home energy solutions; Each shares their insights on the products and technologies that will define the industry. It’s a first-ever collaboration of some of the solar industry’s top content creators across various platforms to get a sense of how they each experienced this year’s exhibition hall, the largest yet.

You’ll hear from:

Derek Mast – derek the solarboi
Martyna Kowalczyk – Solartime with Martyna
Joe Ordia – Solar Surge

Expect to learn:

How EV charging and home energy management systems are transforming solar system design.
Why rapid shutdown devices, like SMA’s new innovations, are critical for improving rooftop safety and simplifying installations.
Battery storage advancements from brands like BYD and Fronius, including features like over-the-air updates and hybrid inverters designed for seamless integration with solar.
Why choosing reliable brands with strong local service support is critical for long-term project success.

Catch the insights and stay up-to-date with the latest solar trends post-RE+ 2024. There was a lot to share!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

740: RE+ Day 3: Abby Hopper and SEIA Recap RE+ 2024 Sep 13, 2024

Nico Johnson, Lisa Ann Pinkerton and Josh Beck round out RE+ 2024 with Abby Hopper, Stephanie Bosh and Colin Silver of SEIA.

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

739: RE+ Day 2: IRA Impact, Acronym Soup, Virtual Powerplants, and Rhone Resch, Joe Ordia & Jael Holzman Sep 12, 2024

Start each day the full replay of the Daily Round Up with Nico Johnson and Josh Beck as we bring you the trends and conversations unfolding in Anaheim at the RE+ 2024 conference.

If you are in Anaheim, visit us at the PowerUp Media Zone booth E100, Lobby of Hall D.

You can also watch the show stream live at suncast.live.

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

738: Alex Honnold on Advancing Solar Access, Alex Shoer on Scaling Storage, Anne Slattery & Kristina Peterson on Trends - RE+ Day 1 Sep 11, 2024

Start each day with highlights from the Morning Show with Nico Johnson and Lisa Ann Pinkerton and then the full replay of the Daily Round Up with Nico Johnson and Josh Beck as we bring you the trends and conversations unfolding in Anaheim at the RE+ 2024 conference.

If you are in Anaheim, visit us at the PowerUp Media Zone booth E100, Lobby of Hall D.

You can also watch the show stream live at www.suncast.live.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

737: Florida is the next solar battleground, here's how to win - Mike Vergona, Urban Solar Sep 05, 2024

Oh, Florida! You’re the Sunshine State…why has it taken you so long to establish a real solar market? Well, the good news is it’s now heating up. But, that means so is the competition! So, how do you build a profitable solar business in one of the most competitive markets in the U.S.?

Mike Vergona, the founder of Urban Solar, has been a key player in Florida’s solar industry for over a decade, and has become one of the most respected and referred solar installers in the state. Mike’s journey from his father’s electrical company to founding one of Florida’s top solar companies is packed with lessons for anyone in the renewable energy space.

We talked about the tough decisions, the wins, and the lessons learned that have defined his business and leadership style. Plus, we discussed how grid parity is making solar energy more affordable and accessible and why this shift matters for solar businesses everywhere, not just Florida.

Expect to learn:

The realities of competing in Florida’s fast-evolving solar market.
How Mike bootstrapped his company to top 20 status.
The role of strategic partnerships in sustaining business growth.
Lessons in nurturing a purpose-driven company culture.
How technology and innovation are changing the solar installation process.

Mike’s stories are universal, not just for solar but practically any business. I’d love to hear how what he shares inspires or challenges you to reach for something more, or simply confirms for you that you are on the right path. Either way, you’re here, so you’re doing something right! ;-)

Steady on, Solar Warrior.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

736: How To Build Substations For Renewable Energy In Record Time: Dan Girard’s APG Success Formula Sep 03, 2024

One of the most common critical path bottlenecks of any infrastructure project, energy or otherwise, is the transformer and substation. The interconnection of the power plant to the electrical grid requires this hardware - and it’s famously hard to come by these days, with lead times often in excess of 18 months. If you’re involved in renewable energy, in particular EPC services, you know the pressure to deliver projects faster than ever. Dan Girard, CEO of Alternative Power Generation (APG), shares how his team consistently outpaces peers and large competitor, often building substations in under six months—compared to the typical 18-24 months.

Girard also reveals APG's focus on the underserved 1-50 MW solar market and their extensive experience with microgrids, offering valuable insights into how APG meets the complex demands of data centers, utilities, and more.

Expect to learn:

How APG builds substations in less than six months, cutting lead times in half.
The keys to thriving in the 1-50 MW solar market and why it’s an underserved opportunity.
The ins and outs of microgrid design, including real-world applications and challenges.
How strong supplier relationships help APG secure critical components faster than competitors.
Why customization and agility are essential in today’s energy landscape.

This episode provides a clear look at the practical strategies that keep APG ahead of their peers, from dramatically reduced lead times to customized microgrid solutions. Dan is a seasoned industry expert who offers practical strategies you can apply to your own projects.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

735: How to Avoid Common Intellectual Property Mistakes Aug 30, 2024

Knowing when and why to invest in patents can be a game-changer for your startup. But what’s the right strategy to ensure your intellectual property is truly protected? And how do you know WHEN is the right time to take this crucial step?

Patent attorney Russ Krajec brings more than two decades of experience to bear in this insider's perspective on navigating the treacherous world of Intellectual Property Rights. Russ, an attorney by trade, is also an author and angel investor who has dedicated his career to transforming the traditional patent approach. He specializes in helping startups safeguard their innovations while unlocking maximum market potential.

In this Flashback Friday, we revisit a timeless discussion about:

The common mistakes founders make with patents
The importance of timing in the patent process
How to align your intellectual property (IP) strategy with your business goals
The insurance policies that can help startups enforce their hard-won IP rights

There are HUNDREDS of insightful gems like this one in our back-catalogue of over 700 episodes dating all the way back to 2015 here on SunCast. We’ve covered topics on just about every aspect of building a durable business in clean energy, so we hope you’ll explore more of our past episodes!

Thank you for investing in the one thing that’s truly priceless, your time.

I’d love to hear from you, what other topics are you looking for?

Hit us up podcast@suncast.me

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

734: From Google’s Moonshot to GM’s Vehicle-to-Everything | Lessons in Innovation from Ty Jagerson Aug 29, 2024

How does an idea go from concept to lab, from lab to field, and finally attract massive capital investment? What can a decade of business building behind the iron curtain in post-cold-war Eastern Europe teach you?

Ty Jagerson has spent his over 25 years executive career launching and growing businesses at Xerox (PARC), SolFocus, Google X, and most recently General Motors. His work at Google X, on Tapestry-the Moonshot Factory project, focused on overcoming the data bottlenecks that hinder the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar and electric vehicles into the grid. Long before he spun novel technology out of PARC (you might have heard of SolFocus?) he was learning the ropes in Ukraine and Russia exporting space tech, in the 90s! Throughout his career Jagerson’s work reflects a relentless pursuit of integrating renewable energy into the grid, all while navigating the high-stakes, competitive landscape that he likens to the "Hunger Games" of the energy industry.

You’ll discover:

The long arc of innovation and how it often takes (7 to 14 years!) for technology to really become commercially viable.
Insights into how corporate environments may not always be the best incubators for innovation but can serve as safe havens for developing ideas from external sources.
The importance of industry "scar tissue" and how past failures contribute to future successes.
Insights from Ty’s work at Google X and V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) at GM on integrating DERs.

Listen in to learn how one iconic clean energy pioneer, Ty Jagerson, navigated the challenges of integrating DERs with the grid, offering critical lessons for entrepreneurs striving to innovate and succeed in the energy sector.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

733: RE+ 2024: The Know Before You Go Guide for the Biggest Show Yet Aug 27, 2024

RE+ is only TWO Weeks Away!

Back by popular demand, we’ve curated our annual "Know Before You Go" episode to help you make the most of this not-to-miss event. It’s the 20th anniversary, and with over 50,000 attendees expected—it’s set to be the biggest show yet!

Tune in as industry leaders share their secrets to navigating the expanded show floor, optimizing your schedule, exploring educational sessions, and maximizing your networking opportunities for an exceptional experience at RE+ 2024.

You’ll hear from:

Tim Morris, Director of Marketing at RE+ Events
Erik Holvik, Associate Director of Business Development at EnergySage
Emily Teitsworth, Executive Director of the Honnold Foundation
Mike Munsell, VP of Brand Partnerships at Heatmap News
Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Founder & CEO at Technica Communications & Host of Earthlings 2.0

In our "Know Before You Go" episode, we cover:

How to navigate the expanded RE+ campus and the all-new RE+ Connect app (Pro-tip - This year’s App is actually very useful - I have previewed it, and it’s the best yet!)
The many networking opportunities available, from happy hours to after-hours events, including the most popular party -> Solar Fight Night (get your tickets before it sells out!)
How the Honnold Foundation, led by famous “Free Solo” climber, Alex Honnold, is advancing energy equity in marginalized communities, and where you can meet him at the show!
Practical tips for a successful event, including staying hydrated, wearing comfortable footwear, and managing business cards effectively.

Don’t miss our PowerUp Live morning show for a lively start to your day, featuring a Bloody Mary bar and a swag contest to kick off the RE+ experience. (and bring YOUR swag by the stage if you’d like to be entered into the contest!)

If you’re heading to Anaheim, this episode is your essential guide for RE+ 2024 success. Add our PowerUp Live Podcast Stage to your list of must-visit locations—we can’t wait to meet you in person!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

732: What’s Really Stalling Solar’s Momentum? Insights from Sunnova’s CEO Aug 22, 2024

Despite more capital coming into the solar industry than ever before, healthy unit economics, rising utility rates, and even declining equipment costs, equity and debt instruments are trading at distressed levels, with working capital increasingly scarce. What's causing this disconnect, and how can the industry recover?

John Berger, Founder and CEO of Sunnova, is a veteran in the energy market with over two decades of experience. His company is one of the largest solar installation companies in the world, so it’s safe to say he has a privileged view from inside the industry. In today’s conversation, Berger discusses the pressures facing the solar industry, including regulatory hurdles, rising interest rates, and the perpetual whipsaw of the capital markets. He sheds light on how Sunnova is navigating these headwinds, as well as his thoughts on the path forward for the solar revolution.

John spoke with Nico about:

Why, despite strong solar economics, capital markets are still lagging.
Sunnova’s response to this high-interest rate environment.
The importance and impact of domestic content on the solar supply chain.
Berger's predictions on how the upcoming elections could affect the industry.

This conversation answers a lot of questions about the current state of solar in capital markets, so hit play!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

731: The BESS Book: A Cell to Grid Guide to Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems with authors Drew Lebowitz & Swetha Sundaram Aug 20, 2024

I have been looking [and waiting] for this book for years.

And if you’re in Utility-scale battery storage, I’m going to boldly suggest that you have too.

The wait is over, as the most comprehensive compendium on utility-scale battery energy storage is finally on shelves (or it was, it’s about to sell out!)

Looking to expand your knowledge of utility-scale batteries and the evolution of solar+storage and standalone battery projects? Whether you're a developer integrating batteries into your solar projects, an engineer trying to wrap your head around which technology to spec, or a layperson trying to stay ahead of industry trends, The BESS Book: A Cell to Grid Guide to Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems is the book for you.

Hear from the book's authors, Swetha Sundaram and Drew Lebowitz, as they draw from their extensive experience in energy storage engineering to provide what I believe is likely the most complete attempt to map the battery energy storage landscape A-to-Z. With deep expertise gleaned working for leading engineering firms like DNV and RWE, they’ve crafted a comprehensive resource that covers the full lifecycle of utility-scale battery projects—from cell chemistry to financing the projects and workforce to build these plants at scale.

Discover:

Why Nico believes this is the battery storage manual every engineering department should have on-hand.
The latest advancements in lithium-ion battery technology, illustrated with real-world case studies.
The key technical and financial aspects of [nearly all] utility-scale Li-ion BESS.
Critical considerations for integrating batteries with solar and wind projects.
Essential instruction on safety, environmental concerns, and industry standards compliance.
And so, so much more

Grab your copy of The BESS Book and listen in to gain the insights you need to lead in the energy storage industry.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

730: How Each Home Will Be Its Own Energy Generation Machine Aug 15, 2024

With an anticipated 40% increase in energy consumption by 2035, the grid faces immense pressure.

How do we service the rising demand driven by AI, data centers, and home electrification?

The solution, distributed energy resources (DERs) allows homes to generate, store, and smartly consume their own energy. This shift from a centralized to a decentralized energy system aims to address the growing demand and enhance the efficiency of energy distribution.

Raghu Belur, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Enphase Energy has led Enphase in pioneering microinverters and comprehensive home energy management systems. Raghu shares his insights on how the industry is evolving, from the shift from solar consultants to energy consultants, to the inevitable rise of energy markets and the homeowner as an energy trader. His work ensures that millions of homes can seamlessly integrate solar energy, batteries, and EV chargers.

Raghu spoke with Nico about:

How DERs solve current and future grid capacity challenges
The importance of simplicity and user experience in home energy systems
The transition from net metering to real-time energy markets
Global energy market trends
Why every home needs an intelligent energy system and how to “reinvent the grid from the inside out”

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

729: How to Start a Solar Company that Customers Rave About | Hunter Trenary of Sun Collectors Aug 13, 2024

Deciding where and which customers to focus on can make or break a business. How do you go about choosing one market over another? Furthermore, how do you build a business in an otherwise overlooked market that makes the nation’s largest solar company, Sunrun, take notice?

Hunter Trenary, co-owner of Sun Collectors, recently shared his journey of establishing a solar company in Peoria, Illinois. Starting from scratch in a market with untapped potential, Trenary and his partner navigated the complexities of local regulations, brand building, and sustainable growth while being self-funded. By doing things the “hard way”, Hunter and his team have managed to not only educate the community about the benefits of solar but also establish a reputation for delivering premium installations in house earning them rave reviews from their customers. No surprise, Peoria is now the home to Sunrun’s 2nd IL office (I wonder what took them so long!?)

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How Sun Collectors navigated the challenges of growing a solar business in a market with little existing demand
Sun Collectors community engagement initiatives that keep the flywheel turning
The strategies Hunter and his team employ to make solar accessible and affordable for its customers

By focusing on one market and investing heavily in the local community, Sun Collectors has built a thriving business that stands out from the competition.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

728: The Rocket Scientist Making Rechargeable Lead-Acid Batteries, Michael Burz of Enzinc Aug 09, 2024

From thermonuclear weapons that helped stop the Cold War, to a Le Mans 24 Hour Eco Car, and now pioneering a revolutionary battery, today’s guest has a truly remarkable career path.

We're revisiting one of our top episodes from 2022 featuring a real, actual rocket scientist - Michael Burz, the CEO and Co-Founder of Enzinc. His startup is is commercializing a truly innovative zinc-based battery that promises the power density and re-chargeability of lithium at lead-acid prices. Michael's journey from designing cruise missiles to creating eco-cars at Nissan's Design Studio showcases his exceptional ability to innovate across industries.

In this Flashback Friday clip, you’ll discover:

How Burz's upbringing and his mother’s aviation background influenced his career.
Michael’s work designing Cruise Missiles at General Dynamics and engineering thermonuclear weapons during the Cold War.
Michael's leadership in designing and building an all-carbon composite race car for Le Mans in record time and under budget.
The collaboration with the US Naval Research Laboratory that led to defining and designing their zinc battery technology.

If you’d like to hear more than just this snippet, then I’d encourage you to queue up episode 448 and learn more about how one engineer's relentless pursuit of innovation is shaping the future of battery storage.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

727: A Simple Logistics Improvement Worth Billions To The Solar Industry, Philip Schwarz of PVpallet Aug 08, 2024

Have you ever considered the environmental impact of the non-solar components we deploy in the solar industry? It’s good that we generate clean energy, and even better that we quantify the embodied energy of things like the solar panels we use. But, it takes a relatively “dirty” and old-fashioned industry to actually deliver those solar modules - logistics. And, one of the lowest-common-denominator, least-thought-about products in the logistics toolkit is a century-old ‘technology’ made of wood…the pallet.

While essential for transporting solar panels (among millions of other products), these pallets contribute to significant waste (over 6,000 pounds of wood waste per megawatt); they also emit on average about 8kg of CO2 per unit! Millions of wooden pallets end up in landfills each year. Worse still, the breakage of solar panels during transport costs the industry billions. This overlooked issue impacts both profitability and sustainability, reducing the overall positive impact of the clean energy sector's green footprint.

During his 15 years in the solar industry, Philip Schwarz has witnessed the waste, costs, inefficiencies, and safety issues associated with using wooden pallets. Inspired by a napkin sketch from his original co-founder, Philip went all-in on the potential for reusable packaging in the solar industry. The resulting company, PVpallet, has grown to become the industry’s leading provider of reusable packaging solutions.

There are numerous lessons to be learned throughout this conversation:

The novel engineering behind their reusable pallet design
How PVpallet uses reverse logistics and recycled materials to improve customers’ ESG scores
Why product innovation is a costly endeavor, and how they almost lost it all
The underlying economics that make this product make sense (and why people are still resistant to change)

Queue up this innovator’s story if you’re looking for inspiration to help you build your dream. By the way, Philip has also built a great culture and is Always looking for good people. ;-)

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

726: Community Solar: Renewable Energy At A Discount Everyone Can Afford; Aviv Shalgi of Solar Simplified Aug 06, 2024

You might think of community solar as a “Groupon for your energy bill” - you get discounted access to clean energy without needing to install solar panels, and leverage the buying power of a group purchase!

Aviv Shalgi, CEO and co-founder of Solar Simplified, is dedicated to expanding the reach of community solar. Solar Simplified acts as an aggregator, linking subscribers with solar project developers. And as the industry grows, the role of aggregator plays an ever-increasing part in helping folks who ordinarily can’t go solar (shade issues, don’t own your home, or a myriad of other reasons) plug into the sun…virtually. How is Aviv helping change how solar is built, bought and bartered?

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The vital role of clear communication and building trust in advancing community solar

• The need for better risk-sharing models and industry standards

• How aggregators ensure the success and growth of community solar

• How aggregators manage billing protocols with utilities and ensure regulatory compliance

Learn how Solar Simplified fills the gap by connecting customers to community solar projects.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

725: Fewer holes, No Leaks. Solar Racking Reimagined, with Pegasus CEO Kai Stephan Aug 01, 2024

What is the unsung hero of solar installations?

Racking… It's a "set it and forget it" component for contractors, as its reliability is essential to avoid costly service calls, making that critical product choice a “near-religious experience” for most installers.

Kai Stephan, the founder and CEO of Pegasus Solar, has developed one of the fastest growing solar mounting software and hardware solution providers here in the United States on the vision of simplifying the product and giving homeowners and installers more peace of mind.

His entrepreneurial journey was not all smooth sailing. After leaving a kush Utility job at SoCal Edison to found Pegasus, Kai encountered more than a few challenges. What do you do when your launch-customer files for bankruptcy? Pivot. What do you do when regulations change the rules of engagement? Reinvent yourself. Pegasus is not exactly the business Kai thought he’d leave his corporate nest to create, but it’s proved a worthy competitor in a very competitive landscape for more than a decade, and seems to only be getting better.

Despite the hurdles, Kai has remained committed to his vision to make rooftop solar easy with a product that’s “better by design”. I’d encourage you to watch the video version of this one if you can, as I had an AHA Moment myself when Kai finally explained to me the genius of the product design. Here’s a significant stat for you - 5 Million units shipped over the past decade with ZERO product failures and…ZERO Roof Leaks!

There are numerous lessons to be learned along the way:

The design features that make Pegasus solar installations fast, easy and more reliable
Kai's approach to navigating financial setbacks
A novel approach to water-intrusion testing that includes a kiteboard
How software automation accelerates solar panel layouts
Pegasus’ creative process behind new product development

Hit play to gain insights into Kai’s entrepreneurial journey and how Pegasus’ hardware and software solutions are improving residential solar installation.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

724: Operating Systems for a Drama-Free Workplace | Maria Kingery of Southern Energy Management & 360Impact Jul 30, 2024

“Unclear expectations are a downpayment for future resentment.”

Maria Kingery is the Founder & Principal of 360Impact and Co-Founder and Chief Impact Officer of Southern Energy Management. With over two decades of experience, Maria has honed her coaching practice to shepherd leaders through the gauntlet of business growth. Previously working within the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) framework, Kingery now offers a “delightfully independent” coaching style that helps business leaders unlock their potential and build a culture that empowers others. Her approach is rooted in practical, actionable advice tailored to each unique business, incorporating frameworks like the 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership.

There is wisdom gleaned from her 20+ years of entrepreneurship, and it’s an honor to share some of her business philosophy with you here.

You’ll discover:

The importance of clear core values in guiding business behavior
How coaching frameworks can streamline business operations
The “Drama Triangle” and strategies for building a drama-free workplace
How to select the right coach to help achieve personal and professional aspirations

Listen in now and discover how core values and coaching can be the catalysts for your business success.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

723: From Tetris To Clean Energy: Henk Rogers' Conversion Story Jul 26, 2024

two years before the end of the Cold War to broker a licensing agreement for what would become the best-selling video game of all time: Tetris.

Either of those feats would be remarkable; to accomplish both is a whole other level of entrepreneurial achievement. While some of you may not be familiar with today’s guest, you’ll definitely be familiar with his work, and you may have even watched a movie about him!

Henk Rogers is known as the father of role-playing games in Japan and for introducing Tetris to the world. Leveraging his software development and licensing expertise, Henk is now tackling what he considers the greatest problem of our time: climate change. And, yes, he was even played by Taron Edgerton in the 2023 Apple TV+ movie ‘Tetris’!

A mid-life health scare helped Henk realize that he needed to trade pixels for a higher purpose. Through founding the Blue Planet Foundation, he is helping to do just that, starting in his home state of Hawaii where he was instrumental in driving their goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045. With his most recent venture, Blue Planet Energy, he is developing advanced battery energy storage systems to enhance safety, reliability, and output for renewable energy.

In this Flashback Friday clip, you’ll discover:

How Henk Rogers discovered Tetris and revolutionized the gaming industry
The pivotal moment that redirected his career towards environmental activism and the fight against climate change
The unwavering determination that has propelled him to the forefront of the renewable energy movement in Hawaii
The strategies he's employed to transform the Aloha State into a model the rest of the planet can follow

If you’d like to hear more than just this snippet, then I’d encourage you to queue up episode 150 and explore how a gaming legend became a driving force in the fight against climate change.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

722: A 100-Year Vision for a new kind of Energy Company with Cherry Street’s Michael Chanin Jul 25, 2024

What does it take to build a 100-year business? How does one expand beyond integration of off-the-shelf products to branding power plants as a unique identifiable product? What does it take to secure an entire City’s rooftops…like Atlanta?

Michael Chanin, the CEO and founder of Cherry Street Energy, is bringing this ambitious vision to fruition. Chanin's team is embracing the power of renewables for transforming our infrastructure, and my meeting with him left me inspired. Chanin is not your typical investment-banker-turned-renewable-energy-entrepreneur. How this Macon, GA native found his way to banking is in itself an unlikely turn in his career. So, when he decided to leave Wall Street for Main Street, it was in many ways a return to his roots as a social anthropologist and activist at heart.

Chanin found his calling in the clean energy sector through his banking work with early financial pioneers like Vivint who were leveraging public markets to bring solar to neighborhoods around the country. But, he saw a gap (Opportunity) beyond the residential solar revolution in how these products (power plants) could benefit municipalities, universities, and communities writ large. What he built as a delivery mechanism, Cherry Street Energy, has quickly become Georgia’s foremost non-utility provider of renewable power! And, with over 1000 projects in the queue, Michael and the Cherry Street team are just getting started.

In this episode, discover:

Cherry Street Energy’s unique approach to finance and deploy distributed energy resources.
Culture, collaboration, kindness, and a long-term vision as essential ingredients to success.
How Warren Buffett changed Michael’s career prospects
Their Shine On program for workforce development “from blue collar to new collar”
The operational fabric supporting Cherry Street Energy's progress.

Hit play to learn how Cherry Street Energy is paving the way for a sustainable, low-carbon future.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

721: Achieving 250x growth, How CPS Americas scaled to >1000 customers & #1 Market Share in under a decade, with Bryan Wagner Jul 23, 2024

Every growth story has roots in finding scalable and duplicatable processes. From a Big Mac to the Macintosh, the capacity to create products people want and galvanize a team around delivering them is what sets true market leaders apart from their peers. However, in the more than 700 interviews we’ve done at SunCast, we know that the path to the top is not linear nor is it free from failure. So, when I see someone succeeding for multiple years in a leadership position, I want to know what made it work. Such is the case with CPS Americas.

Are you curious what frameworks & models contributed to their becoming the #1 Three-Phase String Inverter Supplier in the US?

What visionary leaders’ stories or tried-and-true methods did their leadership ‘borrow’ for application to the power electronics industry?

Bryan Wagner, GM and President of Chint Power Systems Americas (CPS), shares the strategies and insights that helped CPS reclaim their top position in the US Market. Through efficient management, teamwork, their “Lightspeed '' system and “triangle offense”, Bryan divulges for the first time the leadership and operational tactics that have cemented their market dominance and fostered an enviable team culture.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

How CPS navigated quality challenges to reclaim market leadership
The importance of developing a customer-centric culture and welcoming feedback
Why slow is smooth, and smooth is fast in an evolving market
Insights into the future of string inverters and energy storage solutions
The value of an approachable leadership style and empowering your team

Listen in to hear Bryan Wagner's expert advice on driving growth and innovation in the solar industry.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

720: Derek Chase Built A Robotics Company For Better Solar Inspections Jul 18, 2024

Imagine a Roomba on a solar farm with a camera that can automatically inspect modules, wiring, even hot-spots, and report all that information back instantaneously to the asset manager. That level of computer vision and automation is finally possible, and it looks a Lot like a fun Disney character you’d recognize!

Derek Chase, founder and CEO of OnSight, is revolutionizing solar asset management through robotics and computer vision that uses a WALL-E-like advanced autonomous navigation robot to significantly enhance the accuracy of solar farm inspections with AI-powered detection. With more than 15 years in the industry, Derek has pioneered scalable operations and maintenance solutions, successfully building and selling one of the most successful O&M businesses in solar - SunSystem Technologies.

But Derek is not one to sit on his haunches and relax, nor are his co-founders (most from his previous venture), and his story of stumbling upon the idea for OnSight (at a Garage Sale, no less) is sure to inspire and inform your entrepreneurial tendencies.

Expect to learn:

How OnSight's robots autonomously navigate and inspect solar farms, capturing high-resolution data beyond human capability
The role of machine learning and computer vision in detecting subtle issues, like high-resistance connections that could cause fires
Strategies for funding and assembling a world-class team
The future of solar asset management with predictive maintenance and comprehensive data collection
Lessons in entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and perseverance

Listen in to discover how Derek Chase and OnSight are solving the unseen risks of solar one robot at a time.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

719: Training The Clean Energy Workforce w/Brittany Heller of Heatspring Jul 16, 2024

Perhaps the best way to scale your company is by investing in your people!

If knowledge is wealth, then upskilling your workers (and indeed yourself) could be the best return on your investment. Brittany Heller, Director of Program Management at HeatSpring, explains how training programs are not just essential for attracting and developing new talent, they’re also how growing companies scale commercially. By offering comprehensive online training, HeatSpring helps professionals learn at their own pace and fit training into their busy schedules, ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of the industry.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

The role of online education in workforce development
The benefits of upskilling and structured training programs
How companies are scaling by upskilling their workers
How HeatSpring collaborates with industry leaders to create tailored training solutions
The importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning within companies

Check out Heatspring and level up your skills (or your team!).

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

718: FBI Negotiation Tactics To Better Your Business, With Chris Voss Jul 12, 2024

I’m going to argue that procurement (buyer OR seller) negotiations are just like hostage negotiations. Hear me out.

Effective negotiations are crucial for uncovering hidden opportunities, maintaining control without aggression, and closing better deals. Mastering these skills can significantly impact business outcomes, ensuring more favorable terms and stronger relationships. And in procurement, there is often a lot at stake on both sides - and the hostage? Well, the project itself becomes the hostage.

And, in a world where we are SPRINTING to install as many GW As possible, we need more savvy negotiators who are helping set our projects free!

Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator and author of "Never Split the Difference," is a veritable expert with over 20 years of high-stakes negotiation experience. Voss now applies his hard-won insights to the business world.

We’re going back in the vault to the time he agreed to come on and answer all my questions about negotiation.

Get a pen & paper.

Expect to learn:

How to leverage FBI negotiation tactics in business
The power dynamics of procurement and sales
Techniques for effective communication and labeling
The importance of slowing down negotiations

Play this valuable snippet from episode 101 and apply practical negotiation skills to your business.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

717: Is THIS the biggest clean energy opportunity? Panama Bartholomy of Building Decarbonization Coalition thinks so Jul 11, 2024

Electrify Everything!

Ok, we’ve heard that “Electrification” is coming, but beyond our Automobiles what else can be electrified?

Did you know that cleaning up our built environment is one of the biggest clean energy opportunities today? In the U.S., buildings are the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, representing 35% of total energy-related emissions. There are meaningful steps we can take to reduce the overall impact our buildings have on the environment while also improving how we use and enjoy being inside of them. For example, Today’s guest finally convinced me that the replacement of my gas stove with an induction stove not only makes ecological but also economicalsense. But I learned so much more than appliance economics.

Our communities need safer, healthier, and more affordable energy. Most listeners of this show agree with that. The Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC) is harnessing the power of coalition to forge paths for effective upgrades that power homes and buildings with clean electricity. Panama Bartholomy, the Founder and Executive Director of the Building Decarbonization Coalition, has 25 years of experience in the building sector, and he’s committed to helping pave the way for electrification of buildings. Bartholomy and his team are working to mainstream electric technology alternatives like heat pumps and induction stoves while also addressing the economic and equity implications of this transition.

Expect to learn:

How neighborhood scale actions are the future of building decarbonization
Market actors, including manufacturers and installers driving the transition
The health and environmental benefits of eliminating gas appliances in homes
Managing economic impacts of the gas-to-electric transition

Curious whether the move away from gas infrastructure can really happen?

We can all play a role in creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable built environment - Tune-in to learn how.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

716: NC's Clean Energy Evangelist (is not a Democrat): John Szoka Jul 09, 2024

Energy isn't a battle of fossil fuels vs renewables; it's about figuring out the energy transition together.

As a North Carolina State Representative (GOP), John Szoka was once dismissive of renewables, as many might expect. Yet, after serving five terms in the legislature, Szoka transitioned from a renewable energy skeptic to a champion, thanks in large part to his open-mindedness when presented with data from a lobbyist which conflicted with his own understanding of the value of Renewables. Rep. Szoka carried the Republican torch on clean energy by championing key bills, including House Bill 589: Competitive Energy Solutions for NC and House Bill 951: Energy Solutions for NC, two bipartisan pieces of legislation that each altered the trajectory of energy within the state. Now, as the CEO of the Conservative Energy Network (CEN), he works to educate and engage conservatives in rural communities about the benefits and opportunities of clean energy. Szoka is a true believer and his work is converting hearts and minds in the heartland of America.

Expect to learn:

Why John Szoka shifted his stance on clean energy.
The role of CEN in educating rural communities about clean energy benefits.
The impact of property rights and energy costs on conservative views.

Listen in to discover how bipartisan cooperation and conservative advocacy can deliver results for the clean energy transition.

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

715: Why Culture Eats Strategy: A Peak Performance Playbook From An Inc 5000 Solar Company, with Summit Energy's Eric Israelson and Dallin Mall Jul 04, 2024

Finally, a feel-good story of independence and triumph! There’s little more patriotic and American than the dream of starting out on your own and building a business that supports your family, serves your neighbors and builds a durable legacy. And we even have a “He left med school for this?” to pull your heart strings too.

The true-life story of the rise of Summit Energy as one of the Inc 5000 fastest growing companies, now 2 years running, is a heartfelt look at how Culture truly does eat Strategy for lunch.

In this episode, Summit Energy's co-founders, Eric Israelsen and Dallin Maw, share their journey from door-to-door sales to building a thriving solar business. Armed with a philosophy of continuous improvement and a desire to empower their customers and staff to be community leaders, they’re giving people reasons to trust the solar industry again. Tune-in as Summit’s Chief Empowerment Officer discloses how building their company helped both find fulfillment in work and life.

Hope you’ll take a break from ice cream and apple pie to feast on this homegrown success story. It’s sure to inspire and guide any would-be solar company leader to reach new heights.

Expect to learn:

How Summit Energy empowers their customers and staff
The leadership philosophies that have made Summit Energy a success
Dallin's emotional story of what he overcomes every day to be successful as an entrapreneur
How Eric and Dallin foster continuous learning and growth in their business
Real-life stories of how Summit Energy's culture has impacted employees and customers

Ready for a solar industry story where the good guys are winning? Hit play!

And, even if you’re listening to this months or years from it’s publishing date, Happy Independence day, #SolarWarrior!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

714: The Republican Case for Clean Energy: Insights from Georgia Public Service Commissioner, Tim Echols Jul 02, 2024

Have you ever wondered why clean energy is not only surviving, but thriving in RED states here in the USA?

Despite the common perception that Republicans are against clean energy, states like Georgia (and AL, SC, and FL, not to mention TX!) are seeing significant solar growth.

Republican Tim Echols, Vice Chairman of the Georgia Public Service Commission, discusses Georgia’s journey to becoming the 7th largest state for utility-scale solar (with 6GW!) and how they are gearing up to meet the increasing energy demands of expanding data centers. GA is expected to be a clean energy stronghold for years to come…what’s behind that growth and sustained interest?

Expect to learn:

How Georgia structured its solar policies to make financial sense for constituents
The future of the IRA if Trump is elected
Echols’s perspective on nuclear energy's role in meeting future power demands
The outlook for EV adoption following pandemic slow-down and factory build-out delays from Rivian (and others)

Don’t miss this insightful conversation with one of Georgia’s true clean energy champions (who just happens to be a Republican!)

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

713: Then And Now, How SEIA Helped Transform Solar Energy - 4 SEIA Presidents share the stage Jun 28, 2024

In 50 short years, solar energy transformed from a niche interest to a key driver of the global energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has been at the forefront of this transformation, advocating for policies, fostering innovation, and driving growth in the industry. Founded in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis, SEIA has worked tirelessly to give solar “a seat at the table” in Washington, and the fruits of their labor are plentiful.

In honor of SEIA’s 50th anniversary, key figures from SEIA's past and present discuss the evolution of the solar industry. Abby Hopper (sitting CEO & President) hosted this panel with Fred Morse, Scott Sklar, and Rhone Resch (all key SEIA past leaders) to share their stories of the trade association’s 50 year rise and successes. From watching solar energy evolve beyond it’s solar water heating roots to the sophisticated photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems of today, their stories highlight the milestones, legislative victories, and technological advancements that have propelled solar into the mainstream.

Abby’s Linked Post on the roundtable captured the moment well, from stories of the founding of SEIA, to how the Investment Tax Credit came into being. And we gained insight into where these legends believe both SEIA and the industry will be over the next fifty years.

But we captured the moment as it happened, and we hope you’ll actually give it a listen!

Expect to learn:

SEIA’s fascinating origin story
Early challenges and how the industry overcame (and is still overcoming) skepticism
Key legislative victories that helped solar along the way
The expanding applications of solar technology
What the future of solar and storage looks like

Queue it up; get inspired by some of the OG pioneers of solar energy!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

712: SEIA’s 50-Year Legacy of Advancing Solar Energy with CEO, Abby Hopper Jun 27, 2024

The United States just surpassed 5 million solar installations, but as excited as Abby Hopper is to shout that from the rooftops, she agrees we’re just getting started. While the last 50 years was about building a solid foundation (fighting for every inch), the next 50 actually has a lot more at stake.

The Solar Energy Industries Association celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, marking half a century of progress, innovation, and entrepreneurship in solar energy and storage.

Nico joined Abby Hopper, SEIA's President and CEO, at SEIA’s Washington, D.C. headquarters, to discuss the profound impact policy advocacy has made on the industry growth. SEIA has also helped produce industry standards and public awareness that both professionalized and propelled solar to new heights. Our largest trade association has had a large role to play in keeping solar power at the forefront of America's energy future, and that future is looking bright.

Expect to learn:

How SEIA has evolved as an organization over the past 50 years and what the next 50 should look like.
How Abby and SEIA are tackling the industry's most pressing challenges.
SEIA's plans to advance solar through storytelling and advocacy.
How they plan to navigate whatever political outcome happens in the upcoming election.

Listen in to hear a front-line solar warrior give her insights on the past, present, and future of the solar industry and how we all have a role to play in advancing clean energy.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

711: How Agrivoltaics is Doubling The Use of Scarce Land with Dan French and Dave Gahl Jun 25, 2024

How can we meet the growing demands for renewable energy without losing precious agricultural land?

Agrivoltaics! It’s one of the most exciting growth sectors in solar energy! This approach leverages solar photovoltaic (PV) systems without losing the property’s agricultural capabilities, thus unlocking fertile and scarce land’s dual-use potential.

Few have done as much to proliferate education on this topic as Dan French, Executive Producer of the Solar Farm Summit. We recently had Dan take over as a stand-in host for Nico, and he invited Mr. Dave Gahl, Executive Director at the Solar and Storage Industries Institute to discuss all that agrivoltaic promises and what barriers still hold this promising vertical back.

French and Gahl provide insights from the field where these practices are helping to stabilize farm revenue, enhance biodiversity, and support renewable energy goals.

Expect to learn:

Key barriers to wider agrivoltaics adoption
How The Solar Farm Summit’s case studies help to standardize templates like grazing contracts and insurance agreements
Current funding opportunities for agrivoltaics projects

Discover how agrivoltaics is offering a win-win solution for farmers, energy producers, and the environment.

And don’t miss out on the best annual agrivoltaics conference, happening in just a few weeks in Chicago - the www.solarfarmsummit.com!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

710: The Truth About Solar's Hidden Waste Crisis with Adam Saghei of We Recycle Solar Jun 20, 2024

I learned a staggering statistic recently: Almost 90% of solar panels are thrown away when they reach the end of their useful life.

In 2016, The International Renewable Energy Agency projected that 78 million tons of solar waste would be created by 2050. Within that waste sits a goldmine of opportunity: $15 billion in recyclable materials that most of the industry is simply ignoring. One entrepreneur, however, is transferring his e-waste knowledge and experience to this relatively new high-tech waste problem.

Adam Saghei (sah-gah-ee), the CEO and founder of We Recycle Solar, has translated his background in reverse logistics and managing e-waste into building one of the largest utility-scale solar recycling operations in the world. Along the way, he discovered that off-the-shelf technology would only get them so far, so, he built the technology required to increase throughput and therefore accelerate recycling capacity. But, it’s still not enough.

WRS has the capacity to process 7,500 modules a day (345,000 lbs) and 69 million pounds in a year, (the weight of 700 Boeing 737 jets). Still, they’ll need FOUR full-scale facilities the size of their Yuma, AZ processing plant to even begin to address the current (not future) waste stream.

It is yet to be proven whether we as an industry will embrace the opportunity to recycle. Like all recycling, it requires a higher end-of-life cost for processing. So, the real question is, “what price is acceptable, and who will pay it?”

Expect to learn:

The complexities and hurdles faced in recycling solar panels.
The cost of recycling solar panels vs landfilling them.
We Recycle Solar’s “hot knife” method.
Strategies for reducing solar waste
The latest advancements in solar panel recycling.

Curious how you can help reduce solar waste? Listen in and expand your knowledge on end-of-life solar module management.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

709: NABCEP Solar Certification: Expert Insights from the Top Trainer, Sean White Jun 18, 2024

When it comes to certifications and training in the solar industry, one name (or label) stands out and is recognized as the gold standard: NABCEP. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is the certifying body for Solar PV and Battery Installers here in North America, and I’ve been told that the NABCEP certification test is as hard as the Professional Engineering (PE) exam! And, one trainer is the top educator for NABCEP (and many other areas of solar) in North America…

Nico sat down with Sean White, a leading figure in solar education for more than 16 years, during the recent NABCEP Conference. Sean is also the IREC Trainer of the Year and Trainer of the Decade award winner; suffice to say, Sean's expertise is at another level.

Sean’s "Introduction to Solar PV Design, Installation and Code - Self Study" is one of the most popular and reviewed courses in the industry - 11,0000+ students and nearly 2000 positive reviews!

Think you’re ready to take the exam? Try Sean’s FREE NABCEP PV Certification Practice Exam!

Never heard of Sean? Give today’s episode a listen, and we’re sure you’ll agree that he’s one of the most informative and entertaining educators in the industry today.

Expect to learn:

How earning a NABCEP PV Associate credential can boost your career
Insights into the NABCEP certification process.
How to find NABCEP-certified professionals in your area

Whether you're a seasoned solar veteran or new to the field, Sean's insights will equip you with valuable information to advance your solar career. You can find Sean’s courses on HeatSpring.

Disclaimer: we may earn an affiliate income if you use any of the links here to pay for a course on Heatspring. Thank you in advance for supporting SunCast by supporting your OWN growth and advancement in this industry. Good luck and let us know how you’re doing!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

708: Inside Sunrun’s Customer-Led Revolution with CEO, Mary Powell Jun 13, 2024

Mary Powell, CEO of Sunrun, has cast the vision of the leading solar brand in North America as a clean energy lifestyle company. She recently shared with Nico how Sunrun is accelerating the transition and nearing its millionth customer despite the typical electric utilities' “no and slow” culture.

Under Powell's leadership, Sunrun installed more than 1 GW of solar in 2023, maintaining its position as the nation's leading residential solar provider. Even more impressive, perhaps, is how Sunrun’s “year of energy storage” netted an unprecedented growth rate of battery attachment to solar projects. They’ve also set a few key milestones in key markets like CA and Puerto Rico for grid services of distributed batteries.

As a former utility executive, Nico asserts that Powell is “bilingual”, understanding how to navigate and communicate in both the private sector and Utility environments facilitating the integration of more renewables into the grid. Now, she is proving that distributed energy resources (like rooftop solar) can support grid reliability when networked as virtual power plants (VPPs), and promises we are in the midst of a ‘customer-led revolution’.

Expect to learn:

Details of the largest virtual power plant (VPP) in the nation.
Why “customer obsession” is key to consumer confidence.
The role of virtual power plants in creating a resilient grid.
How Sunrun achieved a 50% storage attachment rate.

Click play to hear directly from the CEO proving that distributed energy resources can support a stronger, more resilient grid.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

707: US Solar’s AD/CVD, The Latest Round of Investigations Explained with CEA’s Dan Shreve & Christian Roselund Jun 11, 2024

Anti-dumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD) are nothing new; they have plagued US-based solar developers and decision-makers since 2011. These duties, aimed at preventing unfair trade practices, greatly impact pricing and timelines of solar projects and generally seed uncertainty in the marketplace (at the outset, at least). We now have a new round of trade investigations being undertaken by the US Dept. of Commerce. What’s at stake, and who will be most impacted?

AD/CVD investigations were initiated 13 years ago to address concerns in the marketplace that Chinese-based solar module manufacturers were unfairly influencing fair market price of solar panels through dumping and government subsidies. On May 15th, 2024, the International Trade Administration (ITA) announced a new investigation into PV cells. This time, however, it goes beyond mainland China and focuses on 4 additional countries of origin — Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia — countries that presently supply about 80% of the US's solar modules. These potential duties, ranging from 50% to 250%, aim to prevent dumping (the sale of foreign goods in the U.S. at significantly lower than U.S. prices) and protect domestic manufacturing.

Yet, many are of the opinion that it’s just going to create more market uncertainty and further slow the progress of solar energy deployment.

Dan Shreve, VP of Market Intelligence, and Christian Roselund, Senior Policy Analyst at Clean Energy Associates (CEA) are veritable market experts on the topic, so I asked them to help us understand whether the recent AD/CVD investigations are expected to profoundly impact procurement in the coming months and what else this trade case may implicate in the US market looking out into 2025.

Expect to learn:

A short history of Anti-dumping and countervailing duties.
How AD/CVD investigations affect solar imports and project timelines.
CEA’S expectations for upcoming tariff rulings, rates, and their impact on future pricing.

Dan and Christian offer clear insights to help you navigate these changes. Whether you're a developer, IPP, or decision-maker, this episode will equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions in the coming months.

Worried AD/CVD will impact your solar projects? Listen in to find out if you’re at risk!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

706: An Insider's Guide To Better Solar Projects, with industry veteran Keith Cronin Jun 06, 2024

In the solar industry, we’re often building the plane as we fly it, as it were.

This is ever-moreso evident in commercial and industrial (C&I) solar, a relatively untapped market with unique challenges. One of the key areas of failure is a lack of funding. And, often, the culprit that leads to failed projects or lack of funding (ie, un-interested buyers) is poor processes.

So how do you teach due diligence and standardize processes when it seems we’ve been making them up as you go for so long??

Despite it still, at times, feeling like the wild west in solar development, there are numerous industry veterans who have vetted and validated hundreds, even thousands of projects and developed simple checklists, toolkits, and data room best practices to help any developer willing to seek professional guidance.

Keith Cronin, Founder & CEO of SunHedge and instructor for HeatSpring, is a pioneer in the U.S. and Pacific Island solar markets. In today's episode, Keith shares his journey from helping shape Hawaii's solar market with Jigar Shah to teaching hundreds of organizations how to fine-tune their own best-practices, financial models and project diligence efforts. Along the way, Keith has helped to build trust in the market and innovative financial models for getting projects across the finish line.

Expect to learn:

Specific strategies for strong financial models and building trust for your solar project.
Tools you can deploy immediately for more accurate assumptions in your models and risk reduction in C&I solar projects, in particular.
Keith’s perspective on how we can bring more people in from other industries like oil and gas, real estate, and tech.

Careful listeners will learn (and see) how to use Keith’s FREE project screening tool, or gain access to his bestselling course, Solar Executive MBA Training, on Heatspring.

Finally, if you’re ready to further develop your own thought leadership or share your expertise, check out Solar Academy, a social knowledge platform for the solar energy industry.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

705: A Plastic Pollution Solution: How PlantSwitch’s Bioplastics Lead the Way, with CEO Dillon Baxter Jun 04, 2024

Ever get annoyed when you order takeout and they give you the obligatory plastic wrapped napkin and plastic cutlery? If you’re like me, you politely decline, but most just take them and dispose of them directly in the waste bin.

The world is drowning in plastic waste, and current solutions to a useful alternative aren't cutting it.

PlantSwitch, a North Carolina-based startup co-founded by Dillon Baxter, uses agricultural byproducts to create a durable, plastic-like resin. With it, they aim to tackle the world of disposable cutlery. Their products are 100% compostable and decompose naturally, even without the need for commercial composting facilities.

If your response to compostable cutlery is an eye-roll because they are neither reliable nor compostable, you’re in good company with Dillon. That’s why when he takes a potential investor out to dinner, he invites them to cut into a thick steak with one of his compostable knives…they usually invest. And with those investments, PlantSwitch is opening a new facility in Sanford, North Carolina, where they can produce 50 million pounds of truly compostable bioplastic resin annually! Until now, there was really nobody providing a wide-scale alternative to single-use plastics; Tune in to hear how PlantSwitch is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the biodegradable plastics industry.

Expect to learn:

How traditional plastic recycling is broken.
How PlantSwitch uses agricultural waste to create compostable products.
The real story behind consumer recycling (it’s more sinister than you might think).

Discover how PlantSwitch is transforming the plastic industry. Listen now!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

704: Better Funding For Climate Entrepreneurs? Dimitry Gershenson explains May 30, 2024

If we’re going to address climate change through capitalism, we’ll need about $10 Trillion.

The growing climate crisis demands that we take urgent action, but early-stage climate entrepreneurs still face significant barriers in finding the funding to bring their innovations to market.

CEO and co-founder of Enduring Planet, Dimitry Gershenson, offers a solution to a critical funding gap climate entrepreneurs face. After building the Energy Access program at Facebook and seeing first-hand how hard it was to get access to this much-needed startup capital, Dimitry has leveraged his experiences and network to create a fintech platform that provides fast, flexible, and founder-friendly working capital to climate-focused startups.

Enduring Planet offers non-dilutive capital (funding that doesn’t require a founder to give up equity or ownership) and comprehensive financial advisory services to help climate entrepreneurs navigate funding challenges. By doing so, they enable these startups to accelerate their projects and make significant strides in the fight against climate change.

Expect to learn:

Practical advice for securing and managing funding in the climate tech space.
The unique financial hurdles faced by climate entrepreneurs (and how we can overcome them).
How Enduring Planet’s innovative grant advance product works.
Why non-dilutive capital is critical for early-stage companies.
Dimitry’s story of transitioning from Peace Corps volunteer to climate finance leader.

Hit play to find out more about Enduring Planet’s innovative climate finance solutions.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

703: Unlocking Great Leadership, Imposter Syndrome, and Authenticity | Paula Glover, President of Alliance to Save Energy May 28, 2024

Struggling with imposter syndrome? You're not alone.

Returning guest (Ep 333, 687) Paula Glover, President of the Alliance to Save Energy, delves into one of the most common emotional challenges faced by leaders and entrepreneurs. Paula gets real about the self-doubt leaders face and the importance of authenticity in leadership. It’s rare to get this kind of honesty in a b2b podcast conversation, and Paula does it with guts and grace.

As the head of the Alliance to Save Energy, Paula has been a champion for diversity and inclusion in the energy sector. Her experience shows how crucial personal growth and self-awareness are for effective leadership. The conversation touches on the significance of self-reflection, the power of words, and the responsibility that comes with leadership roles.

If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, you’re in good company. Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou,Tom Hanks and David Bowie are among the many professional performers, unquestionably successful, who’ve battled the self-talk and emotional rollercoaster of feeling like an imposter.

Ready to conquer your own imposter syndrome and lead with confidence? Listen in to hear Paula's empowering stories and actionable advice.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

702: From Rock Star to Serial Entrepreneur: Rue Phillips' Journey May 23, 2024

He came to America with ten thousand dollars and a dream of making it big. A few years later, he was a legitimate rock star, rocking arenas with Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osborne. So why did this British rocker who achieved the height of music stardom give it all up and start an EV charging business? How did that turn into not 1 but 3 successful exits (his most recent for north of $80M to Enphase) and a fourth energy sector startup sure to find similar outcomes? Rue Phillips, a rockstar turned entrepreneur, has a story unlike any other we’ve told here on SunCast.

Rue has always had an interest in electronics, so perhaps it’s a natural that when he hung up his axe he would find a way to leverage the trade skill handed down through his family. But in the 90’s, EV charging and solar energy were hobbyist businesses for most aspiring entrepreneurs. Yet, Rue found himself installing EV charging infrastructure for the Hollywood elite, and parlayed that experience into fixing what he saw breaking in the solar industry, literally.

Now, Rue has turned his attention back to addressing the weak link in our Electric Vehicle (EV) dreams, charging. A considerable portion of EV charging infrastructure is unreliable or inoperable. Phillips, once a guitarist for rock legends like Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne, has truly found his rhythm in energy entrepreneurship, founding several successful ventures including True South Renewables and 365 Pronto.

His newest venture, SkillFusion, is a digital learning platform that aims to train skilled professionals to address the critical need for reliable EV infrastructure. SkillFusion offers comprehensive training programs to prepare the workforce needed to maintain and repair EV chargers. Phillips and his team aim to help EV charging companies achieve their long-promised 97% uptime guarantee.

Expect to learn:

Why reliable EV infrastructure will boost the industry's growth.
How SkillFusion's training programs are bridging the skills gap in the EV sector.
Rue Phillips’ journey from rockstar to renewable energy pioneer.
Rue’s strategies for transforming passion into a successful business venture.

Discover how SkillFusion is powering the EV revolution, one skilled technician at a time.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

701: Nextracker and JM Steel Are Reviving American Manufacturing May 21, 2024

US manufacturing is back!

We were recently invited to a ceremony to celebrate the expansion of Nextracker’s dedicated steel torque tube manufacturing lines at JM Steel’s Leetsdale facility in Pittsburgh. This historic site, formerly Bethlehem Steel(the company that produced the landing craft for Normandy during World War II) now manufactures low-carbon steel tubes for solar trackers. Among the many dignitaries present at the event were 3 people on Nico’s yet-to-be-interviewed bucket list, so he got the chance to get some genuine reaction commentary and excellent b-roll of the factory line up-and-running (see our Youtube video for that!)

You’ll hear from these 3 pioneering solar warriors in today’s episode:

Yuri Horowitz, CEO of Sol Systems,
David Crane, DOE Undersecretary for Infrastructure, and
Kelly Speakes-Backman, Executive VP, Public Affairs at Invenergy

Each has an interesting perspective to offer on how the solar industry is reshoring manufacturing. Expect to learn:

How the U.S. government plans to fast-track permitting and workforce training
Exactly how this clean green steel factory is aiming to triple its output.
Ways companies like Invenergy plan to support domestic manufacturing
Updates on the DOE’s commitment to awarding billions in infrastructure funds.

It’s beautiful to see manufacturing returning to U.S. soil. Hit play to learn why now is the time for solar companies to reshore manufacturing… And the incentives they’ll earn for doing so.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

700! Behind the Success of Strata Clean Energy, Markus Wilhelm May 16, 2024

It only took me 8 years and 699 episodes to finally land today’s guest! But the wait was WELL worth it. You’re in for a treat. And it was recorded in-person at Strata’s HQ, so you might enjoy some of the extra footage included in the YT video version of this episode.

Markus Wilhelm founded Strata Clean Energy in 2009, but readily admits that he didn’t have the right initial vision for the company. In fact, it wasn’t till the THIRD pivot that he says they really found their groove. By any measure, Strata has now become an undeniable success-story in the world of Solar Energy Development and Construction. Over the course of 15 years, Strata has grown from a small residential installer to a globally-recognized utility-scale developer, owner, and operator of clean energy assets.

Yet, few have been able to get access to the man behind the curtain and unpack what makes him tick and how Wilhelm's background as a former media executive uniquely prepared him to grow the company to this level. One of the most interesting things for me, having done now 700 of these, is that when Markus and his wife began this venture, it was supposed to be something to pass the time…in his RETIREMENT! 15 years later, he’s still going strong, and Strata is more relevant and impressive than ever.

Filmed at Strata's Durham NC HQ, this episode finds Wilhelm reflecting on the company's evolution—from pioneering the North Carolina solar market to building multi-billion dollar solar and battery storage projects.

Expect to learn:

Strata’s three strategy changes that led them to become the company they are today.
How building a vertically integrated business model can enhance your project quality.
How Markus’s background as a media executive prepared him to grow an energy company
How Strata plans to stay flexible amid inconsistent government policies and administration changes

This is a rare opportunity to hear how an industry titan built a solar company from the ground up.

Oh, and listen closely, because we’re giving away a free gift to our listeners for helping us reach 700 episodes!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

Bonus: A love story, about Solar. w/Tor “Solar Fred” Valenza May 14, 2024

265,000! That’s how many of you/us work in Solar Energy so far (and rapidly growing!)

Yet, with 4 million solar installations in the U.S alone, Solar Energy is rarely featured in mainstream media. WHY?

Probably True Solar Stories, a podcast created by Tor Valenza, also known as Solar Fred, aims to bridge this content gap with engaging solar-themed fictional tales.

Valenza, once a Hollywood writer for shows like "The Dead Zone," "Dharma and Greg," and "Stargate SG-1” brings a uniquely solar flair (get it? 😉).

This BONUS episode features Solar Fred sharing a whimsical story about a wedding he actually officiated at RE+ several years back. Loosely based on real events, the narrative follows Matt and Molly, two solar industry professionals who plan to wed at the convention with the help of their industry friends. When an unexpected blackout threatens their plans, the solar community bands together to pull off an unforgettable off-grid celebration on a Las Vegas rooftop.

Stay tuned for Solar Fred's collaboration with Resource Labs and definitely subscribe to Probably True Solar Stories — where the power of the sun meets the power of stories!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

699: Breaking the American Electricity Monopoly | CleanChoice’s Zoe Gamble May 09, 2024

Many of us working in clean energy forget that access to clean power is still a privilege, not a right. Millions of Americans still don’t have the freedom to choose clean energy.

People all over the country want to fight climate change by choosing renewable energy sources for their homes and businesses. But, in monopolized electricity markets, consumers are forced to purchase power from the only available utility (like Duke Energy here in my home state of NC).

CleanChoice Energy is fighting to address this limitation. As you’ll hear from Zoë Gamble Hanes, President of CleanChoice, their platform enables residential customers in deregulated Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states to choose clean energy. And their the first in the nation to offer 100% green energy direct-to-consumer, or farm-to-table as one press release recently put it. That is to say, they own both the generation side (with solar and wind farms) and the retail side (consumer choice contracts in deregulated markets), thus “gen-tailer”.

Expect to learn:

How CleanChoice Energy distributes power to offer residential customers in deregulated markets a cleaner choice.
Why True Green Capital Management acquired a majority stake in the company.
Zoë’s Pioneering role in kickstarting the NC solar [tax credit] market and her subsequent milestones with FLS Energy and Pine Gate Renewables.
How hiring diverse leadership is helping CleanChoice solve complex energy sector problems.
The importance of balancing professional drive and personal well-being as a leader.

Passionate about clean energy access? This one’s for you. Hit play!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

698: Building the Biggest Battery Project in the World — Anthony Carroll, former President of Powin May 07, 2024

Imagine that your phone rings. The person on the other end tells you: “you won the project. Now, we need you to fly to Australia and build the largest battery backup project in the entire world.”

Powin, a Portland, Oregon-based battery energy storage developer, was up to the challenge.

Nico got a chance to sit down with then-President of Powin, Anthony Carroll, to discuss where the energy storage market is headed and how large-scale integrators like Powin are moving the needle.

Under Anthony’s leadership, Powin secured the nearly 2 GWh Waratah Super Battery project in Sydney, Australia. We asked him for his insights into the utility changes and emerging job opportunities that are driving the adoption of battery technology.

Expect to learn:

How Powin won the contract to build the world’s largest battery backup system.
The advancements in safety and reliability shaping large-scale battery deployment.
Why the U.S. battery market is finally ready for Wall Street

You can learn a lot in 15 minutes… Click play to hear the full discussion!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

697: Chris Nelder is Mobilizing an Army for Clean Energy May 02, 2024

Chris Nelder challenges the status quo.

And his efforts have, for nearly a decade, centered on mobilizing an army of supporters to help us transition away from fossil fuels. As creator & host of the podcast The Energy Transition Show, Nelder aims to "influence the influencers" through carefully researched interviews with clean energy experts. I know that many many listeners of SunCast are also listeners of Chris’s show (and many have even told me you’re paid subscribers!) which has long-inspired me to watch and appreciate what Chris does. It took me YEARS to finally convince him to give me the honor & privilege of hearing his backstory and sharing it w/you all.

Chris has written about energy and investing for decades, and I consider him one of the genuine thinkers and thought leaders of our modern energy community. Like me, he’s interviewed hundreds of guests on his show and has over 200 episodes; unlike me, each episode for Chris is a deep, deep dive into the technical details geared to help academics and laypersons alike have a more sensible and well-rounded understanding of a topic, not necessarily a person.

I have heard said of him, “Chris helps me think better about the topic and gives perspectives I might not have considered.”

I like to think of him as a sort of clean energy Yoda…gently, reverently moving the collective ‘mind’ toward the outcome he envisions for our clean energy future, one conversation at a time.

Expect to learn:

Chris’s journey from internet publishing to solar PV system engineer to energy journalist
Creating a common vocabulary for key concepts like “renewables” and “energy transition”
His perspectives on underrated technologies like distributed energy resources (DERs), virtual power plants (VPPs), and geothermal energy
How Chris selects the most impactful topics and guests
Why Chris built The Energy Transition Show as a subscription podcast

Still reading? Must be pretty intriguing. Hit play!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

696: Manufacturing Ground Mounts In The U.S. For The Same Cost as Abroad? FTC’s Solar’s Eric Frazier Apr 30, 2024

The IRA gave solar manufacturers a huge incentive to manufacture on U.S. soil. How does the 45x incentive work, and are we actually gonna see anybody other than Nextracker capitalize on it?!

Companies like FTC Solar are taking full advantage of this huge manufacturing tax credit. Their Vice President of Sales, Eric Frazier, shares how they’re bringing higher-paying manufacturing jobs back to American communities and what it means for developers.

He also shares his career lessons in mitigating project underperformance, navigating complex project sites, and empowering rural economic development.

Expect to learn:

How The Inflation Reduction Act(IRA) is transforming U.S. solar manufacturing
FTC Solar’s plan to take its manufacturing from 50% domestic to 85% U.S.-based
The challenges we need to overcome to manufacture complex components in the U.S.
How Agrivoltaics can create multiple revenue streams for landowners
The impact that re-shoring manufacturing is having on small American communities.

Interested in the creative ways solar is reviving American communities? Press play!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

695: ‘Digital Owner’s Manuals’ for installers with Illu co-founder Sierra Fan Apr 25, 2024

We’ve heard that we need to focus on workforce development. Yet many times the workforce we’ve developed has to re-invent the wheel for lack of reliable systems to a) know what good looks like, and b) replicate it in the field with minimal oversight.

What if any solar installer had reliable, step-by-step installation guidance straight from any manufacturer? Would this improve the process?

Solar projects are custom-built each time, often with components from a range of OEMs. This means that installers have to spend costly hours figuring out how to connect different solar technology on a per-project basis (what we often refer to as commissioning).

Sierra Fan, cofounder of illu, offers a solution to this age-old efficiency hurdle. illu is a software platform that allows manufacturers (and installers) to create custom easy-to-follow processes to aid installers in completing fieldwork of all types. This system eliminates the need for manufacturers(OEMs) to develop their own bespoke software, and it guides installers through solar system installations and commissioning safely, every time.

It’s the simple yet effective idea that won illu the Solar Prize from the DOE and I believe it could be the perfect solution for OEMs trying to better support Installer operations.

Expect to learn:

Why illu won the American Made Solar Prize
How Sierra went from financier at Morgan Stanley to successful entrepreneur
How illu got their start working on microgrids in Myanmar.
Strategies for promoting sustainable technology adoption in emerging markets.
The partnerships and resources that are bringing illu early success

This is a startup-story that you won’t want to miss!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

694: LG Proves There’s More Than One Home Battery That’s Easy, Effective & Elegant Apr 23, 2024

What if solar installers could easily integrate energy storage with any inverter on the market? LG Energy Storage Systems (ESS) makes that possible, and in an important and elegant way.

At the 2024 NABCEP Conference, Jim Brown, Senior National Sales Manager at LG ESS, highlighted LG's new "Home 8" AC-coupled energy storage system, a game-changing product for solar installers. In today’s episode, Jim and Nico discuss AC vs. DC-coupled systems, homeowner misconceptions, and a new technology that will help homeowners maximize the their solar plus storage investment. . Expect to learn:

Why some homeowners are still buying energy storage systems without solar
What installers can do to better educate and prepare homeowners for power outages
How LG engineered the Home 8 to work with any inverter on the market
The importance of “frequency watt control”
How to get the power of Home 8 for your customers

Still reading? Come on, hit play! It’s what the cool kids are doing…

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

693: Off-Grid Solar Products As A Form Of Wealth Delivery And Value Creation, with Amped Innovation’s Andi Kleissner & Kurt Kuhlmann Apr 18, 2024

We often take access to electricity, refrigeration, and running water for granted. In many parts of the world, these are luxuries.

In today’s episode, Andi Kleissner and Kurt Kuhlmann, Co-founders and Co-CEOs of Amped Innovation, discuss how they’re changing lives by installing high-performance off-grid solar systems and appliances across Asia and Africa. Nico visited with the pair in their CA headquarters; Seated on two of their high-efficiency solar freezers, they share insights from making solar products that empower impoverished families in the “developing world” to earn stable incomes.

Expect to learn:

Amped Innovation’s strategies to encourage productive use of power in emerging markets
How Amped Innovation designs products with affordability and repairability in mind to make clean energy accessible to the most remote communities.
How Amped Innovation leverages microfinance and Pay-as-You-Go systems to overcome financial barriers for families.
About Amped’s full suite of products, from TVs and freezers to generators

Their entrepreneurial journey is inspiring; we hope you feel the same!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

692: Hydrogen's Role in New York's Green Future with Haiyan Sun of NYSERDA Apr 16, 2024

New York set an ambitious goal for a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040.

What will it take to get there?

Turns out, hydrogen may be a key component to New York's climate strategy, especially for difficult-to-electrify sectors.

Haiyan Sun is the program manager and team leader for hydrogen and clean fuels at the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). With over a decade of experience in the power sector (much of which was in GE’s gas division), she has valuable insights to offer on hydrogen’s potential to fuel NY’s clean energy goals, so listen up!

Expect to learn:

How hydrogen can decarbonize hard-to-electrify industries like the transportation, power gen, and high temperature industrial sectors (ie, Steel).
The importance of including disadvantaged communities in the energy transition.
New York's strategy for making hydrogen as successful as solar and battery storage.

Curious about how hydrogen fits into the green energy puzzle? Press play!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

691: Adding Storage to Solar is Harder Than We Thought! Leigh Zanone managed 8Minute/Avantus’s Portfolio & Shares His Insights Apr 11, 2024

Is solar plus storage magically going to fix our grid? If you listen to many of the conversations I’ve heard the last 2+ years, you’d easily assume “we got this, just throw some batteries out there and we’re well on our way to 100% RE!”

Turns out it’s not that simple.

Building hybrid power (solar+storage) projects requires a deep understanding of the unique challenges they present, from how to forecast revenue to building integrated software solutions that can handle massive complexity. Leigh Zanone, an 18-year solar industry veteran, shares his insights and experience from working in leadership roles at meteocontrol and Avantus (formerly 8Minute Energy) plus a long tenure in the monitoring & asset management side of the business long before that was even the terminology. Leigh’s expertise spans the technical, legal, and financial aspects of solar project management, and his perspective on what it takes to finance and build these projects will challenge your conventional wisdom.

Expect to Learn:

Why deploying hybrid projects is far more complex than solar-only projects.
Why comprehensive software solutions for forecasting and optimization are currently lacking (and how we can solve this issue).
How we can better educate investors to help them understand hybrid project risks.
The hidden complexities that actually require longer diligence periods for hybrid projects.
What factors make solar plus storage almost three times more volatile than traditional solar projects

Press play, get smarter.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

690: Can We Squeeze More Power Through The Existing Wires? AES says Yes; Alexina Jackson, VP of Strategic Development Apr 09, 2024

How do we solve yesterday’s interconnection problems with today’s technology?

Alexina Jackson, Vice President of Strategic Development at The AES Corporation, pulls back the curtain to show us how AES is using cutting-edge technology to integrate MORE renewable energy into the grid. Because we need to add new energy fast and our current grid isn’t up to the challenge, AES is inventing solutions as they go.

Expect to learn:

How AES’s new technology can push more power through existing wiring when the conditions are right
Why more battery storage will add flexibility to the energy grid.
AES’s method for turning distributed resources (separate windmills, solar farms, etc.) into “virtual power plants”

AES is the leading developer for commercial and industrial customers in the US. They’re on the front lines, inventing technologies to augment the efficiency of existing utility assets.

Ready for the most useful fifteen minutes of your week? Hit play!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

689: O&M: How to Keep Existing Solar Projects Producing for Decades to Come with Renewable Energy Veteran & Founder, Josh Fraughton (FSLR, NOVA, R7/RNWBL) Apr 04, 2024

As our Secretary of Energy says, deploy deploy deploy! It’s incredible to see how hard we’re pushing to modernize the grid, but, we also must maintain and ensure solar projects are delivering on every kilowatt hour that we promised. Today’s guest has been delivering on those promises for nearly two decades.

Josh Fraughton, a renewable energy veteran with nearly two decades of experience in the solar industry, has seen firsthand the increasing need for a stable supply chain for solar O&M. So Josh collaborated with RNWBL at the founding of R7 Supply, a venture so immediately successful that it scaled to meet to start filling the gaps within 18 months and continues strong today under RNWBL.

Today, he shares his entrepreneurial journey with us.

Expect to learn:

Josh’s story of going from boots-on-the-roof as an installer to orchestrating O&M and supply chain operations for industry giants.
A business idea to address a need in the solar industry that Nico and Josh both believe will be huge
Josh’s plan to tackle obsolescence in solar components and ensure that systems remain efficient and viable over time.
How well-intentioned entrepreneurs are creating their own inflation in the solar industry.

Don't miss out – press play to learn more about optimizing the O&M side of the solar industry and Josh’s extensive experience solving the industry’s problems.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

688: Debunking Myths About Solar's Resilience in Extreme Weather; Lightsource BP’s Kevin Christy and Dave Martin Apr 02, 2024

Increasing extreme weather events year over year are forcing all energy assets to reconsider asset protection and resilience. The solar industry has been wrongly accused of grid reliability issues in the face of these extreme events, but what does the data say from operating assets that have “weathered” the storms?

Lightsource BP’s Kevin Christy is working to prove solar energy's resilience (especially during challenging weather conditions) and address misconceptions about renewable energy in grid stability and performance. As Head of Innovation and Operational Excellence for Lightsource BP, he and his colleague Dave Martin explore the future of solar energy, discussing advancements in technology, operational efficiency, and the crucial role of data analytics in optimizing solar plant performance.

Expect to learn:

Strategies for managing solar assets during extreme weather events (like hail mitigation and Texas’s Winter Storm Uri)
Exactly how reliable solar is in extreme weather
How automation and digitalization will change solar plant operations and maintenance
The role of renewable energy, particularly solar, in creating a more stable energy grid
How Kevin Christy addresses common misconceptions about renewable energy's grid impact

This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the cutting-edge of solar innovation and the pivotal role renewables will play in shaping a stable power supply.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

687: Are Diversity and Efficiency being downplayed in the Clean Energy Revolution? Paula Glover of The Alliance to Save Energy gives advice from the front lines Mar 28, 2024

Our guest today points out that energy efficiency is actually employing MILLIONS MORE than Renewable Energy as a sector!

Paula Glover, President of the Alliance to Save Energy, is fighting on the front lines to reduce energy waste. She uses her platform to champion energy efficiency as a cost-saving measure and a fundamental principle for achieving energy justice and economic growth. Paula believes that the "first fuel" is non-consumption.

Paula’s a returning guest to the show (Ep 333) but it’s our first time digging into her career evolution and role in championing Energy Efficiency.

Expect to learn:

How many people the energy efficiency sector employs (hint: it's way more than you think)
Why energy efficiency is foundational to achieving broader economic and environmental goals
Paula and the Alliance to Save Energy's strategies to educate the younger generation about energy efficiency
An unlikely ally to black industry leadership that led to a best-selling book
Why Paula thinks diversity, justice, equity and inclusion have been sidelined as a conversation.

Why are you still reading…click play and find out for yourself.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

686: Fixing Solar’s Waste Problem | Kelly Weger, Qcells’ Dir. of Sustainability Mar 26, 2024

By 2050, around 80 million metric tons of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules will reach the end of their life globally (according to NREL). 10 million metric tons will be in the United States. But this is not an issue for a far-off future. As we transition to renewable energy, we create a massive volume of waste just from manufacturing and transporting batteries and solar panels. So, what can we do to improve this process now, rather than in 25 years?

Kelly Weger, the Director of Sustainability for North America at Qcells takes us through their plan to reduce embodied carbon across the entire supply chain—from manufacturing to end-of-life recycling.

Expect to learn:

How Qcells is reducing embodied carbon throughout their supply chain, from material sourcing to end-of-life recycling.
The strategy behind Qcells and SolarCycle’s circular economy superhero partnership.
What it will take to create a true circular economy in solar, a vision Qcells is actively working towards.
How certification standards like EPEAT validate a company’s sustainability claims.
How much Qcells has invested in their wafer manufacturing facility in Georgia (it’s a massive number).

This conversation lays out the proactive steps any organization can take to mitigate environmental impacts. A circular economy is not a far-off pipe dream, but to get there, we’ll need to be far more intentional with how we build.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

685: How this Zillow-like Software Simplifies the Land Permitting Process for Large-Scale Solar; Robin Laine, CEO of Transect Mar 21, 2024

Permitting. The word is enough to send shivers down the spines of most PV professionals.

Obtaining permits for solar projects, no matter the scale, is a major roadblock in the transition to renewable energy, and often causes project delays that last weeks or even months. Robin Laine, CEO & Co-founder of Transect,is working to simplify the land permitting process for solar developers.

Robin, who has a background in environmental consulting, founded Transect to address the inefficiencies plaguing the solar project permitting process. Their due diligence software is designed to streamline site assessments for land developers in the renewable energy industry. Transect reduces assessment timelines from weeks to minutes by leveraging an innovative mix of public and proprietary datasets, and helps developers ensure they are focusing their efforts on the right properties and activities to get more solar through the permitting queue.

Expect to learn:

How Robin and her co-founder collected and leveraged freely available land data to create a desperately needed tool for developers
How Transect developed their Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Why Transect's early success with customers like Recurrent Energy set them apart from competitors and positioned them as a leader in the field.
What it took for Transect to acquire significant clients and secure Series A funding.
Transect’s plan to continuously innovate and iterate products to maintain market relevance and accelerate the energy transition.

Robin Laine's story showcases the entrepreneurial spirit needed to make the clean energy transition more efficient and accessible.

Ready to get inside the mind of a creative front-line solar warrior? Hit play!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

684: Why Can't We Immediately Decommission Natural Gas? National Grid’s Caroline Hon explains Mar 19, 2024

Is switching from natural gas to electricity as straightforward as flipping a switch, or are we overlooking hidden complexities? Many homeowners want to switch from gas to electricity but underestimate the challenges of making the transition. Some stop short when they learn they’ll need to completely retrofit their homes to accommodate new, clean energy sources.

Caroline Hon, Head of Gas Network Strategy and Planning for New England Gas at National Grid, one of the largest utilities in the Northeast, takes us through the strategies National Grid is employing to facilitate this transition among its customers, many of whom live in homes with outdated heating systems. By prioritizing education, exploring alternative heating options such as air source heat pumps and geothermal systems, and addressing the economic concerns of customers, National Grid is navigating the delicate balance between homeowner expectations and the push for decarbonization.

Expect to learn:

The importance of homeowner education in facilitating their transition to cleaner energy sources.
The role of alternative heating options (air source heat pumps,geothermal systems, etc) in decarbonization.
The economic considerations that influence customers’ energy use decisions.
The challenges and opportunities presented by older houses in the Northeast.
The significance of data sharing and collaboration across utilities in strategizing for decarbonization.
Why a cautious approach to decommissioning gas systems is necessary to ensure a smooth transition to electricity without compromising reliability.

This conversation sheds light on the intricacies of transitioning to a sustainable energy future and underscores the importance of a holistic approach that considers the diverse needs and concerns of all stakeholders.

The energy transition is not black and white. It takes empathy and compassion to walk into the future of energy in an equitable way!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

683: Will Maryland Fail To Meet Their RPS Targets? What Other States Can Learn, with Stephanie Johnson, President of Maryland Renewable Energy Alliance Mar 14, 2024

Wondering how your state can set and exceed lofty renewable energy targets? Today’s episode is for you.

In 2019, Maryland doubled their renewable energy target: aiming for 50% renewable energy by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2045. So, how are they doing? Stephanie Johnson, President and Founder of the Maryland Renewable Energy Alliance (MD-REA), shares her perspective from the front lines.

She discusses how she transitioned from the world of corporate compliance, recruited to a career in renewable energy advocacy by Catherine Mclean and prepared for her interview with the help of our SunCast Podcast. Stephanie discusses some of Maryland's key challenges with Nico from land constraints to a lack of transmission lines. She highlights MD-REA’s community outreach and Maryland’s strategy to surmount their state-level barriers.

Expect to learn:

How the implementation of the Climate Solutions Now Act and the Renew Act will accelerate Maryland's transition to renewable energy.
What it takes to build state-level community engagement and support for the development and siting of renewable energy projects.
How MD-REA and other organizations like the League of Conservation Voters are fostering a dialogue with key communities to foster this engagement.
Maryland’s plan to bridge their funding shortfall of about a billion dollars annually, critical for Maryland to meet its renewable energy goals.
How advocacy groups and alliances can build relationships between stakeholders to facilitate key policy discussions.

Stephanie Johnson is a true solar warrior in the trenches, leading the charge to turn Maryland's clean energy aspirations into tangible realities. Her work epitomizes the dedication and strategic thinking required to navigate the complexities of the clean energy transition.

Interested in how we can win the ongoing battle between renewable energy targets and state’s rights? This one’s for you.

We hope you enjoy listening to it half as much as Nico enjoyed recording it.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

{Bonus} How a NABCEP Certification Gives System Designers an Edge: Jada Alcindor (NABCEP) and John Novak (Scanifly) Mar 13, 2024

What's the value of a NABCEP certification? Since most solar companies don't require one, is it worth the time and money?

At RE+ Northeast a few weeks back, Jada Alcindor from NABCEP asked around to answer one of the industry’s key questions: “How much does a NABCEP certification help installers when it comes to designing systems accurately?” When she sat down with John Novak, the founder and CPO of Scanifly, she found a clear answer. And you get to ‘eavesdrop’ on this conversation between two solar junkies as they break down the benefits of certifying installers, talk up some industry-leading tech, and show you how to get free continuing NABCEP education credits.

Scanifly is a design software that gives PV designers an edge by providing accurate, real-time roof measurements using drone footage. Scanifly's software helps PV designers eliminate guesswork from satellite imagery and make fewer design mistakes.

Expect to learn:

How and why a NABCEP certification gives solar designers a clear edge
How Scanifly's software can turn anyone into a solar project wizard
How to use a drone to lay out where the panels in a solar system should go, down to the inch.
A sneak peek into what Scanifly will teach at the upcoming NABCEP conference.
Where to find a free resource to become a Scanifly certified designer and surveyor

If you're curious about designing top-notch solar energy systems or just love learning about interesting technology, hit play!

To learn more about Scanifly you should find their booth at the upcoming NABCEP conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, from March 18 to 21, 2024!

See you in Raleigh

This is NOT a paid endorsement or advertisement from NABCEP nor from Scanifly.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

682: When Will These Domestic Battery Factories Actually Be Online? Joan White of SEIA Mar 12, 2024

Can we build an 80% clean energy future without reliable, wide-scale energy storage? It's unlikely. So, what needs to happen? Joan White, Director of Storage and Interconnection Policy at the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), has been fighting to answer that question for years.

Now that The Inflation Reduction Act has made it cheaper and easier to produce energy storage technologies domestically, we're seeing heavy investor interest in energy storage. But is it a sustainable market, or are we in an energy storage boom/bust cycle?

In this week's conversation, Joan explains how we can build a sustainable energy storage market. Expect to learn:

Joan's predictions for the future of energy storage
The critical safety code all energy storage installers should be trained in )and how to access the training cheaply)
Exactly how The Inflation Reduction Act has set up energy storage manufacturing for success.
Tips for making energy storage facilities more efficient
What needs to happen before we see widespread energy storage adoption
Essential advice for starting an energy storage business
Why Nico's friends hate when he says energy storage is in a "boom."

And much more.

Are you prepared for the energy storage boom? Press play and find out!

I was intrigued by just how smart and articulate Joan is that I can’t wait to have her back on the show. What would you like to learn about next time?

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

681: Nextracker’s secret marketing strategy is hard to copy, Kristan Kirsh Mar 08, 2024

How did Nextracker become the leading solar tracker manufacturer in the world in 10 years, and what was the secret sauce of one of the most successful IPO’s of 2023? We finally have Nextracker’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, Kristan Kirsh, on the show sharing her journey of helping elevate Nextracker from 400 Megawatts to 90 Gigawatts in shipped solar trackers.

With Kirsh running marketing since 2015, Nextracker has not only navigated its landmark public offering but has also cemented its status as an industry icon. This episode delves into the strategic layers of her successful marketing prowess that has served as exemplar within the solar sector, offering listeners a chance to explore:

The creation of a customer-centric culture that goes beyond listening to actively incorporate feedback into both product development and marketing strategies.
The use of storytelling to make complex technological solutions relatable and captivating in a way that’s meaningful to the audience.
The importance of diversity and inclusion in fostering a creative and robust marketing team, and how to encourage diversity and inclusion at a high level.
Strategies for managing significant milestones, from tactically naming products to dealing with multiple stakeholders in the IPO process.
Nextracker's philanthropy, supporting nonprofits like Green Empowerment with small-scale solar projects in Africa and Latin America.

This interview with Kristan Kirsch demonstrates the power of strategic marketing, cultural and global diversity, and truly empowering others to elevate the industry. And we had the honor of bringing it to you live in-person from the comfort of Kristan’s Bay Area living room! (so, definitely tune in on Youtube and watch!)

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

680: Best practices for Community engagement from Solstice Co-founder, Sandhya Murali Mar 05, 2024

Community solar has proven a viable pathway to more affordable and equitable clean energy, but how do developers overcome one of the main hurdles to the project’s success - community engagement? Founded with a commitment to making solar energy accessible to all, Solstice has become a key player in community solar, especially in the US Northeast, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and education in expanding renewable energy access.

In this episode, Sandhya Murali, Co-founder & COO of Solstice, outlines the company’s strategic decisions and cultural values that have yielded broad success as a community solar pioneer. She delves into how Solstice:

Cultivates community trust and broadens solar participation through education and transparent communication.
Implements strategic marketing to nurture long-term community relationships.
Empowers communities through sustainable energy, whether it be homeowners, renters, businesses, nonprofits, or others.

Listeners can also expect to uncover:

How economic incentives that circulate through communities can encourage many others to transition to renewable energy
Solstice’s proactive approach to engaging with communities in the early stages of solar projects
The dedication developers must have to engage with the community they are building with to foster a long-term relationship and support for the mission

This episode offers an in-depth look at how adhering to core values and focusing on community engagement can drive long-term success in community solar and beyond.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

679: Business Lessons from 23 Years in Solar | Bob & Maria Kingery of Southern Energy Management Feb 29, 2024

Can a company thrive for over two decades in the clean energy sector by steadfastly adhering to its core values, all while refusing outside investment and navigating the highs and lows of the renewable energy market? Bob and Maria Kingery, co-founders of Southern Energy Management (SEM) in North Carolina, have demonstrated that it's not only possible but can also set a new standard for success in the industry. Founded in 2001 with a mission to improve the way people make and use energy, SEM is a certified B corporation and named one of the best places to work by Inc Magazine.

In this episode, Bob and Maria share their journey, from working at Burts Bees to founding SEM. As they navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, they eventually landed on the business model that works for them and keeps their core values and mission at heart. They authentically share how they've:

built a culture centered on empowerment and continuous learning
formulated a strategic approach to marketing that prioritizes education and fosters long term relationships,
and created frameworks to ensure their business operates efficiently and grows sustainably.

Additionally, listeners can expect to learn:

The importance of maintaining a values-driven mission in the face of industry pressures and opportunities;
Strategies for building a resilient and adaptable business
The impact of distributed decision-making and inclusive leadership on employee empowerment and company culture;
Lessons from riding and surviving the solar coaster and a near-extinction event

Through their candid conversation, Bob and Maria Kingery offer insights into the power of principled management over short-term gains, showcasing how Southern Energy Management's approach to business and sustainability has not only stood the test of time but also paved the way for hundreds of team members and thousands of families to leave a generational impact on our planet.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

678: How We Build A Diverse & Equitable Workforce, with Barry Reaves of NECEC Feb 27, 2024

Barry Reaves, serving as the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice (DEI/J), and Workforce Development at the North East Clean Energy Council (NECEC), is tackling head-on the clean energy sector's need for a more diverse workforce. This challenge expands beyond ethnic boundaries, touching on gender, sexuality, and income status, highlighting the pressing need for a more inclusive approach in the industry's workforce development.

The North East Clean Energy Council (NECEC) works tirelessly with a variety of partners across the Northeast, from Maine to New York, to encourage clean energy organizations to think comprehensively about workforce solutions that embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Reaves’ role involves not just strategizing but shepherding projects with and for member companies that create equitable pathways in clean energy.

This conversation contains enlightening lessons on the importance of workforce diversity from a practitioner on the front lines. It underscores the critical role that organizational leaders play as catalysts for change, advocating for diversity and inclusion right from the top. It also delves into the challenges policies can pose to such initiatives, emphasizing the need for holistic thinking in developing programs that attract diverse talent. Reaves’ work calls for inclusion beyond ethnicity, recognizing the need to encompass individuals from rural communities, the military, and various gender and sexual orientations, among others.

Listeners will learn about the tangible benefits of diversity for companies, the significance of establishing connections with often overlooked communities, and the strategies the NECEC employs to foster a more inclusive clean energy sector. This dialogue sheds light on the imperative for equitable workforce development, but also illustrates how inclusivity can drive innovation and progress in clean energy and beyond.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

677: The “Carfax” of Solar, How Software is (finally) Transforming Fieldwork Management, With James Nagel & David Penalva of HelioVolta Feb 22, 2024

Can the solar industry utilize advanced data analytics and software to address the challenges of integrating renewable energy sources into the grid, maintaining project quality, and ensuring long-term asset value? Where are there still gaps to address? As the industry matures, project developers, asset owners and grid operators are increasingly focusing on leveraging data streams from the field to enhance project performance as well as grid reliability. However, one element of data gathering has been a perennial gray area - accurate fieldwork management, which is still a very manual process in just about every respect. And it just may be the part of post-construction asset value retention that is most overlooked, till now.

American Made Solar Prize winners, James Nagel and David Penalva, co-founders of SolarGrade by HelioVolta, converted their extensive experience in solar project development and data analysis into a robust software aimed at precisely this conundrum. SolarGrade, a software tool designed to tackle this challenge by automating field reporting and creating a centralized database called SolarFax, akin to a "Carfax for solar." By integrating detailed project data, SolarGrade aims to improve predictive maintenance, enhance performance insights, and ultimately, support the reliable and cost-effective deployment of solar energy. And, like Carfax, it may prove incredibly useful in the valuation and resale of these assets someday.

In this episode, James and David explore several key areas:

The critical role of comprehensive data analytics in optimizing solar project performance;
How SolarGrade is addressing the industry's data challenges by providing actionable insights;
The balance between cost efficiency, quality, and safety in project development;
The significance of early customer feedback in refining and scaling innovative solutions;
The broader implications of data-driven decision-making for the future of renewable energy.

Through their pioneering work, James, David, highlight the importance of balancing cost efficiency with quality and safety in solar projects, the value of field data, and how their journey through the American Made Solar Prize catalyzed their growth and software improvement , all while maintaining a passion for adventure and the great outdoors.

Fun fact, if you WATCH this on Youtube, you’ll be able to appreciate just how outdoorsy David truly is, as we filmed in his garage where he has built his own rock climbing wall as a respite from the daily grind of startup life. He’s also responsible for Nico’s rekindling his love for the sport over the last year. They’d both love to talk climbing with you anytime…or meet you on the crag.

Hope you enjoy!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

676: Understanding Energy Demand in the Face of Extreme Weather with Sean Kelly of Amperon Feb 20, 2024

As more frequent extreme weather events become the new normal, grid operators and project developers alike seek improved data sources and market signals to help balance their daily load forecasts. The surge in electricity demand during such crises not only escalates power costs but also exposes the vulnerabilities of our energy grid, underscoring the urgency for innovative forecasting strategies. How do we harness data technology to better prepare for and respond to these environmental challenges?

Sean Kelly, CEO of Amperon, provides nearly 2 decades of energy market & trading expertise to help us understand the implications. His firsthand encounter with the devastating effects of Winter Storm Uri highlights the tangible impact of these weather phenomena, and his stories help anchor the hard truth for his team and clients. At Amperon, Sean leveraged his extensive background in energy trading to pioneer the use of advanced analytics and machine learning in creating precise load forecasts based on real-time weather data. Their work enhances grid reliability and efficiency, offering a proactive approach to managing the unpredictability of weather patterns and their impact on energy systems.

Here are a few things Sean teaches us in today’s Tactical Tuesday:

the increasing relevance of data in forecasting and preparing for extreme weather events;
how clean energy is a response to natural disasters and can help balance the grid;
the imperative for regulatory agility to accelerate the clean energy transition;
the financial wisdom in adopting a 'merchant mindset' for project optimization and security;
the growing focus on asset management and risk assessment in energy investments;
and the evolution of weather data as a key constituent to the clean energy transition.

This conversation is a clarion call for collaborative efforts towards building a resilient and reliable clean power grid.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

675: Can America Be THE Battery Manufacturing Leader? | John Zahurancik of Fluence Energy Feb 15, 2024

The United States stands at a pivotal juncture in its clean energy transition, with domestic energy storage manufacturing emerging as the cornerstone of its sustainable future. John Zahurancik, President Americas at Fluence, joins Nico Johnson to discuss the future of domestic battery manufacturing in the United States at Intersolar NA. Also, this episode features an exclusive recording of Zahurancik’s keynote address which further discusses the need for the U.S. to ramp up its production of energy storage solutions, showcasing Fluence's leading role in this critical shift.

What the audience can expect to learn:

⚡️ The Critical Role of Domestic Manufacturing: Understand why bringing battery production home is key to America's energy independence and resilience.

⚡️ Navigating Supply Chain Challenges: Learn how domestic manufacturing reduces risks from international disruptions, enhancing supply chain reliability.

⚡️ Policy Clarity and Partnerships: How clear policies and strong partnerships are essential for accelerating the clean energy transition.

⚡️Fluence's Strategic Initiatives: A closer look at Fluence’s efforts, including their manufacturing facility in Utah, to lead the U.S. in energy storage solutions.

⚡️ Future of Clean Energy: Zahurancik's vision for a decarbonized future and how domestic energy storage manufacturing plays a crucial role.

John Zahurancik's insightful keynote offers a comprehensive blueprint for transforming the United States into a leader in domestic energy storage manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of policy clarity, strong partnerships, and innovation.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

674: Where to get the best electricity grid carbon data in seconds, with Wenbo Shi of Singularity Energy Feb 13, 2024

Occasionally on the anniversary of an episode that really impacted us, we like to run a vignette of something we learned from such an episode to give new listeners (or those of you who just missed it originally) insight from the excellent content in our back catalog, much of which we believe is worth revisiting.

As GHG emissions continue to rise, the need to understand and effectively manage carbon emissions on the grid is crucial. Yet, a significant obstacle remains: most individuals and organizations lack real-time, accurate data on their carbon footprint, particularly in relation to electricity consumption. Traditional methods offer only outdated regional averages that fail to reflect the dynamic nature of the power grid, especially with more renewables being deployed. This gap in data is a limitation upon everyone seeking to mitigate the climate crisis from grid operators to individual consumers.

Wenbo Shi founded Singularity Energy to resolve this issue once and for all. In this SunCast Soundbyte, Wenbo discusses the pressing issue of GHG emissions and the vital role of accurate carbon data in fighting climate change. Many lack real-time data on their carbon footprint, especially in electricity usage. Traditional methods, offering outdated regional averages, don't align with the dynamic power grid, since there is increased renewable presence on the grid. Singularity Energy, born from Wenbo's pivot from energy management to carbon data, addresses this gap.

Singularity Energy stands at the forefront of providing accurate, real-time carbon intensity data. Their innovative approach leverages a combination of public data and proprietary grid operation information from regional utility partners like Eversource. The company’s unique methodology allows for more precise, location-specific carbon estimates, empowering consumers and utilities alike with the data necessary to make more informed decisions on how to effectively reduce GHG emissions.

This episode highlights the critical role of real-time carbon data in emission reduction, aligning perfectly with Singularity Energy's mission to deliver up-to-date, granular grid carbon data. This empowers entities to make well-informed decisions, steering them towards effective carbon emission reduction strategies.

If this resonates, then you might enjoy the longer episode we did with Wenbo (from which this vignette was clipped); that’s episode #573

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

673: The Grid We Need to Decarbonize America: A Playbook by Jesse Jenkins, Princeton University Feb 08, 2024

Amid America's energy shift, initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act and bipartisan infrastructure bills are making clean energy more accessible and affordable, driving a 42% investment increase to $225 billion in a year. Yet, to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, an acceleration is essential. Jesse Jenkins of Princeton University, speaking at Intersolar NA, provides not just an analysis of these challenges but a practical roadmap for embracing clean electricity nationwide. He highlights the shift from traditional fuels to a future powered by renewables like wind and solar, emphasizing the need to boost renewable energy production and expand the grid to support a net-zero future.

Jesse’s playbook includes:

⚡️ Insights into scaling solar and wind power to unprecedented levels by the 2030s.

⚡️ The necessity of adding 75,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines for a robust grid.

⚡️ Strategies for phasing out coal and leveraging existing zero-carbon resources for reliability.

⚡️ Overview of emerging clean technologies poised for growth in the next decades.

⚡️ Approaches to enhance grid flexibility with storage solutions and demand response mechanisms.

Jesse Jenkins's talk offers a clear, actionable guide for transitioning the U.S. to clean electricity, emphasizing the expansion of renewable sources and grid enhancement, making it an essential playbook for those committed to America's decarbonization efforts.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

672: Giving Old Solar Panels a Second Life with Cesar Barbosa of Nulife Power Services Feb 06, 2024

What happens to solar panels when they reach the end of their financed life, but not necessarily their useful life? With the solar industry's growth, the issue of decommissioned panels has become a burgeoning service (and business) opportunity. These “old” panels, though no longer new, are often still under warranty, and definitely still retain a significant portion of their functional capacity and rated power. As we’ll see in today’s conversation, harnessing their remaining potential, or 'second life', could turn a potential waste problem into an opportunity for ongoing clean energy production and social good.

Cesar Barbosa, the Founder of Nulife Power Services, has recognized the potential in these gently-used solar panels. Instead of discarding them, Barbosa sees an opportunity to give these panels a second life. His company focuses on refurbishing, repurposing, and repowering old solar arrays (mostly in California), and extending the usability of that older equipment coming off those systems for solar projects in his native Mexico, where affordable solar energy solutions are most needed. Through this innovative approach, Barbosa not only addresses the issue of waste in the solar industry but also helps bridge the clean energy gap in less affluent regions.

This discussion highlights the critical need for innovative approaches of making sure solar panels and components are used to their full capacity, reducing waste. It emphasizes how repurposing and repowering solar panels not only addresses environmental concerns but also enhances clean energy access in places like Latin America.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

671: We Can Secure Drinking Water From The Air! Renewable Energy Pioneer Takes on Renewable Water, with Alex von Welczeck of SkyH2O Feb 01, 2024

We often talk here about renewable energy. But how often have you thought about renewable water? Is it even a thing? And, what if we could manufacture clean water, from the air?

Did you know, the EPA reports that 45% of U.S. tap water is toxic!?!

And, while an estimated 3 billion people globally currently face water stress, that number is projected to increase to 5.2 billion by 2050!

This situation underscores the interconnectedness of the climate and water crises, emphasizing the vital “energy-water nexus” and the urgent need for solutions to ensure both water availability and purity.

Alexander von Welczek founded SkyH2O to address these water challenges through atmospheric water generation (AWG). As a seasoned climate tech & solar finance entrepreneur, von Welczek's journey in the water sector began around 2015, motivated by California's severe droughts. And, when he partnered with UC Berkeley scientists shortly after, SkyH2O's ambitious vision of large-scale AWG systems became a reality. Von Welczek and the Berkeley team engineered a system capable of producing 10,000-100,000 gallons of water per day, which is particularly well oriented to solving commercial and industrial water needs. His insights into the global water crisis offer a deep dive into the potential and challenges associated with AWG, a technology that holds massive potential to relieve global water stress as it literally generates water directly from the air without relying on existing water bodies.

I’ve known Alex since his early days in Solar, and have been watching as he incubated SkyH2O from it’s earliest ideation. So I’m honored to finally feature Alex here on SunCast. SkyH2O's approach to AWG offers a scalable solution to water stress and toxicity. Von Welczek's motto, "no excuses, let's make it happen," embodies the spirit of this mission, inspiring a call to action for sustainable, global water management.

This discussion reveals the importance of innovative approaches in climate tech, highlighting SkyH2O's role in addressing the critical need for clean, accessible water and showcasing how visionary solutions can lead to a more sustainable world for future generations.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

670: From Gigawatts to Terawatts: The Technologies & Software Driving Unprecedented Scale in Solar with Matt Campbell CEO of Terabase Jan 30, 2024

With the need to increase solar deployment and prepare for the terawatt era, Terabase Energy Inc. has positioned itself as a leader in transforming utility-scale solar power. This conversation, recorded live at Intersolar North America 2024, dives deep into the innovative strategies and technologies that Terabase is deploying to amplify solar energy production and to meet the demands of the terawatt-level market. With a strategic focus on reducing solar costs to as low as 1 cent per kilowatt-hour, Terabase is pioneering efforts to make this ambitious goal plausible.

Matt Campbell, CEO and co-founder of Terabase Energy Inc., brings to the table a rich tapestry of knowledge and experience in the solar industry. Under his guidance, Terabase has developed a comprehensive suite of four state-of-the-art software products. Each product in this suite is tailored to optimize different stages of utility-scale solar projects, encompassing everything from the initial design phase with 'Plant Predict' to the intricate operational efficiencies achieved by 'Plant Controls.' Campbell's vision is both bold and clear – to significantly streamline the solar project lifecycle through digital innovation and automation, thereby enhancing project efficiency and reducing overall costs.

This discussion sheds light on how Terabase's integration of advanced software and automation is not merely enhancing solar project development; it is actively revolutionizing the efficiency and sustainability of energy production. By addressing critical aspects such as design optimization, construction management, installation processes, and operational control, Terabase is not only meeting current industry challenges but also setting new standards for the future of utility-scale solar.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

669: Navigating the New Normal in Renewable Finance: How Changes in Equity Markets Are Impacting Project Development with Robert Sternthal Jan 25, 2024

How has the IRA affected financing renewables, in particular solar projects? Renewable energy projects are contending with the harsh realities of rising capital costs and shrinking profit margins. Understanding the financial underpinnings of renewable energy ventures is increasingly crucial, particularly for mid-sized and smaller project developers who often face significant challenges in securing sufficient capital to get their solar projects into the pipeline. These obstacles not only threaten the growth of renewable energy but also raise concerns about meeting global sustainability goals.

Rob Sternthal, Managing Director at Piper Sandler, brings twenty years of experience in investment banking for the renewable energy sector to bare in this earnest discussion about the realities of the current equities markets and the current financial hurdles faced by project developers. It is increasingly difficult to achieve the returns necessary to finance large-scale renewable projects amidst rising costs and plateauing electricity prices. He delves into the nuances of the current market, including the shift from traditional equity funds to credit funds demanding higher returns in shorter periods. This shift has significant implications for developers, especially smaller ones who struggle with new barriers like hefty letters of credit for interconnection queues. Sternthal's perspective is not just analytical; he offers pragmatic advice for developers, emphasizing the importance of clear exit strategies, the potential of emerging technologies like battery storage, and the strategic positioning of companies for long-term success.

Rob Sternthal's decades of primary experience in renewable energy finance provides us a nuanced glimpse into the drivers directly impacting project development. Will we continue to see headwinds? Does your experience align with Rob’s guidance and perspective? Tune in, and then let me know your thoughts.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

668: How to leverage Storytelling as a business driver, with Andrew Reagan of Clean Energy for America Jan 23, 2024

Storytelling is not just entertainment. It's a fundamental part of being human. A story’s most important function is to remind us we are not alone in the world.

And as we champion the clean energy transition, our stories help remind hundreds of thousands that there is a career opportunity they can choose that also can leave a legacy. Yet, the gap between the industry’s advancements and public perception of technology such as solar continues to exist despite our industry being one of the largest job creators of the past decade. This disconnect between reality and the narratives told in communities large and small palpable, but a few organizations have finally begun to help re-write the story in compelling and public ways. Despite the tremendous progress of renewable energy, Joe and Jane Public still have concerns. And, addressing those concerns requires more than just presenting facts and figures; it calls for a powerful, human-centric approach through storytelling. By sharing personal narratives, the clean energy sector can effectively bridge this knowledge gap, making the transition more tangible and relatable to the general public.

Andrew Reagan, Executive Director of Clean Energy for America, understands and advocates the power of storytelling in reshaping public opinion and fostering a deeper understanding of the clean energy transition. Through the "Faces of Clean Energy" campaign, the Clean Energy for America Education Fund highlights the stories of individuals who have transitioned from traditional sectors like oil and gas to clean energy, illustrating the diverse opportunities and skill transferability in this burgeoning field. These narratives serve as a beacon, guiding the public to recognize the reality and potential of clean energy, moving beyond misconceptions, politics, and skepticism.

This conversation delves into the essence of storytelling. While statistics and data are informative, it's the 'human element'—the personal stories and experiences—that truly captivate and inspire. This narrative approach is not just about disseminating information; it's about connecting on a deeper level, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. Recognizing this, the Valence Newsletter was formed as a dedicated platform to highlight the elemental components of good storytelling and how it can impact and grow the industry. Please check it out and subscribe.

This conversation is a call to action to please share your story and encourage others to share their story!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

667: The Intrapreneur journey and engineering a company pivot, with Sohan Das of EVS Inc. Jan 18, 2024

The demand for skilled engineering labor in renewables is skyrocketing. As the world's energy grids transition towards terawatts of renewable energy, there is an incredible need for owners and developers to outsource key components of electrical, civil, structural, geotechnical, and land survey engineering. This gap in specialized skills presents a unique challenge for developers and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contractors who often lack these capabilities in-house or find it non-essential to their core business focus. Over the last decade-plus, however, full-service engineering services companies have begun a vital service for the renewable energy contractor that is becoming increasingly indispensable in the sector.

At the forefront of bridging this resource gap is Sohan Das, Vice President at EVS, Inc., a family-owned pure-play engineering firm that has adeptly positioned itself as a 'one-stop-shop' for comprehensive engineering services. With a background in architecture and a robust experience in the solar industry, Das's journey is a reflection upon how one does not have to be the founder or CEO of a business in order to lead it to great heights. Under his leadership, EVS has become a respected and recognized pioneer in growth markets like Community Solar and Battery Energy Storage. EVS not only provides partners with much-needed engineering expertise, but their depth of experience in these ‘frontier markets’ of the industry has helped streamline the entire project development process, ensuring equity, efficiency and effectiveness across multiple verticals and product integrations as the solar industry has matured.

This conversation delves into the essence of intrapreneurship. Sohan's story illustrates that you don’t need to start the company to become a recognized force for positive change in an industry. From cultural values to corporate commitments, EVS’s family approach to business has allowed Sohan to thrive and their own company to survive in this ever-evolving energy & engineering landscape.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

666: Bold Predictions, a Best-of 2023 recap Jan 11, 2024

Today’s episode features bold predictions from a compilation of 2023’s best episodes. I asked leaders from diverse fields within the renewable energy sector to answer, looking as if from the future: What did we get right to meet our decarbonization and clean energy goals now that it’s 2050?

This compilation features the insights of Laura Pagliarulo(Solareit), Ardes Johnson(Meyer Burger), Christie Obiaya(Heliogen), Robert Piconi(Energy Vault), Aaron Halimi(Renewable Properties), Katherine Hamilton(38 North), Steven Zhu(Trina Solar), Andy McCarthy(RACV Solar), Billy Lee(Reunion) and Damian Beauchamp(8Rivers). Each was a featured guest on one of our Thursday executive deep-dives, and in this special episode I’m providing a synthesis of their collective answers to the key actions they believe are needed to achieve the aggressive decarbonization and clean energy goals necessary to avert climate disaster.

One of the most consistent responses on the year was the imperative for increased battery storage to propel more renewables onto the grid by 2030. Technological advancements and a commitment to diversifying supply chains are other key drivers in deploying additional renewables. EVs and carbon capture technologies will also play an important role in reducing emissions and meeting climate goals.

In tandem with tech innovation, achieving ambitious renewable targets demands a global collaboration, where every nation plays a significant role. To make these informed clean energy choices, decision-makers and communities must be equipped with the right education. Equally crucial is the cultivation of a 'green' workforce prepared to tackle ambitious targets head-on.

Together, these narratives demonstrate the need for innovation, resilience, and unwavering determination to reach climate & energy goals by 2030 and beyond to 2050.

I’d love to know what your takeaways were, as well as your favorite episodes on the year!

Let’s connect on Linkedin - I’m always looking for feedback: http://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

665: Intersolar N. America ‘24 - Know Before You Go Jan 09, 2024

It’s that time of year again - everybody’s favorite warm-winter-weather solar tradeshow - Intersolar North America and Energy Storage North America - is just a few days away. I’ll be trading the winter chill for sunny San Diego along with 10,000 of my fellow #SolarWarriors. Today's episode is geared to get you ready to go (and pumped) for Intersolar, January 17-19 at the San Diego Convention Center.

As with other major shows, I like to do a Know Before You Go (KBYG) episode to help you get oriented and better plan your time. Reminder, if you haven’t already, you can get a 20% discount to the show with code “SUNCAST” (and also get a FREE Expo Hall pass!)..so what are you waiting for?

Today you’ll hear from 3 folks intimately tied to the programming & planning of Intersolar & Energy Storage North America: Wes Doane, Vice President of Diversified Communications, shares the event's transformation journey under the new management and this year’s theme. Rudy Saporite from the Institute for Building Technology and Safety takes us behind the scenes of the crowd-favorite “Solar Games” competition - an actual live installation race where solar installers can earn up to $𝟏𝟔,𝟎𝟎𝟎 in cash prizes! And, Candace Letizia, our third guest and Marketing Director of Clean Energy for Diversified Communications, outlines features of the show designed to enhance attendees' overall experience, including an interactive app and dedicated networking spaces.

Don’t miss the Thursday night Block Party Bash!

See you there?

HMU!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

664: Inside Trina Solar's Strategy for Global Expansion, with President Steven Zhu Jan 04, 2024

In 2003 the cost of solar panels was a staggering $10 per watt, one of the largest impediments to widespread adoption. However, today Photovoltaic (PV) modules have been reported to be as low as 10 cents per Watt in some SE Asian markets! It’s not just a reflection of technological advancement, but also the result of relentless pursuit, strategic innovation, and the efforts of visionaries and executives working to scale the infrastructure required to bring the clean energy transition into view. The more the cost can be driven down the more it can be popularized and industrialized, and with solar technology, that cost begins at the solar cell.

One company leading the solar revolution and continually innovating is Trina Solar. With over 150 GW of modules shipped since its inception and an impressive 5GW shipped to the US just last year—ranking number one in importation volumes—Trina Solar has stood for over a decade as a global leader in solar technology. They recently announced the expansion of their manufacturing into the US with their Wilmer, TX solar module facility.

A key figure in Trina Solar's impressive growth story is Steven Zhu, President of Trina Solar US. After spending his childhood in China, Zhu followed in his parents’ footsteps pursuing higher education in the United States at UVA. After a stint at IBM, he transitioned into entrepreneurship. His eventual fateful meeting with Trina’s Chairman Gao is a little-told but worthwhile story and it’s captured here in today’s episode. His leadership trajectory, marked by an impeccable balance of ambition and conservative execution, has been pivotal for the company. Steven's visionary leadership has not only helped Trina weather the industry's fluctuating highs and lows but also played a significant role in making solar energy more accessible and affordable.

Steven's insights detail the importance of localization, technological efficiency, customer-centricity, and a balanced commercial approach. Illustrating the urgent need for a transition towards a clean, sustainable energy future, he emphasizes that to achieve our clean energy goals and reach 100 GW on the US grid, we need a continued diversification of the supply chain to reduce costs. Merely banking on incentives is not sustainable for achieving grid parity.

This conversation underscores the broader lesson—the world must invest not only in renewable energy but also in strategic, sustainable, and diversified solutions to meet our critical energy demands.

I hope you enjoy this rare glimpse into the foundational years of Trina Solar through the eyes of one of its key contributors.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

663: Launch of Valence & the Influencer List Jan 02, 2024

Happy New Year!!!

If you’ve been following along on Linkedin, then you’re now doubt aware that last week I launched “Valence” - a LinkedIn newsletter specifically geared toward connecting the dots between the stories we tell and the people who tell them in this pivotal clean energy transition. As a natural connector, I find resonance in the idea of valence as it pertains to the combining power of elements, which I explain a whole lot further in today’s special episode. Just as atoms unite to form compounds, our collective effort as professionals, influencers, and enthusiasts of renewable energy can compound if we learn to tailor our narrative to hit the mark more often with our intended audience(s).

Valence, drawing from its etymological roots meaning "power" and "capacity," becomes a guiding force in my work. As part of the launch, we introduced "The Influencer List," a curated selection of individuals reshaping the discourse around Energy and Climate in 2024. This list comprises creators, entrepreneurs, thinkers, and doers who leverage compelling storytelling to rewrite narratives, showcasing the momentum behind global climate action. Recognizing the 'elemental' individuals within our sector is vital for this unified vision. So far I’ve highlighted notable influencers like Alessandro Blasi from the International Energy Agency, climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe, and renewables pioneer CEO & Founder of Nextracker Daniel Shugar and his enlightening "Dinner with Dan" series. These influencers along with others that will be added daily through January 6 and then weekly, much like valence electrons, are crucial participants in the foundational elements of change we seek in our global infrastructure and resource utilization.

In 2024, I hope Valence becomes more than just a newsletter—it may be a catalyst for daily connections, combining multifaceted ideas, and leveraging resources within our community. We hope that by subscribing to Valence on LinkedIn, our listeners and followers will actively participate in the mission of connecting and advancing our clean energy community by learning from those who are already doing it well and emulating that success in their own endeavors.

Enjoy, and let me know what you think by DM’ing me over on Linkedin, ok?

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

662: Turning Communities Into Renewable Properties, with Aaron Halimi Dec 28, 2023

Community solar democratizes access to clean energy for those unable to install rooftop solar. National Renewable Energy Laboratory analysis shows nearly 50% of households and businesses face limitations for rooftop solar systems. This model expands renewable energy on the grid, offering widespread access to clean energy benefits and giving distributed renewable energy more equitable access.

Aaron Halimi is the President of Renewable Properties and brings over a decade of experience in solar and real estate. His solar experience began when his family's land became the first utility-scale land deal SunEdison ever signed. While that 20 MW project ultimately didn’t get built, the experience led Aaron to Borrego Solar (leading their Utility project origination) and a fruitful and prolific career in solar. Aaron went on to start Renewable Properties, which focuses on the evolution of community solar, addressing the industry's challenges with scaling origination, lowering development risk, and contributing to early market acceptance of the community solar model. He emphasizes how the industry has made community solar projects more financially attractive by professionalizing the difficult land and customer acquisition through companies like his as well as third-party subscriber companies that aggregate the consumer demand. Renewable Properties now has 80% of their pipeline focused on community solar, and the roots of the company and its choices in product are found in Aaron’s family business - cowboy boots.

Halimi underscores the importance of dispelling myths around solar implementation with education and storytelling, ultimately encouraging a broader acceptance of solar power. Aaron also dives into the intersection of renewable energy and the emerging EV market. Halimi’s mission to drive renewable energy forward for local communities is the heartbeat of Renewable Properties. Tune in to learn more about this inspiring entrepreneur’s story.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

661: What is Boxing Day? Plus 12 Days of Christmas 2024 Edition Dec 26, 2023

I hope you've all enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and holiday season. As we welcome December 26, we find ourselves in the middle of “Boxing Day” — a tradition steeped in history and goodwill. It occurred to me recently that I actually don’t know why the heck the lesser-known (at least here in the US) holiday of Boxing Day exists. If you’ve ever asked yourself the same question, well today’s mini-sode will make you smarter! Stemming from Victorian times, this holiday on the day after Christmas, was a way of expressing gratitude to Servants for their year of service!

Today, the celebration extends to sport events, charity runs, and continued exchange of gifts.

As we continue into the festive season, I’m excited to carry on my annual '12 Days of Christmas' tradition - this year it’s called “The Influencer List”. Each day, I’ll connect you with a new thought leader (Influencer) that is helping re-write the narrative on climate & energy in 2024 with their innovative ideas and climate action stories. Some names might be familiar, some new, but all are worth following as they continue pushing the boundaries of storytelling and innovation in driving climate action. So, keep an eye on our LinkedIn posts each day through January 6th.

I’d recommend you tap the notification bell on my Linkedin Profile (link below) so you get a mobile push each day when I publish the latest story.

Stay with us on this wonderful journey as we welcome an exciting new year of innovation and climate action.

And let me know who YOU would have added to the list. We’ll be creating a more broad-reaching influencer matrix over on www.resourcelabs.co during the month of January.

Oh, and happy Boxing Day!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Bonus: Invitation - Join me in Hawaii?! (Mastermind) Dec 23, 2023

Imagine starting your new year in the tropical paradise of Honolulu, Hawaii. Not just for a vacation, but to join industry leaders Nico Johnson and Joshua Porter at a 4-day mastermind event designed to supercharge your leadership skills and network. This isn't just about escaping the winter blues; it's about setting the stage for a successful year ahead. Over these four days, we'll be learning the art of storytelling, getting up-to-speed on the latest policy and market innovations, and engaging with peers in an intimate setting. So why not shake off the winter chill and jumpstart your new year with us?

This mastermind event is co-located with the first ever RE+ Solar & Storage event in Honolulu, Hawaii Jan 22-23. It's a unique opportunity to get insider guidance on understanding the dynamic Hawaii market and how it could influence your approach to other less mature markets in the US. Hawaii has, after-all, been a pioneering market for storage attachment to residential solar projects, and continues to be a test bed that other utilities and market regulators are watching closely. Imagine the synergy of attending this timely industry event, then deepening your understanding through our targeted mastermind sessions. You'll have access to local insiders and exclusive pre & post-event networking & teaching by Josh, Nico and guests. The lessons you learn here could be game-changing, offering a timely injection of knowledge and storytelling prowess to boost your personal and corporate brand early in the year.

Ready to level up? Visit www.mysuncast.com/precharge to fill out the application. If you're interested in attending, book a call with Josh and Nico next week. We have limited space, as we are only taking a dozen folks with us on this journey. Don't miss this chance to start your year strong, expand your network, and enhance your leadership & storytelling skills. Remember, the best investment you can make is in yourself. Join us in Hawaii this January and let's make this year your best one yet.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

660: Why care about COP28? A Recap with Nathan Jovanelly, Brad Stutzman, Elizabeth Andrews, Tito Jankowski, Steve Anglin Dec 22, 2023

The recent wrap-up of COP28 in Dubai has catalyzed a renewed sense of urgency and reflection on the global efforts to address climate change. A key takeaway emerged from the event: the world is finally willing to say outloud “we need to chart a definitive course to wean ourselves off fossil fuels!” Moving beyond the main headlines and chatter, the real progress is found in the collective efforts of disparate stakeholders working towards a common purpose - and as the Chamber of Commerce noted, the real work will be done in the halls of private industry.

Despite initial controversy around the oil-rich UAE hosting COP28 and the fossil fuel executive presiding over it, the unfolding narrative proved compelling. The UAE and other Middle Eastern nations demonstrated a renewed interest and commitment to the global energy transition, underscoring their crucial role in the energy transition by supporting a broad-sweeping agreement signed by 200 nations committing to a 2050 deadline for alternatives to a fossil-fueled society.

Today’s conversation was live-broadcast on Wednesday December 20th, and we’re borrowing our “Industry Pulse” monicker from our PowerUp Live stage as co-hosts Nate Jovanelly and Nico Johnson intend to continue this as a series looking at the expert sentiments underlying the trends and headlines that are driving the narrative around Climate Action.

This discourse provides a detailed account of COP28 through the experiences of our panelists who attended the event in-person: Elizabeth Andrews, CDO at New Energy Nexus, Steve Anglin, CEO of Utopio, Brad Stutzman, Founder & CEO of O3 Energy, and Tito Jankowski, CEO of AirMiners. Everyone attends these events with their own agenda: network, raise awareness, raise money, get “in the room” where it happens!

The discussion offers a look at COP28 from quite different perspectives while tying together their observations into one theme - why should those of us back in the ‘real world’ give a d* about whether or not these proceedings have meaning for our day-to-day lives?

Tune in and discover for yourself.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

659: The question is not WHO is Meyer Burger, but WHY have you not heard of them, yet?! With Ardes Johnson, President of Meyer Burger Americas Dec 21, 2023

There’s a name in Solar that everybody who’s ever been involved in module manufacturing surely knows, but many, many of you who have only interacted on the commercial side may have missed up to now - Meyer Burger. The 70 yr old Swiss company is, in many ways, the ‘brand behind the brand’, the veritable “intel inside” of the solar industry. It’s their carefully crafted and highly engineered production lines, afterall, that have provided scale, speed and quality assurance for many of those name-brand solar modules you are installing on homes and businesses (and fields) across America.

So, before we get into questions like “How do we make solar energy more efficient and more accessible on a global scale?” or “How might heterojunction technology reshape the renewable energy market?”, I think we’ll need to spend some of our conversation on Who exactly is this company that major manufacturers from Trina Solar to REC have relied on for decades.

Meyer Burger is a venerable Swiss technology leader with a rich 70-year history and over four decades of dedicated expertise in solar technology development. At the forefront of innovation, the company's strategic focus revolves around optimizing solar energy output while concurrently minimizing resource consumption. Their heterojunction technology and the SmartWire Connection technology, increases solar module output,and has little to no degradation over time. The company is continuously striving to break new grounds with plans to refine more efficient technologies, like Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC) cells, tandem modules, and the integration of perovskite into their tech portfolio of 6.7 GW. And, like many of their peers, they are expanding their manufacturing into the US with a facility in Goodyear, AZ coming online by the end of 2024 that will produce an additional 2 GW of solar modules annually and another facility for cell manufacturing in Colorado Springs that will produce roughly 1.7 million cells per year bringing more solar jobs to the US.

Ardes Johnson, is the President of Meyer Burger Americas, Ardes brings decades of experience from the energy sector starting with his time in the Navy to working for GE, SolarWorld, Tesla, and JLM Energy. He lays out how the company navigates the seen and unseen challenges of innovative development, scaling operations, and ensuring strategic growth in the volatile renewable energy market. Ardes' additionally covers embracing opportunities, building a potent culture of support, and the critical role of partnerships and customer commitments in scaling manufacturing plans.

But as Ardes rightly flags, these ambitious objectives hinge on policy stability. He urges stakeholders across the solar industry and policymakers to collaborate towards establishing long-term policy support for solar manufacturing in the United States to help achieve climate goals.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

658: Top Trends cleantech podcasters predict for 2024? End of Year Cleantech Podcasters Roundtable with David Roberts, Dana Perkins, Bill Nussey, Marie Burgquist, & Chris Caldwell, hosted by Nico Johnson and Mike Casey Dec 19, 2023

As we close out another transformative year for cleantech, it seems the pace of the energy transition still falls short of what will be needed to meet our global climate goals. That's the consensus from our panel of experts in our annual end-of-year Cleantech Podcasters Roundtable discussion.

This semi-annual review recognizes both the triumphs and the hurdles within the global renewable energy sector in the past year. From the IRA to our favorite tech company interviews, the challenges of grid infrastructure and everything between, this roundtable takes on the bold task of critically assessing 2023 and the direction we're heading. Various topics are discussed like emerging market trends, rising interest rates, critical global events like COP28, and the complex relationship between authoritarianism and climate action.

Listen as fellow podcasters Mike Casey, Marie Burgquist, Bill Nussey, Dana Perkins, David Roberts, and Chris Caldwell join Nico on the stage each to add their regional and market-focused perspectives. They discuss their favorite companies and topics they’ve come across this year, such as thermal and gravity energy storage solutions, advancements in emissions accounting, and the potential of off-grid renewables, to name a few. Our podcasters have covered topics this year as varied as grid architecture, degrowth frameworks, and risk assessments in the insurance industry. The panel serves up a helpful dish of insights gleaned from their hundreds of collective conversations so settle in with a hot toddy and enjoy the banter!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

657: Financing Flexibility: Innovative Capital for Solar Developers with Laura Pagliarulo of SolaREIT Dec 14, 2023

How can solar developers and landowners at the community solar level free up capital, lower lease costs and improve the overall economics of these longterm deals? SolaREIT has positioned itself as a strategic financial provider to the community solar market by addressing this very question. Laura Pagliarulo, the Founder & President of SolaREIT, leverages her extensive finance & renewable energy experience to execute on an innovative land acquisition strategy that gives solar developers more flexibility without giving away the farm (pun intended).

SolaREIT has created a structure that specifically values (and compensates in a novel manner) the land underneath solar projects. SolaREIT also introduced the option for lump-sum payments to landowners. In this way, they are able to offer instant financial liquidity for landowners while bundling the value of multiple portfolios in a way that traditional developers are unable to manage on their own. Laura explains how they offer an alternative to traditional equity or debt financing that provides developers the ability to improve their profits in later stages of the projects, a win-win scenario.

Laura’s work at leading solar companies like Clean Choice Energy and SunEdison helped hone her understanding of the opportunities and complexity of energy markets. Today, that expertise gives solar project developers an edge and a capital advantage in a tight market.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

656: Mythbusting solar panel procurement, & Why India is on the rise, with Justin Redd of Emmvee Dec 12, 2023

Have YOU had trouble procuring modules lately?

I know I’ve heard from dozens of folks that they are hurting in this specific area.

If that’s you, I want to hear from you…shoot me an email “HELP ME GET MODULES NICO!” in the Subject line and we’ll get right on it. (Nico at mysuncast dot com)

How are solar modular manufactures vetted? Where do buyers turn when the much sought-after Bloomberg “Tier 1” suppliers are sold out of modules, making it harder for developments under 20 MW in scale to find vetted suppliers? The demand for solar panels in the US has opened up new markets abroad for suppliers. India has emerged as a leading supplier with its strong trade relationship with the US, and Emmvee, an Indian company, is heretofore little known solar panel manufacturer in the country that is making its entry to the United States. I wanted to learn more about how buyers should think of these new market entrants, and what considerations are key (and what perhaps are not-so-important as they once were).

Justin Redd, Head of Sales and Marketing for Emmvee North America, is a veteran in the solar industry. Justin has seen first-hand how the process of manufacturing has transitioned from a highly labor intensive process to one that has a high degree of automation. Justin and Nico discuss how he was recruited back into the solar industry and manufacturing by Emmvee. He details the challenges of vetting new suppliers, addressing common issues like microcracks, and building a US factory- all with quality assurance at heart.

Listen closely, as Justin outlines ten crucial steps for procurement managers, emphasizing critical certifications, third-party factory audits, vetting partnerships, trade relationships, and the PVEL PV module reliability score.

Also, for those who make it to the end of the show, there’s an invitation both to a more detailed resource downloadable as well as an opportunity to learn about Indian module procurement in a much more personal first-hand manner.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

655: How do you Finance Solar Project Development? Insight from Encore Renewable Energy’s Blake Sturcke Dec 07, 2023

How do you fund a solar project?

What about the business operations costs necessary to get the project going to begin with?

What structures can you consider, and HOW do you choose the one that’s right for you?

We’re pulling back the veil so you don’t have to wander in the darkness here.

The business of developing solar power projects is complex, time-consuming, and capital intensive. And for the last decade, hundreds of entrepreneurs have endeavored to apply their creative efforts and work ethic towards solving both the development of the solar projects (not dissimilar to other land-based development deals tbh) and the financing of them. The latter has proven the more arduous to accomplish as the solar industry had to earn its keep in the world of high finance and prove that the product and its cashflow was durable and risk-mitigated. Unsurprisingly, those who have fared the best are those professionals who were already working in finance in some way, and were able to turn their focus and skills to solving the dual issue facing solar developers - how to get an individual project financed, and how to raise enough working capital to pay the team developing those projects until they could get to cashflow.

Today, you’ll hear hown one such company, Encore Renewable Energy, transformed from a traditional solar project developer into a vertically-integrated Independent Power Producer (IPP), ie a project Owner & OPerator, and along the way made the choice to become a Certified B Corporation. Their impact-focused business strategy, exemplifies the transformative power of renewable energy towards the triple bottom line - People, Planet, and Profits. The company strategically channels its efforts into solar development, storage solutions, agrivoltaics, and brownfield redevelopment, showcasing a multifaceted commitment to sustainable practices. Moreover, they have successfully secured a remarkable $150 million in equity funding. Today, you’ll learn a whole lot more about what that means, and how you might be able to do similarly in your own venture.

Blake Sturcke, the co-CEO of Encore, delves into his journey of discovering a passion for solar, drawing on his background in investment banking and entrepreneurship.

Blake discusses how Encore melds their sustainable mission with practical management strategies, the different investment structures available, insightful capital raising options, and a deeply rooted work culture that celebrates diversity and psychological safety.

On this final point, Blake goes deeper still, opening up about his personal experiences dealing with mental health challenges. This vulnerable exchange is particularly near to Blake’s own mission, and he hopes to normalize the topic of mental health awareness and create a safe space for employees to voice their struggles. This conversation isn't only vital for those in the renewable energy field, but also illuminates the possibility of merging success with mental wellbeing in any high-pressure corporate setting.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

654: Why did Trina Solar wait SO Long to Manufacture in the US? Exclusive interview with Steven Zhu, Trina’s US President Dec 05, 2023

Domestic manufacturing is vital in helping to mitigate supply chain risks that arise from tariffs or other supply chain disruptions. Trina Solar, one of the largest solar module manufacturers globally and the leading provider of solar panels to the US this year, has at long last made a significant investment towards advancing the U.S. renewable energy market.

Steven Zhu, President of Trina Solar divulges the timeline and magnitude of their new state-of-the-art (5 GW) solar module manufacturing facility in Wilmer, Texas. They will not only produce “green” products, but use green power to produce those products, showing their commitment to sustainability and ESG goals. Beyond fortifying the supply chain, this facility brings significant socio-economic benefits. With the creation of around 1600 jobs, it serves as a catalyst for local economic growth. Moreover, the plant helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with overseas importation and provides long-term sustainable domestic production from the largest provider to the US Market.

Steven shares insider details from their journey in choosing the perfect site in Wilmer, Texas, planning for production next year, and their broader vision for expansion in the US. This project underscores the importance of domestic manufacturing in the solar industry, positioning the country more strongly to meet its clean energy goals. Many may ask, “If Trina is the leader, why did they lag behind peers in bringing domestic manufacturing to bear?” Good question…listen in!

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

653: COP28, A Primer: Global Progress Checkpoint for the Paris Agreement with Julia Pyper, Myles Fish, and James Ellsmoor Nov 30, 2023

COP28 is the 28th annual Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention (UNFCC) on Climate Change which will be held in Dubai (UAE) and runs from November 30-December 12.

If that's more than you already knew, you're in luck because today we learn from folks who have participated in multiple COP events and learned the ins and outs from the inside.

This year's COP marks the pivotal halfway point between when the Paris Agreement was established at COP21, and its 2030 targets. COP28 UAE also marks the conclusion of the inaugural five-yearly global stocktake, providing a pivotal moment for the world to evaluate advancements toward the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. This presents a unique opportunity for global stakeholders to come together, align their efforts, and strategize on bridging existing gaps in climate action. Participants and leaders from all corners of the world tackle the urgent agenda of climate change and enact sound strategies towards combating it.

Our guests today offer a wealth of COP experience. Myles Fish, VP of Business Development at Perch Energy, will share insights from his enriching tenure with John Kerry's advance team at COP 21 in Paris. Next to speak is the CEO of Island Innovation, James Ellsmoor, who helps represent and provide perspective of small island developing states and territories at COP. Additionally, Julia Pyper, VP of Public Affairs at GoodLeap, revisits her experience at COP 26 in Glasgow and discusses what she expects to see from COP28.

This year's summit will be integral in tracking progress from a global commitment to fighting climate change. Currently, we are falling short of the target to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius set by COP 21, emphasizing the urgent need for decisive action and necessary adjustments. There are enormous learning opportunities from these high-stakes climate change negotiations and it will be interesting to see what COP28 brings about.

Listen in to this first-ever Suncast coverage of the global climate conference, and I'm sure you'll come away with insight as to how this matters not just for you personally, but our industry and the world.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

652: How to improve the lives of 2 Billion people, Green Empowerment with Andrea Johnson (Giving Tuesday) Nov 28, 2023

Each year we highlight one non-profit making a big impact in the world, and we ask you to join us in supporting their mission on Giving Tuesday.

Nonprofits play a crucial role in international development, often solving equity gaps and civic/infrastructure gaps that for-profit, corporate and even governmental organizations are incapable of addressing. They envision a better world and strive to make it reality, particularly for the underserved and marginalized. This year’s nonprofit for our annual Giving Tuesday episode is Green Empowerment, who are bringing clean water and renewable energy to rural communities across the world. More than 2 billion humans lack clean water access and another 1 billion are devoid of reliable electricity. Organizations like Green Empowerment are an instrumental development partner charged with helping these billions achieve a better quality of life through deploying global charity into communities of need around the world.

Andrea Johnson, the Executive Director of Green Empowerment, discusses their innovative micro utility model. Their community ownership model helps ensure communities can make sustainable strides toward independence and self-sufficiency by providing access to distributed renewable energy and clean water.

The commitment of Green Empowerment to uplift marginalized communities is resolute. Their track record, with 97% of systems still fully operational years after their installation, showcases the effectiveness of their work. This Giving Tuesday, join us in supporting Green Empowerment and be part of a movement that empowers lives in some of the most deprived corners of the world.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

651: Giving Thanks and the secret key to success: Gratitude Nov 23, 2023

Hey there, SunCast listeners! As those of us here in the United States of America gather around the table on this Thanksgiving Day, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for tuning into the SunCast podcast over the years. Your support has meant the world to me, and it's because of you that this podcast has thrived for eight incredible years.

When I started SunCast, I had a vision of creating a platform that would elevate the voices and stories of leaders in the clean energy industry. And thanks to your unwavering support, we have over 650 examples of HOW the Clean Energy Revolution is taking form. Together, we have explored the latest advancements in solar, energy storage, business models, and more. We have connected with entrepreneurs, innovators, and change-makers who are driving the clean energy transition forward.

Through the SunCast podcast, we have created a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about shaping a sustainable future. It is because of you that this podcast has become a platform for discussion, learning, and inspiration. So, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for being a part of this journey.

Here are a few other episodes to catch up on, curated by our all-star team!

Jeremy’s Pick: Episode 616: Agrivoltaics, Brownfields To Brightfields And The Future Of Solar Farming With Dan French, Solar Farm Summit
Chris’s Pick: Episode 648: Scaling Carbon Capture, Innovation & Entrepreneurial Spirit, With Damian Beauchamp Of 8 Rivers
German’s Pick: Episode 642: Rethinking Energy Storage: A Conversation With Energy Vault CEO, Robert Piconi

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Bonus: Feed Drop: Earthlings 2.0 Featuring Lisa Ann Pinkerton with Virginia Klausmeier, on Future Proofing the EV Battery Nov 21, 2023

In this bonus episode, we’ll introduce you to the Earthlings 2.0 podcast with Lisa Ann Pinkerton, which is now a part of REsource Labs, our Creator Network! In today’s episode, hear an innovative approach to improving the modern EV battery with guest, Virginia Klausmeier President & CEO of Sylvatex!

As electric vehicles become more common worldwide, battery production must rapidly scale to meet the rising demand. The burgeoning electric vehicle market, however, faces limitations imposed by battery costs and material availability. Cathodes, constituting 60% of an EV battery's expense and carbon life cycle, are predominantly produced through energy-intensive and costly processes that also demand a significant amount of water. In light of the automotive industry's widespread commitment to emission reduction and net-zero goals by 2050, the existing challenges posed by current cathode manufacturing techniques emerge as a formidable obstacle for the industry.

Virginia Klausmeier and her company Sylvatex are developing a solution. Her startup's single-step dry cathode production process uses less energy and no water compared to traditional techniques. It also has more flexibility in materials used. Klausmeier explains how Sylvatex’s innovation could help battery makers lower costs while meeting ESG mandates, supporting widespread EV adoption. Listeners will gain insight into how innovative new companies are future-proofing batteries and accelerating the global transition to reducing transportation carbon emissions.

The Earthling spotlighted is Oscar Olivares, an artist from Venezuela. Olivares completed one of the world’s largest ecological murals. Crafted entirely from bottle caps, this monumental artwork not only captivates the senses but serves as a testament to human creativity and environmental stewardship, providing a much-needed restoration of faith in humanity.

Are you or someone YOU know creating a podcast, Youtube channel or newsletter that deserves a larger audience? Perhaps joining REsource Labs is in order? Let us know your recommendation - team@suncast.me

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

650: How do Transferable Tax Credits Work? Billy Lee of Reunion Infrastructure Nov 16, 2023

Tax equity has long presented barriers for distributed energy projects to access financing. However, a new provision in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) now enables tax credits to be transferred, opening up liquidity for project developers and BILLIONS of dollars in opportunity.

Billy Lee, Co-founder & President of Reunion Infrastructure has over 15 years of experience in renewable energy project finance, having worked on some of the earliest solar tax equity deals while at SunEdison. After observing barriers that distributed energy projects faced in accessing tax equity, Billy co-founded Reunion to create efficiency and scale in this new market for tax credit transfers enabled by the IRA. With a substantial pool of clean energy tax credits exceeding $2 billion, the company operates as a dynamic marketplace that facilitates connections between sellers and buyers, enabling streamlined transactions of these tax credits.

Today, Reunion stands as an innovator doing due diligence and risk management to create a leading marketplace for transferable clean energy tax credits.

In this conversation, discover how Billy recognized the opportunity arise from a key policy improvement, found partners to address the gap and ran with it. The insights he provides, from the value of relationships to the expansive potential of the tax credit transfers market, are invaluable for any solar project developer.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

649: What is a Gravity Battery? Energy Vault’s CEO, Robert Piconi, explains Nov 14, 2023

Did you know that more than 90% of today’s energy storage technology is based on a 140+ year-old concept? Care to guess what that is? Hint - has to do with moving water, waiting, then moving water again.

Humans have been harnessing the energy of river currents for centuries, using water wheels spun by rivers initially to process grains and cloth. Today, hydropower provides about 16 percent of the world's electricity, generating power in all but two U.S. states.

Contrary to popular belief, however, hydroelectric power can seriously damage the climate, displacing millions of inhabitants and in some cases generating more GHGs than their fossil counterparts!

With this in mind the genius idea of Energy Vault was born. If you missed our episode with their CEO, Robert Piconi, last month, then you truly missed out on a conversation worth revisiting. If you don’t have the time, however, for a 60+min treasure trove, then today you can check out a 10 min Tactical Tuesday vignette of that convo specifically focused on how Energy Vault’s team have created a gravity-based storage solution that mimics hydro power without all the water and ecological concerns.

Let’s face it, our growing reliance on renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, with inherent intermittency challenges, prevents us from achieving a 100% carbon neutral power grid. Some of the front runners in the current energy storage race are lithium ion batteries and pumped hydro, both of which pose challenges like high cost and a negative environmental impact. Energy Vault’s solution uses gravity (and software, of course) in a novel form factor that is efficient, scalable, economical, and sustainable.

Listen as Robert explains how their unique system uses eco-composite bricks for long-duration energy storage(LDES). He points out the energy storage market is not where it should be, and how their gravity batteries and strategic partnerships are enabling an increasingly renewable-powered grid. Want to know how they are able to be deployed without subsidies? Tune in.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

648: Scaling Carbon Capture, Innovation & Entrepreneurial spirit, with Damian Beauchamp of 8 Rivers Nov 09, 2023

With carbon emissions from heavy industry and power generation at record highs, reducing industrial emissions on a large scale is imperative. Pioneering this mission are the innovative leaders at 8 Rivers, who are leading the field with their carbon capture and oxy-combustion technologies.

Damian Beauchamp, President and CDO at 8 Rivers, discusses their in-house approach to technological innovation, the first outcome of which is their industry-leading carbon capture technology. Beauchamp, a multifaceted entrepreneur, innovator, executive, and chemist, not only offers strategic leadership and guidance at 8 Rivers but also infuses the organization with his enthusiasm for outpacing the rest of the industry when it comes to capturing carbon and helping to meet the global goal of net zero by 2050.

In this conversation, we are exploring 8 Rivers’ process of innovation, recruitment strategies for scaling up their team, and lessons learned from generating more than $ 2 billion in economic value (and just getting started!). 8 Rivers enhances its diversity and fosters innovation by bridging skill gaps and recruiting talent from the fossil fuel industry. This was a fun conversation that Nico was able to have in-person at the 8Rivers offices. You can WATCH instead on our YouTube channel!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

647: Solar CAN track with Mother Nature’s curves! Nevados CEO, Yezin Taha & RenewComm’s Peter Kelley Nov 07, 2023

Utility-Scale solar has predominantly been developed on flat terrain due in part because conventional solar trackers are not well-suited for undulating terrain. But now, Nevados is opening up new frontiers with their innovative All Terrain Trackers. These trackers are designed to accommodate the curvatures and gradients of undulating landscapes, which opens up new opportunities for solar deployment as well as minimizing the impact on the land from grading.

In this conversation, Yezin Taha, Nevados's CEO and founder, elaborates on how this tracking technology not only reduces land damage but installs effectively on up to 37% grade slopes. He further delves into their resilience against weather phenomena—tipping panels up to 75 degrees for optimal protection against wind and hail.

Listen as guest-host, Peter Kelley digs into the why and how behind the product in this Live interview from our PowerUp Live Stage!

If you missed our Executive Profile with Yezin, that’s back in Episode 623 of the show, and if you like this vignette, that one is well worth queueing up!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

646: Build Vs Buy, Why DNV acquired this weather-tech startup, and what it means for Solar Nov 02, 2023

Timing is everything along with finding a gap in the market! Before 2016 not much work was going into real-time tracking and forecasting of clouds using satellite data. But a professional meteorologist from Down Under found his niche utilizing a game-changing global fleet of Japanese weather satellites to track cloud movement, weather patterns, and aerosols that affect albedo and solar irradiance impacting solar panel performance.

James Luffman is the CEO of Solcast, a weather-tech data company based in Australia. Along with DNV, which recently acquired his company, James is building never-before-seen weather data and forecasting that brings true scalability to the solar industry. Their strategies, from adopting product-led growth models to leveraging advanced satellite technology for improved resolution and frequent imagery, all aim to enhance the efficacy of real-time weather forecasting for solar.

This discussion encapsulates the intersection of technology, meteorology, and renewable energy.

In an industry once void of sophisticated weather forecasting models, fast and efficient access to real-time, reliable data has become critical to solar performance. What captivated my attention in all of this is how DNV, a massive global engineering giant with an R&D budget in excess of $115 Million USD/yr would purchase SolCast, and what it plans to do with the platform now that they have it in-house! You’re going to love the answer from their Global Solar Segment leader, Dana Olsen.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

645: How To Survive The Residential Solar Crash, expert opinion from REC & EnergySage Oct 31, 2023

High interest rates and inflation have had a major impact on market potential for residential solar customers this year. Unfortunately, Homeowners generally view solar as a high dollar discretionary purchase rather than a valuable investment. Thus, we are seeing a bottoming out of residential solar sales compared with years’ past. In today’s discussion, we get to the bottom of what the data suggest is going on, and what you can do about it.

Brian Ghiglia, Senior Director of Business Development at REC and Spencer Fields, Director of Insights at EnergySage, discuss the insights from millions of proposals generated via online clean energy marketplace (EnergySage) and data-driven strategies (adaptive selling) utilized by veterans to encourage homeowners to choose solar, even in a down market.

In this conversation, Brian and Spencer discuss the importance of educating homeowners on more than just first-month savings. Solar is a long-term investment into the overall value of their home, but many sales teams struggle with how to compel the homeowner to go solar in an environment where high interest rates have stripped the silver bullet of “immediate savings”.

Despite the current residential solar sales slump, EnergySage data suggests we’re nearly through the trough and the future holds promise for sustained growth and wider adoption. How soon? Listen in and find out!

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

644: Concentrating Solar Isn’t Dead, Heliogen proves it! Christie Obiaya, CEO Oct 26, 2023

Over a decade ago, the majority of the large scale solar projects announced, in the queue across the US and backed by major PE firms were not the flat panel PV farms we now see covering the landscape. No, the majority of solar when I entered the industry at the turn of the first decade of this century was concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) and it’s a technology that is both highly promising and has been highly fraught with challenges. As China leaned into building large manufacturing complexes around crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, the economics of CSP evaporated, seemingly overnight. Many today would likely tell you that CSP is, well, Dead.

Christie Obiaya would like to tell you a different story, one that illuminates the reality that timing is everything, and as so often is the case, CSP was a promising technology that was pushed into the limelight before software was available to provide the kinds of tight controls necessary to really make it feasible at scale. Obiaya is the CEO of Heliogen, a company that utilizes a distinctive combination of concentrated solar thermal technology (CSP), AI, and novel hardware to precisely capture heat for long duration energy storage (10+ hours) and essentially create a thermal battery, or, as she refers to it, a “solar refinery”.

This discussion provides an inside look at how Heliogen leverages advancements in GPUs, AI and more to decarbonize hard-to-abate industrial sectors, and what this means for our broader fight against climate change. Learn about Christie Obiaya's inspiring journey, her perspective on the future of renewable energy, and some of Heliogen’s current and future projects that strategically positions them in a competitive domestic clean energy market.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

643: Understanding the Residential Solar Sales Downturn in 2023 with Scott Nguyen, Stan Pipkin, and Rachel Finn Oct 24, 2023

As interest rates rose, residential solar companies’ sales have declined, with figures down by 5-10% compared to previous years. For many, it’s possibly the first time you have experienced an industry downturn, as we as an industry have ridden high on low interest rates and widely-available financial products for the better part of the last decade. Yet, some regional installers who are embracing diversification, innovative financing options, and a dedicated approach to customer service, are handling this economic adversity and high-interest rates with greater resilience.

Today’s conversation features leaders from 3 perspectives of the residential solar industry: Scott Nguyen, CEO of Bodhi Solar, a SaaS platform for residential installers, Rachel Finn, Commercial Finance Specialist at the largest residential solar distribution company, Greentech Renewables, and Stan Pipkin, CEO of Lighthouse Solar, a leading TX-based installation company. All three have perspectives on the impacts of the decline in sales and are finding ways to navigate the oscillations in the solar market. From Scott's adaptive sales strategies to Rachel's ventures into broader financial landscapes, and Stan's relentless pursuit of excellent customer engagement, they each share their strategies for tackling this year's challenges riding the 'solar coaster'.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

642: Rethinking Energy Storage: A Conversation with Energy Vault CEO, Robert Piconi Oct 19, 2023

It’s a foregone conclusion at this point that to reach the necessary level of renewable energy penetration on the grid that will meaningfully address climate change, energy storage is a must. All that wind & solar energy also needs to be dispatchable. And, while batteries are seen as a crucial component of energy storage systems, the limitations with today’s battery chemistries and energy densities suggest that we still need storage alternatives. Both lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro storage currently dominate the energy storage market but they each represent challenges related to cost and environmental impact. What if we could re-think hydropower using gravity but avoiding the dramatic environmental cost?

Listen as Robert Piconi, the Co-founder & CEO of Energy Vault, discusses their diverse technology portfolio that provides software and hardware energy storage solutions to meet clients’ needs from municipalities to major investor-owned utilities. Piconi and his team have reimagined energy storage by developing an innovative, gravity-based alternative. Their unique system uses eco-composite bricks for long-duration energy storage(LDES), but they readily admit that there has to be a (technology) bridge to LDES.

Energy Vault's approach combines various storage technologies to fulfill diverse energy needs while emphasizing a novel software management solution that itself could be a world-class product for dispatching & balancing energy loads. Energy Vault offers a tailored energy storage solution for public utilities, independent power producers, and industrial energy users working with renewables to address the demand catalyst, climate change. Today we dig into just how this innovation came into existence, and why the industry is taking note.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

641: Introducing American-Made Solar Prize Winners Round 6! Oct 17, 2023

Innovative technologies are key to driving the clean energy transition. Prizes like the American-Made Solar Prize offered through the Dept. of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) reward innovators who are making solar power more efficient, more affordable, and more accessible. The competition's 6th round has recently concluded, with millions in prizes awarded to trailblazing entrepreneurs who are at the forefront of advancing solar technologies.

Garrett Nilsen, SETO’s Deputy Director, introduces the latest winners: ReJoule and Latimer Controls. These teams distinguished themselves amidst a pool of brilliant applicants. ReJoule won not only the American-Made Solar Prize, but also the JEDI Prize for their commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The winners share their experiences and strategic insights for navigating the competition stages and how their prize winnings will power their pilot projects. These technologies have the transformative potential to aid in achieving U.S. clean energy goals. Thanks to the US DOE for the opportunity, once again, to shine a light on these up-and-coming innovators, and for supporting the advancement of the clean energy sector!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

640: Why Fluence Continues to Outperform the Market, with President of Americas - John Zahurancik Oct 12, 2023

Few companies have contributed to the progress being made toward more scalable battery storage solutions than Fluence Energy (FLNC). With a deep heritage in power and energy from its founding as a JV between AES and Siemens, the Fluence technology and leadership team has weathered the test of time better than most of their peers. However, there are still challenges that influence battery storage availability, such as global supply chain disruptions, rising demand for affordable and efficient energy storage, and safety concerns. Learn from a voice of experience how domestic battery storage manufacturing is shifting the paradigm and uncover how storage technology adds reliability and resilience to the grid.

John Zahurancik, President, Americas at Fluence, is an energy storage expert who is on a mission to prove and scale up energy storage technologies. In this conversation with Nico Johnson, Zahurancik explains how he and the Fluence team are focused on domestic manufacturing to fortify the supply chain, rigorous safety measures to mitigate risks, and advanced project development services to ensure successful energy storage projects.

This conversation provides key details on how Fluence is impacting the battery storage industry, beyond establishing domestic manufacturing we look at their use of storage as a form of transmission and grid stabilization. Of course, when considering the incentives provided by the IRA and ITC tax credits, it’s important to recognize that domestically manufactured battery storage systems will play a crucial role in bolstering the U.S. clean energy economy and meeting our renewable energy goals.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

639: Expert Panel Decodes the Complexities of Solar Project Development Oct 10, 2023

Solar developers often find themselves encountering complex project challenges, including varying regulations across jurisdictions, obtaining community approval, and supply chain complications, all in the face of looming deadlines. All too often, projects are delayed or shelved, which further impedes our progress towards cleaning up the grid. This episode brings together experts across the project supply chain who are committed to overcoming these barriers.

Rob Anders from EDP Renewables discusses how they navigate the regulatory labyrinth, while Eric Veuleman from Beta Engineering sheds light on the evolution of construction techniques. Jaime Fernandez of Nextracker offers insights into tackling supply chain issues, and Chris Haltom from TorcSill presents ways technology improvements can fast-track projects. What connects these industry leaders is their emphasis on the human element — they reiterate that early community engagement and focus on job creation is as essential as technical adaptation. This conversation promises valuable lessons for those actually building renewable energy projects.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

638: Breaking the “glass ceiling”: More Women in Clean Energy Leadership! Oct 05, 2023

In today's fast-evolving, tech-driven world, there is a need for diverse perspectives more than ever before. While the renewable energy sector advances at a rapid pace, there remains a disparity in the representation of women contributing to this progress. The potential innovation and fresh perspectives brought by women are often overlooked due to persistent barriers and gender bias in the industry. The call for women to join the field is out there, the question is how to inspire women to make the transition into the field.

Today's podcast highlights an insightful conversation with two women breaking barriers in the renewable energy sector, Nhan Pimentel, VP of Home Solutions, and Joanna Marienhagen, Head of Product Management and Solution Development at SMA Solar Technology. From tackling issues such as developing a personal brand amidst the stereotypes in predominantly male fields to communicating effectively and being flexible in rapidly changing environments, Nhan and Joanna share their experiences. Their experiences can be models for other women looking to step into this industry

As the renewable energy field continues to grow, it's crucial to highlight the substantial advantages and potential that diversity can bring to the renewable energy sector. The audience will appreciate the practical advice, leadership insights, and the understanding of how having more women in leadership roles fosters creativity, ingenuity, and improved team dynamics. Their journey can inspire many more women to confidently overcome challenges and be essential contributors to the renewable energy sector and beyond.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

637: Expert Panel: The critical role of Storytelling in YOUR company (you can’t have marketing without it!) Oct 03, 2023

In a world dominated by technology and data, we often lose sight that people are at the heart of the matter. Building connections & partnerships in communities is essential to any project's success. Building (and Telling) compelling narratives helps us connect with our target audience on a deeper level and significantly enhances the impact of marketing strategies. However, capturing and presenting these stories in campaigns effectively is challenging, especially given the rapid shifts in media, the difficulties in sourcing stories across geographical and corporate boundaries, and the sheer volume of content we are capable of generating these days.

So I’ve assembled an esteemed panel if practitioners: Scarlett Chepke from SOLV Energy, Pallavi Singla from Nextracker, and Tom Weirich from EDP Renewables, all distinguished leaders in marketing and communication. They offer insight into harmonizing technology with creative thought to make a lasting connection with your ideal customer and audience. Their approaches range from specific social media policies and AI-powered analysis to glean audience insights, to motivating employees to share their experiences, using software to tag and manage content effectively, and tips on managing the story-gathering process at scale.

This dialogue provides key details on how, despite the implementation of AI and software tools, the heart of good marketing is a return to the story. By understand its mechanics, we are able to craft communication, internally & externally, that aids in accelerating this energy transition and enrolling more agents of change to stand alongside us.

That’s the power of Storytelling. Are you using it well?

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

636: Insider's Guide to Renewables M&A and the Storage Markets: KeyBanc Capital Markets Directors Weigh In Sep 28, 2023

As clean energy continues to dominate global conversations, understanding the intricacies of this high-growth sector are more critical than ever. Supply chain disruptions, surging financing costs, and complex regulatory landscapes continue to slow progress, especially in the areas of battery storage and M&A.

We recently had the opportunity to speak with the folks responsible for navigating these waters at one of the most respected banking & advisory practices in the game: Keybanc Capital Markets(KBCM). In today’s discussion, we are joined by Aaron Klein, Julian Bailliet, Ari Citrin, Timothy Beach, Everett Currier, and Ryan Pirnat, all Managing Directors from KBCM. This group of experienced industry experts have not only managed through regulatory challenges and financing obstacles, but they have been involved in deploying nearly $10Billion in capital to build our clean energy infrastructure. Renowned for their strategic agility and market acumen, our interviewees have championed pioneering projects and broken through barriers to secure early-stage capital and ensure clients projects got across the finish line, time and time again.

What can one glean from this engaging dialogue? From the nitty-gritty of supply chain management to the nuance of tax equity financing, the conversation is packed with valuable insights. It's an opportunity to dig deeper into the details of the renewable energy market from the capital perspective. You won’t be disappointed.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

635: RE+’23 Recap: Industry Pulse with Nate Jovanelly Sep 26, 2023

I finally got around to a complete recap and takeaways from this year’s RE+ main event, a milestone in the clean energy industry that saw an astounding attendance of over 40,000 people. Joining me is industry expert Nate Jovanelly, who for the past 2 years has hosted the Industry Pulse segment at our PowerUp Live Podcast Stage, and hosts his own podcast called Limitless (you really should already be subscribed to this one!). Nate is also co-founder of Sunraise Capital and one of my go-to resources for all things related to residential solar & financing. But today’s convo is not about either of those, directly. Rather, Nate & I give our take on this year’s RE+, takeaways, thoughts, superlatives, and more.

This year’s RE+ in Las Vegas truly highlighted the outstanding growth in the industry, and we kick things off with a recurring theme in many conversations on the show floor: workforce development. We also talk about how the industry is “crossing the chasm”, highlighting how prosumers are playing a crucial role in shifting market dynamics. And we dig into the growing trend of strategic partnerships among pioneering companies (manufacturers chiefly) that is shaping a new era of collaboration and innovation.

But, this year’s RE+ event was not without challenges, so we provide our take on what could be improved, along with what turned out to be a quite popular segment of our daily show, the SWAG Roundup! Regardless if you were at RE+ this year or not, its sheer size likely guarantees that there was plenty you missed, so tune into this recap episode, and if you find yourself wanting to hear more of what took place, make sure to visit suncast.live to watch all the shows from our PowerUp Live Podcast Stage at RE+, or queue up the replays we published here on the pod of the daily morning shows and roundups!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

634: Simplifying On-Site Energy for Businesses; VECKTA may be the first ‘platform’ to do it! Sep 21, 2023

While businesses grapple with skyrocketing energy costs, increasingly frequent power outages, and mounting pressure to reduce carbon emissions, clean energy & energy efficiency providers struggle with how to find & convert them as customers. The complexity of on-stie energy challenges often leaves businesses feeling overwhelmed with options for transitioning to cleaner, more resilient, on-site energy solutions, also known as distributed energy resources. Adding to this complexity are the 'soft costs' associated with developing these solutions, which include consulting, engineering, sales, and procurement, which can account for a staggering 50% of project costs. The energy market also suffers from a pervasive information asymmetry. Buyers often find themselves at a loss for who to trust, and suppliers struggle for project traction due to customer indecision.

Gareth Evans, the CEO and founder of VECKTA, designed a company specifically to tackle these challenges head-on. Their unique platform helps businesses navigate the energy transition by developing tailored strategies, prioritizing projects, designing optimal solutions, and providing access to vetted suppliers via a streamlined marketplace. In our conversation, Evans offers an in-depth look into how VECKTA managed to overcome the hurdles of achieving product-market fit, which included building their platform in isolation during a global pandemic. Evans also shares insights about managing the growing pains of a start-up: from recruiting and maintaining an effective team, to raising capital, to managing the transition from intrapreneur to CEO.

Evans offers a unique perspective on the transformation that businesses must undergo to meet increasing environmental pressures and transition to more resilient energy solutions. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in how businesses can navigate the complexities of the energy transition and provides valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of leading a startup in a rapidly evolving industry. VECKTA may have just unlocked the doorway to scaling the C&I sector for what Evans prefers to call “On-site Energy”, which we have commonly referred to as Distributed Energy, Solar, Energy Effiiency, etc. Give it a listen and let us know what you think with a note on Linkedin or X!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

633: You NO LONGER Work in the Solar Industry, here’s why, with Jigar Shah of the DOE (RE+ Rewind) Sep 19, 2023

The solar energy sector is witnessing momentous identify shifts. I’d call it an identity crisis, but we’re not that far yet. Jigar Shah, however, might be so bold. As homeowners transition from merely generating energy to storing and redistributing it to the grid, there's a growing sense that our traditional understanding of "solar" as the industry in which we participate might be too narrow. But what does this mean for installers, utilities, and everyday consumers?

Jigar Shah, the director of the Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office, offers an exciting (if provocative) glimpse into the future we shall inherit. With his hand in funneling billions to pioneering energy projects that transcend the boundaries of solar, encompassing batteries, electric vehicles, and more, Shah has taken on the mantle of Chief Story Architect, so to speak, in conveying the captivating concept of the “virtual power plant”. Shah elaborates on how this next evolution of the grid will place homeowners at the heart of vital grid services. Yet, as we explore these innovations, Shah also casts a spotlight on a pressing concern: how do we ensure equitable access to these advancements, particularly for marginalized communities facing steep energy expenses?

Join us for a riveting discussion, recorded live from the RE+ 2023 Tradeshow floor, that promises to expand horizons, challenge preconceptions, and reveal the latent potential within our homes and communities. Shah challenges us to embark on a journey into a more holistic, equitable, and resilient energy future, where every individual has a role to play, and no company may any longer call itself a “solar” company…we’re in the Virtual Power Plant business now, y’all!

This and many other iconic conversations were captured LIVE at the PowerUp Live Podcast Stage in Las Vegas the week of Sept 11-14, 2023. You can watch them all at www.suncast.live !

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

632: RE+ Daily Morning & Roundup Shows - Day 3 Sep 15, 2023

The next best thing to being at RE+ Vegas, is catching the PowerUp Live Show. Get the lowdown from Nico for the PowerUp Morning Show, LIVE with Nico Johnson & Lauren Glickman, presented by Meyer Burger, and RE+ Daily Round Up with Nico Johnson & Josh Porter,

presented by Modern Energy to share their experiences of Day 3 at RE+ Vegas.

If you want to catch the whole PowerUp Live show, make sure to visit suncast.live to hear from some of the top voices speaking on the state of the industry today.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

Midroll For Week Of RE+ 2023

631: RE+ Daily Morning & Roundup Shows - Day 2 Sep 14, 2023

The next best thing to being at RE+ Vegas, is catching the PowerUp Live Show. Get the lowdown from Nico and Lisa Ann Pinkerton for the PowerUp Morning Show, LIVE with Nico Johnson & Lisa Ann, presented by Meyer Burger, and RE+ Daily Round Up with Nico Johnson & Josh Porter,

presented by Modern Energy to share their experiences of Day 2 at RE+ Vegas.

If you want to catch the whole PowerUp Live show, make sure to visit suncast.live to hear from some of the top voices speaking on the state of the industry today.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

Midroll For Week Of RE+ 2023

630: RE+ Daily Morning & Roundup Shows - Day 1 Sep 13, 2023

presented by Modern Energy to share their experiences of Day 1 at RE+ Vegas.

If you want to catch the whole PowerUp Live show, make sure to visit suncast.live to hear from some of the top voices speaking on the state of the industry today.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

Midroll For Week Of RE+ 2023

629: Optimize & Automate Solar Development with PVcase, the next Solar SaaS Unicorn Sep 07, 2023

Let’s be honest, the rapidly accelerating demand for clean, renewable energy has outpaced the development and implementation processes in the solar sector. As the queue for interconnection lengthens and the need for efficiency grows, utility-scale solar developers face mounting challenges. From the scarcity of skilled engineers and designers to bottlenecks in site selection and grid optimization, the sector has long been in need of innovation to streamline these complex processes and reduce human errors.

David Trainavicius, founder and CEO of PVcase, and Jake Anderson, Head of Business of Anderson Optimization (recently acquired by PVcase) are at the forefront of this transformation. Specializing in automating the tedious engineering and site selection processes, their combined expertise aims to simplify, and shorten, the solar development cycle. David’s extensive experience as a solar consultant for over 100 companies gives him unique familiarity with the utility-scale sector's challenges. Jake contributes his own acumen in optimizing the early-stage site selection processes for renewable energy projects. Together for the first time on a podcast following the Anderson Optimization acquisition, they discuss the synergy of the combined firms, and how automation can not only mitigate errors but also significantly accelerate the entire solar project development cycle, and ultimately the global deployment of solar projects.

In a world increasingly focused on transitioning to cleaner energy resources, the contributions of David and Jake are helping to pave the way for a more sustainable, robust, and scalable solar industry future. This engaging dialogue explores how they’re transforming the solar development process.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

628: Is the Workforce Dilemma OVERHYPED? Industry Experts Weigh In at RE+ Mid Atlantic Sep 05, 2023

In this special episode recorded from the tradeshow floor at RE+ Mid Atlantic, we explore a pressing question: Is there a workforce issue in the solar industry? Will it work itself out in the medium term? We've assembled a group of industry experts to share how their companies (and clients) are navigating the workforce challenges facing the renewable energy sector as we scale up.

Catherine McLean of Dylan Green discusses the evolving work arrangements—hybrid, remote, or in-office—and their impact on women during the pandemic. She also addresses the financial challenges of relocating for jobs in major cities. Whit Fulton, CEO of ConnectDER, talks about the hurdles in getting hardware products like their meter socket adapter to market, and highlights the crucial role of state energy offices in standardized training.

Jason Higginson, Head of Marketing for APsystems, covers how supply constraints, like components and metals, are influencing the industry. And finally, Todd Ahern and Adam Jordan of the MegaWatt Group focus on how their business model as an outsourced sales team for installers alleviates certain workforce needs.

This episode offers a comprehensive view into the workforce debate, leveraging the expertise of those who are deeply involved in the solar and renewables industry.

Is there truly a workforce dilemma?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments over on our Youtube channel, where we’ve posted this episode in its full glory. You can see exactly what we saw from the Philadelphia Convention Center at this Summer’s RE+ Mid-Atlantic.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

627: “Tikkun Olam” How Martin Pochtaruk is ‘repairing the world’ through Heliene, one solar panel at a time Aug 31, 2023

What can the solar industry learn from the efficiency and scalability that have characterized the oil and gas industries for the last hundred years? As the world grapples with the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels, solar power has emerged as a crucial player in this global shift. This change is not without its challenges, however, such as the need for significant capital investment, the intricacies of supply chain logistics, and the mounting pressure of market competition. These issues are even more daunting for manufacturers of solar modules, who not only face the common challenges of running a business but also the specific hurdles of an industry in the throes of transformation.

With a unique perspective shaped by over two decades in the oil and gas sector, Martin Pochtaruk serves as the Founder & President of Heliene, a North American manufacturer specializing in high-efficiency solar photovoltaic modules. He has steered Heliene through the thick and thin, bootstrapping the company for its first 10 years, and evolving strategically to focus on the utility-scale market in the United States. Through a treacherous decade where many solar module manufacturers, relegated to price wars, have gone out of business, Martin has navigated the company through near-death focusing on winning in very specific areas rather than taking on the entire market. Tactics like achieving a listing as an approved vendor for major solar financiers helped Heliene sidestep the potential pitfall of competing solely on price in an industry with razor-thin margins.

In this compelling discussion, Martin shares his unique perspective on how to survive the “solarcoaster” and build a business that can, indeed, help fulfill their purpose: healing the world one panel at a time. The interview highlights how Heliene navigated complex challenges facing solar module manufacturers, such as securing crucial capital investment to scale manufacturing, fine-tuning supply chain logistics, and navigating hyper-competitive market pressures. Lean in and learn from a pioneer in the industry who is actively facilitating our transition to cleaner energy sources.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

626: RE+ 2023 VEGAS! Know Before You Go: Your Guide for the Biggest Show Yet Aug 29, 2023

It’s that wonderful time of the year folks! With just two weeks left before the monumental annual pilgrimage to the RE+ Trade Show (this year in Las Vegas!), we’ve once-again curated a special "Know Before You Go" episode bringing in tips from industry leaders to help you prepare and make the most of this event while not being overwhelmed by what’s sure to be the biggest show yet with over 45,000 attendees! This essential listen features six industry experts who share their top tips for making the most of the show, whether you're a newcomer or a veteran.

You’ll hear from:

Danielle Danko, Senior Director of Marketing at RE+:

Danielle provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the expansive layout of the RE+ event. She delves into the dual venues and three expo halls, along with the newest entertainment options, including RE+ Tonight and the AREA 15 Bloc Party.

Trish Moratto, Communications Manager of SMA:

Trish focuses on optimizing your schedule to maximize impact. She suggests a balanced approach that includes booking essential meetings without overcommitting, as well as incorporating walking meetings for a more dynamic experience.

Daniel Dus, Founder of Cleantech Industry Resources and CEO of Acme Group:

Daniel advises attendees to prepare for the event as if it's a business marathon. He emphasizes the importance of being ready with business cards and also listening to speakers to understand future trends. Daniel also shares the importance of pre-booking restaurants and talks about the invite-only Solar Fight Night.

Lisa Ann Pinkerton, CEO and Founder of Technica Communications, and host of the Earthlings podcast:

Lisa underscores the importance of being a connector by providing real-time value to clients through introductions. She also discusses the necessity of rapid follow-ups, offering the idea of sorting business cards into two piles for streamlined communication.

John Rohde, CEO of the Americas for RES:

John insists on disciplined planning and encourages attendees to identify ten key objectives they wish to achieve during the show. He also talks about taking a step back from the day-to-day operations to consider larger, impactful goals for your business.

Tor Valenza, CEO of Unthink Solar and Host of Probably True Solar Stories:

Tor aims to enhance your social and digital presence during the show. He introduces the Social Brews and Views event and explains how a good social media strategy, including hashtags and QR codes, can open doors for more meaningful connections.

If you’re coming to Vegas, don’t miss this episode! It's your indispensable guide for achieving RE+ 2023 success!

And DO add our PowerUp Live Podcast Stage to your lineup of Must-Visit locations on the show floor (booth 21020!) - we can’t wait to meet you in person.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

625: Mike Hall on Borrego Solar’s “People before Strategy” Corporate Culture, and His Leadership Playbook for 2 Decades of Dominance Aug 24, 2023

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone in the solar industry who hasn’t heard of, worked for, competed against, or just stood in awe at the company today’s guest built w/his brother. Borrego Solar is an institution in the solar industry here in the USA alongside such names as REC Solar, SunPower, and SolarCity. The Hall brothers and their 3rd co-founder have unlocked something special that has created one of the most enduring (and prolific) solar companies of our time. And I finally got the opportunity to dig deep with Mike Hall, the 20+ yr CEO of this industry leader, to get the goods on just what makes this company tick and how they’ve had such staying power and dominance through the years.

The clean energy industry is experiencing rapid growth and transformation, yet it faces significant challenges that must be overcome to reach its full potential. Two of the most pressing challenges include connecting renewable energy resources to the electric grid and dealing with inefficiencies in the procurement process for large-scale solar and battery projects. The complexity of interconnecting diverse energy sources, along with the lack of real-time data and analytical tools in procurement, creates barriers that hinder the industry's progress.

Mike Hall, CEO and co-founder of Borrego Solar and Anza (which recently spun out of Borrego), has been at the forefront of tackling these challenges for more than 2 decades. With Borrego Solar, he has been instrumental in pioneering the residential, C&I and even community solar markets, especially in developing and financing projects and unlocking the value in virtual net metering projects in California and the Northeast. These innovative efforts have paved the way for connecting more renewable energy resources to the grid, the careers of thousands of #SolarWarriors, and countless prosperous former-employee-led startups along the way. Through Anza, Mike is addressing the procurement inefficiencies by aggregating real-time data from over 90% of the US market and utilizing advanced algorithms to optimize buyers' choices based on lifetime value rather than just upfront costs.

By focusing on these two distinct challenges - Development & Product Delivery, Mike’s leadership and innovation are helping to shape a more resilient and sustainable clean energy landscape. Through Borrego Solar, the connection of renewable energy resources to the grid has become more accessible, opening up new opportunities for growth in the community solar market. Meanwhile, Anza is transforming the way large-scale solar and battery projects are procured, making the process more efficient, transparent, and financially rewarding for buyers. Together, these efforts are not only solving immediate problems but also laying the groundwork for a more robust clean energy future.

Listen in as Mike finally pulls back the veil on 20 years of solar industry entrepreneurship as leader of one of the most iconic and economically impactful companies of our time. His anecdotes of learning from sports, harnessing failure, and riding out the solarcoaster are both entertaining and instructive.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

624: Career Switch to Clean Energy? Advice from an industry Veteran, Sunnova's John Berger Aug 22, 2023

With many sectors of the global economy experiencing contraction through the last year-plus-long economic downturn, the Energy sector, and in particular, renewable energy, stands out as a beacon of possibility. So, you might be asking yourself, “How can I switch my career toward a more legacy-building and growth-oriented industry like Energy?” Stay-tuned bc today’s episode will help you answer some of those burning questions!

The energy industry is standing at a crucial crossroads, faced with a multitude of challenges that are as much environmental as they are economic. As the world grapples with the alarming consequences of climate change, the rise of China's energy consumption further adds to the urgent call for sustainable solutions. At the heart of this are traditional fossil fuels, which, while pivotal to our past prosperity, are increasingly seen as unsustainable for a resilient future. This setting calls for pioneers who can bridge the gap between our current energy practices and the emerging needs of the future.

John Berger, the visionary founder of Sunnova, is one such pioneer. Recognizing the growing challenges in traditional energy, Berger founded Sunnova with the mission to instigate change by offering renewable energy alternatives and energy-efficiency services for homeowers. For John, the journey wasn't solely about capitalizing on the next lucrative wave of opportunity; it was about leverating impactful technologies – like solar and batteries – that can eventually replace fossil fuels and deliver a more resilient grid and civilization. It's this philosophy of prioritizing change and genuine solution-finding over mere financial success that sets Berger apart from many entrepreneurs. His reflections on past setbacks highlight his belief in embracing failure as a powerful learning tool and emphasize the importance of having a diverse range of experiences to build a holistic perspective.

Listeners will find in this conversation an inspiring blend of visionary thinking and pragmatic leadership, and John himself shares advice for would-be career switchers on what to prioritize in their own search. From the intricacies of operational challenges in the energy sector to the broader philosophies of entrepreneurship, Berger's insights provide a roadmap for leaders and entrepreneurs to navigate their own journeys, especially in this sector ripe for transformation. Whether one is seeking to make a mark in the energy sector or simply understand the underpinnings of successful leadership, this conversation offers a treasure trove of wisdom.

If this episode piques your interest, and you would like to hear about the life story(ies) that got him where he is today, queue up our full Executive Profile with John, episode 543 of SunCast!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

623: Solar's Dirty Little Secret: How Yezin Taha and Nevados Engineering Are Changing the Landscape Aug 17, 2023

The solar energy industry is facing an increasingly pressing challenge: the scarcity of usable flat land. As the demand for solar energy grows, suitable areas for traditional solar trackers and arrays are becoming limited. The situation is complicated by the costs and environmental impact of grading land to create flat surfaces for installation. This process, often referred to as solar's "dirty little secret," is not only expensive but also poses significant environmental and post-construction issues. The industry is now compelled to find innovative approaches to adapt solar technology to uneven and non-flat terrains.

Yezin Taha, the CEO of Nevados Engineering, is at the forefront of addressing this complex problem. With a background in engineering and a pioneering spirit, he has led Nevados in developing a revolutionary method to install solar panels on uneven terrain. The company's unique approach eliminates the need for grading land, reducing both financial and environmental burdens. By circumventing the traditional requirement for grading, Nevados aims to help the industry save up to 10% of project costs and minimize land disruption. Yezin's visionary leadership emphasizes not only technological innovation but also a strong emphasis on values like transparency, partnership, and leadership.

Beyond the technological advancements, Yezin shared profound insights into team building, company culture, perseverance, and leadership. He stressed the importance of understanding personalities within a team, fostering the right culture, and growing through challenges. The conversation also revealed how hiring experienced leaders and clearly communicating the company's mission can transform growth and scaling efforts. Yezin's story is a testament to entrepreneurial resilience and innovation, painting a picture of a leader committed to not only solving a pressing industry problem but also building a thriving, value-driven organization.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

622: Rebel for Change: EDPR’s Sandhya Ganapathy on Cultivating the Essential Attributes and Attitude for Clean Energy Leadership Aug 15, 2023

The renewable energy sector is facing a series of intricate challenges as it endeavors to scale up, enter new markets, foster inclusivity, and secure a domestic supply chain. The urgency to transition from traditional energy sources to renewable alternatives is palpable, yet achieving this shift requires a careful balance of technological innovation, strategic leadership, policy alignment, and an understanding of the global market dynamics. The complexity of these issues demands strong leadership, forward-thinking strategies and a talented, dedicated workforce!

Sandhya Ganapathy sits at the helm of one of the leading companies at the forefront of addressing these multifaceted problems. From 2017 to her CEO appointment in early 2022, she served as Global Head of Investments and M&A, responsible for M&A, investment and capital allocation decisions, and asset rotation for EDPR across its geographies. Sandhya's strategic leadership has been instrumental in expanding renewable energy's reach and impact. She has not only been part of entering new markets but has also actively promoted gender inclusivity in STEM through campaigns like "Rebels for Change." Her insights on securing the domestic supply chain and her commitment to energy independence emphasize her holistic approach to problem-solving. Sandhya's blend of perseverance, collaboration, and vision offers a unique perspective on how the renewable energy sector can navigate its present challenges and future potential.

If this episode piques your interest, and you would like to hear about the life story(ies) that got her where she is today, queue up our full Executive Profile with Sandhya , episode 528 of SunCast!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

621: This under $100 Solar Sales tool could unlock MILLIONS for your company, with Cynthia Adams of Pearl Aug 10, 2023

Cynthia Adams, the dynamic Co-founder of Pearl Certification, embarked on a journey from her early days in green building to pioneering a transformative platform in the residential cleantech sector. Her endeavors have consistently centered on enhancing the visibility and value of sustainable home features, reflecting a deep commitment to both environmental stewardship and innovative market solutions.

For those familiar with the commercial building world's LEED certification, Pearl offers a parallel in the residential domain, seeking to make sustainable home features more visible during the resale process. Adams provides a reflective analysis of the shifting perspectives on sustainability. Not long ago, the additional costs of a sustainable home were a significant point of contention. Today, with the ever-present realities of climate change, many homeowners not only appreciate but actively seek out green features. However, the invisibility of such high-performing attributes in existing homes poses a challenge – a gap that Pearl aims to bridge.

We delve deeper into the mechanisms through which Pearl aids solar installers, from simplifying data collection to ensuring homeowners can demonstrate the tangible value of their green investments. The significance of such systems becomes evident when considering the broader context, with homeowners increasingly valuing sustainability and federal policies, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, poised to make substantial impacts on home improvements.

Rounding out our discussion, Adams speaks to the trajectory of Pearl as it readies itself for expansive growth, bringing to the fore the broader implications for other enterprises in the solar space. This episode provides a nuanced look into the intersections of sustainability, housing, and the future trajectory of the energy industry. For those keen on understanding the changing dynamics of sustainable home resales, our chat with Cynthia Adams promises to be enlightening.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

620: Scaling a Business in Good Faith: Mohammed Abdalla’s Synergy of Strategy & Social Impact Aug 08, 2023

Mohammed Abdalla, the dynamic founder and CEO of Good Faith Energy, navigated a life marked by early adversity. Losing his father at a young age, he cultivated resilience and determination. His journey from a short-lived career in the fossil fuel sector to traveling the world with only two backpacks brought him to an epiphany in Germany — the vast potential of solar energy. In this Tactical Tuesday, we highlight Mohammed’s distinctive business strategies, the challenges of scaling, and the power of an intentional mindset.

From bootstrapping his way from selling Nest thermostats to pioneering installations of the Tesla Solar Roof, he underlines the importance of staying ahead of the technology curve. I’ve been impressed with his company, Good Faith Energy, and their effective marketing tactics, including the utility of podcasts, Google ads, and YouTube. The emphasis on transparent communication, understanding customer needs, and the pivotal role of leadership during growth phases are highlighted.

Mohammed’s interview stands out not just for its tangible business strategies but for its reflection of a journey grounded in resilience, innovation, and purpose. It weaves a narrative of individual growth synchronized with sustainable business practices, offering listeners a holistic blueprint for entrepreneurial success in a world seeking green alternatives.

If this episode piques your interest, and you would like to hear about the life story(ies) that got him where he is today, queue up our full Executive Profile with Mohammed, episode 557 of SunCast!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Bonus: Earthlings Season Three Preview Aug 04, 2023

Welcome Earthlings to Season 3! In this special episode, creator and host Lisa Ann Pinkerton previews what’s new on the podcast, how it’s elevated to Earthlings 2.0, and highlights some of the captivating you’ll hear in the first few episodes.

Join us as we speak to entrepreneurs, researchers, scientists, and policy advocates to explore a wide range of topics, including innovative climate solutions, groundbreaking emerging technologies, and intriguing glimpses into the future.

Whether you're passionate about sustainable living, fascinated by cutting-edge advancements, or curious about the world we'll inhabit in the coming years, The Earthlings 2.0 Podcast has something for everyone. Prepare for insightful discussions and thought-provoking conversations that will inspire you to take action and make a positive impact on our planet.

619: Kerim Baran (Part 2) on God vs Grid Parity & Decentralizing Knowledge in Solar Aug 03, 2023

This is Part 2 with Kerim Baran, the founder of SolarAcademy.com. If you missed Episode 618, Part 1 of this discussion, we strongly suggest you queue that one up first!

Over the last 2 decades, Kerim has become a prominent figure in the solar and tech industries. With an extensive background as a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, coach, and mentor, his journey is marked by observation and innovation, and he’s tucked 2 successful exits under his belt! During his time with Civic Solar, he noted the paradox of falling solar costs while residential solar remained costly and inefficient. His vision of "god parity," where locally produced and consumed solar electricity becomes significantly cheaper, signals a groundbreaking shift in energy paradigms. And his initiative with platforms like Enki Solar and Solar Academy showcases his commitment to addressing inequities in capital and education.

Kerim's insights extend beyond the technical aspects of the solar industry. He delves into the importance of virtues like patience, reflecting a broader perspective on personal and professional growth. His philosophy on investment prioritizes joy and support over mere financial gain, and his interest in projects that meld software with solar points to a future of greater equity in power infrastructure. Additionally, his thoughts on decentralized, social knowledge-sharing and the ethical considerations of information sharing contribute to a holistic understanding of modern business dynamics. We delve into how Kerim has marged these interests into his 3rd startup, SolarAcademy, and what technology improvements mean for distributed knowledge sharing & equity, in solar and beyond.

The interview with Kerim Baran offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and leaders. His transparent sharing of experiences, strategies, and philosophies provides a rich resource for those looking to navigate the complexities of starting and growing a business in solar or any other sector. His focus on ethics, empowerment, and collaboration, along with his willingness to be vulnerable about personal habits and challenges, provides a template and model for leaders looking to grow their personal and professional impact.

If you are interested in finding out more about SolarAcademy.com or contributing your knowledge to the community through this project, please see below how to connect with Kerim, or share the website with others you feel might be interested in learning more about the industry, its stakeholders and the business of solar.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

618: Kerim Baran (Part 1) on Virality, Investing Wisdom, and Concentrated vs Distributed Power Aug 03, 2023

This is a special 2-part episode with a close friend & advisor to Nico and the SunCast Media team. Kerim Baran is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and strategist who has dedicated his career to fostering positive societal change. He was as co-founder of Civic Solar, one of the early pioneers in providing end-to-end solar installer procurement support via online distribution services (which was subsequently acquired in 2019 by CED Greentech, now Greentech Renewables). Kerim was also founder of Yonja, one of Europe's first social networks and his first entrepreneurial exit. Kerim now spends his time investing in early-stage companies and founders in various sectors, including energy, education and healthcare, and has recently unveiled his next venture - Solar Academy (which we discuss at length in Part Two of this interview).

Baran's business accomplishments are marked by innovation and adaptability. He grew Yonja to over a billion page views and 7 million users before selling it in 2007. He followed that success by turning his attention to the renewable energy sector, where he and 2 other co-founders built Civic Solar (originally ideated as an eBay-like marketplace) into a preeminent support-driven equipment distribution platform for solar installers in the United States. He was instrumental in the company's growth for the first 5-6 years and subsequently facilitated its exit to CED GreenTech in 2019. Kerim describes Civic’s negative working capital model, generating capital as it grew, a rarity in tech startups.

Baran's journey from pioneering social networking to empowering solar energy deployment has provided him with profound insights into our potential as a civilization. He reveals how his meditations led him to focus on sectors like education, healthcare, and cleantech, reflecting a commitment to healthy living and societal progress. Today’s conversation unpacks complex viral concepts like “K-factor", fostering organic growth and creating products that can “sell themselves”. He also emphasizes empowering the "long tail," giving individuals power to connect. His philosophies extend to living across cultures without borders and advocating for knowledge sharing, as reflected in the story behind the name of his investment fund, Enki Solar. Additionally, he recommends two key books for investment insights that we believe everyone should have on their shelves.

Enjoy the episode and then queue up Part 2!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

617: Engaging Your Audience with New Media (Do Podcasts, TikTok, etc actually work?!?) LIVE with VPs from Nextracker, Shoals, EDPR, Sungrow & More Aug 02, 2023

Welcome to a special edition of Tactical Tuesday, featuring practical insights to propel your company and your career. This episode comes straight from our live stage at RE+ in 2022 and we’ve weaved together a rich collection of strategies for audience growth, brand building, and engaging your audience effectively in the dynamic landscape of new media.

The first segment delves into the role of platforms such as LinkedIn and TikTok, emphasizing their potential to bolster brand visibility and engagement, particularly in B2B markets. Our speakers caution against diving into trending platforms without strategic forethought, illuminating the unique opportunities and challenges each platform presents. The segment drives home the importance of understanding the customer journey and aligning social media strategies with the company's brand pillars as we spoke with top execs from Nextracker, Shoals, Sungrow, and EDPR.

In the second segment, the dialogue turns to the strategic value and potential pitfalls of podcasting for businesses. Lauren Glickman and Nico Johnson provide key advice, suggesting that businesses could potentially reap greater benefits from guest appearances on established podcasts, rather than hastily initiating their own. This segment also delivers practical guidance on effective pitching to podcast hosts, a strategy to broaden your reach.

Closing out the episode, Josh Porter and Nico Johnson discuss the art of being a podcast guest. They emphasize the importance of knowing your thought leadership, aligning with podcasters whose audience mirrors your target demographic, and the potential of repurposing podcast content across multiple platforms.

By linking these segments, this episode provides a comprehensive guide for businesses navigating the currents of new media. It highlights strategic platform use for audience growth, the ins and outs of building a brand in new media, and effective strategies for resonating and connecting with your audience.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

616: Agrivoltaics, Brownfields to Brightfields and The Future of Solar Farming with Dan French, Solar Farm Summit Jul 27, 2023

How would you define Agrivoltaics? Generally, the practice of combining agriculture and photovoltaics has been gaining momentum, and holds significant potential for multiple benefits that are critical for both the environment and society. In a recent interview, Dan French, the Executive Producer of the Solar Farm Summit, discussed his work in agrivoltaics, a practice that merges solar energy production with agricultural activities on the same land. French, known for transforming brownfields into 'bright fields' and for spearheading the agricultural tax movement, outlined the benefits of agrivoltaics. These include increased crop yields, improved soil health, and providing a habitat for pollinators.

He pointed to several obstacles that impede wider adoption of agrivoltaics, such as high initial costs, lack of knowledge, and policy challenges. French underscored the importance of community engagement in gaining approval for solar projects and averred that agrivoltaics could help to address local concerns.

Drawing from his experience at BP, French shared insights on real estate and brownfield development, emphasizing the relevance of engaging stakeholders and defining clear end goals. He suggested that this 'Brownfield playbook' could be applied to solar development.

French expressed optimism for the potential of agrivoltaics in revitalizing rural jobs and small farms, and sees it as a key component of a broader agricultural and land use renaissance in sync with the clean energy transition. He also emphasized the significance of agrivoltaics in mitigating climate effects such as flash droughts and dust bowls. Furthermore, French referred to a study by University of Arizona Professor Greg Barron-Gafford that highlighted the potential for increased agricultural yields with reduced water usage under solar panels.

Join us in Richmond August 31st for the Summer Shindig Dan and Nico discuss in the episode.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virginia-solar-summit-summer-shindig-tickets-680277988777

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

615: Crafting a Customer-First Brand: with Meghan Gainer, VP of Marketing for DSD Renewables Jul 25, 2023

Meghan Gainer, VP of Marketing at DSD Renewables, delves into the multifaceted role of marketing, highlighting its dual function to cater to both the sales team and external customers, and shares her strategy for balancing these obligations.

Gainer emphasizes the importance of a customer-first approach and building a brand from the ground up. She also shares her experience with renowned corporations like Comcast, SunEdison, and Tesla, providing listeners with a roadmap on how curiosity and embracing challenges can bolster personal and professional growth.

Listeners will gain insight into Gainer's hiring considerations, learning that she highly values quick adaptability and the ability to articulate one's career trajectory. Moreover, Gainer discloses her effective strategy for managing brand perceptions both within and outside DSD Renewables. Her unique approach to managing marketing agencies as integrated parts of her team, rather than as separate entities, also provides valuable lessons for budding and established marketers alike. She has gleaned priceless experience from years working in the trenches at major Corporate brands, most recently at GE, before lending her credentials and savvy to building the DSD Renewables brand.

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide, encompassing various aspects of marketing, with tips, strategies, and personal experiences shared by one of the industry's leading professionals to help you in your career journey. And if you missed Meghan’s full Executive Profile on the podcast, well, you can go back and listen to it here.

https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/338

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

614: Measure What Matters: The Value of Open Data in Energy, with McGee Young of WattCarbon Jul 20, 2023

The built environment accounts for 40% of global emissions.. Decarbonizing this significant contributor to greenhouse gasses entails a strategic blend of clean energy adoption, electrifying heating and cooling systems, and enhancing buildings' grid interactivity. It is within this complex, but critical, challenge that McGee Young, founder of WattCarbon, has found his mission.

Harnessing his vast entrepreneurial experience from his time with startups MeterHero and H2OScore, and as a former CTO at Recurve, Young has developed WattCarbon. This “Demand-driven Decarbonization Platform” empowers organizations with net-zero commitments to more efficiently access 24/7 carbon-free energy and procure substantial carbon offsets.

WattCarbon serves as a marketplace for suppliers delivering carbon-free energy, thereby stimulating the implementation of clean energy resources. Young's belief in open source principles is woven into the platform's technology, fostering problem-solving, innovation, and transparency - all crucial for driving impactful decarbonization efforts. And his entrepreneurial experience and foresight have culminated in the development of this timely platform, one which he admittedly already tried, and failed, to launch a decade too early!

Challenging assumptions about the public's understanding of clean energy and decarbonization has been a critical learning for Young. It has emphasized the need for making these concepts accessible and comprehensible, thus encouraging wider participation.

Fueled by a deep-rooted commitment to environmentalism passed down from his mother, Young inspires his team to take pride in their contributions, creating an environment that values all stakeholders. This dedication, alongside his capacity to translate complex academic knowledge into tangible real-world applications, is what makes WattCarbon a pioneering force in the fight against climate change.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

613: Solar Project Developer, Nobel Chang's, Guiding Principles for Overcoming Obstacles Jul 18, 2023

In this Tactical Tuesday episode, we delve into the mindset of entrepreneur and solar project developer, Nobel Chang of Palladium Energy. Chang shares insights from his accomplished solar journey stretching all the way to Mexico and beyond. Having transitioned from real estate to renewables, Chang imparts wisdom on when to halt a failing project, and how to secure team buy-in.

Explore the concept of "failing forward" as a tool to learn from mistakes, and grasp the nuances of flexibility, not only for individual growth but also for leading a team through strategic shifts. Listen to Chang's perspective on viewing projects as a people business, and his tips on forging the right connections in global markets like Mexico, Chile, Argentina, and Japan.

Chang takes us through the three pillars of solar development, an integral part of his business model. Furthermore, he shares the spark that propelled him to start his entrepreneurial journey in the clean energy sector. Listen to his riveting account of how he overcame challenges, and his strategies for breaking through barriers when it feels like you've hit a wall. This episode promises a wealth of practical advice for those looking to grow and excel in the dynamic clean energy industry.

If you missed Nobel’s full Executive Profile, you can scroll back and listen to it in episode #530 published Oct 13, 2022

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

612: Everyone has a Superpower: Industry Pioneer Dan Leary on founding Nexamp, PanelClaw and Denowatts Jul 13, 2023

Dan Leary is one of the OG’s of the solar industry, and is the founder of multiple successful companies that you’ve probably heard of if you’re in the industry, including Nexamp, PanelClaw, and now Denowatts. Denowatts aims to revolutionize solar performance management, an area that has seen little innovation in the past decade. Using advanced benchmarking technology, Digital Twin processing, AI, and IoT interoperability, the company delivers predictive data for the solar industry through their IoT product, the Deno sensor. By providing solutions that capture irradiance and measure sunlight, Denowatts supports solar asset managers with valuable business intelligence.

In the interview, Dan shares invaluable insights into harnessing each team member's unique superpower, the necessity of shared values in successful teams, and the power of predictive foresight in entrepreneurial leadership. Themes of service, sustainability, and the importance of data in decision-making punctuate the conversation. This exploration of Dan's career is both an educational resource for those in the energy sector and an inspiring tale for all entrepreneurs.

From growing up on a farm in Boston and deploying to Kuwait as an Army officer, to becoming a leading figure in the clean energy industry, Dan humbly reveals key insights from his experiences. By persistently questioning and digging deeper to identify root causes, always seeking third-party validation for technology, and cultivating a strong team culture, Dan’s companies have always managed to become segment & industry leaders. Leary believes in embracing change, encouraging leaders to find and utilize their unique "superpower", and seeing capital as a tool, rather than a customer or client.

His vision for the future is one where data and business intelligence drive the solar industry. This is a deep dive with someone that I truly respect as an entrepreneur, as a thoughtful human being who wants to give back to our community, and who really believes that the work we do is bettering our planet and saving human lives.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

611: Serial Success:Jerry Coleman’s Playbook for Scaling Startups Jul 11, 2023

With a track record of over 20 years in real estate, Jerry Coleman utilized his knack for growing companies at a national scale to transition into the solar industry. Elevation Solar stands as a testament to his ability, solving a key environmental and consumer issue by providing innovative energy solutions that also enhance property values.

In today’s conversation, you will benefit from Jerry's vast wealth of knowledge, offering valuable lessons for founders, CEOs, and managers aspiring to replicate his serial success. Key themes include the delicate art of building robust teams for various stages of company growth, harnessing the power of data and automation to scale ventures, and strategically preparing for the inevitable challenges which arise in entrepreneurship. Additionally, Jerry offers his unique perspective on the future of the solar industry, highlighting the need for continuous adaptation in a fast-evolving field. Amidst these insightful business lessons, Jerry acknowledges the importance of work-life balance, providing a comprehensive view of what it takes to thrive in business and life.

If you missed Jerry’s full Executive Profile, you can scroll back and listen to it in episode #548 published Dec 8, 2022

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

610: Devin Hampton is Unlocking MORE than Utility Data at UtilityAPI Jul 06, 2023

UtilityAPI is transforming the energy industry by making utility customer bill and interval data accessible & useful. In today’s conversation, Devin explains the complexities of developing a platform that ensures safe and secure data sharing among various energy stakeholders, as well as what it was like becoming the CEO of a revenue-positive climate tech startup and taking it through its next round of funding. This episode was first aired on our climate tech investment podcast, Climate Avengers, and Nico considered it so good that he is foregoing doing a typical “SunCast-style” interview with Devin and instead just cross-sharing the episode here (so, in fairness, if you’re a Climate Avengers subscriber, you may have already heard this one).

Devin and Nico discuss many elements of his coming of age as a climate tech executive, not the least of which is the experience of leading a funding round, particularly as a person of color, during this recent economic downturn. His perspectives are insightful, emphasizing how he specifically defines 'impact' and the importance of selecting the right investors for scaling any business. Devin is transparent about his personal experiences, shedding light on the unique challenges and victories he's navigated. Among the many gems shared, one especially bright moment is how he helped unlock additional equity earmarked specifically for diverse new talent, with a vision to help them participate in the wealth creation that tech startups can often create for early shareholders. He also discusses his top picks for climate tech investments right now, giving us all a few more climate tech leaders and companies to add to our Twitter feeds!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

609: 60 minutes to summarize the 1st Half of 2023: David Roberts & Bloomberg join the Cleantech Podcasters Roundtable! Jul 04, 2023

This is our highly anticipated quarterly podcasters' roundtable, where the cleantech sector's top podcasters converge to share their expertise and unravel the complexities of the clean energy landscape. Listen as they opine on the view from their respective podcast booths on what’s happening in Cleantech & Clean Energy in 2023! We’re joined this round by David Roberts of "Volts," Dana Perkins of "Bloomberg Switched ON," Amy Simpkins of "Power Flow," Bill Nussey of "Freeing Energy," Josh Porter of "Solar Coaster”, and our regular hosts, Nico Johnson of “SunCast” and Mike Casey of “Scaling Clean”.

The panel addresses the significant trends observed through our collective podcasting endeavors, with keen observations on the barriers hindering the clean energy transition and diving into the industry's most challenging moments. How do these industry insiders rate the performance of the private sector in deploying sustainable solutions within the framework of the IRA? What has been learned this year with regards to media and content creation?

Uncover valuable lessons and insights that CEOs and marketing teams can leverage to enhance their own strategies. And listen in as each reveals underrated and “to-watch” players within the cleantech sector.

It was a treat to welcome 3 new participants to the stage, and fans of David “Dr. Vox” Roberts will not be disappointed. It was also our first time having a Bloomberg contributor on the Roundtable. Hope you enjoy the expanded guest list, and let us know what you think we missed!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

608: Utility Regulators Have An Outsized Influence On The Clean Energy Revolution, with Illinois Commerce Commission Chairman, Carrie Zalewski Jun 29, 2023

Utility regulators quietly drive the clean energy revolution — yet many energy industry participants know little about them. SunCast Host Nico Johnson pulls back the curtain today in an engaging conversation with Carrie Zalewski, former chair of the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).

Carrie leverages her experience as a regulator and energy attorney, plus her background in engineering, to bring a unique perspective to a discussion on the complex world of energy regulation. From influencing how public utilities spend money, to supporting clean energy initiatives and designing beneficial electrification plans that address storage and transmission, Public Utility Commissions (PUCs) tackle a wide range of critical issues affecting your every day life.

Four years ago, Carrie joined the ICC from the Illinois Pollution Control Board, where she adjudicated complex environmental cases under the Illinois Environmental Protection Act, shaped critical rulemaking and worked to properly balance the interests of Illinois businesses and residents while protecting the state's land, air, and water.

In 2021, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) named Carrie as head of a new resource group for Commission Chairs from all 50 states and regions to discuss relevant and timely topics. She's also participated in several influential organizations, such as the Organization of Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) States and the Climate Registry's Council of Jurisdictions.

Carrie left the ICC on June 16, seven months before her five-year term expired, for personal and professional reasons. Her fingerprints and impact will be felt for much longer than her tenure might suggest. Today’s conversation is wide-ranging and highlights exactly why it’s so important for industry to understand and learn to work with the Commissioners responsible for regulating energy and other resources across the Nation. Carrie was generous with her time and extensive knowledge in helping guide us through the complex undertaking that commissioners engage as public servants.

If you're interested in supporting renewables, gaining better insight into the outsize role of utility regulators or understanding how PUC decisions impact businesses and communities, this episode is a must-listen. Join Nico as he uncovers the intricacies of energy regulation and the significant role regulators have in shaping our clean energy future. You'll learn how engaging with state regulators can help you make a difference in the clean energy community and why, as a business or individual, it makes a lot of sense to do so.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

607: Why Every Installer Should Be Using PVEL's PV Module Reliability Scorecard: Tristan Erion-Lorico, PVEL VP Sales & Marketing Jun 27, 2023

It’s easy to leave the job of module quality, reliability and even bankability up to “the big companies” or the distribution partners, or Bloomberg or a myriad of other players in the industry whose job it is to help parse what suppliers get blessed with acceptance to Approved Vendor Lists. But what if you really did want to know which solar module suppliers can actually back up their bankability report with true field-tested reliability data? It’s not something that is a luxury for just the Utility-scale developers & EPCs any longer. As we cross the chasm to the early majority, we increasingly need to ensure that the product being sold to homeowners and business owners alike is going to actually perform as the spec sheet suggests it will. Enter PVEL and their nearly decade-long study of PV Module industry reliability.

PVEL is a pioneer in the solar industry, helping buyers, investors, research institutions, and manufacturers to not only select the best photovoltaic (PV) products but also understand the impact of that selection on projects (and customers’) results. One of their key contributions is their annual PV Module Reliability Scorecard, a comprehensive report that holds manufacturers to high standards and assists in identifying the best performing materials and products in the market.

And the person at the helm of that report is Tristan Erion-Lorico, the VP of Sales and Marketing for PV Evolution Labs (PVEL). We had Tristan on the show way back in 2018, and he’s long been an example I point to of someone who can rise up the ranks in a technical role without an engineering degree! PVEL benefits from Tristan’s 15 years of experience in the solar and electrical industry, where he collaborates with a wide array of PV module stakeholders to ensure that PV product testing and qualification is done with the highest level of integrity and transparency.

Tune in to better understand PVEL's rigorous testing process for PV technology, their unique PV Module Scorecard, and the implications it has for both raising the bar for manufacturers and providing you, the installer, with better selection criteria. You'll gain an understanding of emerging technology trends as well, including the ascension of N-type “Topcon” cells, as well as the various ways solar modules do fail (ie, what to look out for!). Tristan also highlights the rise of India in the solar manufacturing sector and forecasts upcoming trends for the industry. This episode is brimming with insights for anyone involved in the buying solar panels.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

606: Why Did Sunnova Co-founder Jordan Frugé Leave To Start Fastrac Energy Services? Jun 22, 2023

Jordan Frugé, president of Fastrac Energy Services, challenges the common misconception that solar installations are "a bunch of people running around on rooftops." He dives into the solar industry's intricate details and behind-the-scenes operations, emphasizing the significance of meticulous planning, efficient execution, and customer-centric growth while predicting the market's future.

Jordan founded Fastrac, a Gulf Coast Regional solar sales, project management, and installation company, in 2019. With a wealth of experience in the residential solar market and a deep-rooted understanding of the industry's value chain, he has spearheaded Fastrac's emphasis on execution and fulfillment. Before Fastrac, he was CMO and co-founder of Sunnova Energy along with 2 other pioneering solar industry businesses that he and John Berger founded. So, why did he leave the pinnacle of solar success to get down in the dirt again building a fourth startup?

In today's podcast, SunCast Host Nico Johnson leads Jordan in a conversation about the solar industry's inner workings and the crucial factors contributing to customer satisfaction, including top software solutions to optimize operations. He shares his vision for regional and super-regional installers, delves into empowering employees, and clarifies common misconceptions about battery storage. Jordan's insights contribute to a more realistic and informed perspective, highlighting the meticulous work that goes into solar installations beyond the surface level.

Nico and Jordan will help listeners navigate the solar market effectively while fostering a greater understanding of the sustainable energy landscape.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

605: The Rise Of N-Type Residential Solar Modules & Why You Can’t Afford To Ignore It! Jun 20, 2023

Are N-Type residential solar modules on your radar yet?

Paul Heidesch, Director of Sales and head of distribution for Trina Solar in North America, unravels key trends and technologies that are currently shaping the residential solar sector. We delve into the rise of smaller, lighter, yet high-output modules, the increasing focus on value-added benefits over mere hardware, and how understanding these trends will be vital in a growingly competitive market. The conversation offers valuable insights into how N-Type TopCon technology and total solutions will become significant drivers in the sector.

We’ll dive into:

Exploring how N-type TopCon technology is revolutionizing residential solar by optimizing weight, size, and power output.
Understanding the benefits of 210mm N-type TopCon modules, with a focus on safety requirements and the potential for business and homeowner savings.
Learning from Paul's expert advice on how installers can transition to N-type modules, decipher facts from fiction, and establish selection criteria considering factors such as availability, pricing, and future-proofing.
Discussing the often overlooked yet crucial aspects like warranties, a company's bankability, and the availability of local support.
Gaining insights into the homeowner perspective, including their preferences and the ways installers can provide reassurance through comprehensive warranties and aesthetic considerations like all-black modules.

Paul offers a treasure trove of insights into the emerging N-Type TopCon technology and its transformative impact on the residential solar market. The in-depth analysis of current trends, technological advancements, and industry best practices presented in this discussion provides a valuable roadmap for anyone involved in or considering residential solar.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

604: Andy McCarthy built one of Australia’s leading Solar companies; what can we learn from the land Down Under? Jun 15, 2023

Join host Nico Johnson on the SunCast podcast as guest Andy McCarthy shares an incredible story of determination and resilience that led to the creation of one of Australia's largest solar companies.

Andy relied on his ADHD-driven ability to hyperfocus and his natural curiosity to navigate the renewable energy industry. He founded Gippsland Solar in 2010, which was acquired by RACV Solar in 2019.

Despite his lack of knowledge about solar technology, he humbly sought guidance from experts, learning and growing every step of the way. In this episode, Andy shares his entrepreneurial journey with Nico, recounting the challenges and triumphs he experienced while building Gippsland with his wife, Kelly.

Beyond business success, Gippsland Solar has earned the acceptance and support of the community despite its location in Australia's coal country. Collaborating with government entities and local councils, Andy and his team showcased renewable energy as a path forward, emphasizing ecological stewardship and diversity as catalysts for innovation.

The Gippsland Solar Community Fund has invested over $1 million in sponsorships and donations, benefiting various community initiatives such as food banks, wildlife shelters, and drought relief efforts.

Andy delves into the personal toll of running a rapidly growing business and the importance of developing a sustainable and resilient business model. And he shares insights on the significance of people in mergers and acquisitions, highlighting their role in ensuring the success of such endeavors.

With his unique blend of humor and humility, Andy emphasizes the power of storytelling and community engagement in gaining support for renewable energy. He also touches upon his ADHD diagnosis, viewing it as a superpower that enhances his ability to leverage his unique traits and capabilities.

Join Nico and Andy on this inspiring podcast episode on the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to sustainability. Discover how Andy's story can motivate and empower young individuals facing challenges as they strive for a brighter future. Learn valuable lessons on humility, seeking guidance, and continuously learning from others along the entrepreneurial journey.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

603: Powerful Tactics for Customer Relationships, with Darryl Parker of CEA Jun 13, 2023

With over 35 years of experience in high tech, manufacturing, and power electronics, Darryl Parker, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Clean Energy Associates (CEA), is a seasoned professional in the clean energy industry. Based in San Francisco, CA, he leads the sales and marketing efforts at CEA, where his team helps clients navigate challenging supply and quality-assurance engagements in solar and energy storage.

During the episode, Darryl discusses his vast expertise, starting from his early days at Sun Microsystems and his involvement with Satcon powers, which experienced rapid expansion. He has played a crucial role in helping numerous hardware startup companies surpass the milestone of $100 million in revenue. The conversation delves into Darryl's perspective on the evolving clean energy economy and how cultivating deep customer relationships is the key to an enduring enterprise.

Darryl Parker emphasizes a customer-centered approach to sales and marketing that is honed from many years in the trenches.

Please take a moment to Tell Darryl Thank you on Linkedin for dropping these nuggets of wisdom for us!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/globaleadership/

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

602: Public Utilities Can Turbo Charge Clean Energy And People Power, with Eric Williams of Omaha Public Power District Jun 08, 2023

Is it possible to keep an electricity grid fueled by renewable energy stable every minute of every day, given the variability of wind and sunlight? Eric Williams, a clean energy advocate and board member of one of the nation's largest publicly owned electric utilities, thinks it is.

In a conversation with Nico Johnson, Eric explains his role as one of eight elected directors overseeing the Omaha Public Power District (OPPD), which serves 855,000 people in Omaha and 13 surrounding counties in southeast Nebraska.

He clarifies how and why public power benefits the energy transition and shares what we can learn from the nation's only 100% public power state. Noting that "intermittent does not mean unreliable," he explains the importance of electing clean energy allies to the governing boards that create the electricity grids of today and tomorrow.

Eric has worked to advance clean energy since 2009 as a community organizer, coordinator for a city-operated project and founder of a biofuels cooperative before being elected to the OPPD in 2018. Join us to learn practical insights about advancing clean energy in your community and strategies to ensure your elected officials adopt the right policies to increase clean, reliable, affordable electricity for all.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

601: Houston’s Committed to becoming the Capital of the Energy Transition Jun 06, 2023

Houston, often touted as the Energy Capital of the world, is rapidly transforming into the clean energy capital of the United States, spearheading the renewable revolution. In this special Tactical Tuesday, Nico engages in insightful conversations with industry leaders who shed light on the city's transformative initiatives.

Jeff Tolnar, President & interim CEO of Shoals Technologies Group, shares his unique perspective on the energy transition, gained from attending the oil and gas-centric conference, CERAWeek, as well as his past experience from previous industries such as telecom and the similarities he sees within Renewables today. They highlight the increasing representation of renewables and the importance of ecosystem thinking in optimizing efficiency across the energy value chain.

In the second segment, Nico speaks with Jane Stricker, Senior Vice President, Energy Transition at Greater Houston Partnership & Executive Director, Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HETI), as they unveil the collaborative efforts driving Houston's clean energy transformation. She shares insights into the thriving clean tech startup scene and the city's impressive growth in attracting manufacturing, resources and talent.

This Tactical Tuesday explores Houston's rise as the capital of the clean energy transition, showcasing its importance in hosting CERAWeek by S&P Global and the transformative work of HETI. Tune in to discover how Houston is leading the way in the clean energy revolution, why it should be pinned on your map, and how it serves as a blueprint for how other cities can follow suit.

To our podcast listeners, I HIGHLY encourage you to watch this episode on YouTube, so that you can walk the CERAWeek show floors with me and see the energy brewing at the conference.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

600: LIFE Lessons from 600 EPISODES, with Guest Host, Sean Tanabe Jun 01, 2023

Nico Johnson, the visionary entrepreneur behind SunCast Media, discusses the insights & lessons learned through achieving the milestone of 600 episodes. Guest host, Sean Tanabe, pulls threads that he feels longtime listeners and newbies to SunCast alike would seek to know about Nico, his Mission, and what 600 episodes may have revealed. Many themes emerge as the conversation unfolds, ranging from dedication, consistency, and mentorship to the challenges of growth, accessibility, and the Power of saying “No”.

Nico, founder and host of the SunCast podcast, shares his perspective on podcasting as a medium for knowledge sharing, emphasizing consistency as a vital factor in producing engaging content. Nico disclosed that he worked on at least half the published episodes in the hours after midnight, underscoring his unwavering commitment to a passion project that eventually became his main focus.

Success has not always been guaranteed for SunCast, but with more than 750,000 listens over the past 7+ years, Nico and his guests have clearly found a faithful and attentive audience. Join us to hear how Nico first envisioned this quintessential resource for his tribe of “Solar Warriors”, how he navigated the inevitable challenges, and what you can learn from his experience.

Nico wishes to express a heartfelt thank you to all those who have continued to follow and share along the way as SunCast grows. The show truly is nothing without listeners like you.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

599: How To Effectively Clear The Way For More Renewables Investment And Deployment, w/Nexamp’s Zaid Ashai and DWS’ Priscilla Lu, live from MWSE ’23 May 30, 2023

Live from Midwest Solar Expo ‘23, listen in as I speak with two established industry experts about how we can work more effectively with corporate investors, policymakers, and utilities to grow solar and storage.

Dr. Priscilla Lu serves as Managing Director at Deutsche Bank DWS Asset Management Sustainable Investments Group where she helps the world's largest corporations lower their carbon footprint and understand and manage their ESG metrics.

Zaid Ashai has been CEO of Nexamp, one of the country's largest solar and storage developers, for a decade. In that time, he has overseen the development of the largest portfolio of owner-operated community solar projects in the Nation and has helped develop most of the thriving markets. His perspectives on what is needed to continue to grow this critical 4th vertical of solar is insightful for those who wish to bolster their portfolio with this highly valuable asset.

In our interview, Priscilla talks about how industry leaders and advocates can make it easier for corporates to invest in US solar and storage. We can push our government to take a more proactive role in helping developers, bankers, and leasing companies report the valid and verifiable data needed to determine the investment viability of large-scale renewables projects. And she brings perspective from Europe and Asia that can inform how we consider our operations and client engagements here in the USA.

Zaid describes how we can build “a groundswell of support for solar” by altering public and government perceptions of this critical infrastructure via stronger civic engagement about how we are delivering long-term value. He also explains what companies can do to reshape the narratives with utilities and local government. Zaid’s view is one I share, that we are not doing enough as an industry at all levels to engage with our local officials and stakeholders to counter the lobby being presented against renewable energy by the incumbents from fossil fuels. We can and must do more. Zaid and I discuss how, and where, to put your time, money and effort.

Listen to my entire interview with Priscilla and Zaid to learn more about what we can do to effectively clear the way for renewables investment and deployment.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

598: Katherine Hamilton on Bridging Technology & Clean Energy Policy May 25, 2023

Welcome to today's podcast, where SunCast Host Nico Johnson interviews entrepreneur and clean energy advocate Katherine Hamilton.

As chair and co-founder of 38 North Solutions, a public affairs firm specializing in clean energy and innovation, Katherine has a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Her influential voice has earned her a trusted position within the industry, solidified by more than eight years as co-host of the highly acclaimed "Energy Gang" podcast.

Katherine actively contributes to various industry journals and organizations and mentors aspiring energy leaders to foster talent and drive positive change. She holds a position on the esteemed #Solar100 board by kWh Analytics and earned a Cleanie Award as Entrepreneur of the Year.

Join us on this episode as Katherine discusses how she works to shape the clean energy landscape, leveraging her extensive experience, international policy expertise, and unwavering dedication to a greener future.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

597: Community Solar’s meteoric rise, with Arcadia’s Kiran Bhatraju live from MWSE’23 May 23, 2023

If you’ve been following what we refer to here on the pod as “the 4th vertical of solar”, namely, Community Solar, then you know it’s been quite a year for this category. So, for this Tactical Tuesday episode, I got a chance to speak Live from the Midwest Solar Expo stage in Chicago with passionate proponent of clean energy proliferation, Kiran Bhatraju, about best practices for engaging lawmakers, utilities, and customers.

Kiran founded Arcadia almost ten years ago to offer consumers greater access to the clean energy needed to combat our nation’s climate crisis. Originally from Eastern Kentucky coal country, his mission is to build the nation’s first digital utility and bring renewable and efficient energy to residents and businesses in all 50 states.

In our discussion, Kiran and I cover business and communication strategies we can all use to activate the people who can make change in our industry. Kiran describes the need for businesses to devote a healthy portion of their time and funding to pushing policies that support expedited and equitable clean energy growth. He details key conversations we can have with truculent utilities, local legislators, and existing and prospective solar customers. Additionally, Kiran stresses the role of technology in getting our messages out in a simple, engaging manner.

Kiran Bhatraju wants us as business leaders and energy consumers to get past any obstacle in order to grow solar. Check out the podcast to hear how.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

596: How Google empowers climate innovation May 18, 2023

SunCast Host Nico Johnson and Bodhi CEO Scott Nguyen host three expert panelists for a wide-ranging discussion on tackling climate change through investments and technology.

Our panelists — Mark Tomasovic, Principal at Energize Ventures and two Google executives, Caroline Golin, Global Head of Energy Market Development and Policy and Sonal Somaiya, Sustainability Investments and Corporate Development — offer practical ways individuals can support clean energy initiatives, emphasizing collective action, informed decision-making, and increased awareness.

They also encourage individuals to live the change they want to see, engage in conversations with others, and stay updated with climate-focused technological advancements.

This is a replay of our special Earth Day live broadcast on the energy transition with Bodhi and Google. Bodhi is a software platform that helps growing residential solar companies remove operational headaches and sell more to more people.

Join us to learn about actionable strategies and participate in an engaging pop quiz on climate threats and the impact of rising CO2 emissions on global temperatures.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

595: The DOE's Path To Implementing Enduring, Equitable Clean Energy May 16, 2023

In this Tactical Tuesday episode, we speak with three Department of Energy officials on strategies for building lasting, equitable institutions that effectively forward the adoption of clean energy in our communities.

From the newly created Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) come Chief of Staff Chris Castro and Director Dr. Henry McKoy. SCEP’s mission is to work closely with state and local governments, tribal nations, and community members to deploy decarbonizing technologies. Chris was formerly Director of Sustainability for the City of Orlando and President of the environmental nonprofit IDEAS for Us. Henry was the Director of Entrepreneurship at NC Central University, held positions at Duke University and Harvard University, and served in the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

We also hear from Anna Siefken, Senior Advisor for the Office of Technology Transition (OTT). After serving as Executive Director of The Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation at Carnegie Mellon, Anna joined the OTT to focus on moving energy and climate tech innovations from the research lab to market.

Our guests offer specific insights about how to introduce clean energy solutions so that communities can really absorb them. They dig into staffing in a way that reflects the communities and building systems that lower barriers to entry for funding and programming. Chris and Anna talk about questions to ask when engaging organizations that don’t always know how to proceed while Henry defines how to reach those communities that need decarbonizing tech the most.

The goal for these three visionaries? “Transform this country,” as Chris puts it. Catch the full episode to learn how.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

594: Sollega Racks up Wins With Unique Flat-Roof Solar Solutions, with CEO Elie Rothschild May 11, 2023

Sollega founder and CEO Elie Rothschild talks with Suncast host Nico Johnson about the innovation and founding story behind the company’s category-defining approach to ballasted rooftop solar racking.

The San Francisco-based commercial flat-roof PV solar racking manufacturer is a unique company that solves universal issues in a solar niche known for low margins and intense competition.

Elie launched it in 2008 to find an easier way to install solar panels on notoriously frustrating commercial flat roofs, and his approach has garnered serious fans and accolades for form & function.

Their roof mounting system is designed to minimize on-roof assembly, install quickly, and maximize available roof space, reducing both mounting and installation costs associated with commercial rooftop solar arrays. And their flexible design can handle undulations in roofs, work around obstacles, and is compatible with the most common solar panels today…All while using almost no metal (certainly by comparison with their peers)!

Elie emphasizes the importance of innovation and partnerships, citing Sollega's successful collaboration with other solar manufacturers. "We have to keep innovating, and we have to keep finding ways to provide value to our clients and excellent service," he said.

If you're interested in learning how Sollega has survived more than a decade in a largely consolidated solar racking industry dominated by metal fabricators, you’ll want to queue this episode up asap.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

593: Insights into the Untapped Opportunities of Commercial and Industrial Solar with Tim Montague May 09, 2023

Solar and storage expert Tim Montague’s tagline is “to help speed the energy transition”. He’s helped hundreds if not thousands of people through his work as a Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Solar Developer, a green business consultant, and as the host of the podcast, Clean Power Hour, producing over 300 episodes! Tim’s been a featured speaker on our Quarterly cleantech podcasters roundtable, in our RE+ Media Zone and on numerous stages, but this is his first time on SunCast (so how bout a round of applause!) ;-)

In this interview, we tease out the initial spark that led Tim to make a career shift into the solar industry. From an energy fair in New Mexico as a boy, to his deep involvement in the clean energy transition in Illinois, Tim’s passion for sustainability and solar are more than skin deep.

Tim shares some excellent advice on how he has been able to accelerate his knowledge in the solar industry, especially within the challenging C&I sector. Over the course of his journey, he’s become a go-to expert for C&I development. In fact, as we touch on in this conversation, he was asked by the folks at Heatspring to curate two courses of his own to help those solar professionals who want to venture into the relatively untapped market of commercial & industrial sales.

Tim Montague’s wealth of knowledge stems from his insatiable curiosity and the fact that he is still active as a Solar Project Developer for the global power company EDPR. But as we have discussed in recent episodes (ironically with another EDPR employee!) Tim also gets the importance of personal branding and sharing knowledge with your peers which is why he has dedicated so much time outside his day job to creating his own podcast. Tim is intentional about leaving a legacy that will help others, and this episode is one that I hope adds to the cannon.

Enjoy!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

592: EPRI's Arshad Mansoor on Resiliency as the Crucial Factor in Sustainable Energy Systems May 04, 2023

Today we talk with Arshad Mansoor, President and CEO of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), about the crucial link between resiliency and decarbonization.

Reducing our carbon footprint and transitioning to a low-carbon economy is essential for combating climate change. However, before we can achieve these goals, we need to ensure that our systems are resilient enough to cope with the impacts of climate change.

Arshad Mansoor defines resiliency as "the tip of the spear to get to decarbonization."

EPRI is an independent, nonprofit energy research and development organization that has been shaping the future of clean energy for 50 years. But as Arshad noted, the role is growing increasingly complex and essential with climate change.

During a keynote address at the University of North Carolina Clean Tech Summit 2023 and a subsequent conversation with SunCast Host Nico Johnson, Arshad made a case for resilient and affordable decarbonization.

He stressed we need to retool and develop a new grid for tomorrow's weather, citing

EPRI's Climate READi: Power initiative. It aims to unite global thought leaders and industry stakeholders to develop a common framework to enhance resiliency and adaptation.

Join us today as we explore this critical topic and learn more about the vital work EPRI is doing to ensure a sustainable and resilient future.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

591: What is Climate Tech? >> Climate Avengers begins… May 02, 2023

I’m so incredibly excited today to announce the officially official launch of our newest podcast, Climate Avengers! Many of you have heard & shared the trailer episode that we revealed a couple of weeks ago (thank you). Now, here is Episode 1 of the show, featuring the show host, Elena Foukes, and yours truly answering one of the questions that’s on the tip of the tongue for many folks investing in the renewable and “cleantech” sector over the last couple of years… “just what IS Climate Tech???”

Elena is the host of Climate Avengers, which explores the exciting world of climate tech startups and investments. In this episode, Nico and Elena speak on what the term climate tech actually covers.

Join Elena weekly as she investigates what it takes to build & invest in the next generation of climate tech innovation, proving you can indeed save the world and make money at the same time.

But you’ll need the link to the Climate Avengers podcast if you want the whole story…this will just whet your appetite.

Learn more at: www.resourcelabs.co/climateavengers

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

590: Dominion Energy Plans to Become the Most Sustainable Energy Company in the US, w/Bob Blue, CEO of Dominion Apr 27, 2023

Dominion Energy Chair, President, and CEO Robert "Bob" Blue explains how his company plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and become the most sustainable energy company in the country on today’s podcast.

Bob shares his vision of a cleaner, greener future with SunCast Host Nico Johnson, while explaining how the realities of reliability, affordability, and reasonable regulation play into Dominion’s plans.

Dominion is one of the largest regulated electric utilities in the United States, servicing more than 7 million customers in 16 states. The company has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 40% since 2005 and is on track to meet its interim targets for reducing emissions by 2030.

Nico interviewed Bob during the recent University of North Carolina Clean Tech Summit, where Bob also opened the conference with a keynote address on "Roadblocks to the Clean Energy Transition."

In today's podcast, we bring you the best of Bob's keynote and his conversation with Nico for a well-rounded look at how one leading utility is adapting to the energy transition. Curious what the new generation of renewable power means to well-established regulated utilities? Then you won’t want to miss this episode.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

589: Developing Large Scale Projects by Nurturing People & Providing Opportunities Apr 25, 2023

Navigating the complexities of land acquisition and project development in renewables is no easy task. From securing the right land, doing site control, perfecting sites, and looking at financing there are so many details that give leeway to possible mistakes that could end up costing a lot of money.

In today’s Tactical Tuesday, we get to learn from Kimberlee Centera, CEO of TerraPro Solutions, and how she became a land and title expert. Listen as explains how she helps to ensure that renewable energy developers are successful with their projects.

In her words, Kimberlee's ability to synthesize complex information in an accessible way is what keeps clients coming back. She leaves us with her belief that the success of her business really comes from the ability to curate a working environment that nurtures people, and shares with us ways you can do the same.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

588: Saving the Planet & Making Money, Elena Foukes, host of Climate Avengers Podcast! Apr 20, 2023

Elena Foukes is an investor, advisor and climate entrepreneur who upgraded her career from a low-level analyst at a public utility to co-founder and CEO of a climate-tech startup.

Now she develops programs to help others build purpose-filled climate careers, stressing, "You can make money and save the world at the same time."

Elena was reared in a Midwest family steeped in automotive tradition, has been in climate work her entire career, and even had a stint paying homage to the family heritage when she joined Tesla.

In today's podcast, Nico Johnson, the creator and host of SunCast, talks to Elena about her latest role — host of SunCast’s new Climate Avengers Podcast. Launching Tuesday, May 2nd, the podcast will demystify climate tech venture capital.

Elena and Nico are both venture partners with Climate Avengers, an investment fund started by friend and fellow #SolarWarrior, Kyle Cherrick.

Listen as Nico guides us through Elena's own startup stories and give listeners a glimpse of what they can expect in the coming weeks from the new show.

Elena has a triple major in economics, political science, and international studies from Loyola University Chicago and a Master's of International Economics focusing on China econometrics and energy policy from UC San Diego.

The Climate Avengers Podcast promises to be smart, reliable and insightful. If you missed it, queue up the trailer episode that dropped on the feed right before this episode!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Bonus Episode: Introducing the Climate Avengers Apr 19, 2023

For this bonus episode, we’re introducing a new podcast! The Climate Avengers podcast explores the stories of entrepreneurs and investors tackling the challenge of climate change through technology. With over $200 billion invested in the climate tech sector and trillions more needed, the podcast aims to demystify the capital raising process for founders and help investors understand how to source and invest in climate-focused startups. Host Elena Foukes guides listeners through interviews with founders and investors who are making a difference in the fight against climate change while also making a profit. The podcast highlights the importance of courage and imagination in building a sustainable and equitable future for all.

Here is the link to subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aASLNK0TLb4neAiMoVt5b?si=d9e27cec99b44ad7

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

BONUS: (Introducing Factor This!) Distributed Energy Is A Massive Undervalued Market, with Tim Hade, Co-founder Scale Microgrids Apr 18, 2023

Bonus episode!

Today, we're dropping in an episode from our friends over at the Factor This! podcast that we know you'll enjoy.

Host John Engel has a wide-ranging conversation with Tim Hade, COO of Scale Microgrids, covering the role of distributed energy for the grid of the future, the perils of scaling a climate tech hardware company, and what's holding back the Inflation Reduction Act.

Hade shared how his time in the military mobilized him to fight climate change, why he's so optimistic that DERs will one day breakthrough, and his five tips for anyone starting a clean energy company. Spoiler alert: get smart on tax equity. Or find someone who is.

The biggest question facing the distributed energy market is - how fast is this going to happen?

Join them in this special bonus episode that highlights these critical topics within the industry:

Policy & regulations running to catch up with technology
Promises of bottom-up strategies
How to scale projects from small to large
Identifying and dealing with the challenges within the industry
Importance of tax equity monetization in clean tech
Team effort for a prosperous future

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

587: Crowdfunding Climate Solutions For Healthy Returns & A Better Future, with co-founders of Raise Green, Franz Hochstrasser & Jackie Logan Apr 13, 2023

Raise Green is a platform that allows people with as little as $100 to invest in projects that promote clean energy and climate solutions in their local communities. It relies on crowdfunding, so you don't have to be a solar finance guru or a billionaire to join those building a better tomorrow — and gain an opportunity to earn a healthy return.

In the words of CEO and Co-Founder Franz Hochstrasser, "Invest today and make an impact you can see."

In today's podcast, Host Nico Johnson talks with Franz and Raise Green Co-Founder Jackie Logan, the company’s Chief Investment Officer (CIO), about their support for the innovators and entrepreneurs on the frontline of climate solutions.

Raise Green builds upon Franz's background in policy, climate change, environmental, and social issues and advances Jackie's more than 20 years of capital markets experience.

Join us for an introduction to the powerful concept of Regulation Crowdfunding, a relatively new financing method that pools small individual investments or contributions from many people. Raise Green — launched in 2018 with a $25,000 Climate Change Solutions grant from Yale University — aims to democratize investing.

Since its inception, Raise Green has mobilized about $6 million for climate solutions with the help of some 3,000 investors and 20,000 members. Listen to the podcast to discover how you can join the crowd.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

586: A Primer on Risk Taking, Book Writing & Personal Branding, with Tom Weirich of EDPR Apr 11, 2023

How does one write a book on the history of renewables and make it a fruitful and engaging experience for all types of readers? Tom Weirich, author of the award-winning book “We Took the Risk” did exactly that in 2022, and he shares How and Why with Nico.

Tom Weirich has had the privilege of watching (and helping) titans in the Renewables industry from the front lines build the core skeleton of what we now call a thriving and scalable Trillion-dollar sector. His proximity to the early leaders in the sector forms the foundation of his recent best-selling book, but Nico highlights some of the underlying personal benefits that come with putting his name on the cover. In this episode, Nico and Tom delve into his tips on the value of personal branding and marketing in the renewable industry and how to approach it successfully. Tom shares how his book serves as a platform to differentiate himself and stay relevant in a busy market while at the same time shedding light on the stories of some of the giants on whose shoulders we collectively stand.

Listen closely and receive insight into how to harness the power of paying it forward to create rippling positive effects in this industry.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

585: Climate & Cleantech Investing 101 with Craig Lawrence, Partner & Co-Founder of Energy Transition Ventures Apr 06, 2023

Interested in investing in the Clean Energy and Climate Tech Boom!?! Buckle up, bc it can be a bumpy ride. Few have the direct operational experience that today’s guest does, and he’s placing some very specific bets through his latest venture, Energy Transition Ventures. We recently had one of his portfolio company founders, Karin Calvinho, on the show, and I legitimately think it was one of our best episodes in a long while…now you can learn more about the guy and the Fund that believes she’ll change the world.

In today's podcast, host Nico Johnson interviews energy expert Craig Lawrence to discuss how his venture capital fund is accelerating the shift to cleaner, cheaper, and more sustainable energy.

With more than 25 years of experience in venture capital, engineering, product, and executive roles, Craig has been at the forefront of the cleantech industry since its early days.

Now he’s honing in on promising startups as a partner and co-founder at Energy Transition Ventures (ETV). Houston-based ETV emerged from stealth in 2021 intent on supporting early-stage North American companies focused on distributed energy, electrification, mobility, and resource efficiency.

He and his partner Neal Dikeman believe the most important things they can do is help build successful companies that will ultimately have a significant impact on decarbonization. Craig shares their investment thesis through the lens of the companies the fund invests in, which include several that will be familiar to regular SunCast listeners.

Craig’s current role reflects his deep industry expertise. While leading energy investing at Accel Partners, Craig oversaw successful investments in early-stage cleantech companies, including SunRun and OPower, both of which have become leaders in their respective fields. Craig has also held senior executive roles at companies driving the energy transition, such as Treverity, SolarBridge Technologies, and SunEdison.

As a former practice lead at IDEO, he helped energy tech startups launch innovative products and services. He is also an inventor, holding patents on products ranging from portable fuel cells to office furniture. With a B.S. in engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and an M.S. and Ph.D. from Stanford University, Craig brings a unique blend of technical knowledge and creative problem-solving to the energy industry.

Tune in to this episode to learn from Craig's wealth of experience and gain insights into the future of sustainable energy.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

584: How One Siemens Energy Leader Successfully Balances Her Work & Family Apr 04, 2023

In today's Tactical Tuesday, Nico Johson shares a trove of practical, tactical information through an interview with Linette Casey, Head of Americas Sales, Electrification, Automation & Digitalization (EAD) at Siemens Energy.

Linette shares her fascinating career journey, from initially pursuing ocean science and social studies to serendipitously finding success in the energy industry.

She discusses how her education and experience in logistics led her to work for the U.S. Navy SEALs — the U.S. Navy's primary special operations force and a Naval Special Warfare Command component — and eventually to Siemens Energy, where she's worked her way up to managing procurement, inventory, and sales.

Linette emphasizes the importance of adaptability and problem-solving skills as navigational tools in an evolving industry. She also shares how personal choices have influenced her career path, notably leaving one position to move closer to family. Linette is a mother of three, including a daughter with special needs, and understands women's challenges in balancing work and family responsibilities.

Linette started the Women's Energy Network, a Boston-based organization with more than 100 members representing 35 energy companies, including Siemens Energy. It aims to promote diversity and career advancement for women in the male-dominated energy industry.

Siemens Energy is at the forefront of exciting innovations ranging from electric ferries that reduce emissions and noise while supporting more reliable operations to propulsion solutions that make marine vessels environmentally friendly and economically efficient. It's also accelerating the production of sustainably produced hydrogen with high-performance, industrial-scale electrolyzers that will benefit such things as steel production and aviation.

This episode offers a fascinating insight into energy innovation and the personal journey of an industry leader. Tune in to learn more about Linette Casey, her decades-spanning career and why she's so committed to working for Siemens.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

583: Emilie O’Leary on Recycling and Best Practices for Cleaning up Solar Sites Mar 30, 2023

Host Nico Johnson speaks with Emilie Oxel O'Leary, CEO of Green Clean Solar, about the utility-scale solar industry's waste challenges in today's podcast.

The US Dept. of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates 80 million metric tons of solar photovoltaics (PV) could reach end of life by 2050. Many million tons of additional waste are generated during the construction and installation of solar projects.

Emilie shares how her Marietta-based commercial waste management and landfill diversion business partners with recycling companies to recover and reuse components from broken solar panels and related debris, reducing waste and conserving resources. Green Clean Solar is addressing the trash from solar installations today and positioning itself to handle future end-of-life issues.

Recycling is essential to prevent solar energy from posing a waste burden for future generations, and this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in sustainable solar energy growth.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

582: The Energy Transition Needs All of Us; Abby Hopper, Claire Broido Johnson, and Meghan Nutting on why we ALL should be at CERAweek! Mar 28, 2023

On today's Tactical Tuesday, Nico Johnson leads a conversation on the growing presence of renewables at CERAWeek, the world's leading annual global energy conference. Nico delves into the language surrounding the energy transition conversation and talks with three solar industry leaders about the importance of attending this event, held annually in Houston.

You'll hear from Meghan Nutting, EVP of Government and Regulatory Affairs at Sunnova Energy, Abigail (Abby) Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), and Claire Broido Johnson, COO of Fermata Energy.

CERAWeek, organized by S&P Global, brings together the world's economic, geopolitical, energy, policy, climate, and corporate leaders. Nico and his guests explain the increased visibility of solar, wind and other clean energy sources at the event, which traditionally focused on oil and gas.

While fossil fuels still dominate, there’s a lot more chatter about the energy transition. Nico and his guests explain how the broader energy sector thinks about renewables, the necessity of building bridges across the industry, and why attending CERAWeek is critical for those in the renewable energy industry. Tune in to this podcast episode to better understand the energy transition conversation and how all energy sectors can better align for a cleaner future.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

581: Gov. Christine Todd Whitman calls for a Forward approach to Politics, and Energy Mar 23, 2023

Christine Todd Whitman gained prominence as the 50th person — and the only woman — to serve as a New Jersey governor. When her eight years in office ended in 2001, she spent two years as head of the Environmental Protection Agency in the administration of President George W. Bush.

Now the former Republican is working with ex-Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang and others on a new political party called Forward — an option, she says, for the politically homeless.

In addition to her political activities, Christie is an author and founder, and president of The Whitman Strategy Group (WSG), a consulting firm specializing in government relations and environmental and energy issues.

In today's podcast, Nico Johnson interviews Christie from high above Houston in the Petroleum Club while they were both attending CERAweek in early March. They talk about the Forward party's potential, its approach to environmental and climate issues, and the path she believes we should take to create a decarbonized grid and a clean energy future.

Christie notes that it's essential for everyone to have a voice while also recognizing there are vast differences across this country. Nico encourages her to explain her process for gaining resolution around competing ideas and how a diversity of backgrounds and opinions are the best tools to forge solutions.

What did you learn from this interview?

Let us know on Linkedin or Twitter! (links follow)

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

580: Using RECs for Overcoming Systematic Barriers in the Solar Industry Mar 21, 2023

“‘No one knows where the equity metrics are’... This is completely false. Communities that have had to endure environmental racism and exclusion...they know exactly what success looks like.” Dana Clare Redden shares how her solar entrepreneurship has created success for communities and in business on today's Tactical Tuesday episode with Nico.

Founder of Solar Concierge and Solar Stewards, Dana describes how she’s taken national economical strategies and creatively implemented them into local communities successfully. Her goal as a business owner and board member of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), is to implement business structures that include environmental, social governance, and corporate social responsibility programs to create value within working communities and for investors.

In this snippet from our longer interview with Dana, you’ll get an understanding of how renewable energy credits (RECS) can create a line of revenue for communities in an open market based on environmental attributions and accessibility.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

579: Emily Cohen Has Delivered 15GW+ Of Solar & Wind; Chief Development Officer of Primergy Mar 16, 2023

Emily Sanders Cohen talks with Nico Johnson about her 20-plus years of renewable project development, including more than 15 gigawatts of operational wind & solar projects.

Emily has spent the past three years at Primergy Solar as Chief Development Officer, responsible for project development, power marketing and origination activities associated with the company's growing portfolio of North American utility-scale and distributed solar and storage assets.

Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, a specialist investor in lower carbon and renewable energy infrastructure, launched Primergy in 2020 to capitalize on the increasingly important role of solar-plus-battery storage solutions in accelerating the energy transition.

In today's podcast, Emily discusses Primergy's battery storage projects (Including Gemini, the largest Solar + Storage project in the US) and how the company's work is helping us transition to a cleaner, decarbonized electric grid.

Before Primergy, Emily oversaw renewable activities at ENGIE North America Inc. and led that team to the number one utility-scale Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) position. She has significant experience, and this insightful conversation stems from more than two decades of earning her stripes in roles that have traditionally been held by her male peers.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

578: Systems thinking, Human-centered design, Lessons from a Non-technical founder, with Piper Wilder, 60 Hertz Energy Mar 14, 2023

How do you ensure people remain the priority no matter how complex your product or service — and persuade investors to overcome unconscious bias against an untraditional woman-led technical company?

In today's Tactical Tuesday, Nico talks with Piper Foster Wilder, the self-described non-technical co-founder and CEO of 60Hertz Energy. The Alaska-based company offers computerized maintenance management software that enables microgrids and their managers to use their assets more effectively and efficiently.

In this snippet of a more extended conversation, Nico gives you a quick look at how Piper has embraced human-centered design (HCD), confident decision-making, a clear vision and task prioritization to find solutions to move her cleantech company forward.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

577: RenewCO2 Wants to Transform the Way Plastics Are Made - co-founder, Karin Calvinho Mar 09, 2023

A startup spun out from Rutgers University called RenewCO₂ is rewriting the ways we make plastics and chemicals — along with the ways these industries will handle carbon emissions, regardless of the price of carbon or credits. Can we truly create carbon-negative plastics? How do we better capture and utilize the CO2 in existing chemical processes in a climate-positive way?

Join Nico Johnson for an interview with RenewCO₂ Co-Founder and CTO Karin Calvinho as he breaks down the complexities behind the company's revolutionary chemical approach into understandable, sensible language. No need to break out the glossary to follow along; listen in on this fascinating chemistry lesson as Nico learns about catalysis, monomers, electrochemistry and more.

Karin points out that chemical production accounts for more than 15% of global industrial greenhouse gas emissions, "so it's significant, and it's an issue worth working on."

Karin’s focus on carbon-negative plastics is inspiring to all who wish to accelerate our clean energy future, and the work that she and her team are doing offers promises that we can innovate our way out of the climate crisis. Stick around.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

576: Shannon Miller left Tesla to build a new category of generator! Mar 07, 2023

Mechanical engineer Shannon Miller is the CEO and co-founder of Mainspring Energy, which aims to increase grid reliability and resilience while accelerating the transition to clean fuels.

In today's Tactical Tuesday, Nico Johnson explores this remarkable woman’s background and motivations — and shares her practical advice on company culture, seizing opportunities and building successful climate tech careers and businesses. Her career journey is worthy of reflection, and It was a joy to get this intelligent introvert to open up a bit about her winding path to entrepreneurship in cleantech.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

575: How One Entrepreneur Is Reinventing Energy Choice With Modern Technology, Tanya Barham of Community Energy Labs Mar 02, 2023

Today's conversation is a deep and wonderful exploration of both the entrepreneurial journey and the built environment — specifically, how we control it and how it controls us. My guest, Tanya Barham, is the CEO and founder of Community Energy Labs, which aims to make smart energy management and decarbonization accessible and affordable for public building (think schools, municipalities, etc).

Tanya is an innovator, serial entrepreneur and self-described utility nerd, skilled in the execution of all aspects of technical service, product development, operations and commercialization from ideation through funding and growth while integrating systems and people. She has 20 years of experience developing programs and software to improve the built environment.

In the early 2000s, when solar photovoltaic (PV) was still considered a largely fringe technology, she started a first-of-its-kind solar program called Solar 4R Schools for a Portland, Oregon-based foundation. More recently, she's focused on helping building managers use predictive controls to manage their carbon footprint in places like schools.

In today’s podcast, she shares fascinating stories about business building, her hard-knock upbringing and even the common ground between choirs and companies. Anyone building a business, climate tech or otherwise, will enjoy the lessons we unpack here today. And yes, we also talk about things like solar, proptech — property technology — and even touch on the artificial intelligence convergences driving climate tech investment.

The US Environmental Protection Agency acknowledges the built environment touches all aspects of our lives. It encompasses the buildings we live in, the distribution systems that provide us with water and electricity, and the roads, bridges, and transportation systems we use to get from place to place. These human-made or modified structures provide people with living, working, and recreational spaces — and creating all these spaces and systems requires enormous quantities of materials.

Did you know 40% of greenhouse gas comes from the built environment, and 70% is from the electric grid? Even so, most (87%) commercial buildings need more controls to manage the complex solutions and software now available. Today, we're going to unpack that and more. Join us for usable insights and ideas.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

574: 5 Ways to Get the Most From Your Solar Tracker System Feb 28, 2023

Solar veteran Dell Jones is the key account manager for TrinaPro, the all-in-one smart solar utility solution offered by Trina Solar. Since 1997, Trina has pioneered sustainable solar energy solutions, including solar modules, tracker systems, and inverters.

On today's Tactical Tuesday, Dell explains how to maximize profits when installing or specifying tracker systems for utility-scale or large distributed-generation solar projects. We dive into a checklist of five ways to improve profitability by integrating trackers into your large-scale project development process.

Dell has some 40 years of experience in the solar industry and deep knowledge of trackers from his work as a product manager at TerraSmart and other industry-leading companies. More than 80% of today's utility-scale projects are tracker-based, and Dell has been at the forefront during the product's rise to dominance.

Join us for some insightful conversation — and get even more practical guidance by downloading Trina's whitepaper to see the many ways your decisions impact the LCOE of your project.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

573: This savvy energy startup measures the carbon on the grid. Wenbo Shi, CEO Singularity Energy Feb 23, 2023

Today’s episode guest, Wenbo Shi, goes Deep with me on how he’s built his Boston-based energy startup, including detailed answers on the how, when, why and who of his fundraising strategy like I’ve rarely gotten into with a guest. Wenbo honed his interest in solar and decarbonization during an intensive academic journey stretching from undergraduate studies at Xi'an Jiaotong University in Xi'an to a Ph.D. from UCLA and post-doctoral work at Harvard. He vowed early on to NOT be in the power sector; I get him to talk about why he ultimately realized he couldn’t avoid it.

At both UCLA and Harvard, he researched microgrid and smart grid management and published more than 20 peer-reviewed papers, which have received more than 1,000 citations. Two of those papers ranked among the most popular articles ever published in IEEE, the world's largest technical professional organization. So you can trust me when I say that today’s guest is a smart grid expert!

Wenbo embarked on an entrepreneurial path in 2019 after completing his Harvard fellowship. His company, Singularity Energy, is a Software-as-a-Service platform that reports on carbon emissions for the electricity grid, and counts major utilities and consumer brands like Eversource and Sense as clients.

Boston-base Singularity uses advanced machine learning to help grid operators quantify their carbon footprints. It analyzes and predicts carbon emissions changes and the impacts of decarbonization measures so customers can time their energy use and trim their carbon footprints.

In today's podcast, Wenbo explains how Singularity evolved to solve this carbon data problem and how leveraging that data to inform better decisions is the most direct path to decarbonization. This insightful episode is full of memorable takeaways that will act as connective tissue for problems you're solving.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

572: Green Is The New Gold: Why Investing In Climate Tech Helps The Planet Feb 21, 2023

Recently in REsource Labs, we’ve been keying in on things from how to measure your carbon footprint to how to invest your hard-earned dollars into climate-tech startups. If you’ve been following me for long, you know that I’ve been involved in a few groups working to unlock retail investor access to capital and I’ve even done a little Angel Investing myself!

Kyle Cherrick is an entrepreneur, past SunCast guest, and has become a bit of a mentor in the world of climate investing. He’s the founder & lead investor for Climate Avengers, a venture capital community of more than 400 angel investors, and he’s a full-time climate tech operator at concierge marketplace platform, Electrum.

He's focused his 15-year career on startups, from early-stage through the venture-funded (growth) stage and beyond, and has worked with industry leaders like First Solar, SunEdison, and Chint Power Systems.

While heading business development at Electrum and its affiliate, Solar.com, in his spare time, Kyle also leads investment into climate tech startups vis-a–vis the syndicate he founded called Climate Avengers. Electrum is a managed, online bidding platform homeowners can use to find competitive offers on solar, battery storage, and electrification products, and Solar.com is an online marketplace that helps homeowners find, select and contract certified solar installers. Both are an extension of his original vision with his previous company, Solar Merchant, which was merged with PickMySolar and has become the realization of Kyle’s dream to make solar purchasing easier and faster for consumers.

In today's Tactical Tuesday, I'm sharing a conversation with Kyle who joined our exclusive Discord community, REsource Labs, for its first-ever Office Hours. The discussion centered around climate investing, and we had several community members participate in the call to provide color, questions, commentary, and counterpoints.

Office Hours is a great place to ask questions and get answers. Today Kyle takes questions and shares insights on the latest trends and topics in climate investing and clean tech.

He thinks the world needs to create more climate angels and grow investment in the climate space, especially in early-stage startups.

It's why Climate Avengers launched its first fund in 2021 and added a rolling fund last year, which enables it to back the most promising climate startups more quickly. The syndicate has invested more than $ 1 million into a dozen promising startups, and the rolling fund writes checks in the $10,000 to $50,000 range and makes three to five investments a quarter.

There's much to hear in the conversation, and I invite you to join us.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

571: 3 Problems Causing Solar to Stumble and How to Solve Them, Michael Orshan of PVHardware Feb 16, 2023

Michael Orshan is a solar expert who has helped implement more than 10 gigawatts worldwide during the past 15 years. In that time, he’s become a trusted advisor and contributor to the growth of the global solar tracker industry. Presently, Mike serves as VP of US Sales for Valencia, Spain-based solar tracker vendor PVH and also is a founding board member at Breeze, a startup using existing oil and gas pipelines for electricity generation with compressed air pipeline systems (CAPS).

In today's podcast, you'll hear his perspective on how manufacturers and utility-scale developers have evolved to address market needs, their current challenges, and their options for moving forward to overcome three critical issues in cleantech.

Michael studied computer science and accounting in 1980’s, and quickly realized that converging technologies would create leapfrog opportunities for those who were prepared. His skills were put to good use in the nascent internet days for companies that changed how the telecom & broadband industries were scaled like AT&T, Verizon and VCTI. He continues to find himself at the crossroads of convergent technology and serving as a guide to those who seek to disrupt status quo industries.

In 2003, he was named director of the Office of Science and Technology at the New Mexico Economic Development Department, where he pioneered some early solar laws and projects. He left in 2006 to focus on solar trackers — support structures that allow solar panels to follow the sun's path and absorb more solar radiation for increased efficiency, working for market-leading players such as ATI, P4Q, Arctech and now PVH.

Breeze, a company he has helped incubate and advise, seeks to be a leader in long-duration energy storage, and in a quite unconventional way. As one of the companies represented on McKinsey Long Duration Energy Storage Council, Breeze provides a novel approach to recapturing the value in an increasingly underutilized asset - gas pipelines. Tune-in to learn how.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

570: Breaking Barriers in Solar Development: Miles Braxton and the BlackOak Collective Feb 14, 2023

Miles Braxton is a solar developer who has carved out his own path as an up and coming clean energy leader.

Miles has experience in financial modeling, project development and business development and a technical background in environmental science and engineering. When I last interviewed him, he worked for Goldman Sachs Renewable Power Group's solar energy assets, coordinating risk management (insurance and environmental health and safety). He left that role in mid-2022 to take the position at Summit Ridge.

Miles has learned to reinvest his hard earned skills and upward trajectory to "send the elevator back down" and mentor others.

In today's Tactical Tuesday podcast, we talk about how Miles Braxton has used his experience in the solar energy industry to start Black Oak Collective, an organization that helps to provide resources and opportunities to Black professionals and advocates interested in sustainability. He also travels to colleges and universities around the country to share his knowledge and experience with students of color. His goal is to make it easier for the next generation to get involved in the clean energy industry and make a positive impact.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

569: The best way to do proper carbon footprint accounting? Alex Stuart, Standard Carbon Feb 09, 2023

Serial entrepreneur Alex Stuart is the president of Carbon Block, which he co-founded in 2018, and Standard Carbon, which he launched three years later.

An expert in greenhouse gas assurance, small-scale renewable energy and the carbon markets, his companies synergistically support his beliefs in transparent, accurate climate data.

They're the latest projects for the busy Canadian, who founded two renewable energy companies and installed wind turbines for the U.S. government earlier in his career.

Carbon Block is an environmental technology firm aiming to tackle climate change through carbon offsets. It uses proprietary hardware backed by blockchain to verify greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions and convert them into carbon offsets.

Standard Carbon offers GHG-related consulting services to clients in renewable energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation sectors.

Alex thinks climate data directly affects a company's financial position — and not managing your risk exposure to rising carbon prices will cost it. As he explains, understanding your carbon debt from all operations and your supply chain is imperative for clients, shareholders, and investors and enables companies to avoid greenwashing and misspending.

In today's podcast, he discusses his companies, career and the latest offering from Standard Carbon, SCOP3 software. Alex says it's "the one climate tool for every financial need" because it helps companies of all sizes manage every part of their environmental data. Join us to learn more.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

568: Cary Hayes' big leap from Smith Barney to Solar Feb 07, 2023

Cary Hayes is a solar industry veteran with nearly two decades of sales and business development experience. But his journey was anything but typical. From Ski Bum to Investment Banker, to Tree Climber and finally to Solar with REC Solar. He exudes fun and confidence while remaining among the most fiercely competitive people I know — and has excellent practical advice to share in today's Tactical Tuesday. This is an excerpt from one of our most-downloaded episodes of 2022, and one of the episodes that got the most comments on Linkedin.

Cary's spent the past six years leading REC Americas, the California-based North American division of REC Group, a leading European brand for solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.

He was part of the team that first brought Norway-based REC Group to the US market in 2008, helping to fuel its global growth. In 2014, he left REC Solar (now owned by Duke Energy) to work as a vice president at Pristine Sun and Clean Focus before accepting a top role at REC Americas. He's also a former board member of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), a national trade association.

I've known Cary since 2012, when I worked at Trina Solar. He's a strong leader and a really nice guy — a former Colorado ski bum who kicked off his career when he decided he needed to "get a real job."

Today I'm resharing a snippet of an interview with Cary from 2022. It highlights the importance of navigating your own route, even when it veers through an off-the-beaten-path ski town. His story is emblematic of so many in solar, but know that I share it here to inspire you: carve your own path, tell your own story.

You'll hear how Cary overcame a less-than-linear resume to land a consulting job at Smith Barney (now Morgan Stanley Wealth Management) and why he walked away from it to help green the planet. As I say in the interview, his story, my story, they are not your story, but your story is worth telling so go do something worth talking about!

Remember, every decision you make — wherever you've been — prepares you for what comes next. Decide today to listen to this podcast. It's not long and full of memorable thoughts.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

567: Jordan Energy: Creating More Food for Less with Solar Feb 02, 2023

Bill Jordan capitalized on decades of experience in renewable energy, building materials and sustainable agriculture markets to create the Troy, New York-based solar development company that bears his name. Since he founded Jordan Energy in 2009, it's grown into a leader in solar photovoltaics (PV) system design, installation, and operations, in particular for the agriculture and dairy industries. Also known as Jordan Energy and Food Enterprises, the company supports many client partners from the farm community, including Dairy Farmers of America. It's a natural fit for a man with deep agricultural roots — his mother's family ran a produce shop in Philadelphia, and several of her brothers later expanded to farming in the Imperial Valley of Southern California. Jordan Energy demonstrates its belief in sustainable energy by sharing 10% of its profits with the Let's Share the Sun Foundation, which provides solar power to underdeveloped communities worldwide. In today's podcast, Bill tells us how he married his passions for solar, agribusiness and giving back to build his company and its nonprofit and empower progress through sustainable energy.

566: Expert Advice For A Winning 2023 Solar Strategy, with EDPR and Woodmac Jan 31, 2023

We might be 1 month into the year, but it’s not too late to tighten up your pla. Today’s Tactical Tuesday brings you Two industry experts — Gustavo Gomes Monteiro and Michelle Davis — who share insights on the state of the global and domestic distributed generation markets and forecast what we can expect throughout 2023.

Gustavo is the CEO of the distributed generation business at EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA DG), a part of EDP Renewables, the world's fourth-largest renewable energy producer. He offers in-depth market knowledge, technical and transactional experience, and a global perspective. His insights include how multinational corporations integrate renewables, including solar and storage, and critical trends in distributed generation.

Michelle is a principal analyst for US Distributed Solar at Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables and lead author of its US Solar Market Insight Q4 2022. The quarterly report is created in collaboration with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Bringing an insider's understanding of signficant challenges and opportunities, Michelle unpacks what the US market can expect in the coming quarters and highlights emerging issues.

Join us today to learn more about where the US solar market stands now — and where it might end up tomorrow.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

565: How to make solar investments inFinite, with Kevin Conroy, CEO Finite Jan 26, 2023

Kevin Conroy wants to make investing in sustainable assets as simple as buying stock in Robinhood. In 2019, he established Finite to give individuals access to sustainable institutional quality investment opportunities. The minimum initial investment is a mere $500.

He describes Finite as the first platform to mobilize investor capital seamlessly into sustainable assets through publicly listed funds, adding that it "transparently invests in tangible assets delivering quantifiable impact and access to all investors."

In today's podcast, Kevin explains how his interest in sustainable finance led him to create a company that allows everyday folks to invest in genuinely impactful projects. His perspective is informed by his roles as president and a co-portfolio manager for Finite's public fund, SOLRX.

It's a meaningful conversation as we speed towards decarbonizing our economy and grid. It sheds light on the deployment of capital to sustainable assets and the significance of giving a broader swath of humanity access to these opportunities.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

564: Can Steel Make Solar Panels Even Better - And Help 'Save The World'? with Gregg Patterson of Origami Solar Jan 19, 2023

Gregg Patterson is a former Hewlett Packard executive who ran multiple global businesses before jumping into renewables in 2006 — partly, he says, to help "save the world."

In today's podcast, he explains how he parlayed a background in engineering, research and development and executive management into a solar career.

After successfully leading two solar and energy startups to successful exits, Gregg accepted an offer to join Origami Solar, which intends to reverse the solar industry's reliance on aluminum through innovative, domestically-made steel module frames.

Origami Solar gained attention in September by earning a grand prize in the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) American-Made Solar Prize competition. The $500,000 award aims to advance the company's patent-pending steel frame for solar modules to lower costs, reduce carbon emissions, and improve performance and value.

Today Gregg gives us a closer look at the company from the lens of his role as CEO.

He says steel frames are less expensive, reduce production-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and facilitate domestic ramp-up of module production. As he sees it, those factors are crucial in making solar as green as possible.

Join us to learn more about Gregg's career, the lessons he's learned along the way and the role he expects Origami Solar to play over the coming years.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

563: The Most Loved Soundbites From Suncast's Amazing 2022 Podcasts Jan 17, 2023

Today we look back at some of the best moments from our 2022 podcasts. It was a year full of learning and notable contributions from rocket scientists, industry icons, and some of our favorite content partnerships.

If these nuggets inspire you, I hope you'll queue up the full episodes featuring:

Sergio Blanco, renewable project finance director at Partner Engineering & Science, Inc., an engineering, environmental and energy consulting and design firm;
Michael Burz, CEO, president and co-founder of Enzinc, a green energy startup developing a battery based on zinc;
Jeff Cramer, CEO, president and co-founder of the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA);
David Kenny, CEO and co-founder of Omnidian, which provides comprehensive protection plans for commercial, industrial and residential solar energy investments;
and Mary Powell, CEO and a board member at Sunrun, the nation's leading residential solar, storage, and energy services company.

They are among our most downloaded and talked about conversations of the year.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

562: Would-Be Astronaut Now Bets on the Sun, with Marquis Matthews of Energy Support Services Jan 12, 2023

Marquis Matthews understands the challenges of dramatic career transitions. He shares his experiences in today's excellent podcast.

In 2014, the U.S. Navy veteran and diver refocused from the sea to the sun. After years in the offshore oil and gas industry, he pivoted to solar. Marquis indulged an entrepreneurial itch in 2017, then reinvented himself three years later to work as an employee for Energy Support Services.

Annapolis, Maryland-based Energy Support Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of New Energy Equity, handles operations and maintenance (O&M) and asset management for commercial and industrial (C&I) projects across the U.S. Founded in 2014, ESS currently has more than 170 megawatts under contract for 30 entities in 15 states.

Marquis credits his experience in the military and fossil fuel production for igniting his interest in renewables — and ultimately leveraging his aquanaut skills to address the energy crisis. It's an exciting journey for a man who had childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut, and you'll hear all about it today. Please join us.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

561: 2022 Special Year-end Cleantech Podcaster's Roundtable Roundup Jan 10, 2023

Each quarter, Tigercomm & SunCast Media convene the brightest stars in cleantech podcasting to discuss what they have been observing vis-a-vis their podcast and industry research. This is the 7th such gathering, and it proved an eventful hour of insights, differing opinions and more than a few laughs. Join hosts Mike Casey & Nico Johnson, along with a lineup of all-star podcasters from across the cleantech spectrum for the Year-end Holiday Special!

Our expert panel of cleantech podcasters shared thoughts on what to expect in the clean energy industry in 2023, and what they've been learning from their own guest interviews and research. Whether you're a professional in the field or just passionate about sustainability, this is our quarterly recap that we know you won’t want to miss (even though, technically, you did miss it!).

From obstacles constraining the potential of the Inflation Reduction Act, to how investments should be directed to meet pollution reduction targets, and even how to counter anti-renewables propaganda, we cover the gamut in this Final Year-End Roundup. We were thankful to even be joined by recent SunCast Podcast guest, industry CEO, and yes, a podcast host himself, John Belizaire for his debut on the Cleantech Podcasters roundtable!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

560: How Long Duration Energy Storage Ensures a Better Electric Grid, with Hugh McDermott, ESS Inc. Jan 05, 2023

Hugh McDermott is the senior vice president for business development and sales for ESS Inc., a provider of long-duration energy storage (LDES) solutions for commercial and industrial (C&I), utility, microgrid, and off-grid applications. In today's podcast, he explains the critical issue of energy storage, which he warns could impede our quest for a clean, green future.

"We can build and have all kinds of generating technologies that can be carbon-free, but we can't go through the night without energy storage," he said.

He suggests LDES — defined by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as a system that can store energy for more than 10 hours —is the lynchpin for solving intermittency issues with renewable energy production.

ESS, founded in 2011, aims to accelerate global decarbonization by providing safe, sustainable LDES that can power clean, renewable energy anytime and anywhere it's needed. LDES supports reliable and resilient electric grids even when the sun goes down and the wind grows still, he said.

Hugh has a long history in the energy industry and shares many deep insights today. Before joining ESS, he was a VP for Silver Spring Networks, where he led the company's market-building presence and partnership development for Smart Grid and Smart City business across the Asia-Pacific region. Before that, he was global head of business development at Better Place, leveraging networked electric vehicle charging infrastructure to provide dynamic load management and energy storage services to utilities, grid operators and energy traders. He’s been on the forefront of the energy transition for more than 20 years, and has helped pioneer some of the technologies that have changed the way we work & live. And today, we get an inside view of exactly how he navigated the twists and turns of his career to get there.

Join us to learn how ESS Inc is revolutionizing LDES and creating a firm foundation for the growth of renewable energy.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

559: The Best Roof Has Skylights and Solar Panels with Grant Grable of Sunoptics Jan 03, 2023

What percentage increase in productivity would you say would need to be achieved by all the individuals in a building in order to pay for ALL The energy used by that building?

5%?

20%?

Would you believe it if I told you only 1%? Yes, a mere 1% increase in productivity.

Curious about the math?

Well, today you’ll learn how Daylighting can actually bring just as much ROI to your business as the other way we capture the sun! And we also outline his 3-30-300 rule that supports this claim over on the blog.

Active solar power is about energy generation. But, passive solar leads to reduced consumption. And both can co-exist in commercial and industrial (C&I) properties. Today's podcast explores why we should take seriously the opportunity to incorporate both in classrooms, offices, retail and warehousing applications

Grant Grable, the Vice President of Operations and Business Development for Sunoptics, and a true daylighting OG, helps us navigate the conversation.

Sunoptics is the leader in prismatic skylights and daylighting.

However, since we recorded with Grant, AES Industries actually acquired Sunoptics from Acuity Brands. But in this episode, Grant refers to Acuity Brands as the parent company.

Grant is a LEED Accredited Professional with extensive experience in the green building industry and optimizing the ways buildings work. If you haven't spent much time on energy efficiency or building envelope management, I hope you'll join this deep dive into an area of the building (and solar industry) we don’t often spend enough time talking about!

Grant has a deep understanding of how integrated skylight solutions can aid productivity. The skylights provide the ultimate human-performance, net-zero lighting with all-day exposure to sunlight. Grant is a superstar in the daylighting sector, and today he shares with us from his 3+ decades of experience. You’re in for a treat.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

558: Podcast Guesting Is Still The Best Kept Marketing Secret, with Josh Porter and Nico Johnson Dec 30, 2022

Josh Porter and Nico Johnson, both veterans of the solar industry and long-time podcasters, discuss the evolution of the medium and its popularity. They both started their own podcasts at a time when podcasting was still in its infancy, and emphasize how the medium fosters genuinely authentic conversations and storytelling. In this live discussion, Josh & NIco talk about their experiences with starting and growing their own businesses (on the back of podcasts). One of the elements they both experience via their show is the importance of understanding the nuance of the interview process and how a podcast episode can really help companies & founders “find” and tell their story in unique ways.

Of course, one of their favorite topics is helping folks realize the use of podcasts as a marketing tool to refine and distribute sales messages. Having both been in sales and business development, they emphasized the importance of identifying common questions and challenges that customers face and using podcasts as an opportunity to address and clarify those issues, in particular for capturing answers for those “top of funnel” kinds of routine questions. One important element that both see as increasingly important is that of repurposing long-form podcast content into shorter pieces for social media and other channels. Using the data and feedback from this microcontent can help to identify what resonates with listeners and to create more targeted follow-on content. Of course, for many guests (and hosts alike!), the true value of a podcast guest experience is in building relationships and connections while leveraging the “stage” of a particular show as a way to showcase expertise and establish (or reinforce) credibility as subject-matter or industry experts.

Lastly, the veteran podcasters discussed their preferred equipment and tools for podcasting, including microphones, audio mixers, and other recording devices that help to both simplify and improve the overall process and quality of the product. Producing high-quality audio and the benefits of using professional-grade equipment is a topic both have spent collectively thousands of hours researching, and today’s episode gives you a glimpse into some of their top recommendations for clients and would-be future podcasters. From gear lists to proper etiquette as guests and hosts, Josh & Nico really dive deep enough on the topic that anyone interested in jumping into the podcast universe beyond simply downloading episodes can easily learn and apply something from this episode.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

557: Why Mohammed Abdalla's 'Good Faith Energy' Promises a Greener Future Dec 29, 2022

Mohammed Abdalla, the founder and CEO of Good Faith Energy, is no stranger to adversity. His father died when he was nine, leaving his mother to rear five children. Mohammed, the middle child, used the childhood challenges to cultivate the grit, determination and fire that now serve him well as an entrepreneur.

After a disappointing early career experience in oil and gas — he said he was fired for breaking the rules and possibly asking the wrong questions — he traveled the world searching for his next path. With his belongings in two backpacks, he wandered throughout South America, Europe, Africa and Asia for a year.

One day, on a train in Germany, he saw countless rooftops covered in solar panels. The promise of the sun drew him to renewables and, in 2014, the launch of Texas-based Good Faith Energy.

The company, one of Texas's fastest-growing residential solar installers, is the leading national installer for the SPAN smart electrical panel and the Tesla Solar Roof, a fully integrated solar and energy storage system.

Join us to learn how Mohammed capitalized on setbacks and failures to build a nationally recognized leader in distributed solar and storage. He considers his company "a movement and a lifestyle, a family and community." It's a profoundly personal and interesting story you'll enjoy hearing as much as I did.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

556: Is 'Renewable' Propane Really Clean Energy or Just Hype? Dec 27, 2022

I’m no fan of the hype train and misdirection foisted upon us by much of the traditional fossil fuel industry. So, when I met Tucker Perkins, president and CEO of the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC), I was happy to “entertain” a phone call to hear why he believes renewable propane can be dubbed a clean and sustainable energy source. Truthfully, I had zero intention of ever having him on the show. But after a delightful 30 minute jousting match over zoom, I was convinced that there was more to his narrative than meets the eye, and that it’d make a fun and entertaining (at the very least) episode for the SunCast faithful. And, I actually learned quite alot!

As Tucker explains, renewable propane — sometimes called biopropane, bioLPG, eco-propane and rLPG — is a drop-in replacement for traditional propane produced from petroleum refining. Rather than oil or natural gas, the sources of renewable propane include biomass, biogas, municipal solid waste and even corn or sugarcane.

In today's eye-opening Tactical Tuesday, Tucker shares his vision of the potential of renewable propane and Nico challenges him on its role in the future of green energy. Tucker believes "safe, reliable and economical" renewable propane is part of the solution for an energy-efficient future.

Will you agree? Or do you believe it’s just part of the massive greenwashing happening right now across the fossil fuel industry to convince consumers that “it’s not that bad” and “there are ‘clean-er’ options to how we’ve been doing this.”?

PERC, operated and funded by the propane industry, views renewable propane as a viable energy source for powering homes, businesses, and vehicles due to its high energy density, clean burning characteristics, and cost-effectiveness.

This episode takes me out of my comfort zone, as I reach across the aisle to explore renewable propane as an alternative to synthetic or fossil fuels like natural gas, oil, or gasoline.

One key question I come away with “Is renewable propane, as it's generally called in the United States, the best term for this fuel?”

Tucker and I discuss this in depth and I admire Tucker’s willingness to engage. Please tune in to learn more about an alternative fuel that can potentially help us power our world, sustain our quality of life, and promote the justice and equity we seek.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

555: Marketing Experts on How to Raise Brand Awareness, Lauren Glickman, Tor Valenza and Nico talk details Dec 23, 2022

It’s a holiday weekend, so I’ll keep the reading short for you.

Every so often, I try to convene my close friends who are working in the trenches doing the guerilla and grass roots marketing helping our industry grow. Two-such folks are Tor “Solar Fred” Valenza, and Lauren “Windy Glick” Glickman, and I’ve truly come to admire and respect them both. I ask them a ton of questions in this conversation all about how they help their clients navigate the world of new media, social, podcasts, etc, and get more than a handful of tactical and immediately useful answers. As you head into 2023, I suggest you play this episode more-than-once, and take notes. It’ll come in handy.

Here are a few of the main themes we discussed:

The importance of having a personal brand in your digital marketing - 3:21

How do you build a Twitter following on social?

>(including who on your team should have (and use) Twitter, - 5:39

How Lauren uses Twitter as a thought leader to connect with interesting people - 11:39

How important is a content calendar for your digital media campaigns? - 15:47

When to post on LinkedIn and when not to - 21:30

The importance of having a clear vision for what you want to be saying - 25:11

How to find people with a platform, not build your own platform - 29:27

Insider tips for getting and leveraging interviews on podcasts - 30:31

This episode really is chock-full of great advice directly from the front lines, battle tested and ready for you to deploy.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

554: Solar Clears the Way for Clean Energy — for Everyone, Everywhere, with Adrienne Pierce, CEO New Sun Road Dec 22, 2022

Many folks have heard the term microgrid in the energy transition context, and today's podcast will give you critical insights about their use and potential. Our guest is Adrienne Pierce, CEO of New Sun Road, a Richmond, California-based for-profit public benefit company (PBC). It’s really coincidental that this particular episode publishes the same week that >70K Northern CA residents are without power due to a 6.4 Earthquake! You’ll hear solutions that Adrienne and Co are working on that could help make these kinds of mass outages significantly less impactful (if they happen at all) to the daily lives of many in that PG&E territory.

Adrienne aims to make a global impact for productive purposes. Her company is developing data-driven Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that could accelerate renewable energy deployment and access for remote communities.

A Fellow Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Adrienne has gained extensive experience through multiple roles in corporations and nonprofits, in technical product marketing, organizational development and building partnerships in environmental and semiconductor industries.

Today she details how New Sun Road uses technology-agnostic, resilient and cost-effective microgrids to advance worldwide solar deployments.

Join us to learn more about New Sun Road's vision and mission and how it aligns with Adrienne's skills and experience. I have been privileged to get to know her and am excited to share her insights.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

553: What Is Regenerative Energy? Is Silicon Ranch Onto Something? Ask Michael Baute, VP Carbon Removal at Silicon Ranch Dec 20, 2022

Today's Tactical Tuesday gives you an overview of regenerative energy — a transformative new standard of excellence for solar power plant design, construction, and operations that normalizes regenerative agriculture practices on solar farm sites.

"If you’ve never heard about the amazing potential of regenerative agriculture and land use practices to naturally sequester a critical mass of CO2 in the soil and forests, you’re not alone. One of the best-kept secrets in the world today is that the solution to global warming and the climate crisis (as well as poverty and deteriorating public health) lies right under our feet, and at the end of our knives and forks." - Ronnie Cummins, Regeneration International Steering Committee Member

Our guest today, Michael Baute, believes in the power of Regenerative Agriculture to help ensure solar farms care for the arable land and communities where they reside. Solar occupies the property on which it’s built for upwards of 25 or more years, and Michael realized from his training in sustainable agriculture the possibility to utilize that land not just to avoid generating power from fossil fuels but to actually sequester CO2, thus giving the asset double duty!

Now Michael, Vice President of Regenerative Energy & Carbon Removal at Nashville-based Silicon Ranch, is helping one of the country's largest independent solar power producers provide not just clean energy, but carbon negative solutions.

Founded in 2011, Silicon Ranch Corporation (SRC) provides customized renewable energy, carbon, and battery storage solutions to various partners in the U.S. and Canada. Its portfolio includes more than 4 gigawatts of solar and battery storage systems contracted, under construction, or operating. We covered the amazing trajectory of SRC through the story of one co-founder, Reagan Farr, back in Episode 399 of SunCast.

Silicon Ranch pioneered utility-scale solar in the Tennessee Valley and has continued as the region's market leader through 35 operating facilities.

It owns and operates all projects in its portfolio and promotes a holistic approach to land management. Michael tells us how Silicon Ranch co-locates clean electricity generation and regenerative agriculture to provide further environmental, economic, and community benefits.

Silicon Ranch trademarked its co-location process as Regenerative Energy™, and Michael shares how this creates added value for its customers and communities, as well as how they have decided to share their strategies and processes so more developers can adopt these practices.. Join us for a fascinating conversation.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

552: What's Missing As We Build The Clean Energy Revolution? Dec 16, 2022

Fellow solar warrior and podcaster, Nate Jovanelly, took over the PowerUp Media Zone studio at RE+ to lead the Industry Pulse segment, with support from Enerflo, at Noon each day during the annual conference in September. The segment highlighted the leaders, trends & opportunities in the industry in 10-minute bits of advice and insight.

In this compilation episode, we have pulled together several of the interviews that we believe best capture the essence of the Industry Pulse segment so you can learn and grow as we round out the week. If you missed the show, or any of our past replays of the Live content, you can see them along with ALL of the Industry Pulse segments in their full glory (where Nate interviewed more than a dozen guests throughout the week!) at www.suncast.live where we have listed out EACH and every interview in the exact order & schedule as they appeared during the show.

I know you’ll get a ton of value from the conversations today ranging from Hiring best practices (Alex/BayWa RE) and the Inflation Reduction Act (Abby/SEIA) to Entrepreneurship and Culture-building (Pat/Enerflo) and Consolidation and growth in the Residential Solar industry (Brian/Brighton). Nate curated an all-star lineup that really delivered at the show.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

551: Squeezing More Money From Clean, Green Energy. Soluna Computing CEO John Belizaire’s promise to Sell.Every.Megawatt and End Curtailment Forever. Dec 15, 2022

Today's conversation is a wide-ranging look at how to provide reliable power using renewables while mitigating intermittency and helping Independent Power Producers (IPPs) deal with the annoying curtailment problem through novel software and hardware solutions. Been wondering when I’d do an episode on Bitcoin mining + Renewables? Buckle up and let’s roll.

"Curtailment" occurs when a clean energy electric generating system is prevented from exporting to the grid or is temporarily shut down by the grid operator (usually because of a glut of electricity in the market), effectively wasting energy.

Many people have talked about this issue, but few have delivered on it like John Belizaire, CEO of Soluna.

Soluna Holdings develops green data centers that convert excess renewable energy into global computing resources. Soluna builds modular, scalable data centers for computing-intensive, batchable applications such as cryptocurrency mining, AI and machine learning.

John said Soluna provides a cost-effective alternative to battery storage or transmission lines by using technology and intentional design to solve complex, real-world challenges. It's addressing significant changes in the electric grid — away from power plants fired by coal, oil and gas that contribute to climate change — to more sustainable green electricity generation.

But even the staunchest supporters of clean electricity acknowledge the industry is dealing with growing pains, including curtailment. John said up to 30% of renewable energy goes to waste. To address it, Soluna is building data centers that enable clean electricity asset owners to 'Sell. Every. Megawatt.'

In today's podcast, John breaks down Soluna's mission and how its solutions address curtailment. Join us for insights on an increasingly critical renewables issue.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

550: B2B Marketing That Works Better Than Your Expectations Dec 13, 2022

Everyone talks about B2B marketing these days, often without a clear understanding of its meaning or importance. So today, we shine a light on business-to-business or B2B marketing to gain a better perspective on the term and, most importantly, strategies for maximizing your B2B renewable energy-focused marketing investments.

Our conversation includes top renewable industry marketers Naveed Hasan, director of external affairs and marketing at Sungrow North America; Kathy Heilmann, vice president of marketing at Shoals Technologies Group; Kristan Kirsh, vice president of global marketing at Nextracker; and Tom Weirich, senior marketing manager EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA).

These four industry experts share all you need to know about marketing aimed at individual companies and their decision-makers as customers. There are some similarities as well as significant differences between B2B and B2C — that is, business-to-consumer marketing — and we'll hear all about it in this engaging podcast.

Today's episode is a rebroadcast from the RE+ PowerUp Media Zone, a live production of SunCast Media.

And you can watch all the live broadcasts from the Media Zone at www.suncast.live!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

549: These Smart Companies Think Smart Homes Are Going Mainstream (Google, Sunrun & SPAN) Dec 09, 2022

Homeowners are on a remarkable journey toward more convenient living through connected technology. Adopting things like smart thermostats, lighting, network cameras, door locks, and garage door openers is moving from an early market dominated by innovators and early adopters to the Early Majority — or mainstream — market.

We're finally Crossing the Chasm, and today's guests have some relevant insights to share about the future of smart home technology. Our conversation includes industry experts Hannah Bascom, Ryan Harris, and Chris Rauscher. It was part of the RE+ PowerUp Media Zone, a live production of SunCast Media.

Hannah was head of Energy Partnerships at Google, leading the team developing industry and ecosystem partnerships for Nest Renew and other energy-related products and services at the time we recorded the show in September.

She's since joined Ryan at SPAN — creator of the SPAN smart electrical panel and SPAN Drive smart EV charger. Ryan is the company's Chief Revenue Officer, and Hannah is now its vice president of Regulated Business. (I had No idea of this forthcoming change at the time! haha)

And returning guest, Chris Rauscher, is the senior director of Market Development and Policy at Sunrun, which provides photovoltaic (PV) systems and battery energy storage products primarily for residential customers.

Join us to learn more about the evolving customer journey and how companies make it easier for homeowners to electrify and decarbonize their homes with beautiful products.

And you can watch ALL the live broadcast segments from the RE+ PowerUp Media Zone at www.suncast.live if you missed them!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

548: Success Secrets: Real Estate, Money And Taming The Solar Coaster Dec 08, 2022

Jerry Coleman is a serial entrepreneur with a passion (and quite a track record) for developing and growing companies on a national scale.

Over the past 20 years, Jerry has co-founded and cultivated multiple real estate-related ventures throughout the US, including Invitation Homes, the $10Billion real estate juggernaut in partnership with Blackstone. So it was no surprise when he turned his attention to solar in 2014, nor that the resulting enterprise has become a successful & respected national player in the residential solar market.

Along with his longtime business partner, Jerry co-founded Elevation Solar, in his home state of Arizona, to package their real estate and finance acumen and deliver homeowners innovative energy solutions while increasing real estate values.

Jerry’s law degree and undergraduate in accounting form the connective tissue that has helped him tie real estate and finance together — so he quickly recognized them as keys to scaling a business in the solar industry. We unpack many gems of business advice with this seasoned serial entrepreneur. It’s a rare glimpse into the mindset of someone who’s scaled multiple businesses and understands the secrets to success.

I hope you join us today to hear more about this entrepreneur's intriguing ideas, ventures, and background.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

547: How To Master The Solar Coaster: Utility-scale Insights From 2 Expert Analysts, Special guests from Wood Mackenzie & SEIA Dec 06, 2022

Sylvia Leyva Martinez, a senior analyst in Wood Mackenzie's Power and Renewables team, and Shawn Rumery, senior research Director at the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), discuss significant trends in the U.S. solar market in this timely Tactical Tuesday.

The quarterly SEIA/Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables U.S. Solar Market Insight is the longest-running solar industry trends report. It has been tracking deployments across all four market segments — residential, commercial, utility-scale, and community solar — since 2010.

The U.S. Solar Market Insight Q3 2022, released in September, provides an early look at how the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will transform America's energy economy. Forecasts suggest the IRA will help the U.S. solar market grow 40% over baseline projections through 2027, equal to 62 gigawatts (GW) of additional solar capacity.

Wood Mackenzie predicts the utility-scale sector will lead the solar industry's growth during the next five years with 162 GW of new capacity. Cumulative solar installations across all market segments will nearly triple, growing from 129 GW today to 336 GW by 2027.

Today's episode is a rebroadcast from the RE+ PowerUp Media Zone, a live production of SunCast Media.

And you can watch ALL the live broadcasts from the Media Zone at www.suncast.live!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

546: Can THIS Put More Money In Solar Developers' Pockets? Jim Spano|Sol-REIT, and guest host, Tim Montague! Dec 02, 2022

Solar industry leader and returning guest, Jim Spano, helped develop the solar market in the mid-Atlantic region — and now he's bringing a new innovative product to market. New York City-based Sol-REIT is a unique solar financing platform that aims to give developers a new option and keep more of the project for themselves while also providing much-needed scaleable financing to the middle market.

It's the first investment product to bring the novel model of real estate investment trusts (REITs) to the solar energy market. By financing solar in the same way as real estate, Sol-REIT can offer long-term, fixed-rate, lower-cost debt that matches the operational life of assets.

Jim, the co-founder and head of originations at Sol-REIT, wants to "break the solar industry free of the binds of niche financing."

On today's podcast, Tim Montague, fellow podcaster and also a developer himself, joins the show as a stand-in host and chat w/Jim about his latest venture.

The conversation was part of the RE+ PowerUp Media Zone, a live production of SunCast Media.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

545: Shipping Is Dirty And Antiquated: This Guy Has A Solution. Matt Heider, CEO Nautilus Labs Dec 01, 2022

Matt Heider is CEO of Nautilus Labs, which is using artificial intelligence (AI) to create more efficient ocean commerce. While shipping is an adjacent category to our usual renewable focused podcasts, Matt has earned a spot. Before Nautilus, he built sales and account management systems at software startups that have grown to unicorns and worked for IBM on its famous Watson team. Now, he’s trained his attention to advancing the efficiency of ocean commerce (ie, cleaning up the wasteful shipping industry we all rely on!)

Forbes recently named him to its Next 1000, a list of ambitious and inspiring leaders redefining what it means to run a business today and create meaningful change.

Matt has an inspiring story about the woefully antiquated global shipping industry that he believes can use AI for a more sustainable tomorrow.

Shipping is responsible for 3% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and will grow significantly by 2050 if left unchecked. Matt and his team envision delivering a clear alternative to the shipping companies that currently emit hundreds of tons of pollution daily.

We discuss how his software can maximize the profit of every voyage and the yield on every vessel, all the while pulling this antiquated industry out of actual paper tracking and into the 21st century!

Stick around. You'll want to listen to the rest of this conversation.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

544: What Every Community Solar Developer Needs to Know About the IRA, Presented by Perch Energy Nov 29, 2022

Welcome to another Tactical Tuesday on SunCast, where we bring you subject-matter expertise, deep insights, and content from our many live broadcasts and trainings. Today's episode is rebroadcast from the RE+ PowerUp Media Zone, a live production of SunCast Media.

The Media Zone featured interviews with industry thought leaders, executives and founders to glean their insights about trends and forecasts. Bruce Stewart, president and CEO of Perch Energy, a clean energy tech services platform and provider of community solar services, leads this discussion on what every community solar developer needs to know about the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022. He speaks with three solar notables to gain their insights from accounting, banking and legal perspectives:

Tony Grappone is a partner in the Andover, Massachusetts, office of Novogradac. He provides accounting, tax and consulting services to developers, syndicators and investors of developments that qualify for federal and state tax incentives.
Adam Altenhofen is a senior vice president of U.S. Bank's Environmental Finance Group, where he leads the development of new products, structures, and services.
Bryan Didier is a partner at Leverage Law Group in Leawood, Kansas, where his specialties include Renewable Energy Tax Credits.

If you want to connect with us and find more ways to grow your business, your career, or your influence, you should check out our amazing Discord community!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

543: Sunnova CEO John Berger, On Enron, Innovation And The Future Of Solar Nov 23, 2022

John Berger is a renewable energy veteran deep in the heart of “Energy” country, as we discussed back in Episode 465. And he’s built more than one successful renewable energy company, but most of you will recognize him as the CEO of Sunnova Energy, the publicly traded solar giant that has helped usher in the modern residential solar revolution.

He founded Sunnova in 2012 and has served since as CEO, president and board chair. An energy entrepreneur with more than two decades of industry experience, he supports free market competition, consumer choice and the advancement of technology to power energy independence.

Houston-based Sunnova is an Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) provider that wants to make clean, renewable energy more accessible, reliable, and affordable by providing "better energy service at a better price."

Today's podcast focuses on the perspective of one of the most influential solar services companies in the United States and arguably the world. We'll explore his thoughts on energy transformation, what it means for consumer choice, and how his experience informs his vision for a renewable energy future.

If you're a regular listener, you may recall John's insights from Episodes 113 & 465. It's always interesting to hear from John because he's a clean-energy prophet in the heart of the United States' oil and gas country.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

542: How to double solar customer value through follow-on sales, an all-star panel shares their secrets! Nov 21, 2022

Today's special edition podcast offers practical, tactical advice on getting the most from your customer relationships. Through an all-star panel discussion led by Bodhi CEO Scott Nguyen, you'll learn how to double the value of your solar customers through follow-on sales.

Join us for insights from Ryan Barnett, market development officer at Palmetto; Preston Booker, head of strategic accounts at BayWa r.e. Solar Systems; Adam Hinckley, vice president, Corporate Development at Enphase Energy; and Mark Liffmann, co-founder and CEO of Omnidian.

You'll hear excellent perspectives on follow-up sales for solar companies and discover how solar installers can help cultivate more sales through thoughtful customer relations.

This Bodhi Media Zone Takeover was part of the RE+ PowerUp Media Zone, a live production of SunCast Media.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

541: Why Falling in Love With Failure Matters So Much, with Piper Wilder, 60Hertz Energy Nov 17, 2022

Piper Foster Wilder is the co-founder and CEO of 60Hertz Energy, the first maintenance software purpose-built for distributed energy resources (DER). DERs are physical and virtual assets deployed across the distribution grid, typically close to load and usually behind the meter, and used individually or in aggregate to provide value to the grid, individual customers, or both.

Anchorage, Alaska-based 60Hertz's remote management platform enables maintenance personnel to optimize the potential of solar, wind, battery energy storage systems (BESS), microgrids and backup diesel assets.

In today's podcast, Piper and I explore the growth of 60Hertz and her commitment to creating meaningful work. Her company supports the energy transition while making the best of existing diesel-fueled microgrids.

Regular listeners may recall her appearance on Episode 457 when she advised how to work with electric cooperatives.

Piper is a thoughtful entrepreneur. She has an interesting role as a non-technical founder of a company that enables microgrids and their managers to use their assets more effectively and efficiently. You'll enjoy the conversation as we unpack how Piper successfully created this entrepreneurial venture.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

540: The IRA Solves One Problem, But Creates Another, with Andy Redinger of KeyBanc Capital Markets Nov 15, 2022

In today's Tactical Tuesday, we talk with Andy Redinger, head of the Utilities, Power & Renewable Energy Group at KeyBanc Capital Markets (KBCM).

KBCM is Cleveland-based KeyCorp's corporate and investment banking arm. It's North America's leading renewables project finance lender and provides services to clean technology firms in the power generation, smart grid, energy management, and pollution control sectors.

Andy discusses KeyBank's response to a spate of fast followers in the renewable energy lending space, examines the role of construction and term debt and equity, and looks at lessons learned from the unfortunate demise of yieldcos. (Yieldcos are tools for financing clean energy projects with cheap stock market capital from a diverse pool of dividend-focused investors, and it was once a very popular option for wind and solar development platforms.)

Andy gives his perspective on the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which includes extensions and enhancements to existing tax credits to spur the development of renewable energy projects. "It was like throwing gasoline on a roaring bonfire," Andy said.

Why does he think that? Tune in to find out that and more about financing renewable energy projects.

The conversation was part of the RE+ PowerUp Media Zone, a live production of SunCast Media.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

539: Democratizing Energy for Everyone, One Smart Solar Battery at Time, with Electriq’s Aric Saunders Nov 10, 2022

Hawaii native Aric Saunders is a clean energy champion well versed in reaching low to moderate-income communities, creating innovative products, and integrating storage into the grid. Aric is the executive vice president of sales and marketing for Electriq Power, a battery storage company in San Leandro, California. He joined the company as director of business development in 2017 to advise their residential energy storage and go-to-market strategy.

Electriq has developed a smart home battery storage solution for homes and small businesses that helps owners harness the power of smart batteries to achieve a more renewable energy solution.

A serial entrepreneur, Aric leverages more than a decade of renewable experience built on a foundation of real estate development. Before Electriq, he founded three companies in Hawaii and brought a first-for-Hawaii residential financing product to the market, which we discuss in today's episode.

You'll hear how he has incorporated sales operations, product management, and finance into an interesting and diverse career.

If you're curious about how the battery storage markets are growing and how the recently passed US Inflation Reduction Act will affect it, tune in to learn more.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

538: How Sungrow Keeps Its Global Edge in Inverters Nov 08, 2022

Perhaps you’ve noticed, but over the past year, I've built a strong friendship with the folks at Sungrow, the leading global inverter solution supplier for renewables. SunCast is presented by Sungrow, afterall, and they are the world’s most bankable inverter brand. But I have known many people who work at nearly all the other inverter manufacturers, and we’ve been sponsored by some of them here at SunCast. But I wondered, what is it that makes Sungrow unique? Why are they the most bankable, and most preferred brand by so many EPCs and Project owners?

Sungrow has installed more than 224 GW globally since it was founded in 1997 — and 47 GW in 2021 alone. And it turns out, Sungrow is also the leader in the research and development (R&D) of solar inverters with the largest dedicated R&D team in the industry and a broad product portfolio offering photovoltaic (PV) inverter solutions and energy storage systems for utility-scale, commercial and industrial (C&I), residential and floating PV plant solutions.

So I'm excited to host today's Tactical Tuesday with Hank Wang, president of Sungrow Americas. Hank credits the company's enviable position in the market to product and service excellence and steady investment in the Americas. In fact, Sungrow outspends all of its competitors in R&D.

Join us today to hear how Sungrow maintains its market-leading position and continues to innovate to enhance its product's performance, quality and stability.

Today's conversation was part of the RE+ PowerUp Media Zone, a live production of SunCast Media.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

537: 'People Are The Heart Of Renewable Energy Project Development', With Industry Veteran CEO Kimberlee Centera, TerraPro Nov 03, 2022

Kimberlee Centera is one of the few female CEOs of a privately held, privately funded utility-scale renewable energy consulting practice. As the founder and CEO of San Diego-based TerraPro Solutions, she's earned an enviable reputation as a risk management expert for developing and financing large-scale energy projects. She and her team have financed more than 12 gigawatts of wind, solar, and energy storage projects valued at more than $6 billion.

For Kimberlee, renewables are personal — and her objective is to protect families, communities and Mother Earth. And her real-life stories, anecdotes and checklists prove not only incredibly valuable but instructive and entertaining to us as well as her many clients who are saving the planet one clean energy power plant at a time.

In today’s podcast, we dig into practical and specific ways to mitigate risk in your projects and learn from Kimberlee's decades-long experience (seriously, she was responsible for land acquisition for AES!). You'll benefit from Kimberlee's deep knowledge and understanding of how solar projects come together and how the renewables industry has developed over the past 30 years

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

536: 10 Millionth Solar Design, $200 Million Series D, How Aurora Empowers the Solar Industry With Mission-Critical Digital Tools, with Co-founders Chris Hopper & Sam Adeyemo Nov 01, 2022

Stanford Business School grads Chris Hopper and Sam Adeyemo founded Aurora Solar in 2012 with a mission to reduce solar design costs. They created software that quickly and accurately designs rooftop panels through aerial photos, eliminating the need for the installer to climb on the roof with a tape measure. And it fast-became the industry standard digital tool that every residential solar installer needed in order to empower their increasingly digital-first sales orgs.

In today's Tactical Tuesday, a live conversation from our recent PowerUp Media Zone at RE+ in September, Chris, Aurora's CEO, and Sam, its Chief Revenue Officer, talk about the Menlo Park, California-based company's incredible track record and the origin of its industry-leading software platform. Now a leading software for residential and commercial PV sales and design, Aurora is used in about 100,000 PV systems designs every month by more than 7,000 installers across the globe. And, they recently hit 2 huge milestones - their 10 Millionth solar project design on the platform, and a massive $200 Million Series D fundraising. It’s the first time I’ve had the opportunity to interview both Founders at the same time, and we took full advantage of the moment.

Regular listeners may remember my first conversation with Sam on Episode 199. And in Episode 394, we shared news of Aurora's acquisition of a leading competitor, Folsom Labs, the developer of HelioScope, a leading software platform for the commercial solar sector. As the two teams became one, they benefited from a larger engineering team, a global user base and an expanded product suite.

Coinciding with the release of this episode, Aurora is also presenting their annual Empower Virtual Conference, which is a Free 2-day event designed to provide inspiration and education to empower our community with greater insights and community gatherings. And they lined up legendary Hollywood actor, Edward Norton, to keynote today’s kickoff at 9:30am PT - so if you are reading this in time, you should head over and Register so you don’t miss that as well!

Today's conversation was part of the RE+ PowerUp Media Zone, a live production of SunCast Media.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

535: Turning Entire Neighborhoods Into Better Power Plants, w/Geoff Ferrell of sonnen Oct 27, 2022

Geoff Ferrell is vice president of virtual power plants (VPP) and commercial and industrial (C&I) project business at sonnen, a German-based global energy storage provider fully owned by Royal Dutch Shell.

A pioneer for intelligent lithium-based energy storage, sonnen offers customers energy storage and digital energy services like the sonnenBatterie, which optimizes residential solar power and supplies energy at night using stored solar power generated during the day. It built a reputation by pioneering storage technology and combining it with new business models for a decentralized energy system, like virtual power plants.

In today's podcast, Geoff talks about evolving his role from a buyer of sonnen products to one of its top executives.

Before joining sonnen in 2020, Geoff was chief technology officer at Mandalay Homes, where he championed technological innovations in home building and building science. Mandalay Homes is an energy-efficient production home builder in Northern Arizona, and Geoff helped it win the U.S. Department of Energy's Zero Energy Ready Housing Innovation Award 12 times.

Geoff has experience in energy management, environmental building practices and, importantly, using sonnen's residential products. He weaves that knowledge through today's conversation, which stretches from his birth in Las Vegas through "falling in love" with residential construction and nurturing his interest in solar.

Join us for a great discussion about Geoff's career trajectory from a potential pilot to a solar warrior bringing cutting-edge renewables and energy storage to the world.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

534: How Better Battery-Based Energy Storage Will Save Power Grids, w/ Fluence’s Head of Growth, Kiran Kumaraswamy Oct 25, 2022

Kiran Kumaraswamy is a high-caliber energy storage executive focused on the commercialization of technology — specifically, architecting the techno-economic analysis and justification of deployment of hardtech like batteries. He’s had a lot of practice, which contributed in-part to his rise to Vice President of Growth and Head of Commercial Business at Fluence, a global energy storage technology and services company created and backed by Siemens and AES.

Kiran is an engineer who can translate technology to make it easy for customers to understand and teams to model and deploy. I was lucky enough to get an Hour with him at the recent RE-Plus show, so I dig into precisely how he has helped bring such transformative products and business models to life.

So, it’s a longer Tactical Tuesday than usual, but well-worth the investment.

After earning his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Madras in India and a master's in engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he took a course in energy economics.

"That's how I learned about the beautiful nature of power markets, asset trading, and a bunch of related things," he said.

In today's Tactical Tuesday, Kiran shared insights on the "generational opportunities" created by the recently passed US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), stabilizing the supply chain, and how innovative technology is impacting the future of the potential $200 billion energy storage market in the United States.

Today’s conversation was part of the RE+ PowerUp Media Zone, a live production of SunCast Media.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

533: What You Need To Know About Mainspring Energy's Low-Emission, Fuel Flexible Generator, with CEO, Shannon Miller Oct 20, 2022

Shannon Miller is the chief executive officer and co-founder of Mainspring Energy — a Menlo Park, California company that sees itself as part of the affordable, reliable, net-zero carbon grid of the future.

She leads the design, manufacture, and commercialization of the Mainspring Linear Generator, whose fuel-agnostic design enables it to adjust dynamically for varying fuel quality and different types of fuels. Those fuels include renewables such as biogas, green ammonia, and green hydrogen — which is why many of you solar warriors will want to listen to this podcast.

This innovative generator aims to increase grid reliability and resilience while accelerating the transition to clean fuels. How does it do that? Where did the idea originate? And how did Mainspring grow from zero in 2010 to near unicorn status?

We'll explore all those questions in today's conversation with Shannon, a remarkable woman who holds a bachelor's, master's and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Stanford University and was recognized in 2012 by the MIT Technology Review as one of "35 Innovators Under 35." And just this month, she was recognized for advancing women’s leadership in clean energy as one of only 9 annual DOE awardees for the C3E initiative.

Mainspring Energy has raised nearly a half a billion in funding, including $290 in the Series E round announced only a few weeks ago. That's no small feat.

A former National Science Foundation Fellow, Shannon received funding from the Global Climate Energy Project to advance her research at Stanford on improving fuel conversion efficiency to electricity. She collaborated with Mainspring Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer Matt Svrcek to design and develop the early prototype that served as the foundation for Mainspring's linear generator technology.

Join us to learn more about how Shannon, Matt and Chief Product Officer Adam Simpson, the company's third co-founder, combined low cost and low emissions with high efficiency, fuel flexibility, and full dispatchability to create the Mainspring Linear Generator.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

532: AES’s innovation culture, 24/7 carbon free energy, Agrivoltiacs and more with Woody Rubin, Chief Development Officer Oct 18, 2022

The AES Corporation has dominated almost every category it's ever embraced, and clean energy is no exception. In today's Tactical Tuesday, you'll learn how the Arlington, Virginia-based global power company is building on an innovative work culture to grow its renewable energy portfolio.

Woody Rubin, Chief Development Officer (CDO) at AES's wholly-owned clean energy development business, credited the company's success to a "straight climb up of incremental growth" at an "unbelievable scale." He also points to the company’s cultural focus on innovation and ability to embrace new technology risk as key elements of the success AES has garnered in transitioning from a traditional fossil fuel power company to a clean energy powerhouse.

Woody joined AES in 2014 when it moved into the distributed solar market with the acquisition of Main Street Power. Woody was a senior vice president and general counsel for Boulder, Colorado-based Main Street, a distributed solar project developer in the 300-kilowatt to 5-megawatt range. Even though Main Street was a small team within a large company, Woody said AES had "the DNA for the kind of innovation and agility it takes to scale up a renewables business."

AES has evolved its clean energy business through mergers and acquisitions, growing its team from 30 to 900 people in the past eight years and over 4.5 Gigawatts of operating powerplants. It’s working with its customers like Google to co-create and deliver smarter, greener energy solutions that meet their needs, including 24/7 carbon-free energy.

Tune in today to hear the practical, tactical strategies AES is using — and learn more about the award winning company itself, which has earned successive accolades for innovation and ethics.

Today’s conversation was part of the RE+ PowerUp Media Zone, a live production of SunCast Media.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

531: 8 Amazing Cleantech Podcasters Offer Insights on Industry Trends (Quarterly Podcasters Roundtable) Oct 14, 2022

Six leading clean energy advocates join me and my friend Mike Casey on Episode 6 of our quarterly Cleantech Podcaster’s Roundtable.

The rich, one-hour discussion about energy trends, developments, challenges and opportunities is brought to you by Tigercomm, a cleantech public relations and marketing firm, and my company, SunCast Media.

What are the leading trends in renewables and clean energy? Tune in for insights from the hosts of notable podcasts like Watts Up, Climate Positive, Clean Power Hour, Freeing Energy, The Solar Coaster, Political Climate, ScalingClean and, of course, SunCast.

From thermal and hydrogen to micro grids, hybridization and US policy changes, the conversation is lively, informed and well worth your time.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

530: Today Is The Most Important Thing — Not Tomorrow; Nobel Chang on Building with Purpose Oct 13, 2022

I like to believe that SunCast opens the door for both you and our guests to be vulnerable with the stories that drive us forward. Today’s episode is one of the more vulnerable and impactful stories I’ve had the privilege of recording, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help our guest, Nobel Chang, discuss the underlying motivations and life lessons that inform how he lives, works and seeks to better the world around him. A special thank you to Nobel for trusting me with his story, and to you dear listener for trusting that we will honor your most important investment, your time.

Nobel Chang is a co-founder and managing partner of Jacksonville, Florida-based Palladium Energy, a utility-scale solar investor and developer. Since its founding in 2019, the company has built upon the track records of its principals to develop, finance, construct, and operate solar, wind, gas and biomass projects in the US and internationally.

Palladium's core team collectively has more than 50 years of experience in power generation, including renewable and conventional resources. Nobel began his solar career in 2009 at Topco Scientific, a Taiwanese semiconductor company. He spent more than five years at Topco, first building off-grid systems for rural applications in Africa and Asia and then expanding to project management in the United States.

Today's podcast follows Nobel's journey from real estate development to solar entrepreneur. He shares how he capitalized on his learnings at Topco to start a development shop of his own in 2014 and, five years later, co-found Palladium. He also shares some of his fascinating life hacks to ensure success and effective leadership.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

529: How Clean Power Research Is Driving Energy Transformation Oct 11, 2022

Jeff Ressler explained how he learned to leverage data and software to improve customers' lives in SunCast Episode 221. He returns for today's Tactical Tuesday to tell us how his company's cloud software services are powering the energy transformation.

Jeff is the CEO of Clean Power Research, which provides cloud solutions for utility workflow automation, customer engagement and solar data services. I reconnected with Jeff and met his company's product manager, Akanksha Bhat, at the September 2022 RE+ conference in Anaheim, California.

RE+ is the clean energy industry's largest and most comprehensive event in North America, and SunCast was proud to sponsor its PowerUp Media Zone.

Before taking the CEO role in 2017, Jeff spent 10 years leading the company's software team. He built Clean Power Research into a trusted Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provider that informs, streamlines and values energy-related decisions and processes for utilities, energy professionals and consumers worldwide.

Akanksha is a product manager on the SolarAnywhere team at Clean Power Research. She focuses on how solar developers, owners and other stakeholders can use SolarAnywhere's data and intelligence solutions to make better energy decisions.

Join me for fascinating insights on the evolution of data use by developers and enterprises and why accurate forecasts are imperative across a solar project's lifespan.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

528: EDPR’s Sandhya Ganapathy on becoming #RebelsForChange Oct 06, 2022

It's no surprise that Sandhya Ganapathy describes herself as a passionate proponent of clean energy. Sandhya is the CEO of EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA) and a member of the Management Team of EDP Renewables (EDPR).

EDPR is a global leader in renewable energy and the world's fourth-largest wind energy producer. Working there, Sandhya said, is a chance to constantly uncover new ways to put "seed into the ground" — and "harness the powers of the sun and the wind and make a difference for a better tomorrow."

Sandhya joined EDPR in 2012 as Head of Investments and Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) North America. It was a pivot from her earlier roles in banking. "I wanted to be where the world was moving towards in terms of not only energy but also focus and infrastructure investment. And then I started thinking about renewables, obviously," she recalled.

From 2017 to her CEO appointment in early 2022, she served as Global Head of Investments and M&A, responsible for M&A, investment and capital allocation decisions, and asset rotation for EDPR across its geographies. She was also a member of EDPR's investment committee.

Sandhya has extensive experience in renewable energy evaluations, leading acquisitions and evaluating investments enabling geographical and asset class diversification. She ran EDPR's asset rotation or self-financing strategy, putting herself at the helm of one of the company's core income generators and critical enablers of future growth.

Before joining EDPR, Sandhya worked as an investment banker for more than a decade with regional and global banks across multiple geographies. She holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Carnegie Mellon and is a Chartered Accountant from India.

Join us to hear how this ambitious woman from a very small city in India's southernmost state of Kerala is making a big impact on the global clean energy stage.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

527: Rnd 5 American Made Challenge Winners Announced! Live from RE+ Media Zone Oct 05, 2022

The American-Made program is your fast track to the clean energy revolution. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, it incentivizes innovation through prizes, training, teaming, and mentoring, connecting the nation’s entrepreneurs and innovators to America’s national labs and the private sector. The prize, now in its 6th round, recently awarded the 5th round of innovators with millions of dollars to help bring their startup ideas to the world.

James Nagel and David Penalva, Co-Founders of HelioVolta were two of the American-Made Solar Prize winners. They joined Nico Johnson and Sarah Gomach on the PowerUp Media Zone stage at RE+ in Anaheim, CA on September 21st. The founders discussed the purpose of HelioVolta and how they plan to use the cash award (and non-cash prizes) to continue building their company. SolarGrade, developed by HelioVolta, is a field work management software that helps decrease downtime and increase uptime. They plan to grow the team and continue to implement their technology in the field.

Two hardware teams, Origami Solar, represented by Eric Hafter and TECSI Solar represented by Samuel Truthseeker joined the stage as well to talk about their technologies and growing companies. Origami Solar intends to reverse the solar industry’s reliance on aluminum, unlocking dramatic cost savings and reducing environmental impact (GHG) with an innovative and patent pending design for steel module frames. TECSI Solar was established with the single purpose of advancing the engineering capabilities of companies in the solar space, with competency in all aspects of product development.

Sierra Fan, founder of illu and another prize winner, joins Nico and Sarah as well. illu is software for field teams deploying, operating, and maintaining distributed power assets. She discusses how to increase quality during the install process.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

526: SMA on the Future of Home, Nhan Pimentel & Jan Van Laethem, Live from RE+ PowerUp Media Zone Oct 04, 2022

SMA has been a cornerstone of renewables for nearly four decades. While their counterparts, like Tesla, didn’t have solar divisions until much more recently, SMA has gradually built one of the largest install-bases of solar customers in the world. With all those installs come hundreds of thousands of satisfied homeowners, many of whom are now eager to embrace the future of the electrified home. How do they remain relevant in this new modern solar+ economy where every manufacturer is tempted to expand its offerings, in an effort to increase share of wallet, extend brand value, and keep up in an ever-changing industry? This and more are part of the discussion in today’s RE+ PowerUp Media Zone replay, which was recorded live from the Anaheim show floor only a couple of weeks ago on September 21st, 2022.

In Jan Van Laethem’s own words, it all started in 1981 with three university students who wanted to do things differently. They wanted to do electronics with a good cause. The mission of protecting and serving Planet Earth has been embedded in SMA’s DNA since its founding.

After a few years of trying different technologies out, the three university students decided to go all in on solar, specifically solar inverters. They gained momentum with the Hundred Roofs and Thousand Roofs programs in Germany (many of you remember similar programs in the US in the 00’s.) Around the turn of the century, SMA became the key player in photovoltaic (PV) power conditioning (through a technology known as a solar inverter).

How do you remain a key player over the long haul? Laethem gives a few tips: 1. Be in it for the long run; 2. Deliver quality; 3. Ensure your production is energy neutral. Tune in to the episode to understand the rest of the SMA backstory with Nhan Pimentel, VP of Home Solutions, & Jan Van Laethem, Executive Vice President, Business Unit Home Solutions. In particular, how Nhan and Jan translate their corporate learning from global markets like Europe and Australia to the burgeoning market here Stateside.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

525: Andrew Chester & the rest of the Greenskies story, Plus How to Grow Companies, Negotiate Strategically & Raise Millions Sep 29, 2022

Many of you have heard one of my close friends & repeat podcast guest, Mike Silvestrini, on how he “and his team” grew Greenskies to be the largest C&I Player in the US (then successfully sold it to Goldman.) However, the story yet-told is the other half of that team, the guy down in the dirt actually drumming up all those sales to iconic companies like Wal-Mart and Target Corporation…Mr. Andrew Chester. He’s been on my Must-Get list for about 5 years now (seriously, it takes the patience of Job to podcast these days! hah), but I’m so grateful that Andrew has finally opened up to the interview, and I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Andrew spent nine years growing the Greenskies Renewable Energy portfolio into the country's largest commercial and industrial solar company, successfully exiting the company with Mike after its 2017 acquisition. He’s never talked about it publicly, until now.

In today’s founder profile, we get to journey with Andrew through the highs & lows of entrepreneurship, the joy of exit and the emptiness of not knowing where to go next. For someone as driven and talented as Andrew, the idea of sitting on the sidelines just doesn’t sit well. After a brief hiatus from the game, Andrew has set out to repeat his success by partnering with a Greenskies alum and a global bank to create another solar energy development company.

Telyon — the brand name for Telos Clean Energy — is a clean energy solutions provider supporting project management and ongoing community, industrial, and commercial solar operations. The 2020 joint venture partnership connects Andrew with his former Greenskies colleague, Michael Daly, and the alternative energy investing group at Goldman Sachs.

Telyon owns and operates solar energy assets and assists companies worldwide with their clean energy initiatives through developing solar, battery storage, EV charging and energy efficiency measures.

Andrew is not only an accomplished solar industry veteran. He's a longtime friend who impresses me with his passion, perseverance, and tenacity to build the perfect portfolio of clients — ones that the business can best serve and reciprocally serve the business's best interests.

In today's podcast, we'll look back at his experiences at Greenskies. (You can get the perspective of Greenskies founder and CEO Mike Silvestrini in Episode 85 and Episode 400). We'll explore his backstory and consider his predictions for both Telyon and the broader renewables arena.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

524: How solar got below $20/mwh and why we’re moving too slow! w/Dr. Gregory Nemet Sep 27, 2022

Today’s guest is a veritable expert on solar and climate change, and has recently served as a lead author for the IPCC’s 6th assessment report. He made his name a few years ago in the energy sector writing a book which explains how we got to the level of low-cost solar we presently enjoy - what was the combination of entrepreneurial effort, technology, and policy that got us here?

Further, he explores how that is relevant for future solar & whether the lessons learned can extrapolate to other technologies.

Gregory Nemet is an author and a professor at the University of Wisconsin, where he teaches courses in energy systems analysis, policy analysis, and international environmental policy. His research focuses on understanding the process of technological change and how public policy can affect it.

Dr. Nemet received a master’s and Ph.D in energy and resources from the University of California, Berkeley, and a BA in geography with economics from Dartmouth College. From 2013-18 he chaired UW–Madison's Energy Analysis and Policy certificate program, and in 2015, he received the H.I. Romnes Faculty Fellowship for outstanding research contributions.

He was named an Andrew Carnegie Fellow in 2017, which particularly calls to me as I'm a big fan of Andrew Carnegie. The Andrew Carnegie Fellows Program supports high-caliber scholarship in the social sciences and humanities that ideally results in the publication of a book or major study.

Gregory turned his research into his first book, How Solar Became Cheap: A Model for Low-Carbon Innovation. Published in June 2019, it makes the case that other low-carbon technologies with similar properties can benefit by understanding the drivers behind solar energy's success.

In today's Tactical Tuesday, we'll explore takeaways from his 20 years of research to understand how solar prices dropped dramatically and spurred an energy revolution. We'll also dive into his work as a lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) 6th Assessment Report (AR6). Join us to learn more about how lessons learned in the solar arena can be a catalyst for innovation in climate change and climate technology.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

523: RE+ Daily Roundup LIVE Day 3 Sep 23, 2022

Start each day with the Daily Roundup as we bring you the trends and conversations unfolding in Anaheim at the RE+ 2022 conference formerly known as SPI.

If you are in Anaheim, visit us at the PowerUp Media Zone, booth 438.

You can also watch the show stream live from suncast.live.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

522: RE+ Daily Roundup, Day 2 Sep 22, 2022

We are in Anaheim!

Start each day with the Daily Roundup as we bring you the trends and conversations unfolding in Anaheim at the RE+ 2022 conference formerly known as SPI.

If you are in Anaheim, visit us at the PowerUp Media Zone, booth 438.

You can also watch the show stream live from suncast.live.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

521: RE+ Daily Roundup, Day 1 Sep 21, 2022

We are in Anaheim!

Start each day with the Daily Roundup as we bring you the trends and conversations unfolding in Anaheim at the RE+ 2022 conference formerly known as SPI.

If you are in Anaheim, visit us at the PowerUp Media Zone, booth 438.

You can also watch the show stream live from suncast.live.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

520: Live Show Preview RE+ 2022 Sep 20, 2022

We are in Anaheim!

Start each day with the Daily Roundup as we bring you the trends and conversations unfolding in Anaheim at the RE+ 2022 conference formerly known as SPI.

If you are in Anaheim, visit us at the PowerUp Media Zone, booth 438.

You can also watch the show stream live from suncast.live.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

519: Mark Culpepper On SunEdison, Drones & The Entrepreneurial Spirit Sep 15, 2022

Today's entrepreneur is no stranger to the solar startup world. He was part of the early merger and acquisition activity that ultimately became the juggernaut we all remember as SunEdison. That, alone, would be worth the listen, but wait, there’s more.

Mark Culpepper has a brilliant mind and a fascinating story about transitioning from tech to the solar world. Like many of us, he became interested when he started looking at solar for his home. And through that decision, he landed in an advantageous position to watch the solar industry's explosive growth.

Mark is now general manager of solar solutions for DroneBase, the company that acquired his latest venture, and is the leader in intelligent aerial imaging and data analytics for the entire lifecycle of renewable energy assets.

Mark already did a deep-dive Tactical Tuesday with us on how DroneBase uses drones and human-crewed aircraft to capture thermal imaging of solar energy systems and turn that into actionable data in Episode 433 back in January.

Mark defines his superpower as looking around corners to see what the future is bringing. Today we'll dig into Mark's backstory and how he leveraged his ability to foresee the next big thing to carve out a series of entrepreneurial roles in the industry. It’s worth your time to listen.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

518: 2022 RE+ Conference: Know before you go! SIX industry veterans’ Advice & Tips! Sep 13, 2022

I fondly remember circa 2018 (when I first debuted the Know before you go episode) I was barely at Episode 112, and I interviewed Andy Klump for the first time in my hotel room at the Hilton Anaheim! Here we are 4 yrs and >400 episodes later, and this Pre-conference episode feels as important as ever!

Each year, I try to curate the collective wisdom of 5 of my favorite industry thought-leaders (who somehow carve out time before the show to spend 10min with me) and deliver it to you as a sampling of the how/when/why/where and what to do leading up to, during and AFTER the show!

In today’s episode:

Danielle Danko, Sr. Director of Marketing for RE+ speaks to the Rebrand (what, it’s not SPI??) and all the fun festivities they have in store for you (yes, they rented out the entire Angels stadium y’all!)
Tom Weirich, Head of Marketing for EDPR North America, shares his Top 10 tips for getting a positive ROI out of a tradeshow when you’re sending a team
Michelle Davis & Sylvia Leyva-Martinez, of Wood Mackenzie’s N.America Solar Team, give an update on the recently released Solar Market Insights report, and how their analyst team is preparing for SPI (er, I meant RE+...)
Kristan Kirsh, VP Global Marketing at Nextracker, shares her hard-won insights on how to maximize both the Exhibitor experience and the sales team results!
And, lastly, I chime in with some tips from Drew Michener, a client who runs a SME in Utah taking much of his leadership team to the show this year - what’s his plan, and how will he optimize the effort?
Oh, and I give a brief rundown of the fun after-hours activities I’ll be engaged in.

It’s an insight-packed hour that I hope you’ll queue up BEFORE you go to Anaheim (or at least, on your flight there.

Oh, and DON”T forget to order biz cards…even if you have to pay $30 to express ship them to the hotel like I have done every year - yes I keep forgetting till the very last minute!

How do YOU maximize your ROI for one of the largest solar tradeshows on the continent? What will Your strategy be this year?

And, perhaps more importantly, have you left time in your schedule for serendipity…like swinging by Booth 438 (the PowerUp Media Zone) to say Hello to ME in person!? ;-)

See you in a week #SolarWarrior!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

517: Build it! — profit will come for renewable energy investors, with Quinbrook co-founder, David Scaysbrook Sep 08, 2022

Australian legend David Scaysbrook has nearly 30 years of experience in energy and renewable infrastructure. He and his partner, Rory Quinlan, co-founded Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners Group — one of the industry's most lauded and recognizable renewable energy fund and development platforms.

Headquartered in London with offices on three continents, Quinbrook is an ESG-focused, "value add" investment manager focused on low carbon and renewable energy supply, storage, grid stability and related assets and businesses. And they’ve amassed one of the brightest teams and stellar track records in the marketplace, of that nobody can object. Heck, they’re building THE largest solar+battery storage project in the world!

As fund managers, David and Rory have led investment teams and portfolio companies that have invested more than $2.5 billion in upward of 200 low carbon, renewable, storage and grid support projects covering a broad spectrum of technologies since the 1990s.

Today's wide-ranging conversation traces David's path from a lawyer to a green energy champion who, as a managing partner, now leads Quinbrook's strategy and chairs its Investment Committee.

You'll learn how an Australian landfill gas company taught David to be an entrepreneur and what sparked him to start his own renewable energy company. And you'll hear his prediction about the next significant bottleneck that threatens to hold back the renewable energy transition.

David really is one of the Titan’s of industry helping lead the Clean Energy Revolution. When we say “we’re standing on the shoulders of giants”...David and Rory are in that giant category. Hope you’ll give it a listen.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

516: How To Educate Solar Buyers on Ground Screws Sep 06, 2022

Solar projects are growing exponentially — and while that's positive by almost any metric, it comes with complications. Take site selection for instance. We're running out of the easy, flat terrain in the deserts and abundant farm fields so prevalent a decade ago.

Solar developers are reevaluating rocky, hilly terrain as prices rise on the remaining prime parcels. This is where the foundation conversation meets the ground, as it were. Selecting the proper ground-mount foundation will minimize delays, lower costs, and maximize returns on your solar project. But I find that far more often than I suspected, buyers and engineering departments in development shops are unsure, apart from the obvious very rocky sites, exactly when it is both cost effective and site-appropriate to use ground screws over driven-pier (pile) foundations.

Pile foundations are the traditional option. But our guest today suggests ground screws may offer particular advantages. Mike Faraone is director of engineering at Terrasmart, the renewable energy arm of Gibraltar Industries. And, Terrasmart is a leader in the world of ground screws. With a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and a Master's and Ph.D. in geotechnical engineering, Mike understands why ground screws matter and what factors to consider when evaluating their use.

They call him Dr. Dirt for a reason. In today's Tactical Tuesday, you'll learn how he got that nickname and everything you always wondered about the merits of ground screws for your next utility-scale solar project. Whether you're in this sector of the renewable conversation or not, I hope you stick around for the discussion. I’ve seen quite a few large residential systems installed in rocky and hilly terrain that would have benefited from a ground screw as well!

Please join us every Tuesday for more great conversations with subject matter experts who can offer you practical tools, tips and advice to build your solar business and career.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

515: Advice From A Serial Solar Entrepreneur: Be Passionate, Make A Difference Sep 01, 2022

Spencer Oberan — aka "a solar guy" — and Pat Bennett — "a tech guy" — discovered cumbersome and disjointed processes were slowing the growth of solar businesses.

In 2018, he and Pat decided to solve the problem by creating Enerflo, a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform purpose-built for the solar industry. The Huntington Beach, California-based company promises solar installers and sales dealers "a seamless experience start to finish."

By automating tasks and bringing everything together in a cohesive sales and installation platform, Spencer said Enerflo helps people work smarter, faster and more efficiently.

Enerflo also fuels Spencer's passion for supporting the positive changes solar brings to families and the environment.

Spencer shared Enerflo's success with us in Suncast Episode 470. He's back today to share more about his journey as a serial entrepreneur — from selling candy door-to-door with his sister as a kid to deciding to "make a difference" as an adult.

"Having money is a byproduct of what you're passionate about, and your success is a byproduct of those passions," he said.

Spencer explores his passions in today's fun, enjoyable and insightful podcast. I invite you to listen to this genuine human being with an empathetic heart on solar and much more.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

514: Trust Is the Foundation of Great Experiences, with Mark Liffmann & Brad Davis of Omnidian (Beyond O&M Series, 6 of 6) Aug 30, 2022

Omnidian co-founders Mark Liffmann and Brad Davis share the stage in this final episode of our six-part Beyond O&M: The Future of Solar series.

Mark and Brad, CEO and CMO, respectively, define how solar businesses can maximize growth by delivering custom-centric experiences that align with their company cultures even as they scale.

A 15-year solar industry veteran, Mark co-founded SunPower's residential and light commercial business and developed a $500 million global enterprise. He previously held executive leadership positions at

Clean Power Research, enerG2 and Solar Depot (Soligent).

Brad held executive leadership positions for national brands in retail, financial services, and renewable energy, successfully launching new markets worldwide. In addition to a long tenure at retail giant Target, he was CMO at Washington Mutual which became JP Morgan Chase, SunPower and Opus Bank.

They believe the most successful solar businesses of the future will share one thing in common: a commitment to exceptional customer experiences (CX). CX spans the lifetime of customers' relationships with a brand from pre-purchase through use, service, and potential repeat sales.

"Ultimately," Brad said, "no matter what business we're in, the only thing we sell is trust."

You can check out the series and the experts who comprise it at www.mysuncast.com/futureofsolar.

Seattle-based Omnidian is partnering with SunCast to bring you this educational series. The company monitors and remotely diagnoses commercial, industrial and residential solar asset performance problems. You can learn more about them on the series page listed above.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

513: How the Right Service Partner Supercharges Solar Business Growth (Beyond O&M Series, 5 of 6) Aug 29, 2022

In the fifth episode of our six-part Beyond O&M: The Future of Solar series, we examine the scalability of service teams from the perspective of two women well respected in the solar industry. Our guests, Angela Burke and Julie King, are experienced leaders who built installation, customer service, and operations and maintenance teams from scratch. One thing we’ve continually heard throughout this series is that as you seek to scale outside your home service territory, one of the true bottlenecks and critical path pain points for growing your solar business comes in the form of maintenance of the already-installed fleet. Increasingly, installers & developers are seeking a reliable service partner or network they can tap into so they can focus on what they do best.

Angela was a long-serving core team member at Namaste Solar before joining Pivot Energy to help build its service operations. She now directs Pivot's operations and management (O&M). During her time at the two Colorado-based Certified B Corporations, Angela's teams have designed, built and managed more than 15,000 projects.

Julie is CEO of Harmon Electric, one of Arizona's oldest solar installation companies. Julie explains how she and her husband transformed her father's legacy electrical contracting business into one of the state's most recognized solar installation and service organizations. Harmon IS one of those local providers helping to ensure the fleet health of nationwide installers like SunRun and Spruce Finance among others.

We'll hear how both Harmon and Pivot Energy rely on the service network provided by Omnidian to monitor and remotely diagnose problems relating to the performance of the solar assets they manage. Omnidian is partnering with SunCast to bring you this educational series.

You can check out the series and the experts who comprise it at www.mysuncast.com/futureofsolar.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

512: AI Pushes Battery Technology To New Heights, with Everett Brewer of Storz Power Aug 25, 2022

Everett Brewer is CEO of storage company Storz Power and COO of the solar project matching platform WattHub. He’s a serial entrepreneur who caught my attention lately as an example of someone who manages to have a modicum of balance amidst what is truly a chaotic high-growth time in our industry, despite running not one but TWO successful businesses and balancing the demands of a growing family.

From running a crew of 3,300 people at age 21 to dominating the door-to-door alarm business, his remarkable solar journey has seen him navigate successful stints at SunEdison and Evolve Solar before developing nano-printed lithium for OEM applications.

His two companies: Lehi, Utah-based Storz Power has experienced large multiples of growth year-over-year, and Watthub has developed and supported the deployment of more than $1.2 billion in projects. Recently, Energy Tech Review named Storz Power a top energy storage provider in 2021 and featured Everett on the cover of its December issue.

Curious to learn more? You’re in the right place. We’ll learn the secrets to Everett’s versatility and peak performance in today’s episode of SunCast.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

511: Want to Grow Your Solar Business? Offer Excellent Post-Installation Services. (Beyond O&M Series, 4 of 6) with Trevor Sumner, Sun Badger Aug 23, 2022

Since 2018, Milwaukee-based Sun Badger Solar has evolved into a full-service solar installer offering what customers describe as a "perfect blend of performance, quality, and return on investment." Co-founder and President Trevor Sumner said the company's success results from a partnership with Seattle-based Omnidian, which handles its post-installation services.

In this fourth episode of our Beyond O&M: The Future of Solar series, Trevor explains how Sun Badger leveraged its relationship with Omnidian to grow the company from four employees to 112 in five years.

Sun Badger provides solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and "the best customer experience," including education, design, and application for state and federal rebates to commercial and residential customers in Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Omnidian enables it to offer proactive customer service.

We've already heard some great messages in the first three episodes of The Future of Solar, including Omnidian Chief Operating Officer Dave Kenny's discussion on why the solar industry needs retail-inspired customer experience (CX) excellence.

In part two, Distributed Solar Development (DSD) Asset Management Director Chris Larkin shared how his company gives commercial and industrial customers peace of mind. And in part three, we heard Kevin Schulte of GreenSpark Energy's insights about keeping the customer first and building a culture that equally values the planet's climate and the workplace.

Learn more and follow along as we unwrap this six-part series in partnership with Omnidian. You can check out the series and the experts who comprise it at: www.mysuncast.com/futureofsolar.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

510: Creating Remarkable Customer Experience in the Solar Industry, with Kevin Schulte of Greenspark (Beyond O&M Series, 3 of 6) Aug 22, 2022

In this third episode of our Beyond O&M: The Future of Solar series, Kevin Schulte of Greenspark Energy shares his insights about keeping the customer first and building a culture that values the climate of the planet and the workplace equally. You’ll hear from this field-tested veteran how to build trusted partnerships, and how it’s quite often your ability to trust those partnerships that help you scale while keeping your promises.

GreenSpark has grown to the largest residential, community and commercial solar provider in Rochester, Central and Western New York through a commitment to people and the planet.

For CEO Kevin Schulte, providing an excellent customer experience is essential to the company's mission to be a force for good. Established in 2002 as Sustainable Energy Developments, Kevin and co-founders George McConochie and Ernie Pritchard credit GreenSpark's partnerships and commitment to the tenets that underlie its Benefit Corporation status for its steady growth.

Learn more and follow along as we unwrap this six-part series in partnership with Omnidian. You can check out the series and the experts who comprise it at: www.mysuncast.com/futureofsolar

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

509: Why You Should Care About Distributed Energy Resources (DERs); Mathew Sachs of CPower Aug 18, 2022

Today we explore energy management and the customer-focused opportunities it creates to monitor, control and conserve energy. We'll examine the topic through the lens of CPower Energy Management — better known as CPower, a leading provider of commercial and industrial demand-side energy management programs.

CPower is one of the most recognized load management companies servicing clients in the Distributed Energy Resources (DER) market. DER has been defined by many entities (including way back in 2002 by NREL!), but I prefer the SEPA definition circa 2017: DERs are physical and virtual assets that are deployed across the distribution grid, typically close to load, and usually behind the meter, which can be used individually or in aggregate to provide value to the grid, individual customers, or both.

If you’re totally unfamiliar, you’re in good hands, just sit back and enjoy today's conversation with Mathew Sachs, senior vice president of strategic planning and business development at CPower.

Mathew is a seasoned cleantech executive with experience developing and implementing distributed and renewable growth strategies that leverage technological advances in solar, energy storage, intelligent software and other DERs. He was one of the earliest team members at Yingli Solar (where many of you might have met him) and has been a trusted voice in the sector for many years.

Join us today for an interesting show and perspective on DERs from an industry leader.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

508: DSD Renewables Makes Lower Energy Costs Accessible To C&I Customers (Beyond O&M Series, 2 of 6) Aug 16, 2022

Distributed Solar Development (DSD) has grown from a stand-alone offshoot of a multinational conglomerate to a powerhouse in its own right. In the second episode of our Beyond O&M: The Future of Solar series, DSD Asset Management Director Chris Larkin explains how DSD serves as a "one-stop shop" for large-scale, custom solar PV and energy storage solutions.

DSD provides customized solar PV energy and energy storage solutions — from analysis through design and finance to commercial operation — to commercial and industrial customers looking for a hedge against increasing energy costs and kilowatt-hour demand. You can learn more about their story in SunCast podcasts 338, 363 and 364.

Beyond O&M: The Future of Solar is a six-part series we present to you in partnership with Omnidian.

Omnidian's mission is to protect and accelerate investments in clean energy through innovative technology, passionate teams, and an amazing customer experience. It’s industry-leading service optimizes solar asset performance for projects of every size, providing end-to-end peace of mind.

You can check out the series and the experts who comprise it at: www.mysuncast.com/futureofsolar.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

507: This is the way to scale customer experience (Beyond O&M Series, 1 of 6) Aug 15, 2022

Dave Kenny, co-founder and chief operating officer of Omnidian, has spent more than 15 years building solar plants and the teams and software to keep them running. In this first episode of our Beyond O&M: The Future of Solar series, Dave discusses the evolution of solar as an asset class through his deep experience in building operations and fleet management for both utility-scale solar portfolios and national residential solar leaders such as SunRun.

Dave is passionate about delivering retail-inspired excellence in customer experience (CX) to solar customers. In our conversation, he presents compelling data that underscores the need for a more robust, customer-centric experience. He also illuminates how enterprising entrepreneurs can leverage data and the evolving Internet of Things (IoT) to deliver on customer-centric experience at scale.

Learn more and follow along as we unwrap this six-part series in partnership with Omnidian. You can check out the series and the experts who comprise it at: www.mysuncast.com/futureofsolar.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

506: Your VOICE is a powerful weapon…Climate Champions pod interview of Nico Aug 12, 2022

This isn't a typical SunCast podcast episode. Today, I'm sharing my interview done by the inimitable Lee Krevat on his podcast, The Climate Champions.

I became acquainted with Lee through the pandemic, and have truly come to deeply appreciate his perspective and insight into the energy transition. He’s an entrepreneur, leader, investor and speaker who has had a front-row seat to the way the energy grid is evolving. Lee is a Carnegie-Mellon grad with more than three decades of experience in the energy and technology industries. Now, he helps clean technology start-ups, utilities, regulators, legislatures, and environmentally-focused companies and communities bring clean energy and clean transportation solutions to market.

It was an honor to sit down with him to reflect on the meaning of the work we do at SunCast and why I do the work that I do. I love his format. And more than that, I love Lee's candor as he explores leadership in the fight to mitigate climate change.

After nearly 16 years in the solar industry and more than 500 podcasts of my own, I can tell you the greatest weapons we have to fight climate change are our voices. I hope you enjoy hearing my conversation with Lee today as I share a few more yet-to-be-told stories.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

505: Leading one of the world’s largest battery Integrators, Andy Tang of Wärtsilä Aug 11, 2022

For nearly three decades, Andy Tang has led business development, strategic planning, corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions for some of the most influential players in the energy and telecom sectors.

From modernizing the electric grid with smart meters to replacing aging grids with energy storage and microgrids, Andy stands at the bleeding edge of the digital energy frontier.

As vice president of energy storage and optimization for Wärtsilä's global Energy Business, he works directly with utilities and power producers to accelerate the shift toward a 100% renewable energy future.

His position at Wärtsilä evolved from a role he began in 2014 at Greensmith Energy, a provider of energy storage software and integration services. Helsinki, Finland-based Wärtsilä acquired Greensmith in 2014, greenlighting Andy into a new role with full responsibility for Wärtsilä's energy storage business.

In the past year, Andy has led massive growth in the Energy Business, increasing order intake more than tenfold.

Tune into today's podcast to hear more about Andy's journey and his insights, observations and forecasts about power markets and the technologies that will enable them to evolve.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

504: Free Money For California Cleantech (Apply Now!), Tenley Dalstrom of New Energy Nexus Aug 09, 2022

Did you know that clean energy hardware startups can benefit from millions of dollars in testing at world-class labs?

Today's expert industry guide, Tenley Dalstrom, will explain everything you need to know.

But don’t queue it up and forget… the next deadline is August 19th!

As Director of the California Testbed Initiative (CalTestBed) at New Energy Nexus, Tenley works with all types of clean energy technologies and helps innovators and entrepreneurs bring clean energy concepts to market.

CalTestBed provides $8.8 million in testing vouchers to California clean energy entrepreneurs for third-party technology testing at more than 70 facilities across nine University of California campuses and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (aka Berkley Lab) near UC Berkeley.

In addition to CalTestBed, Tenley explains the American-Made Solar Prize, a multi-million-dollar U.S. Dept. of Energy competition to energize U.S. solar manufacturing for which she’s served as an advisor over the past few years. We’ve covered the AMSP here on SunCast all the way to its inception (the first Solar Prize was granted to podcast friend and past guests, Bill Nussey and Ben Damiani - Episode 200)

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

503: Democratizing the clean energy revolution; Steph Speirs, CEO of Solstice Aug 04, 2022

Entrepreneur and community builder, Steph Speirs, aims to unlock the possibility of solar power for the roughly 90 million households that are locked out of the solar market in the US. Some rent their homes, others have less than optimal credit scores, or their roof is too shaded or otherwise unsuited to a solar array. Steph is the co-founder and CEO of Solstice, which wants to turbocharge access to clean energy through community solar and "make the clean energy revolution work for everyone in America."

We've talked a lot lately on SunCast about the need for a more equitable and inclusive approach to solar for all households. In today's discussion, Steph and I explore this theme through innovations like the Solstice energy score, a proprietary underwriting standard for solar customers. It's more accurate in predicting who will pay their utility bill and more inclusive of low-income Americans than traditional FICO credit scores, those three-digit numbers used to assess creditworthiness.

Steph believes "the role of power and privilege is to use it to open up doors for other folks to access that same power" and shares that perspective in a most engaging exchange today.

Steph’s private market innovation & entrepreneurship has been recognized and lauded. Yet, it’s her public sector work that is really eye-catching. She developed Middle East policy as the youngest policy director at the White House National Security Council, served as a special assistant to the Office of the Secretary in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and managed field operations in seven states for the first Obama presidential campaign.

"The number one job that prepared me to do what I do today is being a community organizer with the Obama campaign," she said.

I hope you tune into today's podcast to hear Steph explain how from that experience Solstice was born, in which she and her team set out to find a better, more inclusive qualification standard than FICO scores for helping more people go solar. She helps me better understand Solstice's new community solar qualification metric, the EnergyScore. Leveraging data from nearly 875,000 customer records, the EnergyScore aims to predict future payment behavior more accurately than FICO credit scores while simultaneously including a more significant proportion of qualified low-to-moderate income customers.

Trust me when I tell you it's worth your time to listen to everything Steph says in today's very enlightening and uplifting show.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

502: Beyond O&M: The Future of Solar Aug 03, 2022

This solar industry is crossing the chasm, and the consumers at the “table” today, while they look similar, are much different from those consumers before who were predisposed to taking higher risks, trying technology in advance.

We're now moving to the early mass market, and they're going to be more risk averse.

The way we sold to the early adopters to get our first 3 million solar installations won’t get us the next 3 million

And, let’s be honest, solar has a dirty little secret: It's not "set it and forget it; no moving parts."

When you step back and look at the 3 million solar assets in the field, there are assets that break every single day; the challenge is in finding them, surfacing them and responding to them.

For too long the industry has ignored the post-installation experience, and the future of solar is actually dependent on changing this narrative and keeping the promises we’ve made, so we can scale to that next million consumers, and beyond.

This is our latest educational series, and it’s focused on how we can leverage the post-installation customer experience to move beyond overpromising sales hype and lackluster service response, and find meaningful ways to delight & entice the next wave of clean energy enthusiasts through proactive engagement.

Starting August 15th, we’ll debut a six-part mini-series, in partnership with Omnidian, where we explore how successful companies across the nation and across business sectors are taking a proactive approach to asset management and client satisfaction. From midwest residential to big-city Commercial & Industrial, leading solar experts will tell us how they’ve built successful business models that leverage technology and strategic partnerships for scale. And they also explain how building a strong culture has been foundational to their business.

Whether you are experiencing the pains of a growing solar business or are just starting out and want to learn from the pros, I hope you’ll subscribe to the show & join in this important conversation as we explore the future of solar.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info (linked, twitter, etc) in the show notes over on the blog.

This Series is created with the input & support of Omnidian.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

501: How do we STOP these BATTERY Fires?! Aug 02, 2022

If your mobile phone or laptop has ever become uncomfortably hot, you have first-hand experience with a concept called thermal runaway. It's one of the primary risks related to lithium-ion batteries, and it happens when the lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state.

Catherine Von Burg, CEO of SimpliPhi Power, recently returned from the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) conference. A key observation by Catherine and her team is that fire-safety in energy storage systems was a seemingly foreign topic [at the conference] with little-to-no knowledge or expertise on energy storage chemistry, form factors, risks, and mitigation measures. There was ample opportunity to educate the attendees of the conference on this important topic but there is still much more of the story that needs to be told. In today’s Tactical Tuesday, Nico & Catherine unpack the underlying philosophy behind the testing standards and protocols associated with the oft-confusing UL 9540 & 9540a.

Why is UL 9540A fire-safety testing so critical for the energy storage industry today?

What are the differences in Battery Chemistry, Form Factor, and Manufacturing Processes that affect how a battery behaves in thermal runaway?

How can 9540a testing be a differentiator?

And what is at stake if the testing is avoided or the results obfuscated?

Learn why Catherine says, “This is the quintessential thing in Energy Storage that needs to be discussed before the industry gets a black eye from another explosion or recall”

You’ll come away from this Tactical Tuesday with practical insight you can apply immediately to your battery selection process!

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

500: GROWTH Lessons from 500 EPISODES, with GUEST HOST, Andy Klump!!! Jul 28, 2022

Showing up is half the battle.

“Wow, 500! How did you do it, Nico?”

Seems a lot of folks had this question on their mind as the date drew nearer to hit this milestone on the pod.

And, when I asked you listeners “what can I do that’s special for Episode 500?”, time and time again I got a common reply, “Have someone interview you, Nico! We want to know what you’ve learned!”

The answer to “How I got here” is really boring and simple. One foot in front of the other, following my intuition, and reaching out to every hero, founder, leader who inspired me in the solar industry.

It’s the tried and true formula for consistent progress that Most (all?) of the over 400 entrepreneurs & Executives interviewed on SunCast have “revealed” over the years.

Only ONE thing trumps (or compliments) Luck in the formula for success, and that is CONSISTENCY!

Persistence. Sweat. Late Nights. Stretching what you believe you can do. And, for me, deciding each and every week to Press Record (and so, so much more that actually goes into bringing these episodes to life)! Consistency is a muscle and you have to decide you will do whatever “it” is, just like exercise, every single day.

But the truth is, I have not always had this character trait of consistent action towards a goal. In fact, I was told I would fail in the beginning by people who, well-meaning, recognized that I had never been this consistent in anything. Little did they know, they motivated me to do the one thing that they believed I was incapable of, publish a podcast every single week. Now, we publish 2. Soon, it will be even more. As they say, Hug your haters…let them inspire you.

All along, this quote inspired me:

“Do just once what others say you can’t do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again.”

— James Cook

I set my sights on 500 episodes…7 years later, here we are.

And now, WHO should be that trusted guide in an interview meant to tease out my lessons learned (and origin story) along the way? Afterall, in Episode 100, I already brought in the Mega-connector and solar industry maven, Scott “Sully” Sullivan to help me tell my origin story.

So, this time, I decided to turn to the all-time most-listened-to SunCast guest (and an excellent & insightful solar industry CEO), Andy Klump, founder/CEO of Clean Energy Associates.

In today’s episode, Andy turns the mic, and the interview draws out some of my most deeply held beliefs, most strongly anchored memories, and stories I have never told before on this or any other stage.

Tune in to hear more about my origin story (skip the first 30min if you don’t care about that! haha), what I’ve learned from 500 episodes, and where we go from here.

I hope SunCast has inspired you thus far.

I’d love to hear what were some of your favorite stories? Who did you meet or come to admire/appreciate #BecauseOfSunCast??

We are on this journey together. This show has become my life, my livelihood, and my community.

Thank you for showing up, each and every time #SolarWarrior.

Because, truly, showing up is half the battle.

You’ll find links to connect with me and Andy and reference links to the things we discussed in the episode in the show notes over on the blog.

I’d also really love if you would Comment on today’s Linkedin post about the episode!

What were some of your favorite stories? Who did you meet or come to admire & appreciate #BecauseOfSunCast??

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

499: How Experts Navigate Politics & Energy Transformation (Quarterly Podcasters Roundtable) Jul 26, 2022

My collaborator and industry veteran, Mike Casey of Tigercomm, and I convene a quarterly conversation with several leading podcasters to discuss what’s new, trending and impactful for your business. Mike moderates the lively discussion, and I get to join in and enjoy simply participating (we also produce the finished products that wind up here on this podcast feed and that of several of hte guests (oh, and Youtube).

This past week, we convened this phenomenal cast of characters; I’d encourage you to follow them all on Linkedin as well as subscribing to their respective podcasts:

Mike Casey of Tigercomm
Emily Chasan of Generate Capital and the Energy Gang podcast
Gil Jenkins of the Climate Positive Podcast
Tim Montague of the Clean Power Hour
Bill Nussey of the Freeing Energy Podcast
Joshua Porter of the Solar Coaster Podcast

These convenings have become a destination for those involved in cleantech communications. We covered topics such as the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court decision, Senator Joe Manchin’s big “no” to climate progress legislation, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and escalating attacks by pro-fossil fuel pundits.

It’s a rich, one-hour discussion of energy trends, developments, challenges and opportunities. Listen as we start the discussion with our views on the possible direction of the Biden Administration's imperiled climate agenda.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Bonus: Introducing "Factor This!" Jul 25, 2022

There’s so much good content (especially right here on SunCast) but I always get asked "what podcasts to you listen to, Nico?"

This week, we’d like to introduce you to one podcast I’ve been really enjoying - it’s a new deep-dive podcast for the solar industry called "Factor This".

Host John Engel from Renewable Energy World breaks down the biggest stories in solar with leaders who move the needle. I was really impressed with his four-part, in-depth series on the Auxin Solar tariff petition, featuring an exclusive interview with Auxin's CEO Mamun Rashid, and I would recommend that you check it out. John has also interviewed industry leaders like SEIA CEO Abby Hopper, ACPA CEO Heather Zichal, Lightsource bp Americas CEO Kevin Smith, Rhone Resch, Heliene CEO Martin Pochtaruk, and more.

Today, we’re dropping in a segment of the first episode of that series to give our #SolarWarriors a taste of what I’m listening to and enjoying..

Enjoy! And tune back in tomorrow for our next Tactical Tuesday episode, oh, and…Episode 500 is coming!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

498: The never-told stories of founding Tradewind & Savion - Rob Freeman, Geoff Coventry, & Matt Gilhausen, Part 2 Jul 21, 2022

If you missed Part 1 of this epic 2-part interview, I recommend you queue that one up first…that’s why they go in order ;-)

In Part 1, we learned what a technology entrepreneur, a musician turned engineer and a corporate attorney have in common: They built TradeWind Energy and had not one but TWO successful exits as a team on virtually the same platform. If you haven’t heard of Tradewind, or Savion, well you’re in for a ride. Tune in to hear how these 3 unlikely business partners engineered a 2-decade run together and managed to build (and sell) 2 of the most successful renewables development platforms in the world.

In this Part 2, Rob, Geoff & Matt talk about the major inflection points in Tradewind, the evolution of the business to include solar and later storage, the creation of Savion, and all the fun details (that they’re allowed to discuss) related to scaling and selling both businesses. There are bits you’d expect (like they nearly went broke), and bits you might not (...) but they didn’t really hold anything back.

I promised you’d be rewarded for sticking through it, just like they were. Thanks for tuning in to Part 2. Let’s go!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

497: The never-told stories of founding Tradewind & Savion - Rob Freeman, Geoff Coventry, & Matt Gilhausen, Part 1 Jul 21, 2022

What do a technology entrepreneur, a musician turned engineer and a corporate attorney have in common? They built a company in middle America called Tradewind Energy that became one of the largest developers of wind energy projects in the U.S., and had not one but TWO successful exits as a team on virtually the same platform. If you haven’t heard of Tradewind, perhaps you heard of Savion? And, if neither ring a bell, well, you’re in for a real treat bc today we’re going to unpack a story that’s yet to be told, until this interview that is, of how these 3 unlikely business partners engineered a 2-decade run together and managed to build 2 of the most successful wind, solar and storage development platforms in the world.

Along the way, they learned to trust one another, to build a team, find world class partners to help fund the vision, and find their unique value proposition.

As you no doubt noticed - this conversation was so good, and so in-depth, that we are breaking it up into another 2-part episode.

In this Part 1, we get the never-before-told backstory on how & why these 3 entrepreneurs came together and how they thrived as early renewable energy founders. We discuss in depth the early challenges of Tradewind, one of the earliest successful wind developers to scale in the US, and the guys get really personal about the ways they compliment each other, how they built the team, and even how they found enough money to keep the thing alive, over and over again.

You’ll be rewarded if you stick through this one.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

496: Retire with Renewables (Investing), Energea’s Tyler Hurlburt Jul 19, 2022

In uncertain economic times, investors look for something — anything — to shore up their portfolios. But in 2022, there aren't many obvious options.

Cryptocurrencies have crashed, bonds and equities are down, and globalization has rendered the idea of expanding from domestic to international markets moot. As Tyler Hurlburt, a licensed financial advisor and wealth manager, explained, "It seems there's no safe haven, no place to hide."

In today's podcast, Tyler explores some fantastic ways to brighten your investment portfolio during these challenging times. He even offers a little goodie for you in the form of real cash you can invest today.

Seriously. Real money.

Tyler is director of investor relations at Energea, a retail investment platform created to connect retail investors to portfolios of renewable energy projects in select global markets (if you recognize the name, Energea’s CEO was a guest back in Episode 400 of SunCast). Energea wants to democratize investing through direct equity ownership in renewable energy investments and empower full participation by retail investors like you and me and everybody else that doesn't have a million dollars lying around.

Energea recently announced the forthcoming launch of a self-directed IRA, allowing people to invest in alternative assets like energy through their qualified retirement plans. "They'll be able to do this right on the Energea website, and they'll never have to leave to go to another custodian. It'll all be self-contained and in-house here," Tyler said.

Why is a renewable energy project good to have inside an IRA? Because they're both long-term.

Tune into the whole podcast to get the details on how Energea’s IRA allows you to diversify your portfolio of investments into community solar in Brazil and Africa as well as the US.

Remember that cash I promised? I convinced Energea’s head of marketing, Gray, to invite solar warriors to invest directly into the Brazil portfolio, on the house! Through our special link, new users receive $50 of stock in the Community Solar in Brazil portfolio once they create an account and complete the onboarding process. I’m always looking out for you, Solar Warrior!

Get your first $50 to invest into the Energea platform and see for yourself what the opportunities are!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

495: How Generac became a clean energy company, with Keith Marett, Generac Jul 14, 2022

Founded in a Wisconsin barn more than 60 years ago, Generac is a global leader in designing and manufacturing residential, commercial and industrial power generation equipment. Generac practically created the market for home standby generators and still commands an impressive market share in that category. Now it's fueling its transition to the renewable energy reality through an acquisition spree in clean energy products and services.

Take Neurio, a Vancouver, British Columbia-based energy data company. Founded in 2005, Neurio focused on metering technology and analytics to optimize home or business energy use. Generac bought it in 2019 to accelerate its efforts around connectivity and remote monitoring — what it described as "critical parts of its 'Powering Our Future' strategy."

Keith Marett was CEO of Neurio at the time of the acquisition. He said combining Neurio's intelligent energy management technology with Generac's products, distribution, and market creation capabilities created tremendous energy use and management opportunities. And that was only the beginning.

Keith is now the president of Generac's Clean Energy Services, its fastest-growing division. He expects homeowners to become increasingly aware they can track and control their energy use through various technologies that allow them to decide who they pay and how much they pay for electricity. And he’s shepherded a 3+ year transformation of this traditional power company into an outperforming Fortune 1000 star. What’s the strategy, and where are they looking next?

Stay tuned…

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

494: On risk, leadership and creating a positive culture, with George Hershman, SOLV Energy Jul 12, 2022

Today’s Tactical Tuesday is a compilation of my favorite moments from the recent George Hershman 2-part interview. If you missed that one, then you’ll for sure want to queue up this more snack-able episode (but I’ll bet it will leave you ready to commit to the longer version!) It was packed with great stories and advice, but it was also a long interview, and maybe you're short on time. So think of this as the SparkNotes or CliffsNotes version of those two back-to-back podcasts.

George is a solar industry icon and one of my heroes in the industry. His leadership & industry accomplishments have set the bar for so many who see him as a mentor, boss and colleague. And, he brings unparalleled insights into the clean energy revolution from his vantage point as the CEO of SOLV Energy and board chair of the Solar Energy Association (SEIA). Todays, preview give you a glimpse of the doubleheader mega interview I mentioned, which you can listen to in its entirety in SunCast Episodes 478 and 479.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

493: 7x growth for this beloved 30yr old training organization? Elizabeth Sanderson, Solar Energy International Jul 07, 2022

Solar Energy International (SEI) holds a special place in the hearts and minds of many #SolarWarriors who tune in regularly to SunCast. And SEI is equally important to me because it's partnered with SunCast for the entirety of our existence in support of nearly all our in-person and virtual events through the years.

So I'm especially delighted to welcome SEI Executive Director Elizabeth Sanderson and learn how, in her first year, she’s growing into the leader role of expanding this beloved organization.

In case you're new to the industry, SEI is a 30-year-old solar education and training organization that's changed how folks learn to install solar and energy storage. In simplest terms, SEI supports a diverse, inclusive, well-trained solar workforce to promote sustainable economic growth, mitigate climate change, and support energy independence.

It aims to Educate, Engage and Empower — a mission it's meeting because it already has nearly 100,000 graduates. They attend programs online and at SEI's technical training facility in Paonia, Colorado.

In today's podcast, we'll explore everything from how Elizabeth positions an organization that generates an exceptional amount of love from people in the solar industry for its next 30 years.

She has an excellent vantage point, poised at the bleeding edge of technology in a quest to deliver the future workforce. So we'll also get her perspective on some technologies that excite her.

Elizabeth offers some keen insights about personal growth, professional development and staying true to your passions in an ever-evolving world. For now, she's focused on accelerating partnerships and collaborative relationships at SEI to keep an older organization relevant and agile. "I'm tasked with expanding the organization but keeping its soul and culture,” she says.

Elizabeth has a lot to say. And if you want to continue the conversation after listening, Elizabeth is more than happy to connect on LinkedIn.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

492: TT: An instant feasibility tool for optimizing utility-scale solar? Ashton Vandemark, Terrasmart Jul 05, 2022

You need a way to define winning solar projects fast, while eliminating all doubt that you've selected the most optimum configuration. And it’s frustrating to commit to a design strategy knowing that if you had the time or data, you could find something better. Furthermore, in the current procurement process, constrained by module availability, trade concerns and interconnection timelines, the need to modify project configuration is an increasing concern to keep these projects on-time.

Today’s Tactical Tuesday conversation should help with that. I don’t often give such an overt (and free) endorsement of a specific design tool, but when I discovered the Solar Instant Feasibility Tool, I knew it was something I needed to share w/the community. Today's guest will tell us about a product he created to solve his pain as a project development engineer. And I think you'll find it could help you make better decisions as well.

Ashton Vandemark is the business unit manager for the Solar Instant Feasibility Tool (SIFT) at Terrasmart, a provider of ground-mount solar racking technology primarily used for solar projects. SIFT — a design, performance and financial modeling solution — is Ashton's baby.

In today's podcast, Ashton shares his experiences from graduating with a mechanical engineering degree from The Ohio State University through relocation to China and ultimately founding the company where he developed SIFT.

He founded that company, Sunfig, in 2017, which he sold in January 2021 to Gibraltar, a provider of solar racking technologies, electrical balance-of-system products, and installation services. Gibraltar concurrently acquired TerraSmart in a significant expansion of its solar portfolio, and rebranded the portfolio of companies Terrasmart earlier this year.

While Ashton's role has changed, he still proudly promotes the early-stage feasibility tool he developed "to help clients gain confidence in their decisions, maximize margins, and submit winning bids with a competitive edge." He says SIFT can Increase a project's internal rate of return (IRR) by 5% to 15% and speed up the development cycle.

Want to know how? Give today’s Tactical Tuesday a listen.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

491: What’s the value of energy resources on your property? Ask LandGate Jun 30, 2022

Yoann Hispa has four science and math degrees, speaks four languages and cultivates a singular obsession with knowledge acquisition. I think you’ll have a lot in common with Yoann; you’re both insatiable infinite learners, that much we know. ;-)

Yoann is the CEO and co-founder of LandGate, a company that aims to revolutionize the ways US environmental resources for everything from solar and wind to oil and gas are bought and sold. In his words, “We call ourselves the Zillow for land resources.” The six-year-old Denver-based company helps landowners, real estate agents, investors, developers and other stakeholders make more informed decisions through data and valuation benchmarks, and their thesis has been validated by the likes of Nextera’s venture arm, which led a recent $10Million Series B funding round.

In today's podcast, he discusses the catalyst for his career path, his philosophy on building a business and explains how land values for wind and solar compare to traditional oil and gas leases. "Renewables are growing the most now," he said. My favorite anecdote from the interview is his description of a chance encounter with the late US astronaut James Irwin when he was 10 and how it impacted his career trajectory.

Land acquisition is often the lynchpin to most energy transactions, and renewable energy is no different. Yoann explained that his transition to renewables from O&G was very much customer-driven; the need for land remains a constant regardless what the investors are looking to build there. It's a finite commodity but equally crucial whether the focus is fossil fuel or wind. "Land has a historically low dividend. But in terms of an inflation environment, like we are in today, land is a very safe investment," he added.

I hope you listen to the full podcast with Yoann Hispa to get a sense of where he sees the world today and his predictions for the future.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

490: Career Profile: Solar PPA Sales, Miguel Gil Mast of Schneider Electric Jun 28, 2022

What does it look like to build a career of purpose that also engages your natural talents for educating and relationship building? This week’s Tactical Tuesday will show you! In today’s episode, we feature Miguel Gil Mast of Schneider Electric.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

489: Understanding the “Value Stack” for Community Solar with Sy Kim, Community Solar Support LLC Jun 24, 2022

If you’ve been following along the touchstones that make up the community solar market…

“In this final episode of our 5-part series, we still have one more segment of this quilt of knowledge left to weave - the money - how does it work? You heard David Sandbank in Episode 1 refer to the Value Stack. The ways in which the market participants are incentivized to participate is an important element of any complete understanding of an industry sufficient that you could actually begin to participate in it. So, today I’m sitting down with Sy Kim, an industry veteran who has become a go-to resource for those who wish to develop market entry and business development plans for community solar. I first met Sy back when he was a project developer at SunPower before he went on to take senior leadership roles in NRG Energy and what would become Clearway. Sy’s market understanding surpasses most others I’ve met when it comes to explaining the one piece left to unravel in this tapestry - just how does the revenue in these projects stack up?

We discuss RECs, Tax Equity, market constraints & More.

From types of offtakers to credit risk, incentives and customer mix, this final discussion will hopefully help fill any remaining gaps in your understanding of just exactly what community solar is and how you can participate in this high-growth opportunity.

You can learn more about today’s guest and our expert lineup along with what else is to come in the series at www.mysuncast.com/communitysolar

Did you miss the series so far?

CONSIDER THIS YOUR “COMMUNITY SOLAR 101”

In this 5-part series, we answer:

How does Community Solar work, and what are the Policy frameworks that support it’s expansion?
Is the development of Community Solar that much different from other solar verticals (C&I, Utility)?
How does this segment of the industry enable a more just & equitable solar offering?
Who are the customers and how are they acquired for Community Solar as compared with other verticals?
And, How does the money flow into, through and out of these projects for the various stakeholders?

The Community Solar series presented in partnership with EDP Renewables N. America, Distributed Generation.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

488: Customer acquisition for Community Solar with Kate Henningsen, Arcadia Power Jun 23, 2022

So far, we’ve taken a look at how Policy works at both the State & Federal Level. And we’ve also heard from a solar developer about the nuance and important differences for community solar from the other verticals.

In Episode 4 of this series, we’ll hear from Kate Henningsen, Co-founder and COO at Arcadia Power. Prior to joining Arcadia Power as its sixth employee, Kate spent several years as a litigator at an international law firm, providing counsel to businesses on a wide variety of high-stakes issues. She has helped grow Arcadia to perhaps the most well-known among a category of service providers known as “aggregators” in Community Solar. We often hear community solar buyers referred to as subscribers.

But, who actually finds, enrolls and services these subscribers? How does customer acquisition for community solar actually work? And how do you get beyond the general notion that it is just Too Good to be True? To answer these questions and more, I reached out to Kate Henningsen. Kate and the Arcadia team have onboarded more than 200K solar customers, and have eliminated the need for a FICO score as a pre-requisite for subscription. Aggregators serve a critical function in the marketplace to lower customer acquisition costs & address the scalability of the sector.

How? Stay tuned.

You can learn more about today’s guest and our expert lineup along with what else is to come in the series at www.mysuncast.com/communitysolar

Did you miss the series?

CONSIDER THIS YOUR “COMMUNITY SOLAR 101”

In this 5-part series, we answer:

How does Community Solar work, and what are the Policy frameworks that support it’s expansion?
Is the development of Community Solar that much different from other solar verticals (C&I, Utility)?
How does this segment of the industry enable a more just & equitable solar offering?
Who are the customers and how are they acquired for Community Solar as compared with other verticals?
And, How does the money flow into, through and out of these projects for the various stakeholders?

The Community Solar series presented in partnership with EDP Renewables N. America, Distributed Generation.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

487: $1B in energy savings by 2025!...how the DOE supports Community Solar, with Nicole Steele, US DOE Jun 22, 2022

The US Department of Energy considers community solar “an indispensable source in our future energy mix.”

In Episode 3 of our Community Solar Series, we’ll hear from Nicole Steele, Senior advisor for Energy Justice & workforce at the Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office.

Nicole runs the National Community Solar Partnership, which as you heard in Episode 1 has set an ambitious goal of achieving $1B in energy savings across 5M households by the year 2025.

This would represent an increase from 3 to 20GW of community solar capacity in the US, and reflects an average bill reduction of 20%.

How does the DOE plan to support this program? Why did it need to exist at all? And how can you benefit from it in your company or community? That’s what we intend to understand and illuminate in this discussion with Nicole Steele.

Key Questions we cover in this interview:

Why is the DOE supporting Community Solar, specifically?
Who are the stakeholders DOE is engaging, and how?
What is the “5 pathways to success” model that Nicole & DOE offer?
And, what are the desired outcomes for this program, beyond the headlines of $1B in energy savings?

Tune in to learn more and see how this program might be useful for your community.

You can learn more about today’s guest and our expert lineup along with what else is to come in the series at www.mysuncast.com/communitysolar

The Community Solar series presented in partnership with EDP Renewables N. America, Distributed Generation.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

486: As a Project Developer, is Community Solar really that different? with David Kane, EDP Renewables Jun 21, 2022

In today’s Episode 2 of the Community Solar Series, our solar expert is David Kane, a seasoned developer at EDP Renewables. Dave gives us the view from the developer’s perspective:

What exactly is entailed in his role as project developer? How does the organization rely on he and his team for progress?
How does a developer think about policy as an enabler or driver for how to structure his/her time & team?
What does the ecosystem of stakeholders look like? What are the kinds of people that one looks for in “local” partners?

We learn what unique skill sets community solar developers need.

And, I ask the question that seems to really be on many people’s minds:

“Are these skills & needs all that different from Utility scale development?”

If you’ve been wondering

How do you decide where (market, team requirements, partner development) to focus the effort?
Where do people most often fail or mess up in the development process for community solar?
What sets successful projects apart from the rest - what do you look for in a development partner or project?

Then this next episode of the Community Solar series is for you!

Tune-in, and also if you missed it go queue up Episode 1 from the series with Jeff Cramer of CCSA.

You can learn more about today’s guest and our expert lineup along with what else is to come in the series at www.mysuncast.com/communitysolar

The Community Solar series presented in partnership with EDP Renewables N. America, Distributed Generation.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

485: The Role of Policy in Community Solar with Jeff Cramer, CCSA & David Sandbank, NYSERDA Jun 20, 2022

Over the years, a segment of the industry has emerged as what has been referred to as the fourth vertical for solar. It’s not just a phenomenon in the United States, but worldwide, and it’s called Community Solar. Community solar is the model where community members can collectively purchase clean electricity from a central offsite solar array, and this model has been gaining massive attention and momentum of late, offering an option for equitable access to clean energy while helping to reduce carbon emissions and promising to keep energy prices low for consumers. But is it really different from any other type of solar energy project? Perhaps more importantly, what does it mean for you as we embrace this clean energy revolution?

We’ve dedicated this series to those of you who are trying to figure out “is this right for me, is this right for my company,” and “what decisions do I need to think through before I can actually throw my hat in the ring for community solar?” In this new mini-series, we’ll navigate the inner workings of what has been hailed as the fourth vertical in the solar industry.

Consider this your Community Solar 101.

This five part series presents unique perspectives from industry experts on how each of us might consider the role of community solar in our business, career or even neighborhood. Does it really provide equitable access to solar energy? Will it live up to the hype and hope? Or is it too good to be true?

In this Episode One, we’ll hear from Jeff Cramer, Executive Director of the Coalition for Community Solar access, also known as CCSA, which Jeff co-founded in 2015. Jeff and I go deep into the history of how community solar came about as well as the policies, both at a federal and state level, that have supported this sector’s growth. We’ll also hear from David Sandbank, Vice President of distributed energy resources at NYSERDA. David has been instrumental over the last few years in ushering in a slew of policies at NYSERDA, and has been a huge proponent of community solar. David gives us some insight into the latest legislation that was introduced to get New York to 10 gigawatts of community solar.

This Community Solar series is a production of SunCast Media and is brought to you in partnership with EDP Renewables, North America.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

484: "They" said she should resign! Catherine Von Burg on scaling SimpliPhi against all odds Jun 16, 2022

When VCs told Catherine Von Burg that she probably wasn’t cut out to run (or raise money for) the kind of business that she had mapped out for SimpliPhi, she could have capitulated and sacrificed her personal dignity & self worth on the altar of company mission & vision. Except, the company mission & vision was something that carried her DNA, her blood, sweat & tears. And, ultimately, she believed that it wasn’t a race to be won (ie, “the exit” is not the destination) but a journey that takes more than 1000 miles and more than one person’s determination and grit. This is but part of the insight & context you’ll glean from today’s conversation with one of the solar industry’s best underdog stories of the last few years- SimpliPhi Power and their dynamic leader, Catherine Von Burg.

I originally featured Catherine way back in episode 148 of SunCast (which itself is an amazing interview, especially for you up-and-coming female leaders looking for inspiration!) Since then, SimpliPhi has realized her vision and achieved a storied exit through the acquisition by Century-old reciprocating engine titan, Briggs & Stratton. As you’ll easily see on their website now, SimpliPhi is now the face of Briggs’ move into the energy-storage-backed vision of a resilient home for the modern homeowner.

In today’s discussion, Catherine and Nico discuss how SimpliPhi delivered Gigawatts of storage to the US DOD with ZERO defects in an era when battery startups fail year after year, and how ultimately it was a dogged determination to carve their own path and listen intently to customer needs (along with a lot of introspection and team focus) that underlies SimpliPhi’s exponential growth & success.

I hope you’ll give us some feedback on what you like from this episode.

And, If you want to connect with Catherine, you’ll find links to her contact info (linked, twitter, etc) in the show notes over on the blog.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

483: Listen to your customer! James Worden on product development & the evolution of EVs Jun 14, 2022

Today we’re sharing 2 snippets from the >2hr juggernaut of an interview we had with one of the early EV & solar power electronics pioneers, James Worden. Many of you in the Solar industry might recall James from his Inverter business, Solectria Renewables. But, did you know that technology was birthed from a 2-decades love-affair with electric vehicles? We get into ALL the backstory in the 2-part interview which debuted in late May. But for those of you who didn’t have the stomach to commit to the longer interview I’m pulling out 2 snippets from the 2nd part of that fascinating storyline.

The first segment gets into James’ perspective on how the Electric Vehicle industry has evolved over the last 2.5 decades since he first debuted his Solectria Force electric car.

The second is a brilliant look at how James and his team think about product development, in particular through the lens of some of the product iterations they took at Solectria Renewables.

Hope you enjoy these snippets, then I’d suggest you queue up the longer interview as it’s well-worth the listen!

You can find that in Episodes 475 & 476!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

482: Community Solar Series Trailer Jun 13, 2022

SunCast Media has partnered with EDP Renewables to produce a special 5-part series focused on the fundamentals of the fastest growing segment of the solar industry - Community Solar. If you’re a participant in the solar industry, or even if you’re considering where & how to make the plunge into solar, or more specifically, Community Solar, then you’ve no doubt contemplated “What is Community Solar & does it make sense for me?” The Community Solar vertical is complex, but in this series, Host Nico Johnson helps break down the fundamental knowledge you need to know in order to determine whether Community Solar makes sense for your business or career.

With the help of industry experts, we unpack the Policies, development fundamentals, specific target markets, customer acquisition and the revenue stack that makes it all work. Community Solar promises to offer equitable and inclusive renewable energy access to a much broader population than solar has been able to reach previously. But how? And, does it actually meet that objective? In this series, you’ll hear from market participants who provide specific insights, examples and tactics that will immediately help you determine how, where, when, and why Community Solar factors into your solar growth plan.

Follow along and learn more about the series & our experts at www.mysuncast.com/communitysolar

This Series is created with the input & support of EDP Renewables.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

481: Culture Shock, Circular Economy, & Navigating Acquisitions with Dean Vukovic of Terrasmart Jun 09, 2022

Dean Vukovic moved to the US with visions of revolutionizing the way we manufacture and ultimately reuse/repurpose consumer goods. Embracing the circular economy philosophy, he crossed the pond from Oz to help pioneer that movement here in the USA for his prior employer. Now, he’s GM at Terrasmart (the entity formed by Gibraltar’s roll-up of RBI Solar, Terrasmart, Sunfig and SolarBOS) and leads their fixed tilt division (formerly RBI Solar). Dean has such a great story to tell and it’s one that incorporates many lessons learned from both the culture shock of moving halfway round the world as well as being first among the 4 companies herein mentioned that were integrated under one roof with Terrasmart. I spent time with Dean discussing how he thinks about circular economy, the specifics of his management approach to the integration of the various businesses that are now Terrasmart, and what he believes is still holding the industry back from fully realizing the potential we all believe is possible.

This conversation was quite inspiring for me. In the fervor that has been the M&A cycle of the last 2+ Years, I think that only a handful of companies have really gotten it “right” from an integration and branding perspective, and Terrasmart is one such example. Thanks to Dean and his team at Terrasmart for being willing to discuss the details, and I look forward to bringing more insights from the Terrasmart group of products to the SunCast tribe!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

480: A simple idea to mount solar modules faster, Robert Sewell of Vespr Solar [Live from RE+NE] Jun 07, 2022

Today's guest, Robert Sewell, is the founder & CEO of Vespr Solar. I’ve been intrigued with Robert for awhile now, mostly because every time he named one of his advisors it was someone I deeply admire and respect in the solar industry (and I kept asking myself “how the heck is this young guy with zero solar experience got so many of my mentors to back his idea!?”). Like the others in this RE+ NE series, we dig into what trends he’s seeing as he sells across the Utility-scale solar sector, where the opportunities lie, and what obstacles he’s overcoming to get there. But Vespr really is a different kind of application, and I’m curious to hear if You think this is an application you’d adopt for your own solar plants! Tune-in & tune up your skills, #SolarWarrior!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

479: SOLVing Solar workforce & infrastructure at GW scale, Pt 2: George Hershman - SOLV Energy Jun 02, 2022

This is Part 2 of a 2-part interview with George Hershman, CEO of SOLV Energy. If you missed Part 1, please do queue it up, and I would encourage you to listen to them in order. ;-)

George is leading a powerful transformation of the company he helped form & eventually spin out of Swinerton Renewable Energy over the past 13 yrs, and he and his team have positioned the company as a clear frontrunner of the renewable energy economy. As a prominent business leader in the solar industry, George brings over 30 years of construction experience and is widely recognized for his expertise in the engineering, construction, and management of solar power plants.

This second half of the discussion looks into his work at the Solar Energy Industries Association (where he’s now serving a second term as Chairman of the Board) and the opportunities that we have as an industry to create hundreds of thousands of new jobs in the coming years. George also shares his candid views on leadership & team building, the legacy of mentors in his own career, and how he thinks about building talent among his own team.

“I want entrepreneurship to be infectious in this business, and I want to support it.” - George Hershman

SOLV is a success story on so many fronts, and It was an honor to get a chance to hear it from George himself. As Jim Rohn says, “Success leaves clues”, and in the case of Swinerton & SOLV Energy the fingerprint & evidence of their impact on our industry is evident and will endure for decades to come.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

478: Becoming the #1 Solar contractor in America, Pt 1: George Hershman - SOLV Energy Jun 02, 2022

George Hershman is the CEO of SOLV Energy (formerly known as Swinerton Renewable Energy), a company that, in my tenure in the industry, has grown to become the largest utility-scale solar Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) company in the US. I’ve been impressed at every turn how George, and his all-star team at SOLV, has consistently delivered the highest quality on almost every standard, excels at employee retention & growth, and is generally considered the premium brand when it comes to EPC firms (both in perception & price!). So, naturally I’ve long-wanted to get George in the SunCast booth to hear the story of how it all came together, and where it’s going from here.

This is Part 1 of a 2-part interview where I do just that.

George began working for general contractor, Swinerton Builders, in 1997. In 2008, he was tapped to build the company's presence in the growing solar sector. George was employee number-one at Swinerton Renewable Energy, a company which quickly grew into the country’s largest grid-level solar installer and the #1 Solar Contractor in America. George has spent his career in general construction management. His wide expertise in energy issues, trade policy, construction projects, and the technical hurdles that the solar industry currently faces gave plenty of headroom for a wide-ranging discussion, so we navigate topics from across the spectrum of startup culture and corporate growth and we get into the challenges inherent in growing anything as big as what his company has become.

In 2021, Swinerton Renewable Energy and its wholly owned subsidiary SOLV, Inc. merged into a single company, SOLV Energy. George and I get into the details of the decision to pursue the merger and spinout from Swinerton. As CEO of SOLV Energy, he continues to position the company at the forefront of the renewable energy economy.

Fun Fact, George is also an avid sailor, recently participating in San Diego's Hot Rum Series with the boat he co-owns (called “GoodEnergy”, in case you get the chance to meet him in a happy someday and want a good starter conversation!).

Hope you enjoy this Part 1, and please queue up Part 2!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

477: RALLY: How CA’s NEM Fight is Everybody’s Net Energy Metering Future with Carter Lavin of CalSSA May 31, 2022

It’s time to rally together once again, #SolarWarrior! As you’ll hear in today’s #TacticalTuesday (TT), Carter Lavin and the folks at the California Solar & Storage Association need our help not just to get the word out, but to GET out and be present at this Thursday’s upcoming rallies in California.

Carter is one of the folks I find most knowledgeable and compelling in his ability to explain what’s at stake for the industry. So, in today’s TT, we go into what is the premise of Net Energy Metering (NEM), why it’s so important, and how, exactly, it’s under fire in the CA market.

In January, we put out the call-to-arms for our solar community to get to the rallies in LA and SF, and thousands of you show up. We hope that you’ll rally once more, as the fate of the CA solar industry still hangs very much in the balance. January’s solar rally was the largest solar rally in history, and it led to Commissioners getting fired & updates to the commission's directive. But the legislative win that followed was only the beginning. This week, the CA Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) meets again, and we intend to make a public display that the Solar industry is united and strong.

What are these rallies? Why are they important or happening at all, and when/where are they? That’s covered in today’s discussion w/Carter.

As Carter says, “These discussions at the PUC are deciding the fate of the solar industry…If we want to win, we have to fight.”

“Show up, rally, donate, be loud”, as Carter says.

You see, Solar Warrior, you can be right all day long and still be made illegal or impotent by those who wish to see the Solar industry choked out.

For over a decade, Carter Lavin has helped renewable energy nonprofits and companies develop, design and execute marketing plans and sales drives, plan networking and educational events, track policy, and connect with media, government officials and community members. Listen in today as he brings the heat on why we need to stand together against this CPUC movement.

If you’re totally unfamiliar with Net Energy Metering, , we’ve covered the California policy market and in particular what’s at stake in this NEM battle extensively in these previous episodes (in particular in the final 3):

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

476: James Worden on the making of Solectria Renewables (Part 2) May 26, 2022

Part 2. The Pivot! If you listened to Part 1, you’ve got a solid appreciation for James & Solectria Corp’s roots in solar car racing. In this second half of our conversation, we look at how James and his team pivoted their core business to leverage their pioneering energy conversion technology into the soon-to-be-booming solar power industry. James Worden and his wife, Anita, created a “made in America” brand that many installers in the US have relied on, including me! We talk about the quick rise of this new company, his philosophy on rapid prototyping and time to market, and ultimately how and why he and Anita decided to sell the company...Again. By the time we’re done, I’m certain you, like me, will be eager to learn what they are focused on today (and follow James on Medium, as I have!). If you’ve ever been a tinkerer, an inventor, a wisher, a thinker, a doer, a dreamer or even a magic-bean-buyer, come in! This is one flax-golden tale* you don’t want to miss!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

(yes, not lost on us that we are sponsored by an inverter company and telling the story of another inverter company - but that’s why we love Sungrow, they’re very secure in their position and love seeing others win too!)

*Because, #poetry, if your a read-to-the-bottom-er, I hope this makes you smile:

Invitation, by Shel Silverstein

If you are a dreamer, come in,

If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar,

A hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer…

If you're a pretender, come sit by my fire

For we have some flax-golden tales to spin.

Come in!

475: James Worden, The “Bill Gates of EV” & Solectria Corporation (Part 1) May 26, 2022

Part 1. The Beginning. In 1996, after years of “can’t be done” grumbling from the major automakers, Solectria announced the development of the sporty Sunrise electric car under the leadership of CEO James Worden, calculating that the price could be as low as $20,000 if they got 20,000 orders. Ahead of his time in every way, James inspired an EV revolution, laying the foundation for innovation in not one but two industries, and we get to his contribution to the solar industry in Part 2 of the conversation.

For years, I’ve admired James and Solectria from afar, installing their solar inverters on some of my favorite projects over a decade ago. Today, you’ll get to hear a two-part conversation from our in-person interview in Boston earlier this year. We get a rare glimpse into Worden’s early life, the proving ground of his engineering mettle at MIT, his entrepreneurial story and what ultimately became his life’s obsession, Solectria Corporation. There’s so much we unpack today, so settle in for a deep dive with the one and only James Worden.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

474: Resi & Commercial finance is evolving w/Doug Pierce of Sungage Financial May 24, 2022

Today's guest, Doug Pierce, is Director of Sales for Sungage Financial, a platform I know many of you use to offer financing to your resi & commercial customers. Today, we get insight from Doug on what’s trending for 2022 and where he sees opportunity for growth, as well as the lightbulb moment for him in his sales journey with most customers.

If you haven’t heard Doug’s take on financing before, I’d recommend you queue up our Great Debate from last year, (episode 375 of SunCast) or, even better, go over and watch it on our Youtube channel where you can watch Doug duke it out with 2 other powerhouse speakers on the topic of “What is the best residential finance solution.”

I hope you enjoy these “live from” series of Tactical Tuesdays. We have more coming from BNEF and other live events on Nico’s travel schedule from the year.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

473: Can we make C&I solar more “bankable”? Jeff McAulay & Jim Bowen of Energetic Insurance May 19, 2022

Jeff McAulay and Jim Bowen are back on SunCast to discuss how we can reach more Commercial & Industrial (C&I) customers and accelerate the adoption curve for this critical segment of the industry. I’ve had Jeff on the show before talking about how, through their company Energetic Insurance, they have helped developers improve the credit rating of their solar clients such that they are able to do more projects more quickly. Today Jeff & Jim talk about how the solar market is evolving to address our collective ability to reach more clients faster within the C&I sector. Among the questions we touch on in today’s discussion are:

How do you evaluate the risk of unrated solar projects?

How do you move at the pace of startup in an otherwise glacial industry?

How do you innovate on an existing product (credit insurance)?

What shifts are they seeing in the industry, and are they achieving commercial traction?

How does Tax Equity play a role?

How has the rise of ESG increased capital available to build projects?

And what Trends are they watching unfold in 2022?

This is a fun discussion that I hope will equip you to better understand & execute on solar projects for the C&I sector. I’d love your feedback on whether we hit the mark, or what other aspects of this subject you’d like to see us cover here.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

472: Customer experience expert Scott Nguyen of Bodhi [Live from RE+NE] May 17, 2022

This week’s Tactical Tuesday guest is a returning SunCast collaborator & guest, Scott Nguyen of Bodhi Solar. If you haven’t heard his executive profile, I’d highly recommend you queue that up to listen to next, it’s episode 357 from 2021. In that discussion we go deep into Scott’s use of design thinking in developing his software platform focused on improving the solar customer journey.

There really is nobody I know in the industry that’s more focused on driving customer engagement and leveraging design principles to improve the customer experience. Scott is always a wealth of knowledge, so enjoy his insights into the opportunities & obstacles that 2022 presents, which I gleaned in today’s Live interview discussion when we were together in Boston at the RE+ Northeast show in February. Scott shares his thoughts on what emerging trends to watch, and how being back in person is benefitting his company and the industry as a whole.

Are you excited we’re back in person at these events? I’d love to hear from you more about what you’re looking for now in these live events since the pandemic. Is it education? Networking? After 2 years of essentially no industry gatherings, what is it that most compels you to leave home now? Feel free to email or DM me on Linkedin. I have been traveling a lot lately (actually ON a plane as I type these notes, headed to TX!). LMK where you’re headed and let’s try to meet up.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

471: Energy Management for increased Profits, Paul Webb of B2B Energy May 12, 2022

Paul Webb is an Energy Expert and Technical Adviser with 40 years’ experience helping businesses understand how to manage their energy consumption and implement strategic ways to reduce monthly/yearly costs. You’ll love his stories and his in-the-trenches approach which incorporates all stakeholders of an organization, from the boardroom to the shop floor, and educates and motivates people to achieve the organisation's goals and targets. He’s one of my favourite global energy experts on more than just energy savings, which is why I invited Paul as a mentor to our SunCast Tribe clients and collaborate with him often.

Tune in to get tips on saving energy as well as growing your audience & influence online. Paul has a breadth of experience to share from and you won’t be disappointed.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

470: Former Vivint sales lead is streamlining the solar sales process. Spencer Oberan, Enerflo [Live from RE+Northeast] May 10, 2022

Today's guest Spencer Oberan is co-founder of one of the solar software companies that seems to be on everybody’s lips lately, Enerflo. If you haven’t heard of Enerflo, don’t worry, I hadn’t either until January of this year, but they’re a fast-growing startup that’s been in relative stealth mode but seems to be integrating with virtually every platform out there to make proposals and financing for residential solar projects easier & faster. We caught up with Spencer face to face to hear his thoughts as a longtime solar sales titan on how the industry has evolved and what he expects from the rest of 2022. Thanks to our mutual friend, Nate Jovanelly, for making the intro.

And thanks to the kind folks at RE+ for allocating a room for us at the show to make these recordings!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

469: Podcasters Roundtable (Q1, 2022) May 06, 2022

Time for #FlashbackFriday!

Each quarter, Mike Casey (CEO, Tigercomm) and I convene the top podcasters covering cleantech sectors for a rich, one-hour discussion of trends, developments, challenges and opportunities.

Join us in hearing from the people who help shape the view of your company and your sector for investors, markets, and policymakers! This was our 4th Quarterly podcaster’s roundtable.

Nico is joined by: Mike Casey (Tigercomm), Tim Montague (Clean Power Hour), Marie Burgquist (GRNE Solar), Gil Jenkins (Hanon Armstrong) and Josh Porter (SolarCoaster)

This episode in particular featured heavily on our thoughts/reflections over the war in #Ukraine and its implications to the Clean Energy sector and the #Energy infrastructure & supply chain broadly. There was a very balanced view, in my opinion, on the need for a yes, and, approach to our reliance on fossil fuels, the inevitable transition to more sustainable fuels, and the necessity in the near term of different kinds of generation & distribution technology to enable a safe & secure #EnergyTransition.

If you know (Or are) a Cleantech Podcaster who should be on the Q2 Podcaster’s RT (in June) then please give me a shoutout so we can consider them!

You can watch the original broadcast if you prefer video:

https://www.linkedin.com/video/event/urn:li:ugcPost:6912498440300056576/?isInternal=true

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

468: Solar veteran says Mobility is “Next big thing”, Matt LeDucq, CEO Forum Mobility May 05, 2022

Matt LeDucq has 15+ Years of experience in renewables, specifically in developing solar for some of the biggest names in the industry like Nextera. He’s overseen more than $5Billion in transactions in EPC, OEM and long term investments, and has deep experience leading transactions for utility scale solar, community solar, stand alone storage, electric vehicle, fuel cell & microgrids. If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering “what would this guy who’s had such a macro view on the rise of renewable energy think is the next big thing?”

Mobility.

Specifically, Matt says that Electrification is the next big thing, and mobility is the pathway to get there. It’s an interesting way to think about the problem, right? Not necessarily the destination or outcome (Electrification) but the vectors or pathways to get us here (Mobility).

If you’d like to hear more about his journey, then you’ll DEF want to queue up today’s SunCast episode.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

467: Career Profile: Solar Project Manager, Isha Rege of New Energy Equity May 03, 2022

Have you been wondering how to get into the booming solar industry? Curious about the path that someone might take who’s currently doing the job you’d like to have? Where if that job is in solar project development or management then take notes today! My guest, Isha Rege, has risen through the ranks at one of the leading solar development companies in the US, New Energy Equity. In today’s career profile breakdown, we get details from Isha all about how she made the transition from erstwhile student to happily employed in the solar industry.

Along the way, Isha shares some of the tips she has for others looking to get their feet wet in the solar industry, and she even provides some guidance for those who are still in Academia that might help students get a leg up on the competition. Listen in as Nico and Isha discuss her journey over the last 3 yrs, which coincidentally included her company being acquired around the time that we did the interview!

Congratulations to the New Energy Equity team. Success leaves clues (and attracts great talent, like Isha!)

If you’d like to explore what the solar industry has to offer, and you feel you might need a personal sherpa along your journey, please reach out to see if you’d be a good fit for 1:1 coaching with Nico or perhaps joining our next cohort for the Mission-minded program “12 weeks to the clean energy career you deserve”.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

466: Energy Poverty, Time Magazine, Six Million Solar Lights Apr 28, 2022

Six years ago, after reading an article in Time Magazine calling energy poverty the worst kind of poverty, Simon Doble was driven to take action, and SolarBuddy was born. But, Simon is a true serial entrepreneur. By his early 20’s he was a successful businessman, investor & developer and has always sought to impact the built environment around him. It wasn’t until he began to visit UN refugee camps that he truly understood the magnitude of the problem energy poverty presents for nearly a Billion people around the world. So Simon put his ingenuity to work and began solving simple and elegant lighting problems for the dislocated masses fleeing poverty & war in their home countries seeking a new life and living in shelters.

Now he’s on a mission of placing a light into the hands of 6 million children currently living in energy poverty And, exactly how he is going about raising the funds for this extraordinary effort really caught my attention.

Today, Simon and I get deep into his background, the strategic partnerships he’s formed to bring light to dark places.

Each SolarBuddy light positively impacts 5 people and provides essential access to light after dark. It has been shown that after receiving a SolarBuddy light children are studying up to 78% longer and families are spending 80% less on kerosene and firewood contributing to an improved environmental and economic outcomes.

I was inspired by Simon’s story. He made me laugh and cry, and he’ll make you think twice about the impact you’re having. Are you settling? Or are you feeling a calling for more?

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

465: Sunnova’s John Berger on being a Solar pioneer in Oil country (Live from CERAweek) Apr 26, 2022

The annual CERAweek hosted in Houston, TX by S&P Global has been hailed as “the Davos for Energy” by some, and it didn’t disappoint. In March, I attended the conference to see whether there would be much focus on the Energy Transition, and to my great surprise there was much discussion indeed. It was wholly unexpected to find not just hallway chatter but many of the formal event panels discussing the role of the various industries and participants in the Energy Transition. Unlike the solar events (most of them anyway) there’s a lot more talk of molecules than electrons, but on the whole there seemed to be a great sense of anticipation that the industry is on the precipice of something extraordinary.

IN light of this, I had the opportunity to meet with John Berger, CEO of Sunnova Energy, and discuss the reality of being a clean energy prophet in the heart of Oil country. John’s been a solar and finance pioneer in the industry for the last 15+ years and has roots originally in the Oil & Gas sector, so I wanted to hear from him first-hand what kinds of conversations he is engaging in (or not) lately with his colleagues from “across the aisle”. We truly are all in this together, and CERAweek helped me really see that there is no us versus them in the energy transition. Listen in and learn what one of the solar industry’s leading executives has to say on the subject.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

464: Deborah Knuckey on Antarctica, climate reality & practical advice for testing Apr 21, 2022

While Deborah Knuckey’s resume says plenty about her more than 20 years of strategy and marketing experience in the renewables sector, she’s more defined by her career breaks to learn mountaineering, do polar expedition training, study photography and complete a graduate program in documentary filmmaking with the hope of retracing her father’s expedition through the Antarctic.

Deb writes about climate, energy and the Antarctic, with occasional forays into climate fiction and satire. Her wit and intellectual candor is exactly the kind of stuff I love to read, and its probably the reason I’ve become friends with her over the years we’ve worked together in the renewable energy sector. She’s just back from the ClimateForce 2041 Leadership on the Edge program in the Antarctic, and I got to sit down with her to hear about how her various explorations of the Antarctic have influenced her winding path to clean energy. Her decades-long effort to transcribe her father’s Antarctic travel journal and revisit the life of a man she never really got to know features prominently in the story today, and even prompts some of my own reflections on how to be a better Father and friend. Today Deb & I get deep into the things she’s learned about the Antarctic, why it’s fascinated her and pushed her all her life, what we can learn from that vast baron landscape and why she considers it to be “the subconscious of the world”. And, her “crystal ball” answer will certainly leave you wanting more of Deb Knuckey!

She’s a Climate Futurist with a deep personal quest for addressing the climate crisis.

Settle in; today’s a deep conversation that I know you’ll love.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

463: TT: Permitting slowing you down? Ankit Sheoron, Wattmonk [Live from RE+Northeast] Apr 19, 2022

Today's featured clean energy entrepreneur is Ankit Sheoran, Founder at Wattmonk. I’ve been getting to know Ankit and his team at Wattmonk over the last few months, and it was delightful to meet him in person finally in Boston! Special thanks to our mutual friend Anthony Conklin for making the connection and for bringing Wattmonk to my attention. Ankit’s team is quite literally moving mountains for their clients as one of the fastest growing offshore system design & permitting companies in the industry. His success stems from more than a decade of global experience leveraging technology to accelerate the homeowner & installer timeline to solar project completion, and today you get to learn from his decade-plus of experience & insights.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

462: Optimizing solar assets with intelligent cleaning, Catlin Mattheis, CEO of Fracsun Apr 14, 2022

I said it when we released the episode with Cary Hayes back in January (Ep 438 btw) that the REC Solar “mafia” has deep roots. Today’s guest, Catlin Mattheis, is proof as he and his co-founders are one of the many “alumni organizations”, as we might call them, from that long heritage REC has given us in California. When you hear the origin story of his company, Fracsun, you’ll get a sense of appreciation for the level of attention to detail, forward-thinking and courage Catlin and his team have embodied and how it carries through to their commitment now to ensure every PV plant out there is harvesting the maximum kWh possible!

Fracsun specializes in on-site soiling loss measurement using their patented ARES soiling management system. Want to eliminate uncertainty and enable your team to confidently monitor and manage soiling loss with ease? Listen in.

You’ll also get a healthy dose of humor as Catlin and I really had a great time in what was one of my first in-person interviews of the year! Grateful for Catlin who drove down several hours to meet me when I was last in SoCal, and excited to see the Fracsun team finally getting the recognition (and funding) they deserve!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

461: One 5-letter word underscores all project success, w/John Chaimanis, CEO Kendall Sustainable Infrastructure Apr 12, 2022

Today's guest, John Chaimanis, is CEO of Kendall Sustainable Infrastructure. John is a returning SunCast guest & you can hear his original executive profile back in episode 196 of SunCast when we discussed his approach to what we referred to then as “Value-added finance” for solar project development. John’s team and reputation have grown substantially in the sector since our chat back in 2019, so I was supremely grateful for some time with him face to face in Boston recently to see how 2022 is shaping up, what he’s excited about, and why these in-person meetings are still so critical to his success.

You’ll also find out what that 5-letter word is that forms the cornerstone of John’s investment and partnership thesis. Read more about my thoughts on today’s interview over on the show notes page, where we also link to further resources.

Thanks for taking the time to check out SunCast. I hope to hear from you soon.

If you want to connect with today's guest, check out his contact details as well in the show notes over on the blog.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

460: Collaboration at scale, a “Slack for Solar”? Raptor Maps CEO, Nikhil Vadhavkar Apr 07, 2022

I’ve gotta give NASA credit. It turns out the space program has delivered many many more terrestrial benefits and innovations than might be assumed at first observation. There’ve been a few folks lately on the show who’s original pursuits & passions took them closer to the moon than the average person. Today’s guest is among that elite group, having spent time in deep research for NASA’s space-walking astronauts; his co-founder worked for SpaceX. You can say these guys are used to shooting for the stars.

Nikhil Vadhavkar is the CEO and co-founder of Raptor Maps, solar lifecycle management software that they refer to as “The Slack for Solar” where collaboration between asset owners & stakeholders has truly become a data and software-driven obsession.

Today we cover:

his “climate wakeup” moment,
parlaying a $100k investment from Y-Combinator
leveraging SpaceX, Gates Foundation, Accenture and NASA to build Raptor Maps
what “System of Record” & “Digital Twin” mean & why it matters

Lastly, along the lines of SpaceX founder, Elon Musk (and perhaps inspired by his philosophy), we get into their decision to open-source everything:

All the data capture methodologies
Aerial inspections & hosting data (including historical data from other vendors)
Instructions on how to set up manned aerial vehicles, drones, etc
Data set for doing Machine Learning on imaging anomalies

Why did they choose this path? What could it mean for your company?

Tune–in to hear more. I promise you won’t be disappointed with today’s high-IQ episode!

Nikhil is an MIT engineer, and his graduate research was thermal control systems for next-generation spacesuits. He met his co-founder in graduate school, and took Raptor Maps through Y Combinator in 2016. You’ll get a much better understanding of why when you dig in here today. Raptor Maps has delivered critical data analytics to over 45 GW of solar PV plants in 38 countries, and many of you probably consider that it’s a drone-enabled data gathering company. You’d be wrong, as was I, and Nikhil forgives you.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

459: TT: Jon Powers, President Clean Capital [Live from RE+Northeast] Apr 05, 2022

Jon Powers, is a true [Solar]Warrior. From serving the US Army in Iraq, to becoming the first-ever Chief Sustainability Officer under the Obama administration, Jon has demonstrated passion & leadership in renewables. He was able to parlay that expertise into a strong brand and portfolio in the clean economy vis a vis his company, Clean Capital. Since I first interviewed him way back in Episode 181, Jon and team have grown to become one of the largest C&I developers & asset owners in the US market. And during they pandemic they parlayed their operating asset experience downstream to provide greenfield development support to their partners. Hear how his development capital is perhaps different from what you’ve come to understand as dev capital.

In this Live interview at RE+ Northeast, Jon and I discuss the value of in-person events & meetings in this new landscape we find ourselves in. Jon also discusses how his team has brought technology to the market to enable partners like Blackrock to get comfortable entering into these C&I transactions and portfolios.

What could hold us back? Hear Jon’s answer to that and more on this live interview direct from Boston.

As Jon says, “When you have business owners, job creators, telling their stories [in Washington] the impact is wildly greater…so we need all of our voices to tap into this debate because it’s gonna help push us forward.”

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

458: How’s Jigar Shah & team doing investing that $24 Billion in innovative energy technology? A 2022 update from the DOE Loan Programs Office Mar 31, 2022

A year ago, the industry was mildly shocked to learn that Jigar Shah, Industry Icon, Entrepreneur, Investor & Visionary would be joining the US Department of Energy to head the infamous Loan Program office(LPO). The LPO is notably responsible for the Title XVII program that invested in companies like Tesla, Ford, Nissan and a large number of solar energy companies/projects. A year on, I wanted to check-in with Jigar to learn how his first year went, where he’s seeing the trends for 2022 & beyond, and how the solar industry would fare in the portfolio for the remainder of his tenure.

We touch on 3 key areas (and a few other 1st-heard-on-SunCast moments):

A Portfolio Summary Report
Is there still a place for Solar at LPO?
Jigar’s Journey to Federal Service & what the job opportunities look like

You didn’t click on this episode to read a bunch, likely you need no convincing, so get to listening. ;-)

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

457: TT: How do I work with an Electric Co-op? Piper Wilder, CEO 60Hertz Energy Mar 29, 2022

Piper Wilder has been working with electric cooperatives for decades and has keen insight into how to partner with (and sell to) them compared with the functional process with the more traditional utility structure.

How many electric cooperatives there are in the United States?

What percentage of the total (of electric utilities) that represents?

What differences exist between working with Cooperatives versus traditional Utilities?

And how might you position yourself or identify how to work with Cooperative Electric Utilities based on what you learn today?

Piper breaks down these 5 key areas that will help you better understand how to work with a rural electric cooperative:

What are the 2 flavors of electric cooperative and how does each work?
What are the structural operational differences between electric cooperatives and traditional utilities?
What if any Strategic and Planning differences exist that influence their decision-making?
Who should a solar developer approach within a Cooperative?
How do Cooperatives like to do business with power project developers?

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

456: How to integrate Social Equity into Renewable Energy Credits(Social RECs), Dana Clare Redden, Founder of Solar Stewards Mar 24, 2022

Dana Clare Redden is the founder and CEO of Solar Stewards, a social enterprise connecting corporate social responsibility initiatives with schools and universities, affordable and senior housing, places of worship, and nonprofits in marginalized communities.

Today, Dana and Nico discuss:

What is energy burden? (And how might we best work towards alleviating it?)
The challenges of entrepreneurship as a female founder
Solar Stewards’ role in bringing solar solutions and accessibility to historically excluded communities
Solar Stewards’ model for integrating Environmental Justice + Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) & how, precisely, they secure funding to support their mission

Join us as we dig into this incredibly engaging episode! Tune in now.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

455: 10X Growth requires an amazing team, Tara Doyle, CCO of PVEL Mar 22, 2022

Suncast is a decidedly better show because of today’s guest. I mean that in all sincerity. In 2018, sitting with Tara Doyle over a beer at SF’s Thirsty Bear brewery, I was challenged to diversify the then very-white-very-male interview guest roster of the fledgling show (still under 100 episodes!!). That day I pledged to get SunCast to at least a 30% representation of female guests (the % of female to male team members in the industry at the time). And, to kick off Women’s History Month in 2019, we did a 2-part interview with Tara (which I highly encourage you to listen to in its entirety) which has begun a tradition on SunCast of dedicating the podcast roster to an all-female lineup every March these last 4 yrs.

In honor of that initial kick in the pants by Tara (and bc her episode was, in fact, amazing), I’m delighted to bring you this abridged version of that episode. For those unfamiliar, Tara Doyle is the Chief Commercial Officer at PV Evolution Labs (now officially “PVEL”) and has worked nearly every support role on her way to the C-suite during her more than 15 years of experience in the solar industry.

In this episode we discussed:

The integral role of support/field staff in the success of an organization
The evolution of PVEL from a small start up to their impressive 10x growth and acquisition by DNV-GL(and key lessons, considerations, and business plays along the way)
Her life as a busy executive while still prioritizing her “#1 customers” (i.e., her children, aka the next generation of solar enthusiasts.)

All this and more, in under 30 minutes. Best trade you’ll find! Tune in now.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

454: Making solar policy work, Meghan Nutting of Sunnova Mar 17, 2022

Meghan Nutting's work speaks for itself; She has advocated for and contributed to numerous Solar policies and solutions over the past decade-plus. Additionally, she cut her teeth in public affairs, has worked as a Legislative Director for New York State Assembly member Linda Rosenthal, and as a Press Secretary for former U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe. She then served at SolarCity as the Director of Policy and Electricity Markets as the industry pulled out of the last recession way back in 2009. Presently, Meghan serves as the Executive Vice President of Government & Regulatory Affairs at Sunnova Energy Corporation (a leading U.S. residential solar and storage services provider.) Her background displays the considerable breadth of her experience, which lends her the unique lens to evaluate the Clean Energy industry and chart a way forward using policies that foster and secure a sustainable business environment for Solar electricity generation. It also makes for a particularly stellar episode as she is well-versed on the key issues facing this industry.

We discuss:

her time in public service (including her thoughts on how to unify our lobbying efforts),
regulatory bottlenecks preventing progression in key markets
the NEM battle in Florida
how to work towards a unified vision with those "across-the-aisle"

The list goes on, but I won’t drop anymore spoilers!

Honored to highlight the work of this longtime #SolarWarrior as another shining example of the phenomenal female leadership we have in the Solar industry as we continue to highlight Key Women in Tech this Women’s History Month. Enjoy!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

453: Britta von Oesen on financing energy storage Mar 15, 2022

This week’s tactical Tuesday features Britta von Oesen, longtime #Solar Warrior and Clean Energy maven who currently serves as Managing Director with CohnReznick Capital where she opened the W. Coast (SF) Office. She has over a decade of experience with everything from investment banking to tax equity and development in the environmental sector and she’s done BILLIONS of dollars in transactions. Not surprisingly, we recently revealed that her 2020 episode is one of our top listened-to episodes on the show! There are back-to-back gems found all throughout, so much so that I decided to bring it back for an abridged Tactical Tuesday.

As the Managing Director of an investment firm specifically geared towards serving the Renewable Energy sector, Britta has developed an eye for what opportunities attract investors and have the potential to maximize returns. Today you’ll learn

- What are key elements developers should consider when getting an energy storage deal financed?

- Where do new off-take models like CCA’s (community choice aggregators) fit in this economy?

- And her take on the role direct relationships have to play in success of shopping a deal.

Over the next 15 minutes you’ll learn this and more — let’s go!

And if after this you are longing to queue up the longform original version of this discussion, look for Episode 235 in your podcast player.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

452: NJ’s rooftop community solar market is dominated by one company, Solar Landscape, w/Shaun Keegan (CEO) & Kate Gold Mar 10, 2022

Shaun Keegan co-founded Solar Landscape with a childhood friend in 2012, personally developing each side of the business from design and build to legal and policy. In 2020, his sister, Kate Gold joined the company to lead their community engagement & workforce development initiatives. Kate joins the interview today to provide some color into Shaun’s background and this truly family-run business. You can also check out her interview last year, episode 408, where we highlighted Kate as Solar Power World’s “Top Solar Changemaker” for 2021! We talk about the crucial role of family and community that has contributed to Solar Landscape’s success over the years, and I get a little insight about what it was like to grow up with Shaun, who, as Kate puts it, “has been a CEO since he was three.”

You’ll love the stories and life lessons shared in today’s episode #SolarWarriors. I sure did.

You can check out Kate’s interview from 2021: https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/408

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

451: Public Relations vs Public Affairs? Nadia Pabst (Antenna Group) can answer that! [Live from RE+Northeast] Mar 08, 2022

Just a few weeks ago (Feb 2022), I was live and in person at the RE+NorthEast Trade Show. I LOVE in person interviews!! Especially this one with Nadia Pabst, VP of the newly created Public Affairs Practice, a notable expansion of Antenna Group who is so well known for Marketing and PR. From storage to solar fleets to self driving vehicles, Nadia brings a surprising breadth of experience and subject matter expertise to the political acumen clients would expect from a Public Affairs expert.

So, what’s the difference between Public Relations and Public Affairs? How does that change the picture for the client and the industry? Nadia explains how Public Affairs takes a holistic perspective of clean energy entrepreneurship, grid sustainability, and policy to promote and secure real growth in this fast moving industry.

Special thanks to the folks at RE+ for setting aside a dedicated room for us at the show to be able to accommodate interviews. There will be more forthcoming like this from the RE+NE show, so make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

450: Sunrun CEO, Mary Powell, leading America's largest residential solar company Mar 03, 2022

We are kicking off Women’s History Month with Mary Powell, the Chief Executive Officer of Sunrun, the Nation’s leading home solar, battery storage, and energy services company.

You may also recall that Mary served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Green Mountain Power Corporation (2008-2019), an electric services company that serves 75 percent of the State of Vermont’s residential and business customers. During her tenure, Mary delivered on an ambitious energy vision to provide low-carbon, low-cost and highly reliable power to Vermont residents, and positioned the company as a leading energy transformation business. She is a force within the industry and I am honored to have her featured as our 450th Podcast Episode Guest!

This episode captures our enlivening discussion as we cover her path from a very art-inspired family background where she admittedly, “did not grow up with any orientation towards business nor towards the world of energy,” to coming into her own as an executive in a male-dominated industry. And even after serving for more than a decade with Green Mountain Power Corporation (which easily could have been the only story of Mary’s career path) she accepted a role with Sunrun where she presently works. These experiences, as an executive of both a Utility and now a Distributed Energy Company have given her the proper vantage point to discern the obstacles to the energy transition and sustainable future we are all working towards. So tune in to hear about:

Her strategy to transform the orientation towards an energy future while lowering bills.
Her mindset navigating as a woman and becoming comfortable being an outlier and how that propelled her into her own truth
Her focus around serving customers and its two-fold benefit to both the company and the business.

You’ll hear all this and more on today’s podcast episode so be sure to tune in!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

449: Inside Goldman Sachs & Shell Ventures $75M bet on GridPoint, with Peter Corsell (Chairman) & Melissa Blanken (CMO) Mar 01, 2022

In this audio-exclusive, host Nico Johnson gets unique behind-the-scenes insight into the strategic investment by two industry giants, Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Shell Ventures, into one of the more well-established building energy management platforms in climatetech - GridPoint.

GridPoint today announced it has closed a $75 million strategic capital raise led by the Sustainable Investing Group within Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Goldman Sachs), with additional participation by Shell Ventures . “Goldman Sachs has been a strong supporter of GridPoint since the company's early days,” said Peter L. Corsell, Chairman & Founder of GridPoint and Global InfraTech Fund Partner at I Squared Capital. “We are now delighted to work closely with Goldman’s Sustainable Investing Group and Shell Ventures in this next, important chapter of GridPoint’s growth.”

Listen in as Nico discusses both the nature of the investment and the new GridPoint that is set to emerge with Peter Corsell. How will the existing business model expand or change? Hear from Melissa Blanken, GridPoint’s CMO, on the renewed vision for this climatetech startup that was indeed ahead of its time. And Nico probes for further clarity as this investment appears to usher in a clear shift in focus from Utilities to their Commercial building customers.

Consider this the official behind-the-scenes story to the Press Release issued today by GridPoint.

Enjoy, and let us know what other questions you still have.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

448: Zinc Batteries, Rocket Science, & Reinvention, with Michael Burz of Enzinc Feb 24, 2022

Warning this is a 2-hour life course that you don't want to miss!

Queue it up and set aside the time. You will be rewarded

Ever meet someone and stand in awe of their genius?

Well, have we got a show for you!

This week’s episode features Michael Burz, CEO and Co-Founder of Enzinc, a green energy startup developing a revolutionary type of battery based on zinc. While most stories illustrate a slow and steady upward journey toward success, Michael’s story is one mind-blowing achievement after another. Get this: He’s pretty much a rocket scientist. Graduated with a masters in aerospace engineering and before becoming an entrepreneur, he designed cruise missiles, was part of Nissan’s Design Studio in the United States, where he worked on an eco-car for the Tokyo Auto Show and was program manager for Nissan’s all-carbon composite Group C car to race at Le Mans. He led the team that took a racecar from a blank page to the track in record time and under budget.

And that’s not all. Michael Burz is still at it. At present, he’s using his brilliance within the CleanTech industry to revolutionize energy storage through zinc anode batteries. We talked about his present work with Enzinc and the path that led him there, with key insights including:

— How big transitions can sprout from small moments (as he shares the story of how a candid comment made towards him over dinner prompted his return back into designing and creating.)

— The how and why of the evolution of his entrepreneurial endeavor from electric vehicles to batteries (and how entrepreneurs can know when to pivot projects)

— His ideology on building a highly efficient team (hint: invest more in people than technology)

There’s honestly so much to share it feels impossible to condense it all here. But I can tell you this: you will not walk away from this episode the same. So tune in, or miss out!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

447: How are you doing…Really? With Derick Lila, PV Buzz Feb 22, 2022

Today's Tactical Tuesday features Derick Lila, the founder of PV Buzz (a platform focused on the North American Solar industry.) Recently, he made an interesting post on LinkedIn about Black History month and its emphasis on "black awesomeness" while overlooking issues related to black wellness. The post was particularly notable as the theme of this year's Black History Month is centered around Black health and wellness.

I commented as I am prone to do, and it struck a chord, so I asked Derick to come on SunCast and let’s discuss it.

Truth be told: It is relatively easy to fall into "celebrating" Black History by solely focusing upon the accomplishments of the past. In contrast, true celebration seems to encompass the whole of the culture, including considering the present struggles of black communities.

In light of this, today's Tactical Tuesday discussion focuses on exploring the mental health side of entrepreneurship, through the lens of a fellow entrepreneur, who happens to be Black. We also focused our conversation on the here and now, specifically as it relates to the Solar industry, where Derick candidly shared his insights on navigating beyond political correctness and distilling race-related quandaries down to a simple question: "What is the right thing to do?" Additionally, we touched on climate change and its adverse (and potentially disproportionate effects) on the black community. Finally, we discussed Clean Energy and the ongoing journey towards achieving access and equity serving the Black community.

It's raw. It's real. And for some, it might even make you uncomfortable. But it's a worthwhile discussion that is certainly worth a listen! Tune in here.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

446: Undeniable proof that mentors matter, with Miles Braxton of Goldman Sachs RPG Feb 17, 2022

Miles Braxton went to UVA specifically to study in the lab of Mool Gupta, the Father of Photonics. He should have been a prime candidate for the booming solar industry: a black engineer, young and ambitious, ready to put his boots on and earn his stripes. Then, he couldn’t find a job. Anywhere. He now leads Risk Management for the Goldman Sachs Renewable Power Group, and is Co-founder and Director of Strategic Partnerships at the BlackOak Collective. Not a bad turn turn in his luck, but as you’ll hear today, it had more to do with persistence, patience and a clear vision for what he wanted to accomplish along the way. He also had some really great mentors along the way.

(You can Read More about Miles’ story over on the blog post)

This episode covers his remarkable journey with the following defining themes marking his rise to success:

— Initiative (fearless follow-up and creating opportunities for himself instead of waiting for them to come to him)

— Redirection (envisioning and pursuing his ideal career path yet also embracing the evolution of what that became)

— Altruism (not solely preoccupied with his own success but enlightened enough to pour back into his community as well)

We also covered the co-founding of his current passion project, The Black Oak Collective, and their work in providing job opportunities, networks, and other resources for people of color that want to get involved with sustainability. We discussed all of this, and more so, prepare yourself for another hugely inspiring Suncast episode!

Tune in and tune up your skills!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

445: Unleash the Power Within Experience with Alex Williams Feb 15, 2022

Happy Tuesday, Solar Warriors!

If you've been keeping up with our podcast, then you'll remember Alex Williams, CEO of Solar Energy Partners, who appeared on the show at the beginning of this month. In that episode, we talked at length about his company and his success in mobilizing over 1000 people into high-performing solar sales.

And while his success is undoubtedly inspiring, too often, we can fixate on trying to replicate results without sufficiently investigating the habits, mindsets, or other tools that were instrumental on the road to success. Well, on today's Tactical Tuesday, we cover personal development and how it positively impacted Alex Williams along his upward journey.

Alex Williams is a strong proponent for personal development and its potential utility in business and beyond. Personal development is an area that generally encompasses skills and activities to increase self-awareness, improve life skills, and facilitate unlocking potential. Specifically here, Alex attests to the efficacy of the "Unleash the Power Within" personal development coaching event offered by world-renowned motivational speaker Tony Robbins. As he puts it, "I've had five major periods of explosive growth in my life, and every one of them was preceded by a Tony Robbins event." What a solid testament to the life-transforming power of intentionally seeking to grow in this area.

Although it is impossible to fully condense the 3-day event down into a limited podcast episode, we were able to glean critical insights that Alex has learned along the way, including:

— Energy states (what they are, how they are created and in what way it impacts growth)

— Priming the mind for success in the face of adversity or a new challenge

— Understanding the power of the mind and tackling limiting beliefs

After all, the road to success in Clean Energy and beyond is paved with new challenges awaiting. And for all resources dedicated to assisting with navigating obstacles in business, there certainly deserves a spotlight on resources that cultivate the inner person.

Accordingly, I am happy to bring you this week's episode. I found it incredibly edifying, and I hope you will experience the same!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

444: Local Energy Rules: Empowering Local Communities to Decide Their Energy Future Feb 10, 2022

This week we’re excited to welcome our guest, John Farrell, to Suncast. John Farrell is an author, a podcaster, co-director of the Institute of Self Reliance, and leads the Energy Democracy Initiative. He has also been featured in the New York Times and is widely known as a “guru of distributed energy.”

On this week’s episode, we were able to get some deeper insights from him specifically focused around:

1.) The Institute of Self Reliance, their mission, and how that fits in to address the needs of marginalized communities

2.) Empowering local energy through his current work and spotlighting additional programs like the “Our Power Maine” campaign

3.) His predictions on the next shift in the market including what he finds to be a “one-in-a-generation” opportunity

From his writing of “Energy Self Reliant States” to his present work and outlook on Energy Democracy, John Farrell is a force and voice that champions local communities and their power to decide and structure their energy future. And while there are always new evolutions happening in the industry, his understanding of the current barriers to solar development, how certain states are addressing it, and its potential impact moving forward was particularly enlightening. This was an excellent opportunity to speak with another leading voice in this field and an illuminating conversation to match. I am sure you will enjoy this episode, so be sure to tune in!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

443: Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me - Solar Edition! (Live @Intersolar’22) Feb 08, 2022

Many will instantly recognize the popular NPR Quiz show “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me!”

If you don’t, you really have missed one of the all-time-great NPR staples.

Well, at Intersolar North America last month, Scott Nguyen, CEO of Bodhi Solar, and I hosted a very special version [Scott’s brainchild] of WWDTM - the Solar Edition!

Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me is a very entertaining quiz show built off real life stories from current events; as you might suspect, the solar edition draws from real (and hard-to-believe) stories curated from the solar industry at-large. We had a special group of panelists help deliver the stories (and some levity): Mark Culpepper from Dronebase, Kathy Heilmann from Shoals Technology Group and Stan Pipkin from Lighthouse Solar.

You are going to love the stories, and I hope it leaves you laughing, or at least wanting more! Join us for a fun and interesting time and play along to see how well you would have done on the show.

Should we do more like this? Shoot me a LinkedIn Message and lmk! (you can find my profile link below)

And, congrats to our 3 winners - one even got a DRONE plus Nico’s voice on his real-life voicemail system, just like Carl Castle on the real WWDTM!

Will YOU be the next winner?

Special thanks to DroneBase for sponsoring this Live recording. You can learn more about Drone Base’s thermographic imaging services and global Aerial Mapping technology at www.dronebase.com.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

442: Hire, train & motivate 1000+ sales people, with Alex Williams, Solar Energy Partners Feb 03, 2022

Alex Williams is a problem-solver. That, and he loves to recruit high-performing sales people. He loves watching people transform into what they think they can be. And through the pandemic he got his perfect chance. His company, Solar Energy Partners, hired and trained over 1000 sales people over the last 18 months, all focused on knocking residential homeowner’s doors and consulting them to “go solar”. And it appears they’re very good at it.

Since Alex was a teen, he’s looked for disparities in markets and tried to come up with a way to insert himself into the cash cycle by solving this or that missing element. That’s how he found himself in the Shale Fields of North Dakota, and ultimately its his curiosity and keen sense of opportunity that got him out of Oil & Gas and into Solar. From building the fastest growth sales org at Vivint (we discuss how) to now building one of the largest independent solar sales rep organizations, Alex quickly discovered his unique gifting for recruiting and building systems to empower sales.

In 2016, he began hearing about Vivint sales guys going independent & making $70k/mo with the so-called “dealer model” of independent solar sales. Alex realized that his brother’s understanding of the business and mind for training and teaching positioned them well to do something similar. He figured he could adapt a unique approach to recruiting, focus on systems & training, and build a Powerhouse solar sales company. He was right; and, today they’re selling an enviable amount of solar and having a lot of fun along the way.

You’re going to love this episode, #SolarWarrior. It holds lots of promise if you listen closely. Despite Alex’s young age, I was blown away with his business acumen and insight. So I encourage you, regardless of whether or not you’re in Residential solar, to click play and learn from someone who truly has put in the reps. I think you’ll be as pleasantly surprised as I was.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

441: C&I Energy Storage: Live Intersolar’22 Innovation Stage w/Yotta Energy CEO, Omeed Badkoobeh Feb 01, 2022

Can Energy Storage unlock a “Solar-Plus-Storage-Powered Future” for the largely yet-to-be-disrupted Commercial and Industrial segment of solar? Today’s guest, Yotta Energy’s CEO, Omeed Badkoobeh, believes it can, and we get into the innovative storage technology they’ve created to address this behemoth and largely untapped market.

Of the more than 22 GW of corporate renewable energy deals announced since 2008, more than 15 GW of these deals were announced since 2018, according to the Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance (REBA) Corporate Renewable Energy Deal Tracker. Further, projections show that just within the Fortune 1000, C&I customers will need up to 85 GW of renewable energy through 2030. Many developers & Installers today agree with REBA that solar growth in the U.S. and globally will come not from huge Utility segment, but from expansion in this commercial and industrial segment. So, if this is the case, how do these developers add energy storage capacity in an environment where real estate is priced (and valued) down to the square foot?

Despite the current situation around the world, long-term demand for C&I solar should remain strong for the foreseeable future.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

440: Tigo’s Chairman on storage as energy intelligence, Zvi Alon w/special guest Jing Tian Jan 27, 2022

How did Zvi Alon become Chairman and CEO of one of the early MLPE pioneers, Tigo Energy? By believing in the strategy he mapped out and invested in! When the original founders lost hope in the plan, Zvi stepped in, and the rest is history. Hear today how one of the iconic power electronics companies birthed here in Silicon Valley stayed alive amidst the Asian manufacturer influx to the solar power electronics sector. And Tigo didn’t just stay alive, but managed to thrive, driving innovation across the value stream, pioneering & championing change in the way rooftop solar was installed, at least in the USA that is.

We get a rare glimpse of the inside story from the man who made it happen, Zvi Alon.

Zvi recently hired past SunCast guest (and longtime friend) Jing Tian as their Chief Growth Officer. Jing joins Zvi in this interview to discuss what got her excited about sparking Tigo’s new chapter of growth. And, of course, we get into their big news, the launch of a residential storage product to compete head to head not just with Enphase and Solaredge but Tesla, Generac and the rest of the field!

I’m grateful for the opportunity to have time with Zvi, which I have patiently waited for since I first met him in 2016! Now, you don’t have to wait.

You’re welcome. Press Play.

Link to Jing’s previous blog post: https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/041

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

439: 3 Keys to new market expansion (Including USA), w/Sergio Blanco of Partner Engineering Jan 25, 2022

I’ve been getting a LOT of inbound over the last year since President Joe Biden took office as investors and renewable energy developers the world over increasingly see the United States as a “great place to invest”. Sergio Blanco was my direct boss at Conergy, the last real “job” I held, at a time when I was trying to learn what it takes to develop and acquire pipeline in the then-booming Latin America solar market. We went through a LOT of projects, market consideration and strategy meetings, and on-the-ground hunting. So, you could say we both understand what it looks like to develop new markets through trial-by-fire.

Sergio is now the Director of Project Finance at Partner Engineering and Science (Partner) and is focused on helping Partner’s stakeholders evaluate and due-diligence the Renewables sector. He leads the Due Diligence process, financial modeling, project accounting, and feasibility reports for lenders of solar PV and Storage projects, amongst others. He has managed the acquisition and financing of more than 1GW on solar projects throughout the USA and Latin America, and has also managed organizations and M&A Transactions for S&P 500 Companies and relevant Renewable Energy Developers throughout Latin America and the US.

In today’s discussion, we focus on the 3 key areas that international companies must focus on when investing in new markets:

Knowledge gathering / best practices - How well do I understand the market?
Foreign direct investment - What kind of investment will it take, and what are the expected returns?
Operational Readiness - What must I understand about place, people, projects to stand up a functional business in the region?

It’s a treasure trove of insight packed into a tiny package, so I hope you enjoy this Tactical Tuesday, Solar Warrior! Thanks for taking the time to stop by. I’d love to hear from you. How did this episode land? Good timing? Leave you with more questions than answers? I’m here for you…DM me or better yet leave your Questions as a comment on my LI Post for today’s episode (might have to scroll to find it)!

And I get into a little more of the back-story on the blog post for the episode, so hope you’ll check that out as well!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

438: From ski bum to Solar legend, REC Americas President - Cary Hayes Jan 20, 2022

I first met Cary Hayes back when I was working at Trina Solar circa 2012. He was still at REC Solar, and we had an unforgettable dinner (and too many laughs) in Phoenix. I’ve always wanted him on the show, and am so glad to finally have the chance. Cary and I have a lot of fun in this interview because that’s the kind of human and leader Cary is…he exudes both fun and confidence while remaining one of the most fiercely competitive people I’ve had the pleasure to know. You’re going to love every second of this interview - I sure did.

Cary is now President of REC Americas, but his journey to that role is anything but ordinary or direct. Today you can learn the secret trick he used to land his first real job, at Smith-Barney no less, after being a professional ski-bum for 8 years. Then, hear why he quit his high-paying job to write articles and follow his passion. He moved to California, slept on a couch, and was actually doing hard labor making $20 an hour before he finally landed at REC Solar. It was at REC Solar that he got to work with the pioneers in the solar industry and that is where his story really gets interesting.

Cary’s 3 pillars for leadership and excellence should go on everybody’s office wall.

And it makes sense, because he has worked with some of the most iconic and impressive leaders, many you maybe have never even heard of. He even tells how one mentor ripping him apart for 15 minutes was actually one of the best things to happen to him. Today we get to sit at the feet of one of my favorite solar leaders, and it’s well worth the investment of time.

Listen to the full interview here at Suncast.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

437: Andrew Birch, Nem3.0, Save our Solar Jobs!, Live @Intersolar N.A.’22 Jan 18, 2022

Andrew Birch, affectionately referred to by many as simply “Birchy”, joins Nico in this live interview [rebroadcast] from the Intersolar N. America expo hall floor from Thursday January 13, 2022. Birchy is the Godfather of online solar sales (you may remember him as the co-founder and CEO of Sungevity), and always has keen insight into what’s trending and what to consider within the fast-growing distributed solar arena.

Birchy had just come from the CALSSA “Save our Solar Jobs Rally” in LA, and gives an update on the state of the industry in light of the recent negative press on CA’s NEM3.0 ruling.

From the CALSSA website:

“The CPUC’s proposed decision on NEM-3 would destroy net metering, ending our state’s clean energy leadership and decimating our industry, and our jobs, in the process. This is our SOS, our chance to make our voices heard and insist that the PUC change course. Now is the time to go big.

Our industry is on the line. Our jobs and livelihood are at stake. This is it.”

And thousands did - they shut down their offices all over the state, took the day off, and came down from the roof for one morning to be there! If you couldn’t make it, you’re in luck because Nico asks Birchy for an update from the front lines. He then goes into what he sees as trends for the coming year as well as what he’s changed his mind about (and it might surprise you, it did Nico!)

Special thanks to Drone Base for supporting this live interview.

Learn more about Drone Base and their worldclass aerial thermal imaging.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

436: Greenpenny, banking that funds Clean Energy. Jason MacDuff, President Jan 14, 2022

Jason MacDuff is President of greenpenny, a virtual carbon-neutral bank dedicated to financing a sustainable tomorrow. Money deposited in greenpenny is secure, earns interest, and is only used to finance renewable energy systems and carbon reducing efficiency projects - no fossil fuels. And greenpenny has been offering their residential and commercial solar loans in the midwest for longer than just about anyone. As Jason said, “It’s time for banks to offer green products and services that empower customers to take their own climate actions.” But greenpenny is distinct in the market because unlike most solar financiers or banking fintech startups, it’s part of an actual century-old midwestern bank!

After 24 years at Wells Fargo, Jason was ready for a change. He took two years off to travel the world and came back with a new perspective & passion, determined to use his experience in banking to make serious progress on climate change. It’s a big leap from major bank to banking entrepreneur. We talk about the challenges, frustrations, inspirations and big ideas of his role leading greenpenny, including their unique approach to solar loans (and the long heritage doing so), hiring (they’re hiring!), pivoting and fine tuning the marketing message. Hear all about where he came from and where he’s going, right here in our conversation on Suncast.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

435: American Clean Power, w/CEO Heather Zichal Jan 11, 2022

Some of you will recall, Nico was live-broadcasting from the CleanPower21 tradeshow in Salt Lake City back in December. While he was there, Nico got the chance to sit down with Heather Zichal, the CEO of the organization that runs the CleanPower show and that has been shaking things up in Washington for you and me in a good way all last year.

The three areas covered in today’s episode are:

1. AWEA rebrand to ACP & 2022 Goals

2. Messaging to the solar industry specifically, from Heather & ACP

3. Acquisition of ESA

Launched at the start of 2021, the American Clean Power Association is a new trade association unifying the wind, solar, storage and transmission companies that are driving jobs and investment in the U.S. economy and providing solutions to the climate crisis.

Many of you will recognize is as “the AWEA rebrand” or something along those lines, but I believe it’s much more than a simple rebrand.

From their website: The American Clean Power Association works to champion policies that will transform the U.S. power grid to a low-cost, reliable and renewable power system. By uniting the power of wind, solar, transmission and storage companies, along with manufacturers and construction companies, developers and owners/operators, utilities, financial firms and corporate purchasers, their goal is to make renewables the dominant energy source in the United States.

And, as of July, American Clean Power Association (ACP) and the U.S. Energy Storage Association (ESA) agreed to merge their staff, programs, and members into ACP!

Remember, you can always find the resources and learn more about today's guests and recommendations in the show notes at MySunCast.com.

While you’re at it, be sure to subscribe to the show right there in your podcast player, pretty please!

And, to hear more about Heather and ACPs thoughts on the ESA integration, specifically, we'd encourage you to read Julian Spector's insightful interview with Heather in December, which we link to it in the show notes on the blog (link above).

Let’s get down to business, and to tune up your skills Solar Warrior with another practical tactical conversation here on SunCast.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

434: A comprehensive SaaS suite for utility-scale solar? Andrea Barber, CEO RatedPower Jan 06, 2022

You probably assume that the Utility-scale solar market, having deployed hundreds of GW globally, has surely by now figured out the necessary software suite to manage projects. It’s hard to imagine how everybody would just keep building novel tools in silos like it’s still 1998 and Salesforce still doesn’t exist!

Well today’s guest, Andrea Barber, founded RatedPower to solve the same challenges she noticed many of her colleagues were struggling with, including her former employer and their customers.

In today’s episode, we get into the details of how and why this powerful female leader found herself answering the call to step out on her own and start a company focused on solar project design & management software. Fresh off a ~$6M Series A, Andrea and team are bringing their SaaS suite of utility-scale solar project development tools to the US market, and Nico gets down to the details with Andrea on the acute problems they aim to solve, along with the usual how, when, where & why of choosing her founder team, scaling an MVP and capitalizing a new venture.

Impressively, RatedPower has been profitable since year one, so the fundraising was to fuel expansion. If you’ve been considering how to take your nascent idea and turn it into a viable venture, then you’re going to love this candid discussion with Andrea.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

433: Drones or manned aircraft for site data? Maybe both? Mark Culpepper, GM Solar, Drone Base Jan 04, 2022

Mark Culpepper, who heads up global solar for Drone Base, is on a mission to simplify the process and amplify the importance of solar site data gathering with aerial methods. As the name might imply, Drone Base has built an entire business around aerial thermographic inspection. They’re on a role, hot off a $20M round of investment and acquisition of India-based Airprobe to add a sophisticated A.I. engine to their platform of global data analysis. And Mark is the guy who’s bringing them into the Solar industry at-scale.

While at SunEdison, Mark created the solar industry's first global monitoring operations centers designed to track power, energy and revenue on solar power plants around the world. Now, he's designing programs for both drones and manned aircraft to capture thermal imaging of solar energy systems and turn that into actionable data. He sees a big need ahead -- solar at utility-scale, which means that monitoring and identifying systems defaults quickly is even more important. For a system that is thousands of acres with millions of panels, monitoring and fixing defaults has significant generation and revenue implications.

Nico asked Mark a long-pondered question, especially since we’ve had several other aerial imaging companies on the show - which is best, especially for Utility-scale, the manned-aircraft or drone-based approach to information gathering? The answer might surprise you! Along the way, Mark reflects on his conversations with asset managers and points out their greatest fears moving into 2022, a year when we expect unprecedented growth in solar globally.

In today’s Tactical Tuesday, We’ll show you how to save money by keeping your operators focused on their highest & best use tasks. And, Mark outlines an approach that he’s honed over the last 6 years that provides a flexible, cost-effective, and accurate view of the performance of your solar assets.

Mark offered to provide a free scan of their existing N. America database to see if your solar site is already on their flight path! Go to www.mysuncast.com/dronebase to check for yourself…

And, IF you’re headed to Long Beach for Intersolar North America, you can use that same link to schedule an appointment with Mark and check out their wares for yourself!

Hey, I’ll also be in Long Beach. If you’re planning to be there, find me and say Hi! You can DM me on Linkedin and let’s set up an in-person meeting! www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

432: Goal-setting, Regenerative Capitalism & Food Forests, with Jim Gale Dec 30, 2021

If you have yet to set out your goals for 2022, then you’re absolutely in the right place.

If you have, then maybe this anecdote will help support your courage to achieve them!

As we wrap 2021, most of you overachievers have likely already mapped out your 2022. But for some of you, goal-setting (actually really writing it down) has not been a regular practice.

Well, today’s guest credits his practice of goal-setting since age 19, I mean really committing it to writing, to becoming a 4-time All-American athlete, hitting over $1.3 Billion in sales, retiring “early” by age 32, and ultimately finding his current passion: Regenerative Capitalism.

Jim Gale, CEO of Food Forest Abundance, is a remarkable and inspiring human, and this interview is a great way to wrap this current year. I believe it can help vault us into the New Year by breaking down Jim’s story and success markers so that you and I can enter into the next year ready to set a new bar for personal growth, self-expression, achievement (if that’s what’s important to you) and excellence.

And, if you’re curious at all about what the heck Regenerative Capitalism is, well, Jim explains it all in the interview. But the short version of “what the heck is he doing?” is building resilient and self-sustaining food systems that are easily duplicatable using his team’s proven “blueprint” along with clean renewable energy, to provide true off-grid sustainability for anyone, anywhere!

If that sounds interesting and you’d like to start your own food forest, you can get started by going to www.mysuncast.com/foodforest. Jim and his team are there to help you get everything set up, and get you on your way to personal freedom and abundance as you head into 2022.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

431: Legacy, Equity, & Solar for All, w/Geoff Greenfield of Third Sun Solar Dec 23, 2021

Merry Christmas!

As a special bonus for these longer days, I decided to NOT break out this 100 minute episode into 2x50min episodes bc I believe you don’t need to be tricked into listening when the content is good enough - just know that it’s long and you might need to pause and come back - or like listener Alex recently did you can just binge for 10 hours while you paint the house! (thanks for telling me your story, Alex! Stoked you’re loving SunCast.)

I believe today’s guest’s journey is my journey, and maybe it’s yours. I identified so much with him and had so much curiosity about how he built his company, that I ended up interviewing him for 2 solid hours! In short, Geoff Greenfield uses the power of business as a force for good. If you think this is white-guy speak for “i really want to feel good about what I do” well then you’re in for a treat bc you and I both want to hear how Geoff rationalizes his privilege (hint: he’s very aware of and in touch w/it) and contextualizes the equity & diversity he says his company, Third Sun Solar, stands for. Geoff founded (B-Corp) Third Sun Solar, now a woman-owned and led company, as well as solar financing software company New Resource Solutions from his attic more than 20 yrs ago in rural Ohio, and has served the Appalachian (mainly coal-miner) communities surrounding him for 2 decades helping wean them off fossil fuels.

Geoff’s an ADD kid, and a visionary - likes to start stuff and can barely finish it. Sound familiar?

He hitchhiked across the Sahara

He is no stranger to the DE&I discussion; in fact, he’s on a mission to get more white straight males to recognize their privilege!

Speaking of which, He also hosts the podcast Solar For All (all about Equity & Diversity in Solar), is an owner and former board member of the Amicus Solar Cooperative and has been on the Board of NABCEP since 2012. He also served in the Peace Corps in Africa and is yet one more reason that I have an affinity for this Solar Warriors story.

So I hope you’ll click “Play” or “queue” or whatever your app does to make this the next thing in your earballs. You won’t regret this investment of the next 100 minutes of your life.

I promise.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Green Hydrogen (Mini-series) Ep 5 - Decarbonizing the Steel Industry with Joachim Von Sheele Global Director of Commercialization at Linde Dec 21, 2021

In the final episode of Season One of our Green Hydrogen series, we’re looking at how Hydrogen might be useful to aid hard-to-abate industries such as Steel in achieving a zero-carbon future.

Let’s get serious about carbon intensity for a minute: the steel industry produces approx 2.6 GIGATONS* of carbon emissions annually, that’s over 7% of total global emissions and it’s a product that is not optional in today’s world. If you’re having a hard time wrapping your head around that number, I give you a great example further down with a reference for further reading.

For this final episode of the season, Joachim von Scheele, Global Director of Commercialization for leading gas retailer, Linde, has set his sights on decarbonizing Steel and other large industry emitters through energy efficiency and, yes, Green Hydrogen. As a longtime Global leader for Linde, Joachim has spent his 20 year career living and working in India, China, and Europe where these hard-to-abate industries are critical parts of the economy and the world's construction process. Today, he provides a crash-course in steel manufacturing and Hydrogen production, along with a vision for how green hydrogen could possibly be the answer to decarbonizing this energy intensive sector. And we’re not just day-dreaming, here, Joachim gets calls daily from the industry leaders who are looking to transition to “green steel”.

The demand has arrived, but who will meet it?

Listen Now, on SunCast.

*the prefix “giga” means 109, or one billion (1,000,000,000). Hence terms like “gigawatt” or “gigahertz.” Thus, a gigaton is equivalent to a billion metric tons.

So, 2.6 Gigatons = roughly 38 Billion Pounds (plus a little), therefore about 5.5 times the entire Human population in CO2 is being released into the atmosphere each year just by Steel alone. Let that sink in.Credit to Washinton Post for this excellent article on the scale of Gigatons in Ice, CO2, etc from 2015

This is the last episode of our Green Hydrogen Mini-Series. You can hear all five episodes and learn more about our experts at www.mysuncast.com/hydrogen

Episode 1 - Nexus of Deep Decarbonization & “The Inevitability of Hydrogen” with Sheldon Kimber, CEO Intersect Power

Episode 2 - The Green Hydrogen Opportunity with DNVs Global Energy Storage leader and Hydrogen Industry Veteran, Jason Goodhand

Episode 3 - The Role of the Large Energy Companies, partnership opportunities, existing infrastructure, and more from a top 10 Oil & Gas analyst, RBC’s Biraj Borkhataria

Episode 4 - Role of New Technologies - with Raffi Garbedin, Co-founder of Electric Hydrogen (formerly CTO of First Solar)

Episode 5 - Decarbonizing Hard-to-abate Sectors Like Steel with Joachim Von Sheele, Global Director of Commercialization at the world’s largest industrial gas company, Linde, who is also building the world’s largest Electrolyzer.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

Green Hydrogen (Mini-series) Ep 4 - The Role of New Technologies with Raffi Garbedian, Co-founder of Electric Hydrogen (formerly CTO of First Solar) Dec 20, 2021

If you’ve been around the solar industry for long, you might recognize the name, Raffi Garabedian. If you don’t, however, it’s probably because you haven’t studied the rise of one of the largest solar manufacturing brands in the world, First Solar, or perhaps you didn’t sell against First Solar for years like Nico did in his past life! Raffi was the Chief Technology Officer at First Solar for the better part of the last decade, and recently retired to pursue “other interests”. When he came out if stealth this year, we were surprised, and pleased, that it was in pursuit of another cutting edge technology scale-up endeavor - productizing an electrolyzer stack that can scale effectively for developers as many, like Intersect Power, scour the market for a partner to help convert those clean green electrons from massive solar and wind parks into Green Hydrogen.

Founded by experienced renewable energy technologists, Electric Hydrogen aims to cost-effectively decarbonize the massive industrial sectors that we all rely on. Raffi and team are thinking big and with urgency to decarbonize the physical world, and in today’s part four of our Green Hydrogen series, he speaks to exactly where the market is going and what technological limitations have thus far limited scale thus far.

If you’re new to the Hydrogen discussion, you’ll also appreciate Raffi’s solar-specific perspective, detailed insight into the role of solar project developers, and critical thought around the barriers to scale presently for Green Hydrogen technology. It gets technical, but it’s eye-opening, and it’s a ton of value packed into an hour - fair warning, you may need to listen twice!

As in the last 3 episodes, Intersect Power’s CEO, Sheldon Kimber, joins me for a “takeaways” session at the end of the episode so you can hear from a major clean infrastructure developer (Intersect has raised >$2.5B in financing) on where all this fits in a real-world application.

This is part four of our Green Hydrogen Mini-Series. You can follow along and learn more about our experts at www.mysuncast.com/hydrogen

Episode 1 - Nexus of Deep Decarbonization & “The Inevitability of Hydrogen” with Sheldon Kimber, CEO Intersect Power

Episode 2 - The Green Hydrogen Opportunity with DNVs Global Energy Storage leader and Hydrogen Industry Veteran, Jason Goodhand

Episode 3 - The Role of the Large Energy Companies, partnership opportunities, existing infrastructure, and more from a top 10 Oil & Gas analyst, RBC’s Biraj Borkhataria

Episode 4 - Role of New Technologies - with Raffi Garbedin, Co-founder of Electric Hydrogen (formerly CTO of First Solar)

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

428: System Repowering, Microgrids, and a New DC Optimizer contender, Hanan Fishman of Alencon Systems Dec 16, 2021

In the words of today’s guest, Hanan Fishman, “Planning a DC microgrid is no different than any other technical undertaking. You need to start with defining the problem you are trying to solve. In the realm of microgrids, several buzzwords often come to mind including resilience. But you’ll need to drill beyond just buzzwords and really understand the problem you want to solve, whether it is offsetting higher demand charges, creating greater resiliency from grid outages or something else altogether. Answering this first question will determine if a DC microgrid even makes sense versus an AC coupled topology.”

Hanan Fishman is the President of Alencon Systems and has over 20 years’ experience in technology development and commercialization. He actually sold his last company to a brand you might recognize, Autodesk! Today, he’s working hard to scale a DC-DC “platform”, we might refer to it as a DC Optimizer, and he has a particular view on the weaknesses in the current power conversion model/market, and how Alencon does things differently.

Listen closely if you’re at all curious how the solar and microgrid space is expanding, and you’ll learn from a seasoned Technology executive who’s bringing electronics manufacturing back to US Shores and giving incumbent power conversion device makers a run for their money!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Green Hydrogen (Mini-series) Ep 3 - The Role of the Large Energy Companies in the Hydrogen Economy with Biraj Borkataria Dec 15, 2021

Biraj Borkataria is always looking at the details to determine how they affect the big picture. As an analyst for RBC, ranked #7 globally for his sector, he’s a respected voice in the discussion around Big Energy’s transition toward climate solutions. In this Part 3 of our Green Hydrogen series, Biraj and I aim to take stock of how Green Hydrogen is developing through the lens of major global energy players. What is tipping the scales? Who is working together now and what role does the government play? How can we separate hype from reality, what innovations are inevitable, and who can participate in the revolution? Is there space for startups? Where are the billion dollar investments going? Will the Supermajors play along?

If you’re new to the Hydrogen discussion, you’ll also appreciate the description on the “colors of hydrogen” (blue, black, green, what?), scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissions defined, carbon capture ventures versus renewable hydrogen production, and even the details about carbon regulation in the European market vs the US. It’s technical, it’s eye-opening, and it’s packed into 55 minutes - fair warning, you may need to listen twice!

This is part three of our Green Hydrogen Mini-Series. You can follow along and learn more about our experts at www.mysuncast.com/hydrogen

Episode 1 - Nexus of Deep Decarbonization & “The Inevitability of Hydrogen” with Sheldon Kimber, CEO Intersect Power

Episode 2 - The Green Hydrogen Opportunity with DNVs Global Energy Storage leader and Hydrogen Industry Veteran, Jason Goodhand

Episode 3 - The Role of the Large Energy Companies, partnership opportunities, existing infrastructure, and more from a top 10 Oil & Gas analyst, RBC’s Biraj Borkhataria

Episode 4 - Role of New Technologies - with Raffi Garbedin, Co-founder of Electric Hydrogen (formerly CTO of First Solar)

There's a lot we dig into today, so sit back and enjoy

When it's done, I'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

And, find me on Linkedin and let me know what you thought of this episode! (http://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus)

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

Green Hydrogen (Mini-series) Ep 2 - The Green Hydrogen Opportunity with Jason Goodhand, DNVs Global Energy Storage leader and Hydrogen Industry Veteran Dec 14, 2021

Two decades ago, Jason Goodhand was working in Hydrogen. But he says it’s different now. “Whether it's renewable energy, or oil and gas, every sector is trying to ramp up to have enough people to work on hydrogen projects. And it's incredible how fast it came around this time.” How has the market developed? What’s changed over the last twenty years? Did he just say “electrolyzer”? We talk about the journey to scale the industry, the goals of a 100% renewable grid, and opportunities for hydrogen in synergy with other renewables. “I don’t think lithium will get us there” …. let’s look at the business case for clean hydrogen and who’s tackling the challenges to bring it to market at scale.

This is part two of our Green Hydrogen Mini-Series. Hear them all as they are released this week on SunCast.

Episode 1 - Nexus of Deep Decarbonization & “The Inevitability of Hydrogen” with Sheldon Kimber, CEO Intersect Power

Episode 2 - The Green Hydrogen Opportunity with DNVs Global Energy Storage leader and Hydrogen Industry Veteran, Jason Goodhand

Episode 3 - The Role of the Large Energy Companies, partnership opportunities, existing infrastructure, and more from a top 10 Oil & Gas analyst, RBC’s Biraj Borkhataria

Episode 4 - Role of New Technologies - with Raffi Garbedin, Co-founder of Electric Hydrogen (formerly CTO of First Solar)

There's a lot we dig into today, so sit back and enjoy

When it's done, I'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

And, find me on Linkedin and let me know what you thought of this episode! (http://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus)

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

425: The Inevitability of Green Hydrogen with Sheldon Kimber, CEO Intersect Power Dec 13, 2021

It’s time to bet on the future. Climate change is here, disasters are daily, and even financial systems are strained to breaking. In Episode One of our Green Hydrogen Mini-Series, Sheldon Kimber is thinking outside the grid and betting on dramatic change, with his eyes set on five inevitable technologies of the zero carbon future. What markets will be both profitable and scalable? Why is Green Hydrogen a giga-ton clean gas solution? And how does it even work? We talk about his vision of the carbon-neutral future and the steps Intersect Power is taking to get there. Hold on, because we are going to be thinking big and out of the box in the series. Don’t miss it.

The Green Hydrogen Mini-Series is produced in partnership with Intersect Power. It will help you filter hope from hype and reality from fiction to see where the true opportunities exist with Green Hydrogen.

Be sure you’re subscribed so you’ll catch each episode as soon as it is released. Here’s a peak at what’s coming this week in the Green Hydrogen Mini-Series

Episode 1 - Nexus of Deep Decarbonization & “The Inevitability of Hydrogen” with Sheldon Kimber, CEO Intersect Power

Episode 2 - The Green Hydrogen Opportunity with DNVs Global Energy Storage leader and Hydrogen Industry Veteran, Jason Goodhand

Episode 3 - The Role of the Large Energy Companies, partnership opportunities, existing infrastructure, and more from a top 10 Oil & Gas analyst, RBC’s Biraj Borkhataria

Episode 4 - Role of New Technologies - with Raffi Garbedin, Co-founder of Electric Hydrogen (formerly CTO of First Solar)

There's a lot we dig into today, so sit back and enjoy

When it's done, I'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

And, find me on Linkedin and let me know what you thought of this episode! (http://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus)

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

424: [Trailer] Green Hydrogen, a Mini-Series Dec 10, 2021

Hydrogen, the most abundant element on earth, has been hailed for decades as a beacon of the coming clean energy revolution. So why has it still not arrived? And why is everybody all of a sudden talking about Green Hydrogen?

In this mini-Series, in partnership with Intersect Power, we will help you filter hope from hype and reality from fiction to see where the true opportunities exist with Green Hydrogen.

If you’ve been looking for one place to understand whether there really is a pathway for renewable energy developers to benefit from the long-awaited Hydrogen Economy, this series is for you. Join me and five subject matter experts, and get smart enough on this topic to engage in Holiday banter and maybe even a healthy professional debate!

Be sure you’re subscribed so you’ll catch each episode as soon as it is released. Here’s a sneak peak at what’s coming in the Hydrogen Mini-Series

Episode 1 - Nexus of Deep Decarbonization & “The Inevitability of Hydrogen” with Sheldon Kimber, CEO Intersect Power

Episode 2 - The Green Hydrogen Opportunity with DNVs Global Energy Storage leader and Hydrogen Industry Veteran, Jason Goodhand

Episode 3 - The Role of the Large Energy Companies, partnership opportunities, existing infrastructure, and more from a top 10 Oil & Gas analyst, RBC’s Biraj Borkhataria

Episode 4 - Role of New Technologies - with Raffi Garbedin, Co-founder of Electric Hydrogen (formerly CTO of First Solar)

There's a lot we dig into today, so sit back and enjoy

When it's done, I'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

And, find me on Linkedin and let me know what you thought of this episode! (http://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus)

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

423: What Solar can learn from the traditional power sector, Mitchell Samuelian, CEO Tonian Renewables Dec 09, 2021

I’ve said it a lot from the pulpit of SunCast, but there really is a LOT that the Renewable energy sector can still learn from the traditional power sector. The fundamentals of how the power sector works can often feel like a lost art.

Today’s guest, Mitchell Samuelian, recounts the many stories and examples where he helped fill those gaps in skills and knowledge from his early days in Renewables as the first O&M Hire at First Solar to his roles leading site maintenance & operations at NRG, Clearway and more. And, in so doing, I’d like to introduce you to a brand new company he’s leading, Tonian Renewables!

When we recorded this episode, Mitch’s newest venture didn’t even have a name yet. And the leaders of this new O&M rollup are some of the players that have helped make sure large solar and wind projects stay online in the industry for awhile now. Mitch is the operations glue that binds them all together. He has a fascinating “how I got here” story, constantly showing up to manage O&M for some of the world’s most iconic solar plants, recruiting talent in record time, engaging his well-oiled team in trainings and professional development, and with nothing but sincere humility, graciously accepting the next biggest project. Which is how he came to be CEO of this newest venture, because it sounds like he’s got one more Ivanpah-sized venture in his bag of tricks before retirement.

Ladies and Gentlemen, LISTEN NOW to this honest and engaging conversations with the CEO of what may be the most exciting new O&M startup in the business.

There's a lot we dig into today, so sit back and enjoy

When it's done, I'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

422: The Innovators’ Handbook for Navigating the Clean Energy Transition, with Bill Nussey Dec 07, 2021

Bill Nussey’s book comes out TODAY! Freeing Energy: How Innovators Are Using Local-Scale Solar and Batteries to Disrupt the Global Energy Industry from the Outside In is a handbook for navigating the clean energy transition. Last week, we released a 2+ hour in depth interview with Bill. Today, we’ve got a highlights reel, to help you get to know the author and share some key points from that longer episode. There is A LOT that we trimmed in this abridged episode, so if you want to get the FULL interview (and I humbly submit you do), you’ll need to queue up Ep 421.

Bill is on a mission to understand how the transition to Clean Energy will benefit us all, especially with regard to what he refers to as “Local Energy”. His book explores the history and future of the Grid, why the coming infrastructure and investment wave is the biggest we’ve ever seen, and goes VERY deep into how you can play your part!

In our interview we get the backstory on how & why the Freeing Energy book came to life, why you need to read it, and even where we think you’ll find the best nuggets if you’re a longtime #SolarWarrior!

Listen now, and get your copy TODAY!

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

421: Freeing Energy, Bill Nussey's education on the Clean Energy Transition Dec 02, 2021

The transition to clean energy is moving far too slowly. Trapped by a century of fossil fuel investments and politicians that struggle to plan beyond the next election, the “Big Grid” that powers our modern world is outdated and in dire need of an upgrade. Bill Nussey is on a mission to understand how this transition will benefit us all, especially with regard to what he refers to as “Local Energy”. In his brilliant forthcoming book, “Freeing Energy”, Nussey explores the history and future of the Grid, why the coming infrastructure and investment wave is the biggest we’ve ever seen, and goes VERY deep into how you can play your part! Bill has been a friend and mentor to SunCast since he started this journey 4 yrs ago, and he asked Nico to interview him for this in-depth backstory on how & why the Freeing Energy book came to life, why you need to read it, and even where we think you’ll find the best nuggets if you’re a longtime #SolarWarrior! Bill Nussey is a career tech CEO with three successful exits, including an IPO. He has also been an investor with venture capital firm, Greylock. After IBM acquired his company, he became IBM’s VP of Corporate Strategy, helping lead the company’s overall strategy. As a CEO, his companies have raised more than $400 million, created thousands of jobs and billions in shareholder value. The journey to write this book began with his 2017 TED talk, which grew into 100+ articles and, most recently, the popular Freeing Energy podcast.

We go more into the details of my epic 3+ hour interview with Bill over on the Blog. You can find Bill online on

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billnussey/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bnussey

www.freeingenergy.com

And you can order his book now at: https://amzn.to/3dbNVUq

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

420: Giving Tuesday - Can $20 Make a difference? It Can, GivePower! Nov 30, 2021

Today is Giving Tuesday, yes, yes it is a real thing, and each year we highlight the GivingTuesday campaign of one Nonprofit that we see doing world-changing things. This year we are thrilled to highlight GivePower, one of the most impactful nonprofits in both rural electrification and clean water. If you missed it, we had GivePower’s President, Michele Magee, on Episode #388 of SunCast and we were inspired, but we also didn’t dive deep enough into how their partnership programs work! This time, we’ve got Aparna Mohla (VP Corp. Partnerships) and Benjamin Materna (VP Deployment) to share about their global projects, their massive impact and their unique approach to donor engagement.

If you’re as impressed as I was with their organization, please follow this special Suncast Giving Tuesday donately link and donate $20, which provides clean water for one person for 20 years! As a special bonus, every donation will contribute to funding a Trek for 10 people from the SunCast Audience (to be selected at a future date)! Listen in to learn what a Trek is, and give to be considered for 1 of those prized 10 slots! Listen Now.

Donate Here: https://donate.givepower.org/suncastmedia

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

419: A mission to give Everybody Solar, with Youness Scally Nov 25, 2021

Today’s Thanksgiving Episode features Youness Scally, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the non-profit, Everybody Solar. Over the past ten years, they’ve developed systems to aid other nonprofits and charitable organizations in installing their on solar projects, and he did it all as a side-project! Hear what it’s like to tackle the details of solar installation from the nonprofit perspective, how many “no’s” he got before he found a “yes”, how they get a job done now, the ups and downs of fundraising and the big picture they always try to keep in focus. I’m continually inspired by my guests and Youness is no exception. He balances his own CPA practice while running Everybody Solar with both humility and focus, empowered by a dynamic and diverse team of board members and a world-changing list of projects.

You’ll love this episode and if, like me, you’re compelled to support one of their projects, head over to our blog for more details and links. Listen Now.

There's a lot we dig into today, so sit back and enjoy

When it's done, I'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

418: Every CEO needs this ONE skill! Rain Bennett on the power of Storytelling Nov 19, 2021

FRIDAY BONUS EPISODE. Today’s episode is EXTRAORDINARY and is not limited to energy professionals. It’s about storytelling, and I bring it to you, solar warrior, because I love this industry and I want to inspire each one of you to tell your unique story to the world. You give me hope. Your hard-earned skills, aspirations, drive and creativity are making this industry a permanent fixture in the Energy Transition, not just a passing fad. Sure, you’re an expert. That’s why you’re here. But I hate to break it to you, no one cares about your expertise. They care about YOU, and why you choose to do this. So listen hard, because this episode is a little like therapy. Rain and I work on bringing out the story in every human, the unique intersection of your past and your present, and the boldness to say it outloud, maybe on your website, maybe even on the stage. This is beyond branding. This is how you get to your Story.

There's a lot we dig into today, so sit back and enjoy

When it's done, I'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

417: Arcadia raised $100M to democratize clean energy access! Kiran Bhatraju, CEO Nov 18, 2021

Few Clean Energy entrepreneurs are as familiar with the bumpy road from coal to clean energy as Kiran Bhatraju. The son of an immigrant doctor, Kiran grew up in a rural Kentucky town where the economy practically depended on coal. His knowledge on the subject is deep enough and his perspective unique enough that he even wrote a book on the subject. From author, (check out his biography of Eulla Hall called Mud Creek Medecine) to Capitol Hill, Kiran has learned how to read people, policy and trends well enough to predict the nexus and go where the puck is headed (as our friends from the great North would say). Which is what led him, through sales and start ups, to the energy sector, and ultimately to found Arcadia. They synced the first utility account with their platform in 2014. Since then, utilities nationwide use Arcadia to unlock and standardize energy data, helping innovators create the products and services to decarbonize our grid and make energy cleaner and smarter, and helping customers around the country connect to renewable energy sources. Today, Kiran shares his secrets to building a power-team, holding on to enthusiasm and attracting employees that are on a mission. And Arcadia has a bold mission to decarbonize the grid and empower utilities and communities with affordable clean energy...want to learn how? Tune in to today’s episode.

-- There's a lot we dig into today, so sit back and enjoy When it's done, I'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

And, find me on Linkedin and let me know what you thought of this episode! (http://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus)

Remember you can always find the resources and learn more about today’s guest, recommendations, book links, and more than 400 other founder stories and startup advice as well as sign up for weekly email notifications at www.mysuncast.com.

Join the conversation with Nico Johnson, on Twitter, LinkedIn or email

416: You Don’t Get Hired for Your Expertise, Rain Bennett (Emmy-nominated Producer) Nov 16, 2021

You need to tell compelling stories. Rain Bennett can help.

In his recent TED Talk, “You Don’t Get Hired for Your Expertise” Rain breaks down what you DO get hired for in a very personal and compelling way. Moreover, in today’s Tactical Tuesday, Rain and I break down exactly how he does it, and I extract the lessons you can apply to your very next creative project.

Rain is an accomplished film producer and storyteller, and every presentation he gives is engaging and memorable. But how does he do it? How does he grab our attention and hold it until he’s sure the message is clear? This episode highlights his step-by-step approach. Yes it’s good enough for a book, but guess what, the book isn’t out yet! You have to listen, but I’m sure you’ll want to pre-order “Six Second Stories”.

On the blog I link to his Ted Talk and the book pre-release. But also, be sure you’re subscribed to the podcast so you don’t miss the Full conversation with Rain coming this Friday.

There's a lot we dig into today, so sit back and enjoy

When it's done, I'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

415: How do deregulated energy markets work? Jesson Bradshaw, CEO @ Energy Ogre Nov 11, 2021

This is the Full-length interview with Energy Ogre founder and CEO Jesson Bradshaw, who also appeared on the podcast a couple of weeks ago on a Tactical Tuesday. In this episode, I learned:

Why TX is an attractive place for industry
How deregulated markets work
The perspective of a retail energy provider
How you can be sure you're getting the best electricity prices

I was surprised to hear Jesson say that he and his team are really in the education business, bringing attention to Texas’s deregulated electricity industry by discussing topics such as renewable energy, future technologies, and consumer services.

We talk about how deregulated markets work, in particular Texas as one of the great experiments of deregulating energy supply. Jesson was just out of gradschool when he was hired by a Natural Gas company who needed someone to man the overnight desk of their new endeavor: electricity! It was the 90s and a brand new market was hitting the world, trading energy. Jesson worked with ERCOT trading energy for the fist time. In our conversation today, he shares what it was like to ride this wave and he helps demystify the complicated elements the Texas market. With over 100,000 customers, Energy Ogre has helped save over $150 million for their clients. Don't miss this deep dive on how electricity deregulation affects your business.

When you're done w/this episode, I'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & enthusiastic review! It's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

414: WRO & Logistics affecting your Solar pipeline? Supply chain expert Andy Klump of CEA is your guide Nov 09, 2021

For the las six months, the solar industry has been under a shroud of confusion and uncertainty with regard to a handful of policies that are affecting all of us. Whether you have felt it yet or not, the WRO (Withhold Release Order) has slowly crept into the solar industry consciousness and is impacting everything from project equipment and project delivery timelines to supply chain and equipment pricing. As much of the news is coming through the filter of international media and is targeted toward the ever-growing trade battle between the US and Southeast Asia, chiefly China, it's often difficult to discern exactly what the WRO and other policies (both in the Biden administration and abroad) could mean for your business and our industry at large.

To help sift the wheat from the shaft and give you front lines insight into how this can effect your business and what you can do about it, I've brought Andy Klump, CEO of Clean Energy Associates, to the show today for his fourth appearance because Andy is, in my view, one the of the world's chief experts on US - China solar trade, both from a policy perspective and a delivery/logistics quality perspective. Andy has been in the industry for 20 years and he's seen a lot of cycles. Andy and I talk about how this is similar to and different from past trade cycles, like the Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties or AD/CVD. Andy has keen insight on the impacts on pricing, timelines on logistics log jams and when they might ease up, and whether or not the underlying arguments of the existing WRO actually holds water. We also contemplate whether this is necessarily fair that the solar industry is receiving the brunt of this trade policy, considering we are not the only industry that utilizes products coming from SE Asia and in particular, the areas that are under inspection in China, with the current WRO rulings.

Andy provides his thoughts on how, where and IF the Biden administration might provide relief to this ever more troublesome situation. If you've been wondering how this will effect you, you want to listen to this today's episode. It's a timely look at how international trade policy directly effects our industry and your livelihood.

Head over to the blog where we've got tons of links, articles and interviews about the topic.

There's a lot we dig into today, so sit back and enjoy When it's done, I'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

413: Deregulation, Solar in Choice Markets, & Motivation Mondays, w/Nathan Jovanelly, IGS Solar Nov 04, 2021

Nathan Jovanelly believes everyone should have the right to purchase clean energy.

In today's discussion, we talk about his childhood in a blue collar family, how he almost enlisted in the military, and how discipline and diligence paved the way to success, first in engineering and now as the Director of Business Development for IGS Solar.

As is often the case, good relationships and excellent work reputation brought him to IGS, the largest retailer of energy in the US(!), where he helped diversify their energy portfolio by launching IGS Solar. What were the key advantages Nate and IGS had over the competition when launching this fast growing division?

Cash and a tax appetite. Nate goes into how & why, but you'll need to click "Play" to digest it all.

We also talk about some of the strategies they used to become efficient experts in these markets, and about creating financing options for those that otherwise wouldn't have access to solar. Along the way, they've innovated in tech interfaces that the customer can easily understand.

You'll also get a dose of inspiration as we dig into his weekly Monday Motivations Linkedin Series. He's also not afraid to change his mind, we ponder his changing perspectives on battery storage and access to renewables for low- and middle-income Americans. Listen to his "bold predictions" and more gems from our conversation, here on episode 413 of Suncast.

There's a lot we dig into today, so sit back and enjoy When it's done, I'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

412: What is Market-based Rate Authority (MRA)? Jesson Bradshaw of Energy Ogre Nov 02, 2021

In Today's Tactical Tuesday we spend 15 minutes diving into the reality of deregulated markets with of Jesson Bradshaw of Energy Ogre. Most of us in the US do not have choice when it come to who powers our homes. But in Texas, and a several other "choice markets" (deregulated energy markets), energy is as competitive as telecom services. Much like the airline industry and natural gas, deregulation can bring lower prices to the consumer. But there's still no Priceline.com for powering your home. The information is still hard for the consumer to understand and therefore, hard for them to make well informed choices. Energy Ogre aims to educate the consumer so they can, in fact, choose an energy plan that it is in their best interested.

Jesson talks about how "light handed" regulation states like Texas helps lower the barrier of entry to new ideas, projects and companies. Not only does that mean a chance to offer a revolutionary service or product to the community, but when it's done right, it can also yield big job markets. Cloud based data is also leveling the playing field and smart meters bring fair and accurate billing to the customer. This episode is a crash course in working in deregulated markets. Listen now, because if you don't live in one yet, you might soon!

There's a lot we dig into today, so sit back and enjoy When it's done, I'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

411: Auston Taber, CEO of Solar Support Oct 28, 2021

Auston Taber launched Solar Support after years behind the scenes at companies like REC, SMA, Huawei and GInlong, where he learned how to repair systems and mitigate damages from failing hardware. From aging inverters to hurricanes, there's always something threatening productivity of a solar array and Auston's mission is to keep those unproductive hours to a minimum. We talk about how he pivoted from employee to CEO of his own company while retaining his previous employer as a client...all the while pushing for transparency of information across the industry. Keep an open mind, and listen as we talk about the pieces of Auston's past that led to his unconventional way of seeing the world.

There's a lot we dig into today, so sit back and enjoy When it's done, I'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

410: The Final Debate: How do we create the 100% Clean Grid of the future? Oct 26, 2021

Today's Tactical Tuesday is our Final Debate of the Great Debate Series for 2021, and features four solar industry experts - 2 who represent Distributed Generation, and 2 who represent Utility-scale "Central" Generation.

The hot topic being debated: "Distributed vs Central Generation - How do we create the 100% Renewable Grid of the Future?"

Barbara Lockwood of Arizona Public Service, and Emilie Wangerman of Lightsource BP square off against Barry Cinnamon of Cinnamon Energy Systems, Meredith McClintock of Aurora Solar. This debate is FULL of insights that are sure to leave you pondering which side of the debate YOU are on!

Listen now, then vote for the winner at twitter.com/solarfred.

Missed the first two Great Debates? Catch them here: You can search for them right in your podcast feed "Great Debate" or you can view them on the web here:

http://www.mysuncast.com/debate -- There's a lot we dig into today, so sit back and enjoy

When it's done, I'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

409: Reid Wuntke, President of Energy Toolbase Oct 21, 2021

Starting, failing, transparency, humility, organization, leadership, family, burnout...these are just some of the themes that emerged in today's riveting discussion with Reid Wuntke.

Reid is a highly intentional and focused leader. You may recognize him as President of one of the world's leading solar software platforms, Energy Toolbase, but he came into the Renewables field with the same thoughtful intention that led him to the Royal Canadian Airforce, McKinsey, various high-growth startups, and ultimately Pason (ETB's parent company). He wanted to see good people and good ideas succeed.

Most of us in the solar industry include ETB as a critical component in the proposal process. Yet, Reid and Energy Toolbase aim to bring the bigger picture in focus for their customers with modeling tools (of course), monitoring and data analytics that help realize the role of each install as part of a high-functioning clean energy portfolio. It's what Reid and the team refer to as being both the "promise maker" and "promise keeper" to the industry and our renewable energy consumers.

Catch the conversation right here, on Suncast.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

408: 2021 Top Solar Changemaker: Kate Gold, Solar Landscape Oct 19, 2021

The Solar Power World 2021 Top Solar Changemaker award-winner is Kate Gold, director of community engagement at Solar Landscape.

From the Article feature on SPW's website: "Talking about diversity and inclusion in the solar industry is a good start, but the 2021 Top Solar Changemaker is actively bringing underserved communities into the green economy. Kate Gold’s mission as director of community engagement at Solar Landscape is to train and develop the future renewable energy workforce in New Jersey. She has helped the company partner with nonprofits including the Jewish Renaissance Foundation, the Hispanic Family Center of Southern Jersey and Interfaith Neighbors to offer in-person solar job training for local residents." To read more, access the full article from our Blog page: https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/408

Today, I get the details from Kate on how she transitioned into the Solar industry and in just a few short years garnered this coveted position as THE Solar Changemaker of the Year by the respected industry journal ,Solar Power World. She has a fascinating and compelling story. Tune-in to hear more!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

407: CleanTech Podcaster's Roundtable Q3-'21 Oct 12, 2021

Welcome back, Solar Warrior. This is a SunCast Rewind that’s also a Tactical Tuesday, typically a short form conversation with subject matter experts designed to give you the practical tools, tips, and advice for building your solar business or career.

Today is a special collaboration with Mike Casey from Tigercomm as host of our Quarterly Podcasters Roundtable. Originally recorded live as a video interview (watch it on youtube!), this idea was inspired by Tigercomm's quarterly Cleantech Editor's Roundtable series, which has grown in popularity during the pandemic. As it progressed, we kept hearing from people who wanted to hear from cleantech podcasters. While the full-time editors have a breadth of view, our podcaster panelists have depth of view because their shows delve into companies, leaders and trends.

Today, we feature seven cleantech podcasters: Marie Burgquist, Watts Up Podcast Nico Johnson, SunCast Tim Montague, Clean Power Hour Bill Nussey, Freeing Energy Josh Porter, SolarCoaster Jon Powers, Experts Only Julia Pyper, Political Climate

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

406: Solar lending insights from Dividend Finance CEO, Eric White Oct 07, 2021

When Eric White met a group of Louisiana oil guys at an OPEC Summit while studying abroad in Vienna, he scarcely could have imagined that his career would soon center around two of the most powerful sectors in the world: Finance & Energy. And when he began to see the renewable energy sector scaling, his traditional finance & energy training suggested that the solar sector in particular was facing capital barriers inhibiting acceleration of a distributed energy future.

Since 2014, Eric White has built Dividend Finance into one of the most recognized solar lending platforms in the industry, and he's borrowed both tactics and talent from one of the original fintech platforms, Capitol One! Tune-in to hear how Eric and his team have become one of the most trusted and utilized finance platforms in the smart home segment, and where he sees the industry going from here.

There's a lot to dig into today, so sit back and enjoy When it's done, I'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review (if you haven't already), or find me on Linkedin and let me know what you thought of this episode! (http://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus)

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

405: Solar waste or Second life?? Refurbish & Recycle with Janette Freeman of Fabtek Enterprises Oct 05, 2021

Solar Module Recycling and Refurbishing is a critical (if often overlooked) element of our green, clean energy future.

Janette Freeman is passionate about saving the landfill from the millions of solar panels which will be coming to end-of-life in the years ahead. She is the Director of Business Development for FabTech Solar Solutions, which does solar panel refurbishing and recycling; giving panels a second life or a proper cremation.

As we've discussed here before, the solar industry has a problem that many are only just becoming aware of...end of life. What do we do with all these solar panels when they are "used up"? What about when they break? Most solar panels have a life span of 20-30 years, and many of the early projects are starting to reach their end of useful life. In fact, by 2050, The International Renewable Energy Agency projects that up to 78 million metric tons of solar panels will have reached the end of their life, and that the world will be generating about 6 million metric tons of new solar waste annually! (*thanks to today's guest, Janette for these facts!)

Not sure what "Circular economy" means? Wondering what are the key reasons that lead to addressing this end-of-life discussion? What are the common concerns folks have, and what prevents us from taking action today? How much does this actually cost?

I dig into all these questions and more today with Janette, and she graciously provides detailed insights all the way down to how much to budget in your disposal and refurbishing budget! I've never had anyone go into such detail, and I love how she ties it back to economic principles like Circular Economy for us.

There's a lot to dig into today, so sit back and enjoy When it's done, I'd love if you'd leave us a 5 rating & review (if you haven't already), or find me on Linkedin and let me know what you thought of this episode! (http://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus)

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

404: How Sunlight Financial became a leading solar lender, with Matt Potere, CEO Sunlight Financial Sep 30, 2021

Residential Solar finance is a hot hot market, and few companies have stormed the proverbial castle and taken a leadership position so decisively as Sunlight Financial. On the surface, it looks like a rather traditional "this banker left his banking job for another banking job" kind of story. But as you'll hear in today's interview with Sunlight's CEO, Matt Potere, it's anything but "traditional". Son of a gas station owner, Matt says "I grew up in the Hamptons like many did, but now quite in the same way they did". In truth, while the hedge fund manager's families were headed to vacation, it was Matt and his family who filled their cars on their way. Those years of entrepreneurial insight gleaned helping with the family business helped create the leader Matt has become. And in today's interview, you'll learn a lot more about a man who has overcome tremendous odds to lead one of the most successful solar finance institutions to come along in a decade.

Matt serves as Sunlight’s CEO and is a member of the Board of Directors. Over the past 25 years, Matt has held leadership roles in credit, business development and strategy from Fortune 50 companies to venture capital backed start-ups. Since joining Sunlight from Bank of America (where he was a Senior Vice President responsible for the Bank’s $90 billion home equity portfolio), he's formed a team that has helped 150K families go solar, finances ~$200Million/mo in loans, and recently became a publicly traded company!

There's a lot to dig into today, so sit back and enjoy

When it's done, I'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review (if you haven't already), or find me on Linkedin and let me know what you thought of this episode! (http://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus)

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

403: Friends Don’t Let Friends Use 8760s, with Dr. Jennifer Newman of REsurety Sep 28, 2021

Despite their widespread use in the renewable energy industry, using an 8760 to project financial performance can lead to significant errors in revenue models. In particular, revenue models that pair an 8760 with historical prices miss the impact of hourly renewable energy generation on hourly power prices. Because wind and solar plants are relatively inexpensive sources of generation, there tends to be a negative correlation between generation and power price in markets with high renewable penetration.

Not quite sure what all that means?

Well, we've gotcha covered on today's Tactical Tuesday.

Join Nico as he learns more about a recent study completed by Dr Jennifer Newman, VP of Atmospheric Science research at REsurety that aims to equip you to better understand yield and performance metrics of renewable energy plants.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

402: From Astronautics to MicroGrids with Amy Simpkins of muGrid Sep 23, 2021

Today's guest is Amy Simpkins, CEO of Mu Grid. We talk about her life as a clean energy consultant, her history in astronautics and her new podcast, Power Flow. Growing up in a culture of theater, music and performance, Amy has deep love for words and a connection to story. But she spent years taming the right brain and training the left as an engineer, studying aeronautics and astronautics at MIT, interning with NASA and working for the Space Systems Division of Lockhead Martin. Amy still has a pending application to be an astronaut.

But in the meantime, she has stepped away from building systems for space shuttles and has turned her focus to Resilient Microgrids. After all, what is a spacecraft, but a microgrid in the sky? Together with her husband, electrical engineer Dr. Travis Simpkins (see episode 56), they have formed a consulting company dedicated to helping establish grid-tied microsystems that can withstand grid failure. Governments, schools, grocery stores, hospitals, everyone needs to move into sustainable energy consumption that can handle the wild ride of climate change. Mu Grid helps clients tackle unpredictability (see the definition of stochastic*) with data and better modeling.

But, you know me, I like to ask personal questions. You'll hear what it's to manage a highly technical consulting firm with her husband while also traveling the world and homeschooling three small children. In a pandemic. How their family is growing and adjusting. And why she launched Power Flow, a podcast dedicated to elevating diverse voices in the new energy economy. Pass the microphone.

*Stochastic - randomly determined; having a random probability distribution or pattern that may be analyzed statistically but may not be predicted precisely.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

401: How a Solar drone program can help you scale, with Scanifly CEO, Jason Steinberg Sep 21, 2021

Welcome, #SolarWarrior, to another Tactical Tuesday, a short-form conversation with subject-matter experts designed to give you practical tools, tips, and advice for building your solar business or career. Ten years ago, if you called on a solar company to give you a rooftop solar system proposal, one of your installer’s first steps was to come to your house, climb up on your roof, and take a bunch of measurements and pictures to evaluate the project. This process is now starting to change, however, with the rise of new technology...Drones.

From the opening games of the Olympics to search & rescue, Drones are finally inspiring and aiding humanity in wasy we only dreamed of when I began in the solar industry.

According to Ryan Tong, director of marketing at DJI,“Roof inspection [for solar project evaluations] hasn’t changed significantly over the past decade. Introducing safe and accurate drone-based 3-D models to replace survey wheels and measuring tapes is a step forward for the industry.”

Drones in solar have a number of advantages that make them appealing to both homeowners and installers, including saving time and money for everyone involved.

Today, we’ll take a look at how drones are used in solar projects and chat w/one of the leading companies helping solar installers adopt this technology to scale their operations.

Joining me for the discussion is Jason Steinberg, CEO of Scanifly, the only drone-based solar software focused on the survey & design

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

400: Celebrating 400!!! w/ Mike Silvestrini, CEO - Energea Sep 16, 2021

Today, Nico shares his 400th conversation with clean energy experts on Suncast. Each episode investigates a small piece of the big puzzle by asking CEO's, founders, entrepreneurs and thought-leaders to share their story and answer questions like "how did you get here?" and "where are you going?" One by one, these intimate conversations help unite a tribe of energy professionals from all sectors, walks of life and stages in their careers, recognizing that we have so far to go and many, many more people to integrate into the #CleanEnergyRevolution.

Episode 400 brings back past guest and close friend of the podcast, Mike Silvestrini of Energea (Episode 085). Since his last appearance, Mike & Co. have created a clean energy investment platform empowering anyone to own renewable energy projects with above-average returns, for as little as $100. Let's face it; We need over $1 Trillion a year moving toward climate action to the damage climate change is already having. Mike and his co-founder, Chris Sattler, are moving money to make a difference, first building renewable power projects in Brazil and now the US and Africa, continuing to track global trends looking for the best places to invest in growing markets. Hear how it works, is it really as simple as an app?... and what markets is Energea eyeing next?

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Disclosure: Spero Ventures (the parent company of SunCast Media) is an investor in Energea, and Nico is a Board Member.

399: Part 2, Reagan Farr, Silicon Ranch: Ten Yrs & How to Scale a Solar Development Co Sep 09, 2021

This is Part Two of our two-part series with Reagan Farr, CEO of Silicon Ranch, a pioneer of solar development in the Southeastern US. If you missed part 1, it's probably useful to queue that one up first, as it sets the tone for this episode. And, this one is a longer episode, as we get into the details of how Reagan and his cofounders Matt Kisber and former Governor Phil Bredesen, put the business together and grew it over the last 10 yrs to become one of the largest and most respected Independent Power Producers in the industry. Along the way, we learn how they raised the capital, where they directed their efforts, philosophy on types of projects and development they seek to foster, and ultimately how they decided to sell the business to global energy giant, Shell.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

399: Part 1, Reagan Farr, Silicon Ranch: How to Start a Solar Development Co Sep 09, 2021

This is Part One of a two-part series with Reagan Farr, CEO of Silicon Ranch, a pioneer of solar development in the Southeastern US. We talk about his childhood in Baton Rouge, where "curiosity ruled the day" in a home of educators, law school, and 8 years as a commissioner with the Governor of Tennessee. Reagan was there when the state decided to attract clean energy companies both for headquarters and production in TN, tweaking the tax code to encourage entrepreneurship and the light bulb moment when policymakers realized that tax credits would quickly lower the production cost of solar and ultimately customer & industry operating costs through clean renewable power.

Hear the whole story here, and visit the blog for show notes and links mentioned in the interview.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

398: SPI is Cancelled, What to do Now? (with Danielle Danko & Jake Rozmaryn) Sep 07, 2021

Solar Power International was officially cancelled last Friday. 😩 Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are suffering and in the arduous process of Rebuilding that great city, yet again.

In today's Tactical Tuesday Nico chats w/Danielle Danko of Solar Power Events (the org that produces SPI) about how we can support the NOLA community, and what the next events are that you can get ready for (assuming we can still meet in person in the near future). Next, Nico has Jake Rozmaryn back to share ideas about how you can level up your biz dev & marketing efforts in light of no more SPI. There are some true gems, and even surprising ideas, and Nico shares some of his LinkedIn mojo to help you get your creative juices flowing.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

397: How to disrupt a $19B market? Erthos' Daniel Flanigan (CMO) & Charles Pimentel (CCO) Sep 02, 2021

What does it look to disrupt an industry? What does it take to make a career of it? And as Jim Collins suggested, WHO do you need to get on the bus?

In Today's episode Nico gets into these details with Solar pioneers Daniel Flanigan and Charles Pimentel as we navigate their clean energy career paths through Offgrid solar, Hydrogen (Plug Power), Solar modules & Development (Canadian Solar, Solar Frontier), Installation & Construction (Zep Solar, Solar City, Tesla, Depcom) & more! Along the way, we discover how & why they have come together for a second time to upend a well-established sector of the market (Utility-scale solar deployment) through innovation, timing and ultimately building a great team - this time, with Erthos.

The discussion focuses on changing the way we all think about developing, designing, constructing, and operating utility scale solar plants. The $19B solar tracker market is but a slice over the overall market, but Erthos is taking on some of the industry titans with a "new way" of doing things reminiscent of Daniel's time at Zep.

Erthos has assembled a veritable dream team of industry veterans to bring a very simple solution to what is otherwise a pretty complicated and risky business, constructing solar plants, in an attempt to, as they put it, "fundamentally transform the utility-scale solar industry globally”. They're on a quest and taking the industry norms head on to do just that. Will it work? What could stop them? Tune in and let me know Your takeaways, or push back. Either way, we welcome the dialogue, and hope you enjoy this one.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

396: One simple device could SAVE your Residential deal, Whit Fulton, CEO of ConnectDER Aug 26, 2021

Whit Fulton knows a thing or two about solving problems. Today, I interview this introverted inventor & talk about his journey to deliver a brilliantly simple yet innovative energy solution to the world: a smart meter collar adapter. After seven years as the CEO of ConnectDER, his team is delivering a technology that dramatically simplifies the way residential solar and EV chargers are connected to the grid. But of course, I always want to know how he got there. What are the real challenges of being a hardware start-up company? How do you keep your team together while growing quickly? And what was life like BEFORE CEO status (where he worked at places like GridPoint & ICF). I hope you enjoy all the details of our intimate conversation, from growing up in Vermont, wandering around Thailand, diving into Excel data at ICF and an excellent explanation of the challenges of residential solar installations. Listen to our conversation right here, on Suncast.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

395: Should Net Metering Still Exist? The Great Debate Part 3 Aug 24, 2021

Today's Tactical Tuesday is the latest installment of our GREAT SOLAR DEBATE series, featuring two industry experts - Brian Potts, Partner at Perkins Coie and Karl Rábago, Principal at Rábago Energy. Brian and Karl debate the value of Net Energy Metering (NEM) in the residential market. Should it change to encourage more investment? Or should it remain a high value for residential solar? Join hosts Nico Johnson and Tor Valenza in this lively debate and see who won at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

394: Aurora acquired Helioscope! Hot take w/ "The Paul's" on what it means for Customers & Industry Aug 19, 2021

Unless you were under a rock last week, you prob noticed that two Solar industry SAAS titans have joined forces. Aurora Solar, hot off the heels of raising a giant $250M Round of funding, announced their first acquisition from that war chest - none other than Folsom Labs - makers of pioneering commercial solar design tool many of you use: Helioscope!

Listen as Nico chats with our special guests - Paul Gibbs and Paul Grana, the co-founders of Folsom Labs. We get their ‘Hot Take’ on one of the hottest acquisitions in the industry this red-hot year of M&A!

They answer q's like "what does this mean for the product, the brand, the team?", and of course, they dodge things like "what are the terms of the deal?!?" haha Tune in to learn more.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

393: From PV to EV, career evolution & market opportunities with Ram Ambatipudi of EV Connect Aug 12, 2021

Today I talk to Ram Ambatipudi about his long history in energy and how that brought him into the world of Electric Vehicles. When Ram left business school in 1995 he headed straight to Southern California Gas Company. Turns out, being on the inside of the world of utilities would prove an unmatched advantage for him as moved through his career, from wind at Enron to PV at SolSource and then Large Scale Renewables for Chevron. But he didn't stop there, co-founding one of the nations leading electric vehicle charging stations, EV Connect, in 2008. Today he is he VP of Business Development for this rapidly growing company.

Ram is full of advice about sales, especially in expanding your range so can talk to all parts of the customer's big picture. You won't want to miss his stories, from the "old days" of PV to the fast pace EV market of today. Listen to our conversation right here on Suncast.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

392: Listen to your Customer: A Lesson from Daryl Parker on Customer Engagement Aug 10, 2021

Today's Tactical Tuesday is a five minute jewel from our full episode with Clean Energy Associates' VP of Sales & Marketing, Darryl Parker. In this episode, Darryl focuses on understanding the customer beyond your average sales training. How can you really listen to the customer and structure your offer based on their real concerns?

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

391: GRID Alternatives' 20 yrs of Impact - Erica Mackie, CEO & Co-founder Aug 05, 2021

In today’s episode, we speak with a true solar pioneer, a well-known entrepreneur, Erica Mackey of GRID Alternatives. We break down her two decades of growth, entrepreneurship, and influence. Erica gives us a sense of the origin of GRID Alternatives. She talks about how she co-founded it way back in 2001 and how it evolved massively to become a major national nonprofit and off-grid solar installation company. As the California-based company started opening offices in Los Angeles and San Diego, they created jobs and successfully installed off-grid solar systems that work on affordable residential housing and community solar, serving more than 20,000 families!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

390 - Have a customer-centered business; Darryl Parker, Clean Energy Associates' VP Sales & Mktg Jul 30, 2021

Today’s guest, Darryl Parker, brings more than three decades of extensive high-tech manufacturing and power electronics experience to his role at Clean Energy Associates. But he's got a truly inspiring story of growing up in the booming high tech industry, pulling up a seat at the table and opening the door for many who have followed in his footsteps! He currently leads the global sales and marketing teams focused on solving clients' solar and storage challenges with CEA’s comprehensive suite of technical advisory services. We go into our own history together, having met way back in 2009 on the job when he first arrived at SatCon! This guy's got stories. You're here for Stories. Let's get into it!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

389 - The value of data on solar project finance, a Roundtable with industry experts Heidi Larson, Hao Shen & Skip Dise Jul 22, 2021

Late last year, kWh Analytics released a report titled 2020 Solar Risk Assessment suggesting that Recent assessments of the solar industry’s pre-construction production estimates have found evidence of “an industry wide bias towards aggressive predictions,” noting that “when a typical solar project performs at the official “P90, equity cash yield drops by 50%.” This revelation has the potential to impact cash flows across the industry, as these over optimistic assumptions are netting a measured underperformance of about 2% on P50 revenue.

Today, we’ll offer you the opportunity to learn from three highly experienced solar experts on the past, present and future of solar project financing.

Heidi Larson, ICF International
Hao Shen, kWh Analytics
Skip Dise, Clean Power Research

Today we will touch on:

How to know what your solar project’s really worth
What does Bankability really mean?
What's the difference between common solar finance terms like p50 and p90
How does Turning dials on the financial model actually affect the overall project outcomes
and what data does or perhaps should be going into those models to ensure we are not overshooting our valuations?

Are there underperforming assets in your portfolio? If you’re a project owner, You’re likely bleeding equity and you don’t even know it. As one of the guests says, "All models are wrong - some models are useful".

I hope today you learn some of the critical elements to success and how we need to evolve as an industry.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

388 - Solar Pioneer Michele Magee on how to Give Power to the world Jul 15, 2021

Today's story of Solar pioneer, Michelle McGee, is illustrative of the power of a good question. In this case, we learn one question that changed the course of her career. This former Tesla Exec leads us on a serendipitous journey, and explains how now as President of GivePower Foundation she supports global communities in need of power.

Michele's a true serial entrepreneur having launched and scaled seven businesses, and led teams as large as 1400 people over the course of her career. When I asked her what guiding principle helped her launch two different businesses w/her husband, she imparted, "Know your strengths, be respectful of your partner's strengths, and stay in your lanes." I think that advice is fitting for just about any partnership! She's been able to provide strong support & leadership to some of the most iconic businesses in the solar industry. And the lessons I learned from her are too many to list.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

You are what you listen to...Thanks for showing up, Solar Warrior, it's half the battle!

387 - First-ever Cleantech Podcasters Roundtable with 8 Major Clean Economy Podcasts Jul 13, 2021

Last week, the first ever Cleantech Podcaster's Roundtable was held with 8 of the major clean economy podcasts, hosted by my friend Mike Casey at Tigercomm. The discussions were a lot of fun (and very interesting) as we covered favorites sector trends, where we get our insights/info, key backgrounds we expect to see in CEOs of the sector in coming years, and how best to approach this (and other) group of podcasters with topics & guests for their shows. If you listen closely, you'll even hear me promise some free resources (as per usual!).

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

386 - Is TX an ideal place for energy business model disruption? with Startup Queen, Nisha Desai of Ennuity Jul 08, 2021

Nisha Desai, is a serial entrepreneur, TX clean energy pioneer, and founder and CEO of Ennuity Holdings. This "Startup Queen" has 25+ years of experience in the energy business, and has started companies that span 2 continents and multiple energy sectors. Listen in for critical steps of creating a company and how to skillfully navigate your way through the energy industry. In addition, we learn what she learned on an expedition to the South Pole!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

385 - SunCast Rewind: What is Reactive Power, with Jacqueline DeSouza of Apparent Inc. Jul 06, 2021

Do You understand Reactive Power? How's it different from Real Power? You're not alone, but we're here to help! ICYMI from 2020, this SunCast Rewind answers these 2 questions from one of our SunCast Summit speakers, Jacqueline DeSouza Jacqueline's company, Apparent, Inc, specializes in helping folks take advantage of the 3 elements of this complex topic, Real, reactive and apparent power.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

384 - The Philosopher CEO: BayWa's Boaz Soifer Jul 01, 2021

Today we get to soak in the wisdom of an industry pioneer in the solar-distribution business model. Boaz Soifer has been a solar pioneer for the last 20+ years. He is the Director of Solar Trade at BayWa r.e., where he oversees the company’s distribution activities in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Today we get into Boaz’s focus on co-creating a culture that truly values and contributes to personal and professional development, something that we care a lot about here on SunCast. We’ll also take a look at how he enjoys solving complex challenges and how that's kept him in the renewables business in particular.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

383 - Time To Build New Skills, With John Powers, CEO Of Extensible Energy (Linkedin Live Session 2020) Jun 29, 2021

We will continue our SunCast Rewing theme, this time, dipping into the vault of one of our LinkedIn Live sessions from last year.

I had a great conversation with John Powers of Extensible Energy about the value of capacity building in an organization during difficult times. In truth, this happened just as the pandemic started back in April of 2020. I recently looked back and asked myself, “where can I glean some insight from one of our past guests about how the world has changed or how it might change?”. The immediate answer was my conversation with John.

John and the Extensible Energy team recently raised a whopping amount of $3.4 million dollars in their venture funding round. They clearly did something right during this pandemic so congratulations to John and his team for this amazing milestone.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

382 - A serial entrepreneurs approach to simplifying solar, with Aviv Shalgi, CEO of Solar Simplified Jun 24, 2021

Today's entrepreneur is Aviv Shalgi. He has several successful M&A VC investments and joint ventures under his belt, in addition to two successful startups prior to his current venture, Solar Simplified.

Aviv has been a mentor and advisor to many entrepreneurs, startups, investors, VCs, nonprofits, and is a captain in the Israeli Defense Force or IDF, as many call it the eyes in the sky. We'll talk a little bit about that, as we get into today's episode of how he is simplifying solar and challenging the status quo.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

381 - Tactical Rewind - The top 3 Tactical Tuesdays of 2020 from SunCast! Jun 22, 2021

We wanted to add a different touch to this Tactical Tuesday, so we thought “why not create a rewind with the Top 3 Tactical Tuesdays of 2020?”.

The first episode will disseminate practical advice on fundraising for solar start-ups by the hand of Josh Beck of BCI Technology Investments. Why do startups fail to raise capital? Josh and his team know the answer to this question!

The second episode includes an in-depth look at the ins and outs of building a project that incorporates a massive battery component to the equation. We'll understand how and why folks are able to monetize and deploy these battery systems: the answer is resource adequacy. That’s why I brought my friend Will Mitchell, Director of Origination for the Western U.S. of Strata Solar, to walk us through these questions.

The third segment is worth giving a listen especially if you are about to get a new job or if you yourself are hiring others onto your team. We brought PXiSE’s Hannah Greene and her 30/60/90 framework plan for successfully onboarding new team members.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

380 - The Largest Floating Solar Project In Texas, With Craig LoValvo And Mark Rangel Of Speir Commercial & Industrial Jun 17, 2021

Today's entrepreneurs are Texas solar pioneers. The story we're about to unwrap today is unprecedented. If you haven’t heard about Speir Innovations, they are one of the leading sustainable energy providers in Texas. Not only that, they are developing the largest floating solar voltaic system in Texas, and we will get all the details from their EVP of Operations, and their EVP of Commercial Business Development, Craig LoValvo and Mark Rangel.

Founded by a group of friends who share the common goal of contributing to the progress and development of sustainable practices, they are a sustainability lifestyle brand. With prior experience in the solar industry and education in sustainable sciences, Craig and Mark formed a company with the primary goal of improving quality of life by increasing the long-term implementation of sustainable practices.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

379 - Clean Energy 101: Industry Overview with Eric Pasi Jun 15, 2021

What you're about to hear is a conversation between Eric and me rolling out an overview of the clean energy economy where we draw inspiration not just from his book, but from both our decades-long careers in building solar companies and helping others do the same.

Today's content specifically is actually part of our exclusive coaching program, but this is an abbreviated version, intentionally. So if you'd like to hear all of the content and access the full episode, which is actually a video interview, then you have two options:

Join our Mission-Minded cohort that's gonna kick off again in July.
Join the waitlist for our SunCast Tribe relaunch that is also coming in July. That's our inner circle of industry all-stars where we share bonus content and have curated a private community where more than 100 people have joined the conversation. If you'd like to be on that waitlist, just text me at 310-634-1780. I'll make sure you get all the details.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

378 - Entrepreneurial Innovation: How to lead when technology changes markets. With Jeff Weiss, Distributed Sun Jun 10, 2021

Today's entrepreneur has impressed me through the years with his ability to be a diplomat and translator between technical and laypeople, helping folks dial in their product-market fit with his entrepreneurial sense.

From pizza.com to rooftop solar, Jeff Weiss has pioneered innovation across multiple sectors. Today’s episode will glean into his insights, and hopefully, you will be able to add them to your toolkit.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

377 - California NEM Crisis! Does Net Energy Metering future hang in the balance? Jun 08, 2021

Are the monopoly utilities attacking your individual rights to make energy from the sun, power your life and become more financially independent? If you’re in California, the answer might be yes.

Today we’ll find out in this special report from Dave Rosenfeld, the Executive Director of Solar Rights Alliance, what you need to know to be informed on the NET energy metering policies currently under siege in the state of California.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

376 - Pioneering Vanadium Flow batteries, with Matt Harper, Co-Founder of Invinity Energy Systems Jun 03, 2021

Today’s guest is a pioneering cleantech entrepreneur and product developer as chief Commercial Officer of the company Invinity Energy Systems. We’re talking about Matt Harper!

He's transforming the evolution of what we call the Grid storage and value creation to enable the energy transition that we all desire so much. Matt has been in this industry for a long time and he's looked at product creation from a number of different angles.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

375 - The Great Solar Debate: What’s the best residential solar financing solution? Jun 01, 2021

Last year, we hosted the first Great Solar Debate featuring clean-energy thought leaders sharing two contrasting perspectives on critical solar and storage topics.

This time for our first Great Solar Debate of 2021, representatives from the residential solar financing industries will discuss the value of their respective financing solutions for consumers and installers.

This episode is a replay of the first debate where we covered the following points:

The value of each financing product for consumers
The value of each financing for installers
What’s the best value for all income levels?
What about the solar homebuyer? Which financing is best for them, and therefore for the seller?
Which financing is best for expanding residential solar throughout the U.S.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

374 - Is Free Training profitable? How Ryan Mayfield uses education to build his Engineering business May 27, 2021

Today's entrepreneur has been in the renewables industry since 1999. My friend Ryan Mayfield started Mayfield Renewables back in 2007, blending his technical expertise with his affinity for writing and education. He is the CEO of a company that now provides PV system technical engineering services to hundreds of companies across the United States and probably around the world.

Ryan discovered his passion for renewable energy early in his college career at Humboldt State while pursuing his degree in environmental resources engineering. Ryan was exposed to the exciting possibilities of solar power and his desire to learn more and be involved in the solar industry only grew as he continued his studies.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

373 - ESG Checklist to build your own strategy, with Mona Dajani from Pillsbury Law May 25, 2021

Today’s topic is Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), and to give us the ins and outs of this hot topic we have one of the top guests we’ve had on the show: Mona Dajani, Global Co-Head of Energy, Infrastructure, Mobility, Renewables & Water at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, an international law firm with a particular focus on the technology & media, energy, financial services, and real estate & construction sectors.

If you're unfamiliar with ESG, then listen to this episode coming directly from a recent checklist that Pillsbury, the firm for whom Mona heads the renewable energy practice, created as a tantalizing tidbit to craft your own ESG strategy, as institutional shareholders invest record amounts in environmental, social and governance.

ESG conscious funds and companies, boards of directors are looking for ways that companies can design and implement a business strategy that produces a sustainable future and remain relevant in a world where climate change, social injustice, pandemics, disease prevention, and wellness are the new normal.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

372 - A primer on risk management for Renewable Energy, with Lee Taylor, Co-Founder & CEO of REsurety May 20, 2021

Today's entrepreneur is redefining the way that clean energy buyers and sellers think about Risk Management. Lee Taylor founded REsurety before ever finishing his MBA, and he amassed a portfolio of over 5 Gigawatts of renewable energy generation with his unique insurance product.

Despite Insurance not being always the most compelling topic in clean energy, Lee's story of the what when, where, how and why of his entrepreneurial journey is worth sticking around.

He founded the company in 2012 to commercialize research he conducted at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business, and today REsurety’s products are redefining the way clean energy buyers and sellers predict value and quantify and manage risk.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

371 - What is the Unconscious Bias? with Tamika Jacques, Ed.D., Director of Workforce Development at the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center May 18, 2021

Today’s Tactical Tuesday will be longer than usual, as we have the honor to bring Dr. Tamika Jacques to the show. She is the Director of Workforce Development for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, and she's also the CEO of Fruitful Vision Enterprise.

She's been in workforce development for over 18 years and has the honor of assisting with the distribution of nearly 30 million training programs in workforce development targeted for women, minorities, college students, youth unemployed, and underemployed.

Dr. Jacques is also the author of A Brown Girls Guide to Employment and Networking. I was happy to have Dr. Jacques speak at our SunCast Career Summit back in the fall of 2020. Today’s episode is a recap of her presentation on the subject of unconscious bias, some of its concepts and definitions, how to identify it, and how to overcome it.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

370 - How Patrick Sherwin's GoSun Builds Solar Products You Actually Want May 13, 2021

Today's entrepreneur has been elevating the solar industry for more than 20 years across different roles. More recently, he’s been an inventor of breakthrough solar ovens and outdoor gear that's caught my attention.

As a Social Entrepreneur, Patrick Sherwin focuses on appropriate technology with measurable impact. Patrick maintains a diverse background in construction, engineering, marketing, design, and integration of renewables.

His thirst for solutions has put him at the center of several technology breakthroughs, and today we will unveil the how and why of his entrepreneurial journey.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

369 - How is the solar market evolving for developers, with Joe Tassone, ABOVEgrid May 11, 2021

Many of you have probably listened to today's guests Joe Tassone Jr. from episodes 232 where we told his journey from the telecom industry to solar. He was also in episode 341 helping us give an overview of the clean energy industry.

Joe is an experienced industry executive with access to the frontline conversations about what's happening in the world of project development. We brought Joe back to discuss what is happening in the world of solar project development in the United States, get his sense of how that front line is evolving, and learn about how his business ABOVEgrid is evolving so you can learn from his expertise.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

368 - GAF, Solar Tiles, Tax Equity and more - Martin DeBono Redux May 06, 2021

Today’s guest is Martin DeBono, and he is by no means a stranger to distributed energy and high growth working in the startup industry. However, he didn't cut his teeth in solar energy. In fact, he has had a bit of an unorthodox entry into alternative energy. We talked about this especially in his first episode about a year ago where he mentioned being a decorated officer on a nuclear submarine in the US Navy.

He has led sales and marketing for companies you'd recognize such as Cisco, Siebel, Insightful, and Pure Networks. He even headed SunPower's residential North American business and global commercial business before taking on the role he currently has as President of GAF Energy. We're going to get into how the new GAF Energy product rollout is going and what it means for the residential market looking forward.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

367 - Can Words Impact the Climate? How communication can drive real change with Scott Nguyen, Susannah Bradley, Brooke Betts, and Carter Lavin May 04, 2021

On April 21st, the team of 17TeraWatts hosted a panel with a group of communication experts to answer the question, “How do we effectively communicate the severity of climate change and the solutions in a way that compels people to also take action?”.

During the conversation moderated by a previous SunCast guest, Scott Nguyen from 17TeraWatts, we spoke to Susannah Bradley, Director of Emerging Audiences at SunCommon, Brooke Betts, VP US Climate Campaign at Rare, and Carter Lavin, the Director at California Solar & Storage Association. Together, we explored the growing nuances in climate change messaging, the innovative programs with real-world successes, and new approaches YOU can try in your business or community.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

366 - Solar Industry Insights From 4 Decades' Experience With Rusty Schmit Of Sage Energy Consulting Apr 29, 2021

Today’s guest is Russell Schmit, a successful executive with extensive experience in energy‑related manufacturing, service, and consulting companies ranging from start‑ups to Fortune 100 corporations. At Sage Energy Consulting, he leads the growth initiatives for the company, works on selected projects that leverage his specialized experience, and guides internal operations to achieve high levels of client satisfaction.

Beginning with his early-career work leading solar photovoltaic technology programs at the global semiconductor firms Motorola and Texas Instruments, and followed by entrepreneurial roles at manufacturing firms in the United States and Europe, Rusty has proven his skills building high-growth businesses based on energy technologies. He has led international technical and business teams to develop new, innovative products and has developed strong client relationships around the world.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

365 - Common Intellectual Property mistakes you can avoid, with Russ Krajec, Patent Attorney with BlueIron IP Apr 27, 2021

Welcome to another Tactical Tuesday, a short-form conversation with subject-matter experts designed to give you practical tools, tips, and advice for building your solar business or career.

Today we’re digging into the idea of intellectual property, patents, and other ways to protect your business and assets, and the guest in charge of explaining this process is Russ Krajec. How patents protect you (or not), and what should you do about it? Stay tuned to find out!

Russ Krajec is an author, inventor, angel investor, podcast host, and patent attorney. After a 13 year career as an engineer, Russ switched to patent law to “reverse engineer” the patent system to create good patents. 20 years later, he has seen the deep, dark underbelly of the patent system.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

364 - Lessons in Solar Entrepreneurship, Robb Jetty, COO at DSD Renewables - Part 2 Apr 22, 2021

If you're tuning in for the first time, you're tuning in to a second-part episode of my conversation with a friend and industry colleague and leader mentor, Robb Jetty.

I encourage you to check out part one of this inspiring conversation with Robb to capture more of the backstory, his origin of how he made his way into solar, and the role he has now with DSD Renewables. Today, we're gonna dig into the second half of the conversation more about what inspires him, how he made the eventual pivots, how DSD is differentiating itself in the marketplace and why Robb has decided to take this commanding role.

If you are at all curious about the career of a true Maverick, a true apprentice who has found his way to a master in operations of the solar construction industry, you've come to the right place.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

363 - Journey To Chief Operating Officer, Robb Jetty, COO At DSD Renewables - Part 1 Apr 22, 2021

Happy Earth Day!

I'm excited about all the wonderful events and activities that are going on today on Earth Day as we celebrate another year of work towards taking massive climate action.

Today we are going to learn a lot about how the solar industry has evolved. The protagonist of the story is one of the guys I've watched grow in his career for more than 15 years. Robb Jetty and I have seen each other in the industry, and today we're going to dive into how he arrived at the company that he helped launch spin out of GE. If you are a longtime listener, you'll recognize the name of the company Robb works for: Distributed Solar Development, mainly because we just had Meghan Gainer on not too long ago. I hope that you are ready to learn all about how a career is built around execution and curiosity, because that is Robb’s story.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

362 - Free Legal Services from Top Legal Firms, with Stanford's Molly Melius and Jesse Lazarus Apr 20, 2021

This is Tactical Tuesday, a short-form conversation with subject matter experts designed to give you the practical tools, tips and advice for building your solar business or career.

Today, we're gonna be chatting with the two people who run a program I didn’t even know existed until January, Stanford's Lawyers for Sustainable Economy (LSE) Initiative, managed by Molly Melius, the Director of LS, and Jesse Lazarus, Senior Associate of LS, and a second-year law student.

The Lawyers for a Sustainable Economy Initiative, or the LSE initiative for short, is a law firm-led and Stanford-supported initiative that provides free legal assistance to sustainability focused entrepreneurs and nonprofits. And in particular, the initiative aims to support promising green entrepreneurs and nonprofits who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford legal services.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

361 - We Don't Have Time! Is Ingmar Rentzhog the Mark Zuckerberg of Climate? Apr 15, 2021

Today's guest is a change maker named “The Green Mark Zuckerberg” by France TV's. I’m referring to Ingmar Rentzhog, The CEO and Founder of We Don't Have Time, the world's largest social network for climate action. We'll hear more about what that means and how the idea was formed.

By teaming up with Twitter and the U.N We Don't Have Time is reaching millions around the globe. Ingmar will share how you can invest in We Don't Have Time and be a part of solving the climate crisis and getting good returns on your investment.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

360 - The 4 Quadrants of a Growth-focused company, with Robert Cross Apr 13, 2021

Today’s guest is someone who I've been working with and who several of your colleagues have been working with behind the scenes to help clarify thoughts, especially around the topic of growth. Today's topic is specifically focused on whether or not you are ready for growth. Do you know what it looks like? Are you prepared for the way that you need to orient your team, your vision, and your mission?

We’re talking about Robert W. Cross, the Founder & CEO of Cross Consulting Services. He helps cleantech and renewable energy CEOs address challenges in their business model so they may scale. His professional background includes experience in finance, economic development, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean technologies.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

359 - How can Clean Energy be dirty? EMF myth busting with B.D. Erickson, CEO of Satic USA Apr 08, 2021

Have you ever wondered why your cell phone gets hot when it's charging? Few folks realize the electromagnetism that's picked up as dirty electricity and moves through the circuit, making the charging process less efficient, and it not only increases your phone's heat, but your energy bills, and it shortens the life of all of the devices and appliances around us.

Well, today’s interview is with my friend B.D. Erickson who knows a thing or two about how to address that issue. His company, Satic USA has been building clean electricity products to address this issue since 2008. And more and more solar installers are beginning to install Satic products alongside their inverters to ensure a clean operating system inside your home.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

358 - Challenging The Status Quo: C-Suite Examples Of D&I Leadership, With Matt Hankey And Michael Healy Apr 06, 2021

What you are about to hear is content from our Career Summit, a fantastic series of conversations all about not only how to find your dream job, the perfect opportunity to transition into clean energy as a career but also how as an industry we can improve the concepts of hiring with justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.

Today you will hear from clean energy executives Matt Hankey and Michael Healy as they’re taking the charge in ensuring their organization and the industry as a whole represents a diverse and inclusive workforce. How are we approaching hiring and access to opportunities in one of the biggest job-creating industries in America?

Related to the conversation that we're having today is our Dream Job Coaching Program, which we call Mission-Minded. You can learn more about that at events.mysuncast.com/dreamjob.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

357 - Design Principles to Drive Customer Engagement with Scott Nguyen, CEO of 17 TeraWatts Apr 01, 2021

Thank you so much for lending me your ears and the only non-renewable resource that you have: your time!

Today's entrepreneur is my friend Scott Nguyen, CEO of 17 TeraWatts. If you are in the broader energy business and you’re looking for an opportunity to get into climate tech and clean energy, you might want to take a listen for today's episode.

Scott has 15 years of energy industry experience, 18 USPTO patents, and a Ph.D. in Physics from Harvard University. He is now working on specific technology to solve problems for the homeowners and residential solar space. We're going to talk a bit more about that and how Scott found his way into that area of expertise.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

356 - Strategies to ask for the salary you deserve (and GET IT), with Karima Ladhani, Suparna Kadam, Tara Doyle, and Glenda Johnson Mar 30, 2021

Do you get nervous when you have to engage in conversations to negotiate your salary? You’re not alone. In today’s episode, we have Karima Ladhani, Suparna Kadam, Tara Doyle, and Glenda Johnson sharing and discussing experiences of asking and getting their value in the workplace.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

355 - Special Report: Not All Solar is Created Equal with Michael Parr, Executive Director at The Ultra Low Carbon Solar Alliance Mar 29, 2021

Michael Parr is the Executive Director of the Ultra Low Carbon Solar Alliance, a coalition of global solar companies using market forces to decarbonize the solar supply chain, making clean energy even cleaner. Following a 30 year career with DuPont Michael established The Parr Policy Group in 2015 to provide policy and political consulting services to businesses, with an emphasis on sustainability.

For almost 20 years Michael lead DuPont’s federal government affairs efforts on the environment, energy, technology, manufacturing and sustainability-related topics, engaging with Congress, the White House, Administrative agencies and private sector stakeholders. He has successfully created advocacy coalitions to achieve major legislative changes related to chemicals regulation (TSCA), renewable energy and natural gas, tax policy for sustainable manufacturing, R&D and STEM education.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

354 - Andrea Luecke, The Roots and Fruits of The Solar Foundation Mar 25, 2021

As we celebrate the impact of women in our culture, the way that women increasingly are being recognized as better leaders as better and more empathic executives in businesses, it's been a real privilege and honor to be able to have some of my friends and folks that inspire me on the show.

This week on SunCast, as we wrap up Women's History Month, I am so excited to be able to bring to you a fearless leader. Today's entrepreneur is someone that I genuinely appreciate in the world and in the solar industry. Andrea Luecke is an entrepreneurial leader with a diverse international background. Over the course of a decade, she took an organization you may be familiar with, The Solar Foundation, from idea to globally renowned organization that's responsible for some of the industry's most trusted and valuable research and education.

As a means for creating more efficiencies and impact, Andrea led The Solar Foundation through a strategic merger with the Interstate Renewable Energy Council and made a voluntary commitment in to step down from her role following a successful merger agreement. This recently allowed Andrea to become free to launch a consulting firm – ALL IMPACT CONSULTING - with her 8-year-old daughter and be entrepreneurial once again in her approach to solving problems related to climate, the workforce, and equity.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

353 - D&I Fireside Chat with Erika Jefferson, President of Black Women in Science and Engineering (BWISE) Mar 23, 2021

What do you need to start implementing a D&I Strategy in your organization? Should you be focusing on the talent management side? Join our fireside chat with the President and Founder of Black Women in Science and Engineering (BWISE), Erika Jefferson as we discuss the first steps when looking at your organization's D&I efforts.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

352 - Superconnector Anna Siefken on managing change & empowering the Clean Economy Mar 18, 2021

Thank you so much for lending me your ears and the only non-renewable resource that you've got: your time.

Today's guest, Anna Siefken has spent her career making the business case for energy efficiency, cleantech innovation, and building performance as a means to address the world’s energy challenges and the global urgency of climate change.

She is the inaugural Executive Director of The Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation at Carnegie Mellon University. www.cmu.edu/energy. Through programming, targeted outreach, and partnerships, she guides the Institute’s efforts to optimize energy resources, reduce the environmental impacts of energy production and use, and develop breakthrough technologies that will have meaningful impact and accelerate the transition to a sustainable, low carbon energy future.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

351 - Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Hiring in Action with Catherine McLean, Paige Rutten, Melanie Santiago-Mosier, and Lindsay Reichert Mar 16, 2021

How are managers creating a diverse and inclusive work environment? You’re going to hear from a panel of hiring professionals and D&I experts as they dispense practical advice, best practices, and processes to efficiently implement D&I strategies to your hiring procedures.

You’ll hear Catherine McLean, Paige Rutten, Melanie Santiago-Mosier, and Lindsay Reichert as they describe the D&I initiatives implemented by some of the most leading companies in the clean energy sector, their importance, and strategies to attract a more diverse workforce.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

350 - Career pivot, Heidi Lim's journey to Climatetech startup Opus12 Mar 11, 2021

Today's guest is our friend Heidi Lim of Opus 12. While I hope that we can do more on Opus 12, we actually don't talk a ton about Opus 12. Today we talk about her process of finding what she calls a “career on purpose and meaning”. Opus 12 happens to be now the vessel through which she pours that energy.

I'm excited to bring that conversation to you, so I encourage you not just to listen in to this conversation, but also to go take the time to read the tome that she created, which was the genesis of this episode and this interview.

I found Heidi by reading on my own around what is it like to get a job in the clean energy space and trying to really understand the journey that you all are on, and nobody that I've read in the last year has put it more succinctly and more action-oriented than Heidi.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

349 - Case Study: Inside the Job Seeker Experience with Patti Lowe, Malini Kannan and Eric Lindley Mar 09, 2021

This is 2Fer Tuesdays. Whether that's a Tactical Tuesday or just content from one of our many live events like SPI Podcast Lounge, this is going to be a short form conversation, typically with subject matter experts designed to give you the practical tools, tips and advice for building your solar business or career and grow with us here on SunCast.

With a goal of taking candidates from being an outside observer to HIRED by a cleantech/clean energy firm in 60 days or less, I launched my Clean Energy Dream Job Case Study group in August. Hear from candidates from the program as they share their experiences.

Related to the conversation that we're having today is our Dream Job Coaching Program, which we call Mission-Minded. You can learn more about that at events.mysuncast.com/dreamjob.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

348 - Success Stories: How to Land your Dream Job? with Caitlyn McCloskey, Rozina Kanchwala and Miles Braxton Mar 09, 2021

Hear from a panel of industry professionals who have landed their dream job (or internship). Take a look at their journey and get a few tips in helping you take on that next step.

Related to the conversation that we're having today is our Dream Job Coaching Program, which we call Mission-Minded. You can learn more about that at events.mysuncast.com/dreamjob.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

347 - How To Build A Resilient And Sustainable Infrastructure, With ICFs Head Of Energy, Environment & Infrastructure, Anne Choate Mar 04, 2021

As you probably already know, it is Women's History Month, and here at SunCast we have very intentional programming for the month of March. 3 years ago Miss Tara Doyle, a good friend of our show insisted that we do more for not just the gender diversity, but the equity across the board. We’re doing our best to keep that habit and intention here in March, promoting female voices and increasingly more equity generally, throughout our show.

We want to nod here to all of the fantastic leadership that is coming into the solar industry that just continues to blow our minds away. It’s well documented that companies with female leadership excel across many different metrics, not the least of which is profitability. And leadership skill is something that I personally learned more from my female bosses than my male bosses.

Today, we have someone that I'm really honored and proud to have on the show, Miss Anne Choate, and she’s been such an instrumental figure for so many organizations, public and private, across government lines across (country and state level) at ICF. If you haven’t heard about Anne, you’ll get to hear how she has risen through the ranks to command a legion of climate champions within an organization like ICF.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

346 - How-to career transition into Clean Energy, with Resume expert Amanda Rico Mar 02, 2021

Welcome to another Tactical Tuesday, a short-form conversation with subject matter experts designed to give you the practical tips, tools, and advice for building your solar business or career.

If you’re outside of the clean energy or solar industry and you’re trying to transition from another energy sector, this episode will give you great insight into what steps you should take.

Today we are going to feature Dr. Amanda Rico, an expert in the field of technical writing and resume writing. She runs Rico Editorial Services and specializes in helping folks in the energy sector level up and find the career they love. She’s also a mentor in our own Coaching Program, helping applicants achieve exactly that.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

345 - The Patagonia of Banking with Ravi Mikkelsen, Co-Founder at Atmos Financial Feb 25, 2021

This is financial Thursday and we're going to help you put your money where your heart is. There are some secrets out there about how your money is being invested against your better interests.

Today's entrepreneur is my good friend Ravi Mikkelsen, and if you tuned in back in October 1st, 2019, you might remember that we did the episode with Samuel Adeyemo of Aurora Solar organized through ClimateLink, one of the organizations that this multifaceted entrepreneur has put together.

Ravi is someone I've come to respect and admire, and today we're going to dig into his latest brainchild that is gathering traction. Certainly several of you have no doubt heard Jigar Shah and others mentioned it from the stages of Energy Gang and other platforms recently, it’s called Atmos Financial. We're going to learn all about that today and why in the world he would be trying to take on big banks.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

344 - Is rooftop solar+storage finally here for C&I? Omeed Badkoobeh, CEO of Yotta Energy Feb 23, 2021

Today's entrepreneur is no stranger to the wild and crazy ride we call the solar coaster. He cut his teeth in the industry more than a decade ago and has worked at companies you'd recognize like Tesla. He got the entrepreneurial bug several years back, in this case, seeing before many others the coming wave and rise of energy storage and the need for a slightly different format and a form factor in the market that was underserving almost entirely unserved at that time in history.

We'll hear more about that and how Omeed Badkoobeh and Yotta Energy have sought to address a little addressed market that is actually a huge total addressable market. We'll dig into energy storage for commercial and industrial as well as the journey of this young entrepreneur today on SunCast.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

343 - How the Texas grid failed? Insights from a former energy trader, Evan Caron Feb 21, 2021

This episode will be different to the Tactical Tuesdays and long-form Thursday episodes we always publish. This is a mini episode if you will. Sometimes we do this on Fridays or other days, when we have a guest that has extraordinary information that we want to share with you and it's timely, but doesn't fit in our normal production schedule.

If you are a Texas resident or if you've been watching what's happening in Texas, you should know by now that there is a crisis in ERCOT. There's a crisis in the electricity markets as well as a humanitarian crisis right now as a result of hard snowstorms. And since I'm not in Texas, but I have friends down there, I called on just such a friend, Mr. Evan Caron.

He's an Austin resident, who is an energy trader and really deeply understands this market. So if you have been trying to figure it out, understand what the heck is happening in that market, we are here to give you some answers.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

342 - Serial entrepreneurs bring robotics to solar farms, Tim Matus & Steve Arters of Renu Robotics Feb 18, 2021

Today's entrepreneurs are certainly no stranger to the start-up ride, as they have started a number of companies. Most recently, they have made it all the way to Round Three of the National Renewable Energy Labs’ American-Made Solar Prize, which we've discussed here before.

Tim Matus and Steve Arters are intrapreneurs I've come to respect and making it that far in the solar prize is something noteworthy. They created automated robots that help us maintain solar sites, which is something that I took note of and I thought that you might find it interesting as well, not just the technology, but how exactly they got around to the technology, including some tinkering around in their garage, as all good startup stories should include.

Their company, Renu Robotics was launched in February of 2018 to address initiatives to control costs on utility-scale solar farms. The collaboration of ideas led to interest in creating flexible autonomous robots able to be fitted with many different implements.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

341 - Clean Energy Industry Overview: Where do I Start? with Sarah Wilder, Becca Ward, Joe Tassone, and Eric Pasi Feb 16, 2021

Welcome to another Tactical Tuesday, which is a short form conversation with subject matter experts designed to give you practical tools, tips and advice for building your solar business, or career.

If you've clicked through on today's episode, an overview on where do I start in the clean energy industry, I suspect that you are thinking about a career change or you're thinking about how your career could or should be growing in the industry, and you are looking for some tips and practical advice.

In fairness, this is a replay from our SunCast Career Summit, which happened back in September 2020, but it is a great overview. Not only myself but some of the guests (in particular, Eric Pasi) have written quite a bit about the answers to the oft-made question: “How do I get into this industry? Where do I start?”

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

340 - Innovation in ESG Data Collection with Zach Livingston, Head of Sales at ClearTrace Feb 12, 2021

Today, we are going to have an intrapreneur and entrepreneur, a friend of mine down in Austin, Texas called Zack Livingston, Head of Sales at ClearTrace. We’ll get into the ins and outs of carbon accounting, and all the reasons why it has not to date been done very well, and how his company ClearTrace is leveling up their game and yours.

ClearTrace is a cloud-based SaaS company enabling stakeholders to track, trace, and manage their clean energy footprint. Zach was previously the 'Vice President of Sales and Head of the Americas' at Locus Energy and became the 'Director of Sales - USA' at AlsoEnergy after Locus and Also merged. Both companies supplied solutions for the monitoring, analytics and performance optimization of renewable energy assets.

Earlier in Zach's career, he spent time interning in the Clinton Foundation's Executive Office, working with the former President and his immediate staff, and interning for Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s clean water advocacy group, Riverkeeper.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

339 - 5 Pro Tips to actually make Salesforce work FOR you, with Geraldine Gray, Endiem (Saleforce MVP) Feb 09, 2021

Today's entrepreneur is someone I've had the pleasure to get to know recently, through the context of exploring how software can serve and also sometimes be the bane of our existence. She has worked over the past several decades helping businesses improve their business operations and processes using a little piece of software. Maybe you've heard of it: it’s called Salesforce.

Geraldine Gray is the CEO and founder of Endiem, and you're going to hear what that company is all about today as well. I would encourage you to stick around to the very end because this decade's long Salesforce MVP is going to share her Top Three App Exchange Secret Weapons. Of course, we'll discuss the Salesforce platform and how solar businesses can get ROI from that platform.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

338 - Marketing 101 for Commercial Solar: lessons learned with Meghan Gainer at DSD Feb 04, 2021

Today's intrapreneur has been inside the leadership team of some of the most successful brands in the solar industry and at critical times in their growth journey. We're going to take a look at her view from the Bridge as it were.

Meghan Gainer is Head of Marketing Communications at Distributed Solar Development, or DSD, as we'll refer to it, which originally was incubated inside of General Electric. Her 14 years of commercial Marketing and Communications experience help her thread the needle for marketing and communications, public relations, strategy and execution for the companies that she's been privileged to help build companies like Comcast, SunEdison, Solar City, Tesla, GE, and now of course, DSD.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

337 - 5 key decisions for effective strategic partnerships with Josh Beck, Managing Director of BCI Technology Investments Feb 02, 2021

It’s February 2021 and I’m stoked to have you here. Today's entrepreneur is a good friend of mine that many of you perhaps listened to in 2020, especially when he brought the 10 things that every entrepreneur needs to know when they're trying to raise capital: that's my friend Josh Beck.

Josh is the Chief Investment Officer at BCI Technology Investments. He's had, in many ways a storied career. He's one of my favorite insider investor minds when I get to just chat with someone about what is happening in the world of global supply, especially with regards to obviously BCI is a big steel manufacturing concern.

He's had some opportunities to be involved in major organizations in the industry like NEXTracker, which we spoke about in previous episodes.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

336 - Marc Andreessen is Wrong. Clean Energy can drive a domestic infrastructure boom, with Sheldon Kimber, CEO of Intersect Power Jan 28, 2021

If you listened to Episode 261, then you're no stranger to Mr. Sheldon Kimber of Intersect Power. But I wanted to bring Sheldon back, especially in this month, where we're thinking hard about what can the current administration and our industry do to elevate our voice to ensure we take massive action on climate change.

Sheldon wrote an article back in the fall, and it got a fair amount of traction on LinkedIn (even Jigar Shah and many others commented on it). I wanted to bring Sheldon on to talk specifically about this article that he wrote, titled “software is eating the world, but steel is the hardware runs on” and it's a reply to Marc Andreessen's essay "It's time to build" where he posits that we don't have the drive to build the infrastructure and that complacency is killing the opportunity. Not so, says Sheldon...and we get into just exactly why we need to Dream in Steel again!

I hope that you'll tune in and listen up to this dialogue where Sheldon and I dive into how clean energy as an industry is, like building the Intercontinental railroad, building the infrastructure like dams, and many other facets of the reconstruction of our country in postwar times.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

335 - Andy Klump, CEO and Founder of Clean Energy Associates Jan 21, 2021

Andy Klump holds the current and long-standing record of the most downloaded episode on SunCast. That's right, coming in more than 2000 downloads. I wanted to have Andy back because there's a lot about this man's life in how he ended up in China being a trusted resource for so many companies and individuals like myself around the world from Europe, to the Americas.

I wanted to hear how he came about this venture called Clean Energy Associates, and I wanted to hear how he built through this adventure of living in China. Having a wonderful family, being an upright citizen and all-around good guy.

Today we dig into the man that is Andy Klump, not just how he built his business, but how he's built his career. And I hope that you would come to admire this man as much as I do. He's a good friend, and a very good businessman.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

334 - How to Scale C&I solar with Matt Hankey, Founder of New Energy Equity Jan 14, 2021

Today's entrepreneur I have been introduced to multiple times since 2014. Thanks to the homebound lockdowns of the pandemic this year, we finally had a chance to get to know one another.

Matt Hankey is the Founder and CEO of New Energy Equity, one of the fastest-growing companies in our industry. They're the fourth largest solar commercial company in the US seventh largest developer in the United States, and one of the fastest-growing solar developers in the DC area.

Suffice to say, this will be a fun dive into an entrepreneurial journey that has seen some extreme highs, probably some extreme lows, and we're going to learn a ton.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

333 - Supporting the Advancement of Emerging Leaders & Increasing Diversity Across Clean Energy, with Paula Glover Jan 12, 2021

Welcome to another Tactical Tuesday, a short-form conversation with subject-matter experts designed to give you practical tools, tips and advice for building your solar business or career. What you’re about to hear is a recorded keynote from our SunCast Career Summit.

Paula Glover is the President and CEO for the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE). Established in 1977, the American Association of Blacks in Energy is an association founded and dedicated to ensuring the input of African Americans and other minorities into the discussions and developments of energy policies regulations.

I truly appreciated and enjoyed having Paula come speak to our SunCast Career Summit back in September. And if you missed it, you're in luck because today, you get to hear Paula's keynote supporting the advancement of emerging leaders and increasing diversity across clean energy. It is a fantastic look inside how we can achieve more diversity and inclusiveness in the energy business, not just renewables.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

332 - Abigail Hopper - President and CEO of Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) | Part 2 Jan 07, 2021

This is Part Two of the episode we began earlier in the week with SEIA’s President Abby Hopper. We have a lot of ground left to cover, and we get into some GREAT insights from Abby in this one. But if you missed Part 1, I’d recommend you start there, then come to this one for the rest of the story.

Abby really gets into the details on this episode about how we all can help hold President-elect Biden to account for the awesome opportunity before him to leave a lasting clean energy legacy.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

331 - Abigail Ross Hopper, President and CEO of Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) | Part 1 Jan 05, 2021

Welcome back and Happy New Year, Solar Warrior!

If you’re in the solar or energy storage industry, then today’s guest will be no stranger to you. I hope I do justice to making this useful and interesting, as she’s shared most of her thoughts and plans with us in a variety of forums.

Abigail Ross Hopper became the first female President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) in January 2017 just as the Obama-era solar boom was being handed off to the Trump administration. Abby has been dubbed the most important woman in solar by the media, and it’s true she carries an immensely important role.

Before joining SEIA, Abby was the Director of the Department of Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, where she led the agency that oversaw the leasing and development of all offshore energy, from oil and natural gas to offshore wind.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

330 - San Antonio triples down on solar and storage: An Insiders guide to CPS Energy's 900MW RFP Dec 31, 2020

Happy New Year, Solar Warrior!

In early December, I had a chance to sit down with CPS Energy executives to discuss their latest RFP, and I was amazed by the depth of answers they provided. Not only we discussed how the RFP is shaped, but also the underlying philosophy and methodology supporting the landmark power call for the Lonestar state!

As many of you are well aware, having listened to the interview with Paula Gold-Williams (the CEO of CPS Energy) some weeks ago, the largest public power utility in the United States CPS is on a journey of decarbonizing their generation assets. And, as such has been foreshadowing a quite sizable RFP.

On December 1, CPS along with the City of San Antonio announced the largest municipally-owned fully integrated electric and gas utility in the US is launching their RFP under what's known as the FlexPOWER Bundle initiative for a whopping 900MW of solar, 50MW of energy storage, and 500MW of firming capacity as part of the vision for CPS’ Flexible Path.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

329 - What is a Solar Marketeer? with Trina Solar's Ryan Simpson, Head of US Marketing Dec 30, 2020

I am honored to have you joining me yet again for another foray into the world of clean and solar-powered energy. Merry Christmas, and happy almost new year to all of you who are listening during the holiday season.

Ryan Simpson is the head of marketing for Trina solar North America. He and I have been fellow sales and marketing colleagues and solar warriors in the hardware side of the PV industry now for going on two decades. I love hearing how he parlayed his experience working for McDonald's into a marketing role like Kyocera, for example, he's one of the funniest and savviest marketers I know in the industry. So I'm honored to finally get to share some of these stories. Ryan brings old school tactics for new school tech.

With his decade-plus of experience in solar, Ryan has been instrumental in launching new and innovative products, developing and opening new markets and channels, introducing new marketing platforms, and creating technical documents to help companies achieve success. Today, Ryan drives the support levels of Trina’s product management and marketing efforts that develop additional market share for Trina in North America.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

328 - Deploying 2GW of Renewable Energy in Mexico, Vive Energia's Founder Benigno Villareal Dec 24, 2020

Merry Christmas to you. If you're tuning in today, it is Christmas Eve. Yes, we are still publishing because it's Thursday. I hope that you'll get a ton of value from today's story. We can keep this short and sweet because Benigno Villareal and his story speak for themselves. Many of you have likely never heard of Vive Energía unless you're doing business in Mexico. Over there, Benny and his partners have developed a massive portfolio and track record reputation across wind and solar. And I've long wanted to know how it all came together. Today, you get to listen in on that very discussion.

Benny Villarreal heads “Vive Energia”, a Renewable Energy Company. He is credited for leading the teams responsible for the development, financing and ultimately the construction and commissioning of nearly 1 GigaWatt of Mexico´s currently installed Renewable Energy Generation capacity. For the last fifteen years, Dr. Villarreal has been intensely cooperating with the Mexican Government and diverse NGOs to obtain the basic legal framework to better develop the renewable energy market in Mexico.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

327 - Project development Software for Solar? How to build it as a non-technical Founder, with Phillip Bruner, CEO at ENIAN Dec 22, 2020

I'm honored that you're joining us for another fantastic foray into the world of solar energy. And I'm even more honored that you're tuning in this week. Merry Christmas to all of you listening.

Some of you will identify with today's guests and the problems that he solves. If you've spent any time developing large or small solar projects, you know it can be an endless string of whack-a-mole in terms of organizing, checking off tasks, data rooms, diligence, checklists, Dropbox, Excel, Asana, Salesforce, the tools are disorganized, and the tasks disjointed. It's always baffled me why after 15 plus years, seems like we’re lacking a better way to organize and manage solar projects.

Today’s guest, Philip Bruner, was frustrated as well. After Philip had struggled with the data disorganization of developing his own projects, he went on the search to find and then to create a tool that would solve it. And ENIAN was born. His journey to build software as a non-technical co-founder is one that I found insightful and entertaining. I hope you'll stick around and learn as well from his approach and maybe even his mistakes.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

322 - The story behind crowdfunding $1M on StartEngine, with Arnold Leitner Dec 18, 2020

On Thanksgiving, you might have missed our excellent interview with Solar+ Storage entrepreneur and solar pioneer Arnold Leitner. Well in that episode, which I highly recommend you revisit clicking here, we glossed over a fun fact that his company YouSolar, Inc. is among the only 13% of companies that have launched a regulated crowdfunding campaign on a website called StartEngine and raised more than a million dollars, which helped to keep you solar alive during the pandemic, no less.

Today we’re chatting again with Arnold to dig a bit deeper into exactly what this entailed and better understand how and what they accomplished. So if you'd like to hear how to get 500 customers and a million dollars in equity in 90 days through crowdfunding, using a verified platform and a tested strategy, well, you're in the right place.

And also, if you're interested in your own crowdfunding campaign, well, you are in luck, because I've partnered with StartEngine to offer you $1,000 towards your campaign marketing. You can shoot me an email via nico@mysuncast.com with StartEngine in the subject line, and the details of your company and the campaign that you're interested in. And I'll make that intro, you'll be on your way to $1,000 towards your crowdfunding marketing campaign.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

326 - War Stories: TJ Kanczuzewski on How To Build a Lasting Solar Company Dec 17, 2020

As we head into the end of the year, it's often filled with a lot of stories a lot of time traditionally spent around the table around the cocktail, happy hours with our friends reminiscing and telling tall tales. I thought it'd be fun, as we have so many stories on the solar coaster to tell some tall tales, some true tales, and as such wanted to bring back an old friend.

Perhaps you were one of those who's been with us from the beginning, then you'll recognize today's guest, Mr. TJ Kanczuzewski of Inovateus Solar, we're gonna dive into some of his war stories, battle-tested from the front lines.

TJ has been with Inovateus since 2007. Driven by the Inovateus pledge to “Build A Brilliant Tomorrow,” he has been instrumental in developing a world-class solar team that has successfully deployed solar energy projects and products internationally. Currently, he is focused on expanding the companies efforts in the Mamoni Valley Preserve by inviting other investors and companies to join in the opportunity to come and learn from Mother Nature in one of the world's biodiversity hotspots.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

325 - The 4 Horsemen of Distributed Energy Resources with Gregg Dixon, CEO of Voltus, Inc. Dec 15, 2020

For those of you who are up on recent episodes, perhaps you’ll recognize today’s guest, Gregg Dixon of Voltus, Inc., recently featured in episode 316. Gregg gave us a fantastic insight into the world of Demand Response, and the way that through his company Voltus, Inc. and his deep experience with a company called EnerNOC, he has learned how the grid is necessarily evolving and integrating new Distributed Energy Resources (DER).

There’s so much to unpack around DER that we didn’t have time to cover it entirely back in episode 316. Gregg and I go into what he referred to as The 4 Horsemen of Distributed Energy Resources. What are the 4 new ways that energy in DER format is being traded like an energy product that, in many ways, marks the end of an era, the changing of times for the electricity markets as we know it?

We go into each individual one of these essential elements of Distributed Energy Resources:

Energy Efficiency
Demand Response
Distributed Generation
Energy Storage

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

324 - What Is The Congressional Climate Crisis Action Plan? With Fatima Ahmad Dec 12, 2020

If you didn’t meet today’s guest during our SunCast Weekly Roundup, Live at SPI video series, then you’re in luck because Fatima Ahmad is one of the most knowledgeable folks I know on how Congress gets informed on the climate crisis and how they can take action.

Did you even know that there’s a House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis? Neither did I. And what’s more, they’ve compiled a VERY comprehensive document to help guide legislators and it’s a 547 page treasure trove of information! But you don’t have to go dig through it all yourself, no no, that’s why Fatima is here today.

We’re going to give you the insider’s notes on the report: “SOLVING THE CLIMATE CRISIS: The Congressional Action Plan for a CleanEnergy Economy and a Healthy, Resilient, and Just America”. So don’t go anywhere!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

323 - Why did Live Nation choose this little-known battery storage company as their partner? Dec 10, 2020

Today’s entrepreneur is in rare company. I can’t recall that I’ve ever interviewed an entrepreneur who’s lost a Billion dollar contract. That story alone is worth tuning in today. But you’ll also learn how James Wagoner, and his Storage startup Joule Case, became the live events power provider for Live Nation, how he’s future-proofing consumer power needs thanks to a few failed startups and the tribulations of Covid.

As Joule Case’s CEO, James builds teams, manages resources, and aligns to the long term vision. As a licensed professional engineer with years of developing technical projects and products, he comes from a technical background and understands the importance of people for any large technical project, product, or organization.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

321 - How to digitize solar customer acquisition, with Austin Rosenbaum from Demand IQ Dec 03, 2020

Today's entrepreneur is going to show us how to use artificial intelligence to streamline customer acquisition.

Austin Rosenbaum is the Denver-based Founder of Demand IQ, an A.I. based technology platform that promises to turbocharge your solar marketing and sales efforts. I've really enjoyed getting to know Austin since I met him on a conference panel this past summer, and it's just so clear to me that this young entrepreneur is on point on the digital trends that matter to small and medium-sized solar businesses.

If you have wondered how the trend towards A.I. and the sales process is going to make a difference in solar sales, this episode is for you. By the way, this episode could be worth five hundred dollars to you, so if you stick around to the very end.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

319 - How Feminist Electrification is revolutionizing Haiti's grid, with Earthspark International Allison Archambault Dec 01, 2020

Today's entrepreneur is no stranger to not just business in the developing world, but also bridging the gap between business development, sales, and nonprofit fundraising and growth. It's an honor to be able to introduce Allison Archambault and the work of EarthSpark International on this Giving Tuesday.

Allison developed not just her career, but the organization that she's been leading now for a decade, providing light, access to opportunities, and what she refers to as feminist electrification, to the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

320 - Giving Tuesday Special - EarthSpark International is Electrifying Everything - GIVE Today Dec 01, 2020

As the title might suggest today, is Giving Tuesday.

But what exactly is Giving Tuesday? You can check out more at the show notes down below where we get more insight into Giving Tuesday.

We first introduced Giving Tuesday, to our audience here on SunCast a year ago with Kristina Skierka, which is still a worthwhile interview to give a listen to (listen to that interview clicking here). Today, we're going to follow the Giving Tuesday tradition with an interview of my friend Allison Archambault, who runs Earth spark International, focused on electrifying the rural communities in Haiti, and incubating some of the most forward-thinking and innovative grid tech in the microgrid segment today.

This short-form conversation will provide insights on what Earth spark is all about. And also to invite you to participate in Giving Tuesday as we do here at SunCast every year.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

318 - Are high-power home solar + battery systems a game-changer? With Arnold Leitner, CEO of YouSolar Inc. Nov 26, 2020

Happy Thanksgiving to those of you faithful who listen on the day that episodes are produced.

My dear friend Arnold Leitner, an entrepreneur and pioneer in his own right, founded a company called SkyFuel that, as I was kicking off my career way back in 2005, was already taken on investor dollars and cranking out a really novel product in the concentrating solar photovoltaic industry.

For those of you who've been following along, CSP has been sidetracked lately by the ridiculously fast dropping costs of photovoltaics, and Arnold and I get into how, as a young entrepreneur in his late 20s, early 30s, he had to pivot his career away from the technology he had selected and raise money for towards what the inevitability of the industry was going to be.

We talk about how he also has taken alternative strategies for fundraising. And I have so much respect for this entrepreneur and the way that he has learned to thrive and pivot, raise money and satisfy customers and investors alike in his 20 years in cleantech.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

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LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

317 - The Great Solar Debate: Can Energy Management Software Alone Replace Batteries? Nov 24, 2020

What you’re about to hear is a recorded version of an insightful debate we hosted at SPI, ESI & NORTH AMERICA SMART ENERGY WEEK 2020.

Can energy management software alone replace batteries? This was an amazing roundtable discussion sparring back and forth between our good friends, John Powers over at Extensible Energy, Andrew Tanner at Yotta Energy, and also Jonás Villalba from Promise Energy, three practitioners both using, creating, and evangelizing energy management software and storage.

If you’d like to watch the replay of this debate, make sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel so you don’t miss whenever we publish new podcast episodes, live interviews with cleantech pros, and more.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

316 - Culture-centric tech startup raises $25m for Demand Response, Gregg Dixon of Voltus Inc. Nov 19, 2020

Today's entrepreneur is no stranger to distributed energy, and high growth startups. Gregg Dixon has held executive marketing and sales roles in public companies in consulting, energy, petrochemical products, heck, even crayons. But nothing has captured and commanded his attention and focus, like saving customers money on their energy bills.

We're going to dig into how he's helped literally thousands of businesses save money and how he's turning an entire industry on its head with smart tech and deep culture. After a decade of running one of the most successful public companies and demand response, Gregg has just raised 25 million dollars for his own startup called Voltus, Inc.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

315 - How will VR be used in Solar training? 40+ year Solar Pioneer, Mark Mrohs, Part 2 Nov 17, 2020

Mark Mrohs is a true solar pioneer and lifelong dedicated educator for our industry. If you missed Part 1 of this episode, I really encourage you to press pause here, and go back and listen to part 1. I think that it would be helpful to better understand Mark’s background and trajectory.

Today, Mark and I go into a lot on his theory of learning, where he sees the world of virtual reality and whether or not we're ready for it. VR Headsets like Oculus and many other headset makers are changing the way we think about virtual reality.

I hope that you'll have some takeaways from this episode, as I did around the trade gap in many industries and how we are working towards training the next generation, all the hundreds of thousands of people we need, both in the field and in the office, to help make sure that the electricity sector is converted to clean and renewable energy.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

314 - How will VR be used in Solar training? 40+ year Solar Pioneer, Mark Mrohs, Part 1 Nov 12, 2020

We're going to jump into what I expect to be a very exciting and interesting conversation with Mark Mrohs, a true solar pioneer. A couple of things as his accreditations just to set the stage, Mark was Training Director for ARCO Solar Inc, Siemens Solar, AstroPower, SunPower, SunEdison, of course, he's an instructor for Solar Energy International, and he was a Technician at Spectrolab Inc. before that.

He's also had some time now focused on virtual reality with a young company called Interplay Learning down in Austin. Mark has had such a fascinating life and it's all centered around training in the solar photovoltaic industry.

It's been so long coming that I sat down with Mark for a long period of time, just catching up and having fun. We've broken this conversation down into Two Episodes. What got Mark into the industry? A deep dive into how he thinks about education and how the education of our industry is evolving.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

313 - How Clean Energy Jobs can lead the recovery, with Abby Hopper, Emilie Wangerman, Erika Symmonds, and Audrey Lee [Career Summit] Nov 10, 2020

What you’re about to hear is a recorded keynote of Day 2 of our SunCast Career Summit.

Clean Energy has led the job-creation efforts for the decade since the last recession. Hear from industry insiders, SEIA’s Abby Hopper, Lightsource BP’s Emilie Wangerman, GRID Alternatives’ Erika Symmonds, and Clean Energy for Biden’s Audrey Lee, Ph.D., on what roles are being hired for and where we might see the greatest momentum coming out of the current crisis.

Get access to the video replay of this and other sessions from our SunCast Career Summit by clicking here. Use the code TRIBE20 for a 20% discount.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

312 - How to productize renewable energy assets, with Emilie Wangerman, VP Business Dev. at Lightsource BP Nov 05, 2020

I have really enjoyed the conversations that I've been having with Miss Emilie Wangerman, the Vice President of Business Development for Lightsource BP. Emilie has over 8 years of experience in power markets and energy policy, on both the buy-and-sell side of solar, storage, and distributed energy resources (DERs), as well as experience with generation and electric system operations and utility rate design, which is complemented by her background in technology development and process engineering.

We go deep into how Emily started at Lightsource how she has grown into an executive in the industry, and the intentional and not so intentional decisions that led her down that path. We also take a look at the way her experience at previous firms like PG&E and GE which have informed some of the decisions that she now gets to execute inside the marketplace. It's a wide-ranging conversation with someone I find particularly very interesting, and I hope you will too.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

311 - SunCast Weekly Roundup, Presented by LG! Week 7 Nov 02, 2020

We're so excited to be back with you for SPI, ESI & NORTH AMERICA SMART ENERGY WEEK 2020 in its new virtual format. This is the final edition of the SunCast Weekly Roundup, presented by LG Solar, where we decided to go LIVE and catch some of the big takeaways from the first-ever Virtual Solar Power International.

In today’s episode, my Co-Host Joshua Porter from SolarCoaster and I held interesting conversations Inside the Green Room with cleantech leaders like Erika Myers from Smart Electric Power Alliance, Tara Lynn Gray from Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce, David Schlosberg from Enel X, and AJ Perkins from Instant ON as they share with us their final insights on the sessions from last week, their experience participating in this fully-virtual format of North America’s most popular cleantech tradeshow, and what to expect for next year.

We had Brian Lynch, LG Electronic’s Director of Solar and Storage, and Julia Pyper, Host and Producer of Political Climate, starring yet again in our newest segment, “Industry Pulse, Presented by LG Solar”. During each week of the event, Brian went 1 on 1 with an industry expert to get hot takes and the latest topics impacting our industry.

We also spoke to Ann Gaglioti from Groundwork Renewables, and Christian Roselund from Rocky Mountain Institute, on the importance of the presidential elections for the clean energy industry, and why you should go out and vote!

Lastly, we had Danielle Danko from Solar Energy Trade Shows to wrap up these 7 weeks of content with some final thoughts around the efforts to bring SPI to life virtually, how the Virtual Tradeshow will go through the end of the year, and expectations for next year’s edition.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

310 - Span.io is revolutionizing a 100 year old home appliance, with CEO Arch Rao, ex Tesla Powerwall lead Oct 29, 2020

Today’s guest is Arch Rao, Founder & CEO of Span.IO, a technology company reinventing the electrical panel to enable the rapid adoption of renewable energy. He is an engineer and entrepreneur with expertise in research, development and commercialization of energy technologies.

We’re going to not only explore how Span is advancing the very technology that supports home energy devices, but also the background of this engineer and entrepreneur, and his expertise in storage systems and their integration to our energy world.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

309 - SunCast Weekly Roundup Live at SPI 2020, Week 6 Oct 27, 2020

Hear insights from clean-energy thought leaders like Daisy Meyer, Robert Broadwater, Gwen Yamamoto and Lavannya Pulluveetil Barrera, as they share with us their insights on week 6 sessions, as well as their experience of participating in this fully-virtual format of North America’s most popular cleantech tradeshow.

We also had Brian Lynch, LG Electronic’s Director of Solar and Storage, and Kenneth Locklin, Director at Impax Asset Management, LLC starring in our newest segment, “Industry Pulse, Presented by LG Solar”. Each week, Brian will go 1 on 1 with an industry expert to get hot takes and the latest topics impacting our industry.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

308 - How-to LinkedIn from a certified expert, Andy Foote of LinkedInsights Oct 27, 2020

Today’s guest is Andy Foote, a professional LinkedIn consultant. He’s spent the last decade obsessively testing multiple engagement strategies and building a large and supportive network on the largest professional networking website in the World. His podcast, Foote Notes, is an interview show featuring interesting people that he’s discovered on LinkedIn.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

307 - How NREL helps bring Cleantech innovations to market, with Trish Cozart, Group Manager | Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center Oct 22, 2020

This week we have a really interesting angle on the way that cleantech companies are lifted from the dust.

Today's intrapreneur and entrepreneur is Trish Cozart, Program Manager for the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at the National Renewable Energy Lab in Colorado. Now, Trish has been recommended by several people, but a special shoutout to Antenna Group for helping make this interview happen for you.

Trish and I really dig into how the National Renewable Energy Lab, through its Innovation Entrepreneurship Center, is helping to spur entrepreneurship, hence supporting what most cleantech activists and advocates are trying to bring in to the world, both from funding as well as enabling a much broader network, far beyond just the dollars that go into the companies that come through the cohort's in her organization within NREL.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

306 - SunCast Weekly Roundup Live at SPI 2020, Week 5 Oct 20, 2020

In today’s episode, you’ll be able to hear insights from clean-energy thought leaders like Emma Nicholson, Jon Wellinghoff, and Dawn Weisz, as they share with us their insights on week 5 sessions, as well as their experience of participating in this fully-virtual format of North America’s most popular cleantech tradeshow.

We also had Brian Lynch, LG Electronic’s Director of Solar and Storage, and Ian Lochore, Vice President and General Manager of Baker Electric Home Energy starring in our newest segment, “Industry Pulse, Presented by LG Solar”. Each week, Brian will go 1 on 1 with an industry expert to get hot takes and the latest topics impacting our industry.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

305 - What is localized generation? With Phil Watts Oct 15, 2020

Special shoutout to Nicole Watson from Iconic Earth Foundation back in Episode 277 for the intro to Dr. Phil Watts, today’s entrepreneur.

Dr. Watts studied aeronautical engineering at McGill University, and went on to earn his Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering Sciences from Caltech, where he lobbied for on-campus recycling and green buildings. Upon graduation, he worked as a research scientist for around a decade, publishing more than 30 scientific papers in some of the top peer-reviewed journals in the world. This pioneering work, carried out with renowned academic colleagues, created the foundations for a brand new field of science and resulted in at least one paper being referenced more than 100 times.

Today’s story is about a critical moment in 2002 when his daughter was born, and the newspaper headlines rang alarm bells that would forever change the history for him and his family, as well as how he showed up to the world. Stick around to find more about what has happened ever since.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

304 - SunCast Weekly Roundup Live at SPI 2020, Week 4 Oct 13, 2020

We're so excited to be back with you for SPI, ESI & NORTH AMERICA SMART ENERGY WEEK 2020 in its new virtual format. Alongside my friend Glenda Johnson, we're stoked to have been invited back by the SPI team to bring you an exciting new segment - the SunCast Weekly Roundup, presented by LG Solar. This is a recap of week 4, where interesting sessions like “Using Storage to Achieve Long-Term Equity Outcomes “, and “Storage Solutions for Utilities” took place.

In today’s episode, you’ll be able to hear insights from clean-energy thought leaders like Jessica Lim, Kate Howling, Cameron Freberg, and Marion Hill as they share with us their insights on week 4 sessions, as well as their experience of participating in this fully-virtual format of North America’s most popular cleantech tradeshow.

We also had Brian Lynch, LG Electronic’s Director of Solar and Storage, and Mike Casey, Founder of Tigercomm starring in our newest segment, “Industry Pulse, Presented by LG Solar”. Each week, Brian will go 1 on 1 with an industry expert to get hot takes and the latest topics impacting our industry.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

303 - How & why to put together a 30/60/90 plan for/as a new hire, with Hanna Grene from PXiSE Oct 13, 2020

In case you haven’t heard about Hanna Grene, Head of Commercial Development for PXiSE Energy Solutions, I invite you to listen to episode 296 where she and I talked about the 16 Core Infrastructure Sectors of Modern Economy.

In today’s interview with Hanna, we‘re going to deep into a framework we’ve both used in our career: a 30/60/90 plan. Michael D. Watkins, author of the book “The First 90 Days” framed this out for millions of other hiring managers, and Hanna will help us understand what the framework is, how to best apply it, why would someone use it, and who would find this framework useful.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

302 - Solar’s Fit in Public Power, with Paula Gold-Williams, President & CEO of CPS Energy Oct 08, 2020

This week's entrepreneur is someone who's risen to the title of CEO of the largest public power, gas, and electric utility in the United States, CPS Energy down in San Antonio. If you’re from Texas, then this episode is especially for you.

Paula Gold-Williams is the President & CEO of CPS Energy, a company that has over 3,100 employees and more than two billion dollars in annual revenue. Paula leads more than 3,100 team members with the vision she has coined “People First,” whereby CPS Energy is evolving its efforts to create and deliver value to its customers, community, and employees into a new age of energy solutions.

I was impressed with the thoughtfulness that she and her team have crafted around a massive renewable energy commitment. They've just rounded out an RFI for 900 megawatts of solar and storage, which is a historic amount of renewable energy to be added to the CPS portfolio.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

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301 - SunCast 5-year Anniversary with Adam James, Part 2 Oct 06, 2020

If you didn’t have a chance to listen to part 1 of this episode, I invite you to check it out clicking here. During that episode, Impact Energy Solution’s Adam James and I walked down memory lane and reminisced some interesting facts about the clean energy industry back in 2015 when SunCast began.

This is Part 2, where we get really deep into Adam’s daily routine, how he manages his calendar, and how he manages his schedule. Adam kind of gives all about how he balances a family of three and being the effectively right hand of the CEO of this major venture fund. It's a wide-ranging but very fun conversation. I hope that you'll stick around and enjoy it.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

300 - SunCast 300th episode with Adam James, Part 1 Oct 01, 2020

The story that you're going to hear today takes us back to the very beginning. Mr. Adam James was the first interview guest here on SunCast, and he’s back to celebrate this important milestone with us.

It is a distinct honor to bring him back now for his third appearance here on SunCast. In that time, Adam has risen to the position of Chief of Staff at Energy Impact Partners, which is a nearly $700MM dollar strategic venture investment fund focused on sustainable energy.

Adam is going deep down the rabbit hole of how he helps to run this very impactful fund in our industry, as well as a little baby of his called the Clean Energy Leadership Institute, upon which he sits as a board chair and as Co-Founder of that nonprofit, which empowers young professionals in clean energy.

This is Part 1 of a 2-part episode.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

299 - SunCast Weekly Roundup Live at SPI 2020, Week 2 Sep 29, 2020

We're so excited to be back with you for SPI, ESI & NORTH AMERICA SMART ENERGY WEEK 2020 in its new virtual format. Alongside my friend Glenda Johnson, we're stoked to have been invited back by the SPI team to bring you an exciting new segment - the SunCast Weekly Roundup. This is a recap of week 2, where interesting sessions like “Financing Renewables in the Face of COVID 19” or “Variations on Community Solar Program Design” took place.

In today’s episode, you’ll be able to hear insights from clean-energy thought leaders like Cassandra John, Utopia Hill, Jessie Robbins, and Caileen Gamache as they share with us their insights on week 2 sessions, as well as their experience of participating in this fully-virtual format of North America’s most popular cleantech tradeshow.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

298 - How to find your ideal role, with Ebony Seymour of GQR Global Markets Sep 24, 2020

Today's entrepreneur is a new friend of mine, introduced by our friend Tara Doyle and Amanda Bybee.

Ebony Seymour is the Associate Vice President at GQR Global Markets, and if you're not familiar with either GQR or Ebony, you're in for a treat.

We're gonna go deep into how Ebony rose from Associate to Associate Vice President in the recruiting world, and how she's adding value to private equity, investment banking in the renewable sector and infrastructure, and the many ways she has self-educated herself and helped educate others about how the renewable energy world works.

She is adding value for companies that trust her to bring talent to the table, so if you are looking for talent or if you see yourself as a talented professional trying to find your way through the quagmire of information of how to break into the clean energy business, today's interview is for you.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

297 - SunCast Weekly Roundup Live at SPI 2020, Week 1 Sep 22, 2020

Welcome to another Tactical Tuesday, a short-form conversation with subject-matter experts designed to give you practical tools, tips and advice for building your solar business or career.

We're so excited to be back with you for SPI, ESI & NORTH AMERICA SMART ENERGY WEEK 2020 in its new virtual format. Alongside my friend Glenda Johnson, we're stoked to have been invited back by the SPI team to bring you an exciting new segment - the SunCast Weekly Roundup. This is a recap of week 1, where interesting sessions like “Closing the Circuit: Outlooks for a Cleaner Electricity System” or “Get on Board: Engaging Stakeholders in Developing Grid Modernization Plans” took place.

In today’s episode, you’ll be able to hear insights from clean-energy thought leaders like Anne Hoskins, Virinder Singh, and Fatima Ahmad, as they share with us their insights on week 1 sessions, as well as their experience of participating in this fully-virtual format of North America’s most popular cleantech tradeshow.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

296 - What are the 16 Core Infrastructure Sectors of Modern Economy? with Hanna Grene of PXiSE Sep 17, 2020

Today’s guest is taking us into what is like to work in a fast-moving intrapreneurial role at a mega-corporation inside Energy Industry.

Hanna Grene is the Head of Commercial Development for PXiSE Energy Solutions, a growing company that builds technology to manage an increasingly complex, renewable, and distributed energy grid. In this role, Hanna oversees market development, sales, marketing, external relations, and global partnerships.

She goes down the rabbit hole of positioning yourself not only as a young leader but also working through the dynamic as a female leader in a largely male-dominated industry. After having Hanna’s boss and Co-Founder of PXiSE, Patrick Lee, for episode 266, we invited her to come back today.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

295 - How do medium to large scale solar projects get done? with Jesse Grossman of Soltage Sep 15, 2020

Today we have a repeating guest, Jesse Grossman, Co-Founder & CEO of Soltage. We already had Jesse on the show in episode 283, where we dropped the replay of the webinar we had back in June: Solar Project Finance & Acquisitions in the Post-COVID Era.

The webinar included valuable insights around not only how Soltage has grown to be one of the leaders in developing solar assets in the United States, but also advice and insight from Jesse’s 10+ years since the last recession.

Today, we’re going to drill down on one of the topics that came up during our last episode: how to support and empower developers through the development cycle into the disposition of the asset-selling process, and how to do it not only to build their business but YOUR business as well, in case you are a company bringing asset finance and deep market knowledge.

Remember you can always find the resources and learn more about today’s guest, recommendations, book links and more than 290 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on Twitter, LinkedIn or email

Thanks a ton to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content FREE to You! Please check them out and let me know what you think!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

294 - A golden opportunity in the Sunshine State, with Daren Goldin Sep 11, 2020

I’m‌ ‌honored‌ ‌you’re‌ ‌joining‌ ‌me‌ ‌for‌ ‌another‌ ‌fantastic‌ ‌foray‌ ‌into‌ ‌the‌ ‌world‌ ‌of‌ ‌solar‌ energy.‌ Today’s guest, Daren Goldin, is the Co-Founder and CEO of Goldin Solar, one of Florida's leading solar energy contractors with over 1,000 active installations throughout the state.

Daren founded Goldin Solar in 2014 to bring the best solar technology available to Floridians to help them save money and protect the planet.

Remember you can always find the resources and learn more about today’s guest, recommendations, book links and more than 290 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on Twitter, LinkedIn or email

Thanks a ton to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content FREE to You! Please check them out and let me know what you think!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

293 - Selling residential solar with real data, Brian Lynch of LG Solar USA Sep 08, 2020

If you have been building a residential solar installation business, then today’s episode is for you. Are you on the front lines trying to convince homeowners for value over price, and trying to help them understand how this investment is going to improve their overall well-being and life?

Grab a seat and listen to this conversation with LG Electronic’s Brian Lynch, the Director of Solar and Storage. Working closely with industry contacts and partners, Brian has been involved in hundreds of megawatts of solar projects that are generating clean energy around the world.

We went deep on some recent consumer research information that’s going to help you better sell solar.

Remember you can always find the resources and learn more about today’s guest, recommendations, book links and more than 290 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

You can connect with the me, Nico Johnson, on Twitter, LinkedIn or email

Thanks a ton to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content FREE to You! Please check them out and let me know what you think!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

292 - The QB Sneak: The Journey from Pro Football to Renewable Energy Sep 03, 2020

What do the Chicago Bears, United Airlines, and the solar industry have in common? Well, the particularly quick mind, feet, and contributions of today’s guest. Eric Peterman, the CEO of GRNE Solar has such a transformative and interesting story.

Eric and I knew each other preparing for a Midwest Solar Expo panel that you’ve probably already heard. If you haven’t, I invite you to go back and listen to that one about O&M.

Eric impressed me and I had to get to know more about his story, and is such a classic and interesting grassroots story about grid, determination, overcoming odds, and sticking to it.

Remember you can always find the resources and learn more about today’s guest, recommendations, book links and more than 290 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

You can connect with the me, Nico Johnson, on Twitter, LinkedIn or email

Thanks a ton to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content FREE to You! Please check them out and let me know what you think!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

291 - Cybersecurity in the era of distributed energy, with Tom Tansy of SunSpec Sep 01, 2020

If you listened to our previous episode with Tom Tansy, then you are aware that we left off with unfinished conversations around cybersecurity, which itself is a very hot topic. Today we are digging deeper into some of the implications of the “internet of energy” concept that we are creating, and that the next decade is absolutely certain to cement and expand upon exponentially for our industry.

Remember you can always find the resources and learn more about today’s guest, recommendations, book links and more than 290 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

You can connect with the me, Nico Johnson, on Twitter, LinkedIn or email

Thanks a ton to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content FREE to You! Please check them out and let me know what you think!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

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LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

290 - How SunSpec is advancing rapid shutdown for Solar, with Tom Tansy of SunSpec Sep 01, 2020

We have a returning SunCast guest: Tom Tansy. Having first appeared in episode 111, his entrepreneurial story is remarkable (you can listen to episode 111 clicking here).

Tom unfolded how he broke into clean energy, and how he parlayed one opportunity after the other, translating into a successful entrepreneurial career. He has found a home for himself as one of the arbiters of how regulatory policy in solar and internet energy makes its way to us: the practitioners.

Remember you can always find the resources and learn more about today’s guest, recommendations, book links and more than 280 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on Twitter, LinkedIn or email

Thanks a ton to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content FREE to You! Please check them out and let me know what you think!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

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Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

289 - How to be a thought leader in Energy, with Peter Kelly-Detwiler Aug 27, 2020

Welcome to another SunCast episode with a clean energy thought leader you should definitely know better. Every now and then I have the opportunity to host guests who have as equal or greater a platform as we do in presence in the public from a thought leadership and content creation perspective. Today, Peter Kelly-Detwiler from NorthBridge Energy Partners, LLC is joining us on the show.

He has become well known for his advocacy and education around helping others understand not only how the clean energy industry works, but where it's going. He's a communicator focused on the rapid pace of transformation to a sustainable economy. You may have read some of his more than 350 articles on Forbes.com, or surely you have enjoyed his informative and educational (and often very witty and fun to watch) videos on LinkedIn or YouTube. Today, we're going to dive into the mind of a fellow creator.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

288 - Adapting your marketing strategy during COVID-19 Aug 25, 2020

Do you know if your marketing strategy is working?

The coronavirus (COVID-19) has disrupted the way in which we work and engage as a society. Cities, states, and countries are shutting down, slowing the economy. During times of crisis, it’s important to adapt your marketing strategies to ensure your business continues to bring in revenue and thrives post pandemic.

Join us for a candid conversation with Katie Ullmann, Senior Director at Antenna Group, Lennie Moreno, Founder & CEO of Sofdesk, and Mike Hilverda, Director of Customer Success at SalesRabbit, as we discuss best practices for:

Generating revenue when you can’t meet face to face.
Engaging online with potential new customers.
Staying relevant and in touch with current customers.
Strengthening your brand during a crisis.
Employing technologies and processes to track leads with your team in a remote environment.

Today’s episode is a recap of one of our Live webinars back in April.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

287 - Clean Wave: Careers in the Green Recovery, with Eric Pasi Aug 20, 2020

Today’s entrepreneur is a longtime internet friend and member of the SunCast Tribe, Eric Pasi. Better known for his role as Chief Development Officer at Impact Power Solutions, one of the well-known EPC and Energy Development companies in the MN and broader Midwest markets.

He was instrumental in the Community Solar Gardens initiative at the company and foresaw the community solar boom in the region. Since becoming Chief Development Officer in 2016, he’s helped IPS grow revenues by more than tenfold. He is also author of the upcoming book: Clean Wave, A Guide to Success in the Green Recovery, which guides readers through the past, present, and future of cleantech while offering actionable solutions for jobseekers.

Speaking of job seekers, Eric is a featured speaker at our forthcoming SunCast Career Summit in just 2 weeks time! Read more here: events.mysuncast.com

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

286 - How Big Is The Opportunity To Gain Diversity Hires From The Fossil Industry? Aug 18, 2020

After big oil & gas companies like Chevron laid off up to 15% of their staff amid Coronavirus context, the downsizing of the fossil fuel industry has become obvious, and it opened a window for many qualified professionals to transition into the clean energy space, but how do we get there?

Join me with Catherine McLean and Reneé Bourgeois as we cover some of the best techniques and approaches you can take to transfer your skills into the clean energy sector by identifying your right "role".

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

285 - Andrew Birch on Digitizing 20 years of solar expertise in OpenSolar Aug 13, 2020

How did one of the solar industry’s true pioneers take everything he’s learned about solar in the last 20 years and make it Free and open-sourced to the world?

Andrew Birch (Birchy), Co-Founder of the first company to pioneer delivering online solar designs(Sungevity), tells us what his research suggests is the answer to scaling solar by 30% per year through 2050 to address climate change.

The 1st barrier - permitting.
The 2nd barrier - adding 10M people to the industry in the next 10 years.

The question is - How could you possibly scale with these structural barriers? The solution is a complete end-to-end software solution that wraps CRM, proposals and financing together, but it’s not just software.

Birchy's software is bringing in service providers to exhibit products and essentially pulls everything into a single place. They make that bundle white-labeled to installers as well as accessible and online and completely free.

That’s Open Solar, but there’s so much more to Birchy’s story. So queue it up!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

284 - How COVID-19 has impacted Solar Finance and Development Aug 11, 2020

Coronavirus has drastically changed the global economy with impacts across every industry, including clean energy and solar development. We may have never seen an economic or public health crisis at this scale, but policy, solar and finance experts have reason to believe that renewable energy can weather this storm and continue to grow. Moreover, the industry can help create jobs and meet public policy goals once we return to a new normal.

How can we navigate current challenges, and what can we expect from the future of solar financing and development? To answer those questions, we hosted a marvelous panel with New York State Senator, Kevin Parker, Member and Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Telecommunications; PPL Director – Solar Development, Brian Fratus; Entersolar Business Development Director, Suparna Kadam; ROTH Capital Managing Director, Philip Shen, and RadiantREIT co-founder, Jim Spano.

Today’s episode is a recap of one of our Live webinars back in May.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

283 - Solar Project Finance & Acquisitions in the Post-COVID era Aug 11, 2020

COVID-19 has touched every corner of our economy, and guess what? The solar project finance and acquisition space is not the exception. Jesse Grossman, CEO of Soltage, joined us here on SunCast to provide his insights on this concerning area.

Jesse has directed over $600M into solar asset investment through Soltage, which currently owns and manages a solar portfolio of over 300 MWs across 14 states.

The main points of our conversation were how the solar industry has changed since the start of the 2020 pandemic, what small and medium-size solar developers can do to best position their assets for sale in the post-COVID economy, and Jesse’s takeaways from the 2007-2009 recession that can help solar developers today.

Today’s episode is a recap of one of our Live webinars back in June.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

282 - Enel X Head of E-Mobility on the future of electric charging (Giovanni Bertolino) Aug 06, 2020

We’ve been extending into e-mobility and energy storage as you might have noticed in our recent episodes. Both elements serve the collective consciousness of how low-carbon future for the grid can be achieved, as well as mas penetration of renewables as a whole.

Today, we have Giovanni Bertolino, Head of E-Mobility for U.S. and Canada at Enel X. We are going to tease out what’s happening in the market from their mobility-business representative. He’s focused on growing the Residential and Commercial smart charging business, and he’s been serving Enel X and others in the utility sector for a long time.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

280 - How is Energy Storage driving innovation in renewables? [SunCast Clean Energy Summit] Aug 04, 2020

From residential to large-scale utility projects, energy storage (predominantly in the form of batteries) is leap-frogging other applications for finally providing firm and transactive power to the grid from renewables.

How are developers using storage as a force-multiplier and where can we expect to see further business model innovation? We had the pleasure to break this question down with Jacqueline DeRosa, Vice President Battery Energy Storage Systems of Ameresco, Omeed Badkoobeh, Co-Founder & CEO of Yotta Energy, Marek Kubik, Market Director of Fluence in the UK, and Zach Ward, Head of North America Division of Sungrow USA Corporation.

This was the final session of Day 2 of our SunCast Clean Energy Summit back in April 2020. Check out this and more sessions over at www.suncastsummit.com

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

281 - State of the Union of Clean Energy, with James Ellis [SunCast Clean Energy Summit] Aug 04, 2020

Today’s episode is one of the keynotes of our SunCast Clean Energy Summit: the State of the Union of Clean Energy in the LATAM region. Learn about this market’s ecosystem, players, and dynamics from BloombergNEF's Head of Research in LATAM, James Ellis. He is based in São Paulo, and he oversees an analyst team focused on research material into the clean energy sector across the LATAM region. This was a great session to those who needed (and need) to make critical decisions around how to grow their companies, how the market moves, and how to stay ahead of it.

This was one of the sessions of Day 3 of our SunCast Clean Energy Summit back in May 2020. Check out this and more sessions over at www.suncastsummit.com

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

279 - How to value energy storage as an investment? with Paul Dailey, Outback Power Jul 30, 2020

Did you ever wonder how ideas like SunRun’s Brightbox Storage Program got their start?

Today’s Intrapreneur and solar OG, Paul Dailey, has had a hand in that bright idea and more in his 2+ decade career on the solarcoaster. We dig into his journey to Director of Product Strategy at Outback, the twists and turns along the way, and the carefully curated and practical steps he took to craft his role in this booming market. Committed listeners will recall that we had Paul on last week for a Tactical Tuesday on Storage Trends, so if you missed that one, I hope you’ll bookmark it for later as well.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

278 - Perfecting Operations and Management, live from Midwest Solar Expo 2020 Jul 28, 2020

What you’re about to hear was recorded LIVE during the pandemic, but also during the first-ever virtual solar conference hosted by our friends over at Midwest Solar Expo 2020.

I was the moderator for a panel dedicated all about the innovations around operations and maintenance. This topic certainly demands more attention than what it’s getting within the clean energy industry, so we’re trying to give it more exposure. Thanks to our friends at Midwest Solar Expo 2020, as well as the fantastic individuals who participated in this panel:

Etienne Lecompte, Founder & CEO of PowerHub

Eric Peterman, CEO of GRNE Solar

Reegan Moen, Business Development Manager of SOLV.

It was such an interesting conversation, so stay tuned to hear all of their contributions to this panel.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

277 - How light changes lives, Nicole Watson of Econic Earth Jul 23, 2020

It’s truly an honor every time I get the chance on this show to highlight the work that folks are doing to bring light, electricity, hope and opportunity to those less fortunate. Today’s entrepreneur has traveled the world producing and acting in films, and she has learned what a privilege we have in developed countries to consider electric lights and running water a necessity, not a luxury.

She also has seen first hand how introducing the simplest of light can eradicate darkness in many different ways, and elevate equity, in particular among females, in powerful ways in a community. That’s why Nicole Watson founded Econic Earth Foundation. She’s taking light into dark places from India to Kenya and bringing good news to you and me... and she's just getting started.

I encourage you to set aside some time as you hear her story and ponder what you also can do with the freedom and luxuries you’ve been afforded to care for those less fortunate. You may not start a foundation, or even a movement, but you can be sure you have the power to change lives.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

276 - 10 Predictions For Solar+Storage In The 20’S, With Paul Dailey, Outback Power Jul 21, 2020

Today’s conversation is aimed to discuss the storage scenarios many of you face, which are Residential & Commercial spaces, and today’s Intrapreneur, Paul Dailey, has a decorated career in some of the most recognized and established solar companies in the business serving those 2 markets.

It’s no wonder Outback Power recruited him to head Product and Market Strategy, and it was great to have a fellow podcaster on the show as Paul originated the AEE podcast nearly a decade ago!

We are going to dig into Paul’s predictions for Storage based on an article he penned for GTM back in February. We covered system costs, storage trends, safety standards, AC v DC Coupling and more.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

275 - Is this the end for Natural Gas peakers in CA? Strata Solar's big storage play Jul 16, 2020

Today we are going to explore what it looks like to develop a Solar+ Storage project at scale.

As we enter into the Solar+ Decade, storage is increasingly becoming an area of expertise for the industry’s leading EPCs and Development firms. Those of you familiar with Strata Solar won’t need an introduction to this North Carolina based EPC that has quietly dominated the Southeast markets for a decade.

One of our LATAM Market Solar Warriors, Josh Rogol, joined Strata Solar to run their Energy Storage division. Today, he along with his colleagues Will Mitchell and Garrett Lehman, are going to help us understand the development of a truly remarkable achievement from this company: the 400 MWh Battery Energy Storage System recently approved for construction in Ventura, California.

Remember you can always find the resources and learn more about today’s guest, recommendations, book links and more than 270 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

274 - How does Resource Adequacy work for California energy markets? with Will Mitchell of Strata Solar Jul 14, 2020

This week, we have an in-depth look at the ins and outs of building a project that incorporates a massive battery component to the equation. Energy Storage is all the rage in California, and all over the renewable energy landscape in the world. There’s at least one missing element to the conversation to understand the how and why folks are able to monetize and deploy these battery systems: resource adequacy.

Consequently, we are diving into the following questions:

What is resource adequacy?
Why does it matter?
Who is involved in the discussion?

We’ll answer these questions and more with Will Mitchell, Director of Origination for the Western U.S. of Strata Solar, a massive EPC from North Carolina with over a decade of success developing, constructing and commissioning more than 150 utility-scale projects

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

273 - Predicting the future: Solar Forecasting and Biohacking Longevity Jul 09, 2020

Our guests rarely get very specific about the decision matrix of forming their business, and understanding the unique space they hold that makes their version of the widget the best in the world.

Today’s entrepreneur, Dr. Nick Engerer, found his way to his current job, or rather created his current job, vis a vis academia. We dove into the mind of a brilliant thinker, biohacker and true process engineer who’s not satisfied with the status quo. His company, SolCast, provides solar irradiance & power forecasting data to some of the largest IPPs and Utilities in the world.

How and why did he decide to dedicate that last decade of this his life to this? Why did he end up in Australia of all places to work it out? Tune in to find out.

Remember you can always find the resources and learn more about today’s guest, recommendations, book links and more than 270 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

272 - Mass battery customization: Fluence's response to Tesla's Megapack Jul 07, 2020

Today’s guest, Marek Kubik, has been on the show before. Perhaps you caught him on episode 251 or in as a panelist in one of the sessions of our SunCast Clean Energy Summit. Wherever you have met him, you surely have been impressed by this young leader from the Fluence team.

He leads Fluence’s UK & Ireland team, responsible for overseeing the origination, development and commercial negotiation of energy storage tech sales.

Today’s conversation will cover what’s generationally different about storage and how Fluence shows up in the market. Fluence’s new 6th generation technology stack combining factory-built hardware, advanced software and data-driven intelligence. It has made a splash in the market, arguably as the answer to Tesla’s Megapack. They did all of these in stealth mode, but we are going to bring it to light now.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

271 - Making Power Apparent, with Jacqueline DeSouza, President of Apparent Inc. Jul 02, 2020

If you are new and didn’t yet check out this week’s Tactical Tuesday, I would highly recommend you just hit pause and take a look back at the episode from June 30th as it’ll help set the stage.

If you’re already up to speed on Reactive & Real Power, then power on my friend.

Today’s Entrepreneur is a returning guest, but not just from this week’s Tactical Tuesday. President of Apparent, Inc, Jacqueline Desouza was also one of the featured speakers during our Suncast Clean Energy Summit back in April alongside Jon Bonano and James Pagonis all about going from Innovation to Implementation.

Today, Jacqueline and I explore how Apparent is taking on the task of making clean renewable energy look more like a spinning generator, at least as far as the Grid can tell, and why electric vehicles are ultimately the right testing ground for their technology. With a mix of hardware and software, she and her team are making the complexity of Real and Reactive Power more, well, Apparent.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

270 - What is Reactive Power? with Jacqueline DeSouza, President of Apparent Inc. Jun 30, 2020

Welcome to another Tactical Tuesday, a short-form conversation with subject-matter experts designed to give you practical tools, tips and advice for building your solar business or career.

This Thursday, you will have the chance to really get inside the business and career of one of our recent SunCast Clean Energy Summit guests, Jacqueline DeSouza, President of Apparent Inc.

However, during that interview, we will get into quite some complex topics. In order to follow along, Jacqueline and I sat down to explain some things that will be helpful for you on Thursday, namely, the relationship between reactive and real power.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

269 - Chuck Swoboda, Part 2 - What can we learn from the LED market boom? Jun 25, 2020

If you missed it, this is Part 2 of our two-part conversation with Chuck Swoboda, former CEO of Cree, Inc. It was a phenomenal conversation about his history, and how he got to Cree, Inc.

We will wrap up the conversation today, so I’d encourage you to press pause and listen to Part 1 (if you haven’t already). I’m glad that you’re finding his stories intriguing and you’re looking for more. Chuck didn’t disappoint, so hold on to your hats as Chuck Swoboda and I take a fascinating look at his career leading up to and through Cree’s meteoric rise in the LED world.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

268 - Chuck Swoboda, Part 1 - Innovation & Mindset w/ former CEO of CREE Inc. Jun 25, 2020

Today’s entrepreneur story is with someone with whom SunCast faithful listeners are already familiar. Chuck Swoboda has graced the podcast a couple of times: recently as both Tactical Tuesday guest and a keynote for the SunCast Clean Energy Summit in April.

His legacy and impact at CREE, Inc. are legendary, and he’s put many of his fabled stories and lessons learned into his recently launched book, The Innovator’s Spirit, and his fantastic podcast Innovator’s on Tap. But I was not satisfied with just getting the deets on his book, and suspected, as I tend to do, that there were still some stories held back. Chuck didn’t disappoint, so hold on to your hats as Chuck Swoboda and I take a fascinating look at his career leading up to and through Cree’s meteoric rise in the LED world.

From hilarious family stories to heartbreaking life lessons about the reality of leading a fast-growth company, Chuck let us peer into the career of one of the most intriguing stories I’ve chronicled on SunCast yet. Did you know that CREE wasn’t even created to take on LED lighting? If that surprises you, you’re in for a treat.

I am honored to be able to provide you with this Part One of the interview, and we'll be following the Part Two on Episode 269.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

267 - SunCast Live presented by LG: What to expect in 2nd Half of 2020? Jun 23, 2020

Last week, I participated in the first-ever virtual e-conference in the solar industry: the Midwest Solar Expo. Thanks to a virtual platform called Virbela, everyone created their digital avatars, walked around the virtual campus, and attended diverse sessions and panels.

Every morning, I had the SunCast Morning Show, presented by LG! What you are about to hear next are excerpts from those morning shows.

We started with a "what-to-expect" overview of the event, and then we talked about what's happening in the solar market, broadly speaking, from the perspective of our guests: Brian Lynch, Director of Solar + Storage of LG Electronics, Eric Pasi, Chief Development Officer of Impact Power Solutions, and Rex Kehoe, Director of Partnerships of Solar.com

If you want to check what the Virbela digital platform is about, check the videos of these morning shows on our Youtube channel.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

266 - What is Intrapreneurship? With Sempra's VP Patrick Lee, CEO of PXiSE Jun 18, 2020

We’re taking a journey down intrapreneur lane with an inspirational figure and example of how to take a long-standing role in corporate life and create a company out of it. Patrick Lee is the President & CEO of PXiSE, and also the VP of Infrastructure and Technology at Sempra N.A. Infrastructure.

Along the way, we also hear from his team about how they’re building a scalable solution to the Transition from a 1-way centralized grid to a multi-dimensional (and directional) operating system, - an operating system that could piece together the disparate components, apps, and platforms in a scalable and seamless solution.

Remember you can always find the resources and learn more about today’s guest, recommendations, book links and more than 260 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

265 - Is this the end of Net Energy Metering as we know it? Jun 16, 2020

I rarely get into the realm of politics but today’s episode is a particularly important opportunity for us to take action.

Today’s episode is focused on what’s happening right now in a petition to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) by a secretive group called the New England Ratepayers Association (NERA) aimed at stripping away your solar rights, namely, the Net Energy Metering regulations that have stood for nearly a decade as Federally approved rules.

Have a listen as I speak with Catherine Morehouse of Industry Dive and Glen Brand of Solar United Neighbors to unpack what this petition is all about and what we can do to stop it.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

264 - The Impact of EV Adoption, with Erika Myers Jun 11, 2020

If you are new to SunCast, thank you for joining us and I encourage you to check out the previous episodes with today’s guest, Erika Myers, where you can learn more about what’s happening in the fast & furious world of electric vehicles.

She was recently featured in a Tactical Tuesday, Episode 258, discussing her research into EV Charging rate structures.

I really enjoy getting insight into how someone finds their way into clean energy, and it was a pleasant surprise to find someone from my home state of South Carolina heading up SEPAs EV Research group. If you’re like me, you’re wondering when EVs will dominate and what is holding them back. You’re in luck because that is a topic Erika has spent a lot of time thinking about. Settle in to get to know her better, and thanks for choosing us as your audio companion for the next hour.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

263 - What is the impact of clean energy innovation on society? with Adam Browning [SunCast Clean Energy Summit 2020] Jun 09, 2020

We are pleased to release the second part of the Opening Session of our SunCast Clean Energy Summit, which started on April 22nd as a way to grow our community and skills, as well as celebrate #EarthDayTogether.

Adam Browning leads Vote Solar's team of advocates, experts and staff working to bring solar to the mainstream across the U.S. Adam co-founded the organization in 2002 after he had so much fun working on a successful local solar ballot initiative that he decided to pursue solar advocacy full-time. We talked about how our industry is becoming the number 1 new generation source of power, the projections on having the dominant market share by 2040-2050 and how our industry organizations support this.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

262 - What is the impact of clean energy innovation on society? with Andrew Birch [SunCast Clean Energy Summit 2020] Jun 09, 2020

We are pleased to release the first part of the Opening Session of our SunCast Clean Energy Summit, which started on April 22nd as a way to grow our community and skills, as well as celebrate #EarthDayTogether.

Andrew Birch is the Co-Founder of OpenSolar, a company that provides the world’s leading software platform for solar professionals: a complete digital tool kit to scale solar sales. Birchy had a meaningful impact on our industry, pioneering in remote sales before we had the technology we enjoy today.

We talked about how the next 10 years will define the Transition from fossil fuels to renewables. Where have we come from, where are we going, and what are the practical steps to take us into the Future of Clean Energy?

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

261 - Sophomore slump? Not hardly...how Sheldon Kimber’s Intersect Power is dominating the Utility Solar sector Jun 04, 2020

Sheldon Kimber and I dig into his fortuitous route to join then very-much-a-startup Recurrent power in the mid 2000’s and his ride to the top of the solar energy charts helping make Recurrent one of the most respected (and valuable) solar businesses of the last decade.

His sophomore startup, Intersect Power, is anything but sophomoric and is firing on all cylinders at the moment. What’s driving it? Where does he go now? Stay tuned as we dig into his entrepreneurial journey.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

260 - Why the Virginia Solar Economy is set to Explode! with Karla Loeb Jun 02, 2020

Welcome to another Tactical Tuesday, a short-form conversation with subject-matter experts designed to give you practical tools, tips and advice for building your solar business or career.

Hopefully you tuned in to last Thursday’s episode with Karla Loeb. Psst - today's her birthday, so pop over to LinkedIn and show her some love! I highly encourage you to queue last week’s episode up next.

Karla is a policy maven, staunch renewable energy supporter and all-around inspiring and butt-kicking industry executive. It’s my pleasure to re-introduce you to here if you have yet to discover this dynamo. And if you’ve been wondering which solar markets are set to explode in the coming post-corona era beyond CA, IL, NY and the usual suspects, well you’ll want to tune in today.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

259 - Inside the $34Billion opportunity in Virginia Clean Economy, with Karla Loeb, Sigora Solar & SEIA Board member May 28, 2020

Karla Loeb is a veteran in clean energy policy and business development, specializing in greenfield projects, new market entry and regulatory and legislative affairs. As the Chief Policy & Development Officer for Sigora Solar, Karla is in charge of overseeing legislative, administrative and regulatory efforts at the local, state and national levels, as well as coordinating and managing strategic development partnerships.

Today’s conversation covers a wide range of topics from Karla’s early days in Texas Wind to her latest struggles and triumphs bringing landmark legislation to bear in the NY and MidAtlantic markets. She has proven a fierce advocate and driving force for her employers and now as a SEIA board member.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

258 - Closing the gap in EV adoption with Erika Myers May 26, 2020

Here at SunCast, we haven’t spent much time on Electric Vehicles but we got some great feedback from our audience earlier this year when we played the Podcast Lounge episode with SEPA’s resident expert, Erika Myers. We asked Erika to come back and give us some insight from a report she published between Solar Power International (September 2019) and now, all about EV Rate Structures that work.

It’s a great primer on some of the underlying issues that prevent wider EV Adoption, and provides clear insight into how SEPA and Erika are leading the way for helping the broader grid integration problems get resolved for Utilities and customers alike.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

257 - Omnidian's secret weapon is this power duo: Cedric Brehaut and Brad Davis May 21, 2020

Today’s entrepreneurs are both longtime solar warriors who have deep industry cred to show for it.

Cedric Brehaut has been one of the most respected and published independent thought leaders on the subject of solar asset management for much of the time I’ve known him, so you can imagine my surprise when I found out in late 2018 that he had joined a startup company!

Today, you’ll get to hear that inception story, and you’ll also be treated to the storytelling prowess of a National Retail Hall of Fame Marketer in Cedric’s sidekick and fellow Omnidian executive, Brad Davis. Brad’s accolades are too many to list here, so be sure to check his LinkedIn profile which is always linked in the show notes.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

256 - What You Need To Know About Recent Solar Import Tariffs, With Paul Wormser May 19, 2020

Paul Wormser has been in the renewable energy business since the 80s, and has a deep understanding of how the industry works, both nationally and internationally. As the Vice President for Clean Energy Associates, Paul serves as a rudder for many clients who are uncertain about the energy landscape.

And as many of you know, the Trump administration recently issued an executive order that stands to impede the progress of the solar industry in the USA, especially related to power electronics products which are predominantly fabricated beyond our shores.

Stay connected with Clean Energy Associates via LinkedIn, get the latest updates on managing your risk during COVID-19 and beyond here.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

255 - No time for legacy, Cleantech marketing with Mike Casey of Tigercomm May 13, 2020

Today’s entrepreneur has quickly become one of the people I look to with admiration and anticipation. He seems to be always on the vanguard of what’s next in the clean economy dialogue.

For 30 years, Mike Casey has focused on the design, staffing and strategies for winning communications programs. As Tigercomm’s founder, he counsels cleantech executives, investors and philanthropists on strategies for meeting their business objectives.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

254 - World Record PV Efficiency 47%! Myles Steiner, NREL Sr. Scientist May 12, 2020

A recent Press Release by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), claimed they had achieved a world-record 47.1% efficient solar cell!

The interview you’re about to hear is with one of the NREL Sr. Scientists on the team that published the research, Myles Steiner.

Myles and I go into detail about the achievement, applications, and timeline for when this kind of technology might see it’s way into commercial activities.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

253 - The value of making solar visible with Craig Merrigan, CEO Spotlight Solar May 07, 2020

Today we hear from an entrepreneur who cut his teeth in product marketing for one of the most well-known brands in the world, and now he’s turned his sights toward helping fix the branding and visibility problems inherent in solar projects.

Craig Merrigan and his company, Spotlight Solar, have created one of the most beautiful solar products you’ve ever seen. But don’t take my word for it, Nextera’s subsidiary Florida Power and Light have installed hundreds of them around that state to demonstrate their commitment to clean sustainable energy. Today we’ll hear from Craig about what it means to “make solar visible”.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

252 - Do you have The Innovator’s Spirit? Chuck Swoboda, former CEO of Cree Inc. May 05, 2020

Today's guest is Chuck Swoboda, and he is no stranger to the pressure and privilege of leadership. As the CEO and Chairman of Cree, Inc., the category-changing LED lighting brand that many of you are familiar with, he led the company from 6 million to over 1.6 billion in anual revenue, over 65 quarters of growth and industry-leading innovation.

Chuck recently presented they Keynote addressed for our inaugural SunCast Clean Energy Summit, so what you are about to hear is the audio version of that live-streamed interview. He talked about his new book, The Clean Energy Economy, which is all about finding that Innovator's Mindset, and I invited Chuck to share insights about his journey and the different verticals he faced in the process.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

251 - Can Batteries win in pay-for-performance? Marek Kubik, Fluence Apr 30, 2020

Today’s guest, Marek Kubik, is the Market Director at Fluence in the U.K. and Ireland, and he oversees a group working on origination, development, and commercial negotiation of energy storage. He is such an inspirational personality, hence being voted as Forbes 30 Under 30, and he is on a mission to bring storage and renewables penetration to the world.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

Check out the first SunCast Clean Energy Summit

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

250 - How to make price irrelevant? The Relationship Economy with John DiJulius III Apr 28, 2020

John DiJulius III is a best-selling author and authority on world-class customer-experience. Organizations across America use his philosophies and systems for creating world-class service. He has worked with companies such as The Ritz-Carlton, Lexus, Starbucks, Nordstrom, and many more, to help them continue to raise the bar and set the standard in service that consistently exceeds customer expectations.

John spoke about the main foundations of his book, the Relationship Economy, and the opportunity for companies’ time to take their customer experience to a completely different level in these challenging times.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

Check out the first SunCast Clean Energy Summit

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

249 - How to sell without selling, Scott Ringlein of The Energy Alliance Group of N.A. Apr 23, 2020

I'm honored that you're joining me and pouring into this fantastic world of clean energy. Today's entrepreneur, Scott Ringlein, is the Founder and Principal of the Energy Alliance Group of North America (EAG).

Scott is also a Technical Advisor to the U.S. Department of Energy and conducts technical reviews of applications for technology innovation & commercialization.

We go really deep into how Scott thinks about servicing his customers. Besides that, we will discuss some of the lessons learned on his journey of the power of networking, having a mentor, accepting what you can not change and accepting that you can't do everything.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

Check out the first SunCast Clean Energy Summit

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

248 - Earth Day 2020 + SunCast Clean Energy Summit Apr 21, 2020

Welcome back, Solar Warrior!

We are getting geared up for a fantastic 50th Anniversary of Earth Day.

So today’s Tactical Tuesday is all about Earth Day: its history and what we are working on together. It goes without saying that tomorrow we will kick off our first SunCast Clean Energy Summit to celebrate #EarthDayTogether!

More information: www.suncastsummit.com

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

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247 - This SEO guru can get You on 1st page of Google, Too! Apr 16, 2020

Matt Bertram is the Co-Host of a decade-long podcast specifically focused on the Unknown Secrets of Internet Marketing (BestSEOPodcast.com), with over 3.6 million downloads to their credit. He is also an Amazon best-selling author and the CEO at eWebResults (EWR), a digital marketing agency. Matt does a masterful job of unpacking what SEO really is. And he also dispels myths around the different verticals that affect the performance of your website (the things that are in your control vs what you can't control).

It's so difficult to briefly explain here all of the relevant aspects of SEO he and I talked about, so the best piece of advice I can give you is to listen through the whole interview, as I'm sure you'll find significant value in Matt's words.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

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246 - Esdec is eating the solar racking world! [SPI 2019] Apr 14, 2020

Today’s guest is Stijn Vos, CEO of ESDEC Solar Group, a company that has supplied universal mounting systems for roof-mounted PV installations on flat and pitched roofs since 2004. With over 15 years of experience and over 7GW of solar panels installed, the ESDEC folks have developed themselves from a brand new company in the U.S., into the largest residential racking manufacturer.

Stijn shared his thoughts on bringing two of the most popular roofing companies, Iron Ridge and Quick Mount PV, underneath the ESDEC roof, and the back-end benefits for the ESDEC group in terms of product development. He also talked about the importance of fostering a proper feedback ecosystem amongst installers and engineers as they understand what’s happening on the roof, how stricter legislation within the U.S. impacts upon installing costs, and more!

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

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245 - Can software replace batteries to boost C&I solar growth? John Powers, Extensible Energy Apr 10, 2020

Today's guest is John Powers, CEO and Founder of Extensible Energy. He is an energy consultant, energy an economist and a serial entrepreneur with more than three decades of experience in technology development for energy markets. He's worked across a slew of different aspects of this industry, and has an incredible story and a stellar team. And I can't wait to unpack it here on SunCast.

We're going to talk about what are all of the inputs that you want to consider as you help your customers deliver the maximum energy efficiency and transition away from their current way of thinking about using energy.

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If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

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244 - Solar Matchmaker, Vikram Aggarwal of Energy Sage [SPI 2019] Apr 07, 2020

Today we enjoy a conversation with Vikram Aggarwal, the CEO and Founder of EnergySage, the leading online marketplace for solar energy systems in the U.S., sometimes referred to as “the Expedia of solar".

Vikram founded EnergySage after more than fifteen years with a major global financial services leader, specializing in private equity investing and strategy consulting.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

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243 - Will Google Ads work for me? with Pamela Wagner, Ajala Digital Apr 02, 2020

I’ve asked my friend Pamela Wagner to join me to guide us through a discussion about the often mystical world of paid advertising, in particular, Google Ads.

Pamela worked on the Google Ads team before branching out on her own to form Ajala Digital, a creative agency based in Europe that helps companies around the world with their digital marketing strategy and implementation.

Pamela has been honored as a Forbes 30 under 30, and is one of my go-to experts when it comes to digital marketing and remote work strategies. I know you’re going to get a ton out of this episode, so make sure you have somewhere to take notes!

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

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242 - How to advance solar for low-income communities? w/ Alexandra Wyatt, GRID Alternatives Mar 31, 2020

Solar energy has often been billed as a luxury item for the rich, yet as a technology it has the power to lift people out of poverty offering energy access and security to the poorest and most isolated communities. But how do we actually achieve this shift in paradigm?

Today I am joined by Alexandra Wyatt, who is the policy and regulatory manager at GRID Alternatives, a nonprofit with a vision for a successful transition to clean, renewable energy that includes everyone.

As we’ve highlighted in previous episodes, GRID Alternatives has done significant work for the renewable energy industry, empowering low-income communities and investing in access to solar for all.

This conversation took place in the Podcast Lounge back at SPI 2019, and was led by PV Magazine contributor, Erica Johnson.

Key ideas explored:

The California energy crisis
Low-income solar incentive programs (Solar-For-All Program)
How is policy crucial for low income solar to succeed?
The importance of tangible immediate energy-burden reductions
Energy policy: State vs National scale *EV and storage for low-income families
Diversity and inclusion for the industry

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

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241 - Amanda Bybee, Founder Amicus O&M Cooperative - Part 2 Mar 26, 2020

Today is Part 2 of our interview with Amanda Bybee, Founder of Amicus O&M Cooperative, a company that brings together a network of independent solar companies across the U.S. to provide operations and maintenance (O&M) services for geographically distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) portfolios.

Today, she will continue to share the struggles she’s gone through, how she has endured the growth curve of multiple companies, and the insight into ways you can now adapt her lens into your own career.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

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240 - Amanda Bybee, Founder Amicus O&M Cooperative - Part 1 Mar 24, 2020

I'm really, grateful for my friend Tara Doyle, who introduced me to today's guest, Amanda Bybee. Before I began conversations with Amanda, I didn't know much about her life and work. And I must tell you, I was engrossed by Amanda's story.

She had such a phenomenal background and journey to get to where she is today. And we learn all about the Amicus O&M Cooperative as well as her time at Namaste Solar, and even back to the early days of Solar Austin and the early early push to get renewable energy and solar into the agenda in Texas.

I am honored to be able to provide you with this Part One of the interview, and we'll be following the Part Two on Thursday.

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Thanks a ton to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content FREE to You! Please check them out and let me know what you think!

239 - How to become a Solar Maven w/ Kendra Hubbard, SEIA board Member Mar 19, 2020

If you’ve ever pulled yourself up by the bootstrings, ever worked hard-as-hell just to get on a level playing field, ever kept at something b/c it was simply worth doing, then today’s episode is for you.

Today’s Energy executive is my longtime friend and true #SolarWarrior, Kendra Hubbard.

Kendra and I met in 2011 in Philly at a regional solar conference, the way I’ve met so many of you. She earned and kept my respect for her tenacity and ingenuity from the first moment we met. Today I share with you some of the ways she’s become a thought leader in the solar industry, and how she manufactured her ascension to become one of the general assembly elected members of the board of SEIA. She’s an inspiration, and I’m honored to know her.

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238 - Why take the leap into Microgrids? with Rosana Francescato [SPI 2019] Mar 17, 2020

Today's guest is Rosana Francescato, Communications Director at Clean Coalition, a non-profit organization that drives policy innovation to remove barriers to procurement and interconnection of Distributed Energy Resources (DER), and also collaborates with utilities and municipalities to create near-term deployment opportunities that prove the technical and financial viability of local renewables and other DER.

This conversation took place in the Podcast Lounge back at SPI 2019, and was led by PV Magazine contributors, Christian Roselund and Erica Johnson. Hear Rosana separate fact from dicromato about an often confusing electricity topic: Microgrids! Much has been said about the traditional power grid, but their smaller versions offer viable solutions due to independent control capability, better known as "Island Mode". Rosana covered this and other benefits that this approach has to offer in supporting our savings grid infrastructure, from phasing out diesel generators, to mitigating risks in the face of natural disasters.

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Thanks a ton to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content FREE to You! Please check them out and let me know what you think!

237 - Mona Dajani, Deal Machine, Network-aholic, sabre-wielding bada$$ Mar 12, 2020

Today’s guest does not consider herself an entrepreneur, so I’ll give her some other titles. Whether she would be self-referential or not, Mona Dajani is a deal machine. She’s also the only woman ever to be head of energy and infrastructure of a major law firm, and The only lawyer on the board for ACORE. In short, she’s a trusted advisor and has been the steady hand in nearly $100B in renewables transactions.

Mona unpacks for me the 3 key elements of a ‘good deal’ - Reliable pathway, Risk mitigation, and the reality of the macro-environment.

We also unpack where deals get stuck, what Mona does to relax, and as you’ll hear, she has an infectious laugh. I like to think that contributes greatly to the appeal of this self-proclaimed network-aholic. At times, she appears superhuman, but rest assured, I get Mona comfortable enough to reveal her secrets to success and a life well lived. I know you’ll love seeing the corners she’s peering around.

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236 - The PV Afterlife - The challenge & opportunity of Recycling Mar 10, 2020

PV recycling is something that our industry has been working on for at least four years, maybe longer. Many question marks gravitate around recycling solar PV modules, one of them being the final destination of these assets if not recycled properly, often associated to increase the world’s pollution levels.

Today we're joined by Evelyn Butler from Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Garvin Heath of the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

Garvin himself has been very entrenched in the efforts with a lot of his other research activities. It's an area near and dear to his heart, so I'm excited to share both his and Evelyn’s insights about this topic.

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235 - Britta von Oesen - CohnReznick Capital (Women's History Month) Mar 05, 2020

Today’s the second in our Women’s History Month lineup of all-star clean energy leaders.

Britta von Oesen is a longtime Solar Warrior. The story about her entry into the industry is fascinating. Britta is a Managing Director with CohnReznick Capital and leads the San Francisco Office. She has 10+ years of experience in investment banking, tax equity, corporate strategy, and development in the wind, solar, and broader environmental sector. She has directly advised on over 5GW of solar, wind and battery storage projects, and contributed to the financing or sale of $20B+ worth of projects with CohnReznick Capital.

Hear how she turned from financial crisis to financial dealmaker during The Great Recession. Britta has been responsible for 5GW and some of the biggest transactions in the last decade of the solar boom.

But that’s not the whole story - she’s a dedicated mother and a sterling example that you can lead at home and the office without compromise. As we continue our all-female lineup during this Women’s History month, I hope you’ll get a ton of value from this mighty manager, mother, and friend.

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234 - How to Optimize Electric Vehicle infrastructure? with Erika Myers of SEPA [SPI 2019] Mar 03, 2020

We are joined today by Erika Myers, Principal of Transportation Electrification at Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA). She has 16 years of experience in the clean energy sector and specializes in the nexus between the grid, electric vehicles, and renewable energy.

Key ideas explored:

Distribution System Infrastructure and Planning to support optimized charging and Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Trends in EV infrastructure
Charging amount for medium and heavy-duty trucks
What are the challenges of long haul trucking electrification?
How to help fleets?

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233 - Watch 60 Minutes THIS Sunday - RMI Featured! Feb 28, 2020

This Sunday, you can watch Rocky Mountain Institute on CBS’ 60 Minutes. Justin Locke and Chris Burgess from the Islands Energy Program will be featured with partners from Bahamas Power and Light and the Government of The Bahamas discussing the power of distributed renewable energy to build a more resilient future for the islands and set an example for the world grappling with climate change.

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232 - Trading Spaces, How to Transfer Skills to Clean Energy - Joe Tassone Feb 27, 2020

When former guest and industry pioneer, Jim Spano, introduced me to Joe Tassone, I never could have imagined how much I’d go on to learn from him, but I’m grateful for the introduction.

Joe has been developing projects and leading teams since his twenties, and has seen the boom years come and go in the Telecom industry. We explored the path that led him to ultimately founding his own company in the telecom space, and his eventual transition to the solar energy industry. Joe impressed upon me not only the fundamental and transferable skills of development, but also the value of being a giver, a networking, and a customer-focused zealot! Joe is one of the best I’ve met at followup, and he credits much of his success to an insatiable desire to meet people and connect the dots.

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231 - Tidbit Tuesday, Announcements + Tantalizing Facts Feb 25, 2020

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230 - From spreadsheets to software: An OS for renewables - Andrew Eisenberg, Green IT Feb 20, 2020

Today’s Entrepreneur, Andrew Eisenberg, has been building a business for more than 15 years serving the renewables industry and reducing risk for his clients.

His company, Green IT Energy Applications, provides a comprehensive suite of products that help renewable energy portfolio owners mitigate risk, analyze data and manage portfolios of assets around the world. He calls it “an Operating System for renewables”.

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229 - Is Solar Ready for Merchant Markets? Sheldon Kimber, CEO Intersect Power Feb 18, 2020

This conversation took place in the Podcast Lounge live at SPI 2019 between Christian Roselund, Editorial Director of the Rocky Mountain Institute, and Sheldon Kimber, Founder and CEO of Intersect Power, a developer of utility-scale renewables.

Sheldon Kimber has almost 20 years of experience in energy finance, development, and entrepreneurship. If you have been having questions around merchant power, this is your chance to sort them out!

Key ideas explored:

The concept of merchant power and why does it matter?
Why merchant power has gotten better over the years?
Revenue per megawatt hour.
Should you get a PPA?

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228 - Chris Burgess on Rocky Mountain Institute’s Role in the Caribbean Feb 13, 2020

What do Richard Branson and today’s guest have in common? You’ll have to listen to find out.

Chris Burgess is Director of Projects for the Rocky Mountain Institute’s Islands Program. But he wasn’t always a non-profit guy, and I wanted to know the “why” that drove him from a successful entrepreneurial journey toward working for a non-profit.

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227 - Energy Storage Where It Needs to Be, Omeed Badkoobeh [SPI 2019] Feb 11, 2020

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226 - Breakthrough Lithium Extraction, EnergyX CEO - Teague Egan Feb 06, 2020

Teague Egan, is a young titan with an established track record of successful ventures, investments and philanthropy who has turned his eye toward the rise of renewable energy. Today’s discussion broadly focuses on the technology Teague’s company, EnergyX, is working to bring to market, focused on improving the lithium extraction process and vastly lowering the cost.

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225 - Panasonic on Storage w/ Bill Gallagher (Solar-fit Renewable Energy Show) and Dan Glaser [SPI 2019] Feb 04, 2020

Today, I'm turning the show over to Mr. Bill Gallagher, President at Solar-Fit and host of the Solar-Fit Renewable Energy Show, and Daniel Glaser, Sales Engineer at Panasonic. The conversation took place in the Podcast Lounge live at SPI 2019, and it focused on the technology that Panasonic introduced back then called EverVolt. We also discussed the increasing interest in solar energy and storage in Solar Power International over the last decade, and how other trends within the energy sector have diminished.

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224 - How GAF Energy's Martin DeBono Brought Tech Sales To Solar Jan 30, 2020

Today’s Entrepreneur is Martin DeBono, the President at GAF Energy, a company that is transforming the roofing industry by integrating solar into every roof.

Martin’s tech background at industry giants Cisco and Siebel gave him key skills in channel management that he’s now translated to the growth of some of the most respected brands in the rooftop solar business. Indeed, his tenure at SunPower marked one of the most incredible growth of that company’s history.

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223 - TT: Load Management + Backup Power Using Lumin & Tesla Powerwall 2 [SPI 2019] Jan 28, 2020

We're going to kick this week off with another episode from the Podcast Lounge live at SPI 2019. This was a really cool session about responsive energy management, and I was joined by folks who are by no means stranger to this topic: representing Lumin, we had Kevin O'Shea, Co-Founder and CCO and Michael Hibshman, Head of product at Lumin, and representing Cape Fear Solar Systems, we had John Donoghue, Founder and President, and Jason Ortiz, Residential Project Manager.

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222 - Demand-Response Microgrids w/ AJ Perkins of DR Microgrid [SPI 2019] Jan 24, 2020

Today, we are going to have some time with Mr. AJ Perkins, President and Co-Founder of DR Microgrid. His company is still young, but they are working on very interesting entities. AJ and I sifted through the implications around the rise of resiliency and battery storage, solar plus storage, and more. AJ talks about the initial stages of his introduction to the grid resiliency side of the business, and what is leading his vision towards DR Microgrid.

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221 - From Redmond to the Sun: Why Jeff Ressler Left Microsoft to Focus on Clean Energy Jan 23, 2020

Jeff Ressler, CEO of Clean Power Research, has had a remarkable career. From designing the park experience at Disneyland to designing the user and audience experience at Microsoft, he’s learned first-hand how worldclass thinkers leverage data and software to improve the lives of customers. Tune-in to today’s episode to learn how he graduated college without a job and ultimately ended up traveling the world with Bill Gates for 2 yrs! And hear what compelled him to leave the nest at MSFT to run the software company that helped launch and manage the California Solar Initiative.

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220 - Fundraising Checklist for Solar Startups with Josh Beck [SPI 2019] Jan 21, 2020

We have Josh Beck from BCI technology investments. He's the Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer. Josh and the BCI Technologies team know a thing or three about raising money and about investing in companies. Josh has brought a checklist of tips and tricks you should definitely take a look at in order to facilitate the whole fundraising process of your solar company.

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219 - An Inconvenient Truth: Installation Quality Roundtable Royale! [SPI 2019] Jan 17, 2020

This Flashback Friday is with an illustrious panel of professionals who unpack some of the underlying assumptions and assessments that need to be made around the installation quality part of the solar business.

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218 - Powerley, the "Intel-Inside" of Home Automation Jan 16, 2020

Kevin Foreman, understands how to work with and through Utilities better than most. And his company, Powerley, seamlessly empowers Utilities to offer a customized service that improves the experience for millions of homeowners who want to understand and interact w/their energy data.

Kevin and I had a wide-ranging conversation about the birth and evolution of Powerley, and we get into the weeds busting myths about residential user data, IoT, and the future of software in energy. It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss so hang tight and enjoy the geek-fest.

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217 - German Market Strategies for the US Solar Market w/Gordon Baier of GoSolar [SPI 2019] Jan 14, 2020

Gordon Baier and Cindy Baier of GoSolar joined us for a conversation at the SunCast Podcast Lounge at SPI 2019.

He has experience in the rise of the solar market in Germany (his accent is as pronounced as the experience he brings to our market), and today you can find out how he first got into the solar journey, and how he has undergone a knowledge transition process from the German market to the US.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

You can connect w/host, Nico Johnson, on Twitter, LinkedIn or email

Thanks a ton to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content FREE to You! Please check them out and let me know what you think!

216 - Ann Gaglioti, CEO of Groundwork: The Pre-eminent Provider of Site-Specific Weather Data to Developers [SPI 2019] Jan 14, 2020

Ann Gaglioti joined us at SPI 2019. Ann is the CEO of Groundwork. To date, GroundWork has directly contributed to the successful financing and installation of over 16GW of solar power in North America, and counting!

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

You can connect w/host, Nico Johnson, on Twitter, LinkedIn or email

Thanks a ton to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content FREE to You! Please check them out and let me know what you think!

215 - Customer Acquisition From Online Lead Generation [SPI2019] Jan 10, 2020

How does online lead gen help installers grow their business? It’s been the topic of many webinars, but if you’re like me you still have so many questions! So, I invited some friends in the lead gen arena to share their insights with SunCast listeners, and I was blown away by the value of what they shared. This was one of the most talked-about and attended sessions at the Podcast Lounge during SPI. Residential solar sales and lead gen experts Ruben Ugarte (Active Prospect), Scott Mueller (Solar Lead Factory), and Kyle Cherrick (PickMySolar) joined me to dispel myths and argue methods. If you’ve been wondering about whether purchasing leads or participating in a lead gen program is right for your company, you owe it to yourself to tune in to this episode!

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

You can connect w/host, Nico Johnson, on Twitter, LinkedIn or email

Thanks a ton to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content FREE to You! Please check them out and let me know what you think!

214 - Solar Optimization Methods with Michael Ginsberg of Mastering Green Jan 09, 2020

Today’s entrepreneur is Doctor of Engineering Candidate, Solar Energy Specialist, and 2-time Author Michael Ginsberg. Michael has spent his career helping Embassies and government agencies implement solar and efficiency programs worldwide, and has recently distilled his learning, lessons and case studies into a pair of books on the topics of Solar Implementation, Operations and Maintenance. It’s a rare skill to be a practitioner with the ability to teach and train, and I thoroughly enjoyed an early look and discussion with Michael at the best practices he’s helping bring to market with these texts. Stay tuned as Michael shares the key lessons takeaways from his world travels and training.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

You can connect w/host, Nico Johnson, on Twitter, LinkedIn or email

Thanks a ton to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content FREE to You! Please check them out and let me know what you think!

213 - Two-fer Tuesday - SPI'2019 Barry Cinnamon, CEO of Cinnamon Energy Systems: 20 Years of Riding the Solar Coaster Jan 07, 2020

Today’s interview happened between two greats in our industry: Tor “Solar Fred” Valenza, Founder & CMO of UnThink Solar., and Barry Cinnamons, CEO of Cinnamon Energy Systems. This conversation was a dive into the life and times as it were for Mr. Barry Cinnamon, one of the folks that we consider an icon and pillar in the industry, having pioneered many ways in which the industry moves forward.

As some of you may know, Barry has his own radio show and he has interviewed Tor before. Now is the time where Tor turns the mic in his direction, and he's now in the hot seat to answer questions about his life and times on the solar coaster.

Thanks to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content free to You!

IF you have stuck Commercial Solar projects, you really should consider how they can help:

Extensible Energy and

Chint Power Systems

Learn more by clicking on their respective company links.

Resources

Connect with Barry on LinkedIn

Connect with Tor on LinkedIn

Connect with Tor on Twitter

Check out the UnThink Solar and Cinnamon Energy Systems websites

212 - Two-fer Tuesday - SPI'2019 Eliminating Capital Constraints for C&I Development - Jim Spano, RadiantREIT Jan 07, 2020

Today we are interviewing Jim Spano, Co-Founder of RadiantREIT. We discuss their new program that offers liquidity effectively to developers that would otherwise be cash strapped to be able to expand their portfolio, hence eliminating capital constraints for C&I developers as the episode title suggests.

Thanks to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content free to You!

IF you have stuck Commercial Solar projects, you really should consider how they can help:

Extensible Energy and

Chint Power Systems

Learn more by clicking on their respective company links.

Resources

Connect with Jim on LinkedIn

Check out the RadiantREIT website

211 - Founder story of Shoals Technologies w/Dean Solon (cameo by Ben Macias) Jan 02, 2020

211 - Dean Solon & Ben Macias, Founder History of Shoals Technologies

Dean Solon founded Shoals Technologies more than two decades ago, and it is one of the most well-known fast-growing and highly profitable businesses that I know of in our industry. But do you know the inception story?

We are also joined in the first half by his prodigy and VP of Sales, Ben Macias. The relationship has been full of struggles but also full of wild success, incredible growth, and love

Remember you can always find me on Twitter, LinkedIn or email and you can get the resources and learn more about how to find our guests or their recommendations on the SunCast Blog

While you're there, I’d be honored if you’d take 2 min and fill out our Listener Survey

Thanks to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content free to You

IF you have stuck Commercial Solar projects, you really should consider how they can help

Extensible Energy and

Chint Power Systems

Learn more by clicking on their respective company links

210 - Lloyd Levine - Is CA still a bellwether for other States' Renewable policy? Dec 26, 2019

210: Lloyd Levine - Is CA still a bellwether for other States' Renewables policy?

Today's episode is about California, the policies therein, and whether or not California is still serving as a bellwether for things to come for states and the different ways they can apply policy.

Joining us in this conversation is Mr. Lloyd Levine, president of Filament Strategies. He is a former member of the California State Legislature, recently appointed as Senior Policy Fellow in UC Riverside School of Public Policy. He was notably involved in the early legislation that led to our current solar market in California.

Remember you can always find me on Twitter, LinkedIn or email and you can get the resources and learn more about how to find our guests or their recommendations on the SunCast Blog.

While you're there, I’d be honored if you’d take 2 min and fill out our Listener Survey.

Thanks to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content free to You!

IF you have stuck Commercial Solar projects, you really should consider how they can help:

Energetic Insurance and

Extensible Energy

Learn more by clicking on their respective company links.

209 - SPI'2019 Podcaster Roundtable: Jon Powers, Barry Cinnamon and Nico discuss using Podcasts as a marketing channel Dec 20, 2019

209: SPI'2019 Podcaster Roundtable: Jon Powers, Barry Cinnamon and Nico discuss using Podcasts as a marketing channel

This Flashback Friday is with my good friend Jon Powers, whose podcast, Experts Only, is also required listening If you are into the solar and finance of our business, as well as the respectable Mr. Barry Cinnamon, one of the entrepreneurs I admire most in our business. He's got a long track record not just as a solar entrepreneur, but also as a broadcaster with his show the Energy Show that has been syndicated in California for quite some time.

I admire both this gentlemen for their ability to navigate the conversations so their deep and rich, and I invited them to join me at the Podcast Lounge Live at SPI 2019 specifically to talk about what is going on today within the podcasting activity, and how folks in business are leveraging the power of podcasting to broadcast their message, and not just to start their own podcast as the 3 of us have done it. We give some tips on how you as well can leverage the power of this fast-growing medium for your own business.

Remember you can always find me on Twitter, LinkedIn or email and you can get the resources and learn more about how to find our guests or their recommendations on the SunCast Blog.

While you're there, I’d be honored if you’d take 2 min and fill out our Listener Survey.

Thanks to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content free to You!

IF you have stuck Commercial Solar projects, you really should consider how they can help:

Energetic Insurance and

Extensible Energy

Learn more by clicking on their respective company links.

208 - SPI'2019 Community Solar Roundtable Dec 19, 2019

208: SPI'2019 Community Solar Roundtable

This is one of the few Community Solar sessions that we've hosted here on SunCast. In fact, one of today's guests is a returning guest: Mr. David Amster-Olszewski of SunShare, and he graced the SunCast pages as it were back in January of 2019. He's joined by another alumnus, Mr. Jake Rozmaryn of Antenna Group, and a longtime friend and someone I've wanted to get onto the show Mr. MJ Shiao of Arcadia power. I've wanted to interview MJ since his Green Tech Media days so I’m thrilled he was able to participate in this Community Solar Roundtable.

We dig into the hot markets, the how and why of Community Solar, where are the stumbling blocks, but also how do we really see this as a model that can/would expand?

Remember you can always find me on Twitter, LinkedIn or email and you can get the resources and learn more about how to find our guests or their recommendations on the SunCast Blog.

While you're there, I’d be honored if you’d take 2 min and fill out our Listener Survey.

Thanks to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content free to You!

IF you have stuck Commercial Solar projects, you really should consider how they can help:

Energetic Insurance and

Extensible Energy

Learn more by clicking on their respective company links.

207 - Black & Veatch 2020 Megatrends [report] w/Brian Sifton, Sustainability Manager Dec 17, 2019

207: 2020 Megatrends Report w/Brian Sifton

Brian Sifton is the Sustainability Program Manager for Black & Veatch, one of the most respected engineering consulting firms in the power & infrastructure sector. And he’s also one of the authors of the new Megatrends report that B&V is releasing today Dec 17th. B&V surveyed hundreds of customers from Water, Infrastructure, Power and other industries and the report triangulates convergence in these Megatrends. Today we highlight for you some of the opportunities to think about how these trends might correlate to your own business.

There’s a link to the report over on the blog at www.mysuncast.com where you can find more Tactical Tuesdays like this one.

While you're there, I’d be honored if you’d take 2 min and fill out our Listener Survey.

Remember you can always find me on Twitter, LinkedIn or email and you can get the resources and learn more about how to find Tim or his recommendations on the SunCast Blog.

Thanks to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content free to You!

IF you have stuck Commercial Solar projects, you really should consider how they can help:

Energetic Insurance and

Extensible Energy

Learn more by clicking on their respective company links.

206 - Unlocking Financing for Unrated Organizations Dec 13, 2019

206: Unlocking Financing for Unrated Organizations

I had the honor of sitting down with the Chief Operating Officer of Energetic Insurance, Jeff McAulay, and the Executive Vice President of Energy and Infrastructure Group of Live Oak Bank, Jordan Blanchard, to discuss a recurrent barrier in the Commercial & Industrial solar industry: unrated small organizations.

If you love this episode, let me know on Twitter, LinkedIn or email! And Let Adam know too! Twitter

I hope you’ll take advantage of my current Coaching and SunCast Guild offers - have you checked them out?

Remember you can always find the resources and learn more about today’s guest & recommendations on the SunCast Blog.

Thanks to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content free to You!

IF you have stuck Commercial Solar projects, you really should consider how they can help:

Energetic Insurance and

Extensible Energy

Learn more by clicking on their respective company links.

205 - Vote Solar, Adam Browning Dec 12, 2019

205: Adam Browning of Vote Solar

Today’s Entrepreneur knows all about the power of voting with your feet!

Since 2002, Vote Solar has been working to make solar affordable and accessible to more Americans, supporting the policies and programs needed to repower our grid with clean energy.

Adam Browning and Vote Solar have served a critical role in the rollout of successful state solar policies nationwide. When Adam sat down with me at the Podcast Lounge in Salt Lake City this past September, I wanted to dig into the origin story, and Adam gave me much more. Today you’ll learn the 4 pillars of policy success Vote Solar stands on, the 5 focus areas they’re leaning into, hardest won battles (and States), Adam’s Theory of Change model and his 2050 prediction.

If you love this episode, let me know on Twitter, LinkedIn or email! And Let Adam know too! Twitter

I hope you’ll take advantage of my current Coaching and SunCast Guild offers - have you checked them out?

Remember you can always find the resources and learn more about today’s guest & recommendations on the SunCast Blog.

Thanks to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content free to You!

IF you have stuck Commercial Solar projects, you really should consider how they can help:

Energetic Insurance and

Extensible Energy

Learn more by clicking on their respective company links.

204 - Tim Effio of Fluence on How Storage is Disrupting Caribbean Thermal Generation Models Dec 10, 2019

204: How Storage is Disrupting Caribbean Thermal Generation Models

I'd love to hear your thoughts on SunCast! Take our survey here: https://www.mysuncast.com/survey

Tim Effio is responsible for Latam & Caribbean markets for the global energy storage market leader, Fluence.

We discuss the role of storage in the evolution of the Caribbean energy markets, and we go down the rabbit hole of Utility grid services, solar plus storage and even business development concepts that just might help your company grow!

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

You can connect w/host, Nico Johnson, on Twitter, LinkedIn or email

Thanks a ton to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content FREE to You! Please check them out and let me know what you think!

203 - SPI'2019 Marketing Trends 2020 - Marketing Agency Roundtable Dec 06, 2019

203: Marketing Agency Roundtable

I'd love to hear your thoughts on SunCast! Take our survey here: https://www.mysuncast.com/survey

Flashback Friday is my way of giving you a glimpse back at something we did recently that I think you should have a listen to.

Today's episode is from our SPI Podcast Lounge where we had a Marketing Agency Roundtable.

You can connect w/host, Nico Johnson, on Twitter, LinkedIn or email

Thanks a ton to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content FREE to You! Please check them out and let me know what you think!

202 - Engineering a Startup While in Grad School, Mikhail Gofman of Green Think Energy Dec 05, 2019

202: Mikhail Gofman of Green Think Energy

I'd love to hear your thoughts on SunCast! Take our survey here: https://www.mysuncast.com/survey

Today’s entrepreneur is a young gun but is no stranger to hustle and has proven his grit and worth in the startup world. Mikhail Gofman started Green Think Energy, a solar design firm, from his graduate school dorm room while pursuing a Masters in Mechanical Engineering. Today his company is doing thousands of designs per month and these savvy Millenials are here to teach us about the value of hard work, starting early and taking risks to get ahead!

Mikhail and I get into the company’s humble beginnings, how they’ve 100% bootstrapped the venture to date and the future of engineering automation. This is one up-and-comer’s story you won’t want to miss!

I hope you’ll take advantage of my current Coaching and SunCast Guild offers - have you checked them out? (I discuss more in the episode)

Looking for today’s guest on Social Media?Remember you can always find the resources and learn more about today’s guest & recommendations on the SunCast Blog.

And you can connect w/host, Nico Johnson, on Twitter, LinkedIn or email

Thanks to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content free to You!

IF you have stuck Commercial Solar projects, you really should consider how they can help:

Energetic Insurance and

Extensible Energy

Learn more by clicking on their respective company links.

201 - Giving Tuesday: Energy Access for All with Kristina Skierka, Founder of Power For All Dec 03, 2019

#201: Kristina Skierka, Founder of Power For All

Today I’m doing my first ever episode dedicated to Giving Tuesday, a fitting way to kick off Season 5 of SunCast!

Today’s Entrepreneur, Kristina Skierka has been a catalyst since early childhood, and today is dedicated to inspiring and empowering entrepreneurs, governments and nonprofits globally to lift others out of energy poverty. She started Power For All in 2015 with a bold mission: delivering access to energy for the 85 percent of the 1.1 billion people without reliable power that live in rural areas by the year 2025. And we’re closer than you might think! I hope you’ll also be inspired to give back, and we provide some thoughtful ways to do that near the end of today’s episode.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

Thanks to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content free to You!

IF you have stuck Commercial Solar projects, you really should consider how they can help:

Energetic Insurance and

Extensible Energy

Learn more by clicking on their respective company links.

200 - Winners! American-Made Solar Prize Round 1 from SPI 2019 Nov 29, 2019

#200: SPI, American-Made Solar Prize Winners

Episode number 200 of SunCast!

I hope you’re having a restful day as many of you here in the US are enjoying a holiday, and likely still feeling stuffed and grateful from yesterday's Thanksgiving celebration.

The last 4 years have really flown by, but so have the last 100 episodes! We have done our 2nd 100 episodes in 1/3rd the time it took for the first 100, and I tell you the feedback is amazing. I love hearing from you all, and am so grateful for the tribe we’ve built. If you’re not subscribed to our email, then you already missed out on our first announcement today of our Black Friday weekend special on membership to the SunCast Tribe, so I encourage you to pause the intro and go ahead over to mysuncast.com (we’ve even linked to it in the description right there in your podcast player) and subscribe. This is the lowest it’s ever going to be to join our Tribe, so take advantage now.

Ok, welcome back…

To celebrate our 200th episode, you guessed it, I’m releasing more SPI Podcast Lounge content (which if I’m honest with you is pure coincidence, and you can expect more of these live SPI episodes every Friday for a while!)

With every episode of SunCast, we get to meet and learn from amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs. In September, I had the distinct pleasure of hosting the creators of The American-Made Solar Prize, a prize competition from the U.S. Department of Energy that is designed to revitalize U.S. solar manufacturing. The winners of the first round of the Solar Prize were announced at Solar Power International, and those lucky winners were featured live at our Podcast Lounge in Salt Lake City. What a phenomenal surprise when I discovered that 2 previous guests of SunCast turned out to be Winners!

Today you’ll learn more about the prize, hear from the winners, and find out how You, too, can participate! One quick note that we did originally record 3 episodes, with number 3 being all about the 3rd round of the prize, which is is open to applications until December 10th. Unfortunately, that recording seems to have gotten lost in the shuffle between Salt Lake and coming home, so I’d like to encourage you to listen all the way through the outro of the show today for add’l details on Round 3, if You are interested in participating. Today’s episode is broken into 2 parts, so when you hear the first piece ending, it’s not the end of the show, just keep listening.

Remember you can always find me on Twitter, LinkedIn or email and you can get the resources and learn more about today’s guest & recommendations on the SunCast Blog.

Thanks to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content free to You!

IF you have stuck Commercial Solar projects, you really should consider how they can help:

Energetic Insurance and

Extensible Energy

Learn more by clicking on their respective company links.

199 - Sam Adeyemo, Aurora Solar Co-Founder & COO Nov 28, 2019

#199: SunCast Live w/Aurora Co-Founder

Today’s entrepreneur is Sam Adeyemo, Co-founder and COO of Aurora Solar. I’m sure many of you have heard of Aurora, as their flagship design software has been used to design over 2 Million solar projects since they launched in 2013! And believe me, they are just getting started. This interview introduces a lot of never-before-asked-on-SunCast questions and a lot of things that even Sam admits he hasn’t really talked about in public before.

But today’s episode is even more special because it was also recorded in front of a live audience at the Aurora headquarters in San Francisco last month at our first ever SunCast Live event!

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become a SunCast Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

198 - ESG is the New Black - with Karin Berardo of Abren Nov 26, 2019

#198: Karin Berardo Tactical Tuesday

I got great feedback on episode 183 back in September with my friend and returning guest Karin Berardo where we touched on the topic of ESG. It’s clear that ESG is a hot topic these days, and it’s also clear that it’s not one that’s well understood. So, Karin is back to give us a primer on the subject to which she’s now dedicating most of her time.

Today we discuss the increasingly important role sustainable and socially responsible investing is commanding for Corporate and Institutional investors, and the Environment, Social and Governance criteria that are driving the adoption worldwide.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

197 (SPI'19): The Evolution Of SPI W/ Julia Hamm & Abby Hopper Nov 22, 2019

Hey there solar warriors, I know many of you have been waiting for us to release the episodes recorded LIVE at the Podcast Lounge SPI 2019. We're kicking things off with this dynamic duo, by no means strangers to the renewables industry: Julia Hamm and Abigail Hopper. Together, they run two of the most prominent organizations providing advocacy for the solar and smart-power industries.

Julia is the President and CEO of the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA). And, Abby is the President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

While I'm sure many of you, as I, still refer to this tradeshow as SPI, one of the first things we discussed is the rebrand to being North America Smart Energy Week (NASEW). Our conversation was framed by many other questions that perhaps some of you have asked yourselves recently, such as why Salt Lake City for this year's SPI, or how much time they plan in advance to decide venues? Julia and Abby also gave their insights into the expectations for SPI as the largest clean energy show in North America. SPI has definitely evolved over the last decade+, so Julia and Abby took the time to explain why that matters to all of us who have been focused predominantly on solar during that time (Hint: They are taking more market share!)

Thanks to SETS, SEIA, and SEPA for hosting the Podcast Lounge Live at SPI, ESI & North America Smart Energy Week (NASEW) 2019.

Remember you can always find me on Twitter, LinkedIn or email and you can get the resources and learn more about today’s guest & recommendations on the SunCast Blog.

Thanks to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content free to You!

IF you have stuck Commercial Solar projects, you really should consider how they can help:

Energetic Insurance and

Extensible Energy

Learn more by clicking on their respective company links.

196 - Value-Added Project Finance w/John Chaimanis, Kendall Sustainable Infrastructure Nov 14, 2019

#196: John Chaimanis, Kendall Sustainable Infrastructure

Today’s entrepreneur, John Chaimanis, is co-founder and Managing Director of Kendall Sustainable Infrastructure. And our discussion swings from what to consider in a career change, to Lessons learned from working in a predominantly coal-fired portfolio.

John found a way to merge his Distrust of the stock market, love of real assets, and passion for doing good while doing well and carved out a slice of the market he’s dubbed “value-added finance”. Learn how John and his team achieve what they refer to as a “frictionless closing” while building long term value and relationships with their development partners.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

195 - A Better Way to Sell Commercial Solar; Robert Styler, SunCrew Nov 07, 2019

#195: Robert Styler, SunCrew

Today’s entrepreneur happens to be one of the best salesmen in our business, or maybe any business. Jigar Shah has said of Robert Styler that he’s an expert in bringing multi-level marketing to solar. In fact, his current company, SunCrew, was launched from a phone call with Jigar Shah.

Robert and I dig deep into the pains of failure, the hardships he’s endured being what he called “The stuttering networker” and how he overcame the impediment.

Today we also discuss his new model for re-envisioning customer acquisition and sales commissions, which he calls SunCrew. And Robert is the first to point out, SunCrew is not a network marketing company - it’s what he calls a Capitalist Cooperative. Stick around to learn more about that, and some really great sales advice, life tips, and book recommendations. This is one of the most vulnerable and insightful interviews you may hear all year.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

194 - Is Perovskite Ready for Primetime? Dave Buemi, Energy Materials Corporation Oct 31, 2019

#194: Dave Buemi, Energy Materials Corporation

Today’s Entrepreneur has enjoyed a broad 22-year history in the solar PV, clean energy innovation, climate change activism and climate resiliency consulting sectors. Rarely do I meet executives with such passion and wide-ranging interests as Dave Buemi. Our mutual love of kitesurfing and energy issues created a fun and inviting atmosphere to discuss topics as wide ranging as the economic viability of the Perovskite technology he’s currently commercializing to Dave’s top 3 list of interests to pursue in the workplace. The founding story and team of Energy Materials Corporation has deep credibility, so I now believe that if anyone can pull of commercial scale perovskite it’s them, but don’t take my word for it, have a listen and judge for yourself!

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

193 - Ed Heacox Has Built #1 Market Share in Inverters... Twice! Oct 24, 2019

#193: Ed Heacox, CPS Energy

Today’s entrepreneur has been a power electronics executive for 3 decades. From his early days at GE till today, Ed Heacox has established credibility as a power executive. And since moving into the solar power industry with AE mid 2000’s, he’s been at the helm of not one but two inverter companies that have taken #1 market share in their respective segments. I’ve been an admirer of Ed and his business partner, Casey, for years and have long-awaited the opportunity to learn more about how they have blended their entrepreneurial and corporate endeavors. Today we dig deeper into Ed’s trajectory, including his first startup experience post-graduation from Standford. The stories are telling of an entrepreneur with grit, insight, intuition and perseverance. I hope you’ll get as much out of this discussion as I did.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

192 - Impact Positive - Sishir Garemella Oct 17, 2019

#192: Sishir Garemella, Sunvest Capital

Sishir is the founder of Sunvest Capital, Sunvest brings years of deep solar intelligence combined with expertise in financing to make solar possible by inspiring trust in good quality equipment, providing easy affordable EMIs and monitoring performance across the life of your solar loan.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

191 - [SPI'19] Clean Energy 10 Yrs after ARRA, panel hosted by Silverline Communications Oct 14, 2019

The clean energy landscape has changed dramatically in the 10 years since Laura Taylor founded Silverline Communications. During that year, newly elected President Barack Obama announced the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to bring the country back from the brink of recession. The ARRA included billions of federal dollars to fund clean energy research and development, as well as a substantial investment in businesses to drive job growth and economic expansion. Since then, the clean energy industry and the regulatory environment have evolved dramatically. With that advancement, PR and marketing implications have emerged. Our responsibilities as renewables advocates and communicators have shifted, as we work towards the common goal of a bright, sustainable clean energy future.

This discussion was hosted by Silverline Communications during SPI 2019 in Salt Lake City as part of their 10th anniversary celebration. Silverline invited Nico to Emcee the morning session, and introduce the speakers. It was a fascinating discussion, and SunCast was honored to have a front-row seat and recording honors.

Panelists in today's episode:

LAURA TAYLOR - Founder and President, Silverline Communications [Moderator]

LAURA ABRAM - Director, Public Affairs, First Solar

GIL JENKINS - Director, Corporate Communications, Hannon Armstrong

GREG MERRITT - Director, Marketing and Communications, Smart Electric Power Alliance

KELLY SPEAKES-BACKMAN - Chief Executive Officer, U.S. Energy Storage Association

TOM WEIRICH - Director of Marketing, Rubicon Capital Advisors

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Remember you can always find me on Twitter, LinkedIn or email and you can get the resources and learn more about how to find each week's guest(s) on the SunCast Blog.

190 - Jake Rozmaryn, Antenna Group VP & Forbes 30 Under 30 Oct 10, 2019

#190: Antenna Group VP & Forbes 30 Under 30

Jake Rozmaryn has been a starter, an influencer, a leader, and a true industry advocate for more than a decade, belying his youth and making him one of the most connected people in cleantech, let alone solar. If you’ve been longing for more founder stories, especially from the young ones in our business, then stay tuned!

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

Remember you can always find me on Twitter, LinkedIn or email and you can get the resources and learn more about how to find Jake or his recommendations on the SunCast Blog.

Thanks to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content free to You!

IF you have stuck Commercial Solar projects, you really should consider how they can help:

Energetic Insurance and

Extensible Energy

Learn more by clicking on their respective company links.

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

189 - Addressing the Global Water Crisis w/Mark Baker of Water Mission Oct 03, 2019

#189: Mark Baker of Water Mission

Mark Baker is the Program Director for Disaster Response at Water Mission. Today you’ll hear the story of how Water Mission has been helping build solar-pumping systems to provide critical water infrastructure in times of need around the world.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

188 - Angella Rainford, Rekamniar Ventures Oct 01, 2019

#188: Largest Solar Plants in the Caribbean

Angella is the founder of Soleco and Rekamniar Frontier Ventures (“Rekamniar”). Rekamniar co-developed one of the largest solar plants in the Caribbean and the largest in Jamaica (51 MWp). Prior to this, Angella worked at Goldman Sachs in the Merchant Banking division (Principal Investment Area) in London and New York.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

187 - SPI/NASEW Daily Roundup, 26th September Sep 27, 2019

187 - SPI/NASEW, 26th September

Go to www.podcastlounge.live to learn more and watch all the action as it is happening.

186 - Karin Berardo, ESG & Impact Investing Sep 26, 2019

#186: ESG & Impact Investing

Karin Berardo was one of the first guests on SunCast and had the first 2-part episode, airing way back in Feb 2016 as episodes 10 & 11. She was also the first Female Guest! That interview contains some timeless advice, so I’d love to see you going back in the archives to give it a listen!

Karin went on to become CEO of a global cleantech hedge fund, and has a well-established track record leading investment in the sector. She’s also become one of the leading experts on the topic of ESG. Not sure what ESG means? You’re not alone, so I ask Karin to unpack it for us. But there’s so much beyond the very practical advice and insights she provides, so I hope you’ve got your notepad ready!

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you would like to check out the SPI Podcast lounge and nominate a guest or apply to participate, head to http://www.mysuncast.com/podcast-lounge

And a special thank you to Aurora Solar. If you would like to download their free Solar Sales Proposal guide, you can do so at http://www.mysuncast.com/aurora

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

185 - SPI/NASEW Daily Roundup, 25th September Sep 26, 2019

SPI/NASEW, 25th September

Go to www.podcastlounge.live to learn more and watch all the action as it is happening.

184 - SPI/NASEW Daily Roundup, 24th September Sep 25, 2019

SPI/NASEW, 24th September

Go to www.podcastlounge.live to learn more and watch all the action as it is happening.

183 - SPI/NASEW Daily Roundup, 23rd September Sep 24, 2019

NASEW, 23rd September

Go to www.podcastlounge.live to learn more and watch all the action as it is happening.

182 - SPI’19, Know before you go! (NASEW19) Sep 19, 2019

#182: SPI 2019

As Solar Power International, now known as North America Smart Energy Week, nears, we bring you our 2nd annual “Know before you go” episode. Tune-in to learn what to expect at this year’s show, including advice from industry vets to optimize your experience, and even how Introverts can get the most out of the moments!

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you would like to check out the SPI Podcast lounge and nominate a guest or apply to participate, head to http://www.mysuncast.com/podcast-lounge

And a special thank you to Aurora Solar. If you would like to download their free Solar Sales Proposal guide, you can do so at http://www.mysuncast.com/aurora

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

181 - Jon Powers, CleanCapital, the White House, and fintech innovation Sep 12, 2019

#181: Jon Powers, CleanCapital

Jon Powers, is a true warrior, and a veritable solar warrior. When Jon returned from serving the US Army in Iraq, he had a vision for how important clean energy is for our nation’s independence and charted a path to help the armed forces transition away from Fossil Fuels. Little did he know this would lead him to the White House the first-ever Chief Sustainability Officer under the Obama administration. His fingerprint is on many of the important initiatives underway in the Federal arena, and he’s now turned his eye to the private sector with an eye towards disrupting the finance and fintech side of clean energy. I’m also honored to have Jon on b/c he’s a fellow podcaster. If you’ve not yet heard his Experts Only podcast, you should add it to your queue. We discuss the genesis of the podcast, the startup woes and wins at Clean Capital, and more on today’s episode.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you would like to check out the SPI Podcast lounge and nominate a guest or apply to participate, head to http://www.mysuncast.com/podcast-lounge

And a special thank you to Aurora Solar. If you would like to download their free Solar Sales Proposal guide, you can do so at http://www.mysuncast.com/aurora

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

180 - Carbon Free vs 100% RE w/SEPA’s Julia Hamm Sep 05, 2019

#180: SEPA’s Julia Hamm

Today we dig into SEPA’s state of the union moving beyond 2019, their 4 pathways framework for achieving a smarter & cleaner grid, Julia’s ardent perspective on Carbon-free vs 100% RE, and Hiring & keeping “A” Players

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you would like to check out the SPI Podcast lounge and nominate a guest or apply to participate, head to http://www.mysuncast.com/podcast-lounge

And a special thank you to Aurora Solar. If you would like to download their free Solar Sales Proposal guide, you can do so at http://www.mysuncast.com/aurora

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

179 - Drone-enabled solar design software, Scanifly Aug 29, 2019

#179: John Novak, CEO Scanifly

John Novak, cut his teeth in the trenches doing design for well-known east-coast solar firms before he stepped out to start Scanifly, a drone-based solar site evaluation & design tool.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you would like to check out the SPI Podcast lounge and nominate a guest or apply to participate, head to http://www.mysuncast.com/podcast-lounge

And a special thank you to Aurora Solar. If you would like to download their free Solar Sales Proposal guide, you can do so at http://www.mysuncast.com/aurora

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

178 - #CarbonOffsetChallenge - Etienne Lecompte Aug 27, 2019

#178:Etienne Lecompte Tactical Tuesday

Today we chat with Etienne Lecompte, CEO of PowerHub and we learn the 3 practical ways you can reduce your carbon footprint. I also inquire about the recent #carbonoffsetchallenge Etienne issued to me on Twitter. Stay tuned.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you would like to check out the SPI Podcast lounge and nominate a guest or apply to participate, head to http://www.mysuncast.com/podcast-lounge

And a special thank you to Aurora Solar. If you would like to download their free Solar Sales Proposal guide, you can do so at http://www.mysuncast.com/aurora

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

177 - Nicole Steele, GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic Aug 22, 2019

#177: GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic

Nicole started as GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic’s Executive Director in 2014, at a time when there was little precedent for low-income solar policies and programs across the region. Under Nicole’s leadership, GRID Alternatives Mid Atlantic has installed more than 2MW of solar on over 250 rooftops of low-income families.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you would like to check out the SPI Podcast lounge and nominate a guest or apply to participate, head to http://www.mysuncast.com/podcast-lounge

And a special thank you to Aurora Solar. If you would like to download their free Solar Sales Proposal guide, you can do so at http://www.mysuncast.com/aurora

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

176 - Women & Diversity in Renewables - Kristen Graf of WRISE Aug 20, 2019

#176: Kristen Graf of WRISE

Kristen Graf is the Executive Director of the non-profit Women of Renewable Industries & Sustainable Energy, or WRISE as it’s better known. For a decade, she has championed, mentored and modeled the female executive rise in engineering and renewable energy business. She’s made hard choices along the way, but in the end, her work has helped more than 30 chapters and hundreds if not thousands of women finding their way into the male-dominated energy business.

If you would like to check out the SPI Podcast lounge and nominate a guest or apply to participate, head to http://www.mysuncast.com/podcast-lounge

And a special thank you to Aurora Solar. If you would like to download their free Solar Sales Proposal guide, you can do so at http://www.mysuncast.com/aurora

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

175 - SPI Announcement - Live Podcast Lounge! Apply Now Aug 13, 2019

#175: Live SPI Podcast Lounge

I'm thrilled to announce that we’ll be hosting the first-ever Podcast Lounge live from Solar Power International! Check out today’s episode for details and learn how YOU can be featured and involved! Calling all podcasters, apply today!

Learn more about how you can be a featured guest or podcast host at the first-ever SPI Podcast Lounge, presented by SunCast Media by visiting: mysuncast.com/podcast-lounge

Learn more about Aurora here: mysuncast.com/aurora

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174 - Deep Chakraborty, Enact Systems Aug 08, 2019

#174: Founder & CEO, Enact Systems

Today’s entrepreneur is Deep Chakraborty, a seasoned solar veteran with experience bringing quality products to market. Some of you probably know Deep from his days launching and growing the Centrosolar brand in the US, but in today’s episode, you’ll learn how he applied product savvy from Detroit’s automotive industry to launch Enact Systems, a fast-growing software platform helping solar developers globally.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

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173 - Tapping the Sap: Converting Brownfields into Brightfields with Chad Farrell, CEO, Encore Renewable Energy Aug 01, 2019

#173: Chad Farrell, CEO, Encore Renewable Energy

Chad Farrell is an entrepreneur who discovered solar as a way to marry his calling with his craft. He was originally involved in real-estate redevelopment in Vermont after college when he realized that solar is a perfect compliment for the brownfields, landfills and other ‘problem’ sites not suitable for traditional development. Now Encore Renewable Energy, the company he founded, has become a trusted and go-to development partner for some of the largest companies and projects in the region.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

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172- Jim Spano on Financing & Development Innovation Jul 25, 2019

#172: Jim Spano, Radiant REIT & Managing Partner of Spano Partner Holdings

Jim Spano has been instrumental in the development of over 300 megawatts of solar generation primarily in the Northeast United States. He is the co-founder of Radiant REIT (one of the newest ventures for this serial Entrepreneur), founder and President of the New Jersey Solar Grid Supply Association (NJSGSA), Vice-President of the Mid Atlantic Solar and Storage Industry Association (MSSIA), on the board of the International Battery and Energy Storage Association (IBESA), a conference committee member of the Intersolar North America Conference, as well as numerous other industry positions. Jim & Nico discuss how his career in finance and real estate development laid the groundwork for his now highly-successful solar development and financing ventures.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

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171 - Empowering Solar Salespeople, Part 2 - Jonathan Budd, CEO Powur Jul 23, 2019

#171: The Powur Model

In the last episode, we got the background and point of inspiration for how Jonathan decided to create Powur, but we ran out of time to get into the details of exactly how this innovative new sales empowerment platform works. Today we go into those details, and we also round out the discussion as per usual with Jonathan’s key advice to entrepreneurs and solar salespeople, his book recommendations, life hacks and more.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

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170 - Does Powur Really Work? Let’s Hear From CEO Jonathan Budd Jul 18, 2019

#170: Jonathan Budd, Powur’ up residential sales

Jonathan explains how he has built Powur as a solar salesforce powerhouse quietly establishing legitimacy and a nationwide footprint.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

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169 - Trading Goats for Solar in Africa. Guled Ahmed, Power Offgrid Jul 11, 2019

#169: Guled Ahmed, Power Offgrid

Did hear about that one company in Africa trading goats for solar? Join me today as I engage with Guled Ahmed of Power Offgrid, a fledgling solar company in Somalia that has done just that! This is surely one for the serial entrepreneurs out there, so don’t miss it!

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

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168 - Capitol Hill Insider Bill Parsons, ACORE’s COO Jul 09, 2019

#168: Bill Parsons, COO of ACORE

Legislation is one of those things you need to keep an eye on, so today I thought I’d bring in a Washington insider who’s spent decades on the Hill. Bill Parsons is Chief Operating Officer of the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) and sat down with me recently at the REFF Wall St conference to discuss the latest happenings in Washington and what you should be keeping tabs on.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

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167 - Smart Home Startup Lumin is Poised for Growth, CEO Alex Bazhinov Jul 04, 2019

#167: Disrupting the Smart Home market and enabling Solar and Energy Storage integration.

Alex Bazhinov and his co-founder Kevin built Lumin to give the homeowner the ability to actually know what their home energy usage is. Tune-in to hear how Alex got the idea for Lumin, how he and Kevin met and formed the company, and just how they expect to disrupt the Smart Home market and enable more solar and energy storage integration along the way.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

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166 - A New Finance Mechanism for Solar? Jun 27, 2019

#166: Jason Edens, Founder of the Rural Renewable Energy Alliance

Jason Edens has been developing solar and renewable financing mechanisms for nearly 2 decades. His innovation and hard work in America’s heartland has earned the energy freedom of hundreds of families formerly dependent on energy assistance from the US Government. Today we hear his story and learn how the Rural Renewable Energy Alliance is offering innovative financing that could free up $5B a year in federal funding!

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

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165 - Julia Hamm, SEPA’s Evolution & Fingerprint Jun 20, 2019

#165: Smart Electric Power Alliance

Julia Hamm has been leading SEPA for more than 15 yrs, and helped the Utility Photovoltaic Group in its transition to being the Smart Electric Power Alliance. Along the way, she helped birth Solar Power International and has supported dozens of Utilities in their transition to clean energy.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

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164 - Building a renewable energy development platform. Mark Goodwin, Apex Clean Energy Jun 14, 2019

#164: Apex Clean Energy

Mark Goodwin is the CEO of Apex Clean Energy. We go deep into the process and definitions underlying building a renewable energy development company. So, if you’ve ever wondered what it looks like from the inside of what has been referred to as the leading independent clean energy company in the nation, tune in!

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

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163 - Bridging Silicon Valley & Latam, YPF Ventures’ Tomas Ocampo Jun 10, 2019

#163: Managing Director for YPF Ventures

Today’s Entrepreneur is helping bridge the technology and financing gap between Silicon Valley and Latin America. Tomas Ocampo and I first met when he was a Graduate Student at Stanford back in early 2016, and Today we’re announcing both the investment fund he’s created, as well as their first two investments - backed by one of Latin America’s largest utilities. Stay tuned to learn all about how Tomas is bringing Silicon Valley savvy to his native Argentina.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

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162 - Drift, an Energy marketplace for consumers, w/co-founder Greg Robinson Jun 06, 2019

#162: Drift connects energy providers with buyers

Greg Robinson and his team envision and have built a marketplace where the biggest companies in the world and individual consumers alike can buy true green power service at the best price possible.

Today you’ll discover how.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

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161 - Anne Hoskins, SunRun Chief Policy Officer May 30, 2019

#161: What exactly does a Chief Policy Officer do?

Tune In as I sit down with Anne Hoskins live at Solar Power Puerto Rico to ask the question “what exactly does a Chief Policy Officer do, anyway?” Anne has a fascinating story, and she is leading Sunrun into unchartered waters by paving the way for their DER products, opening key new markets like Illinois and Puerto Rico, and much much more.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

160 - TT Sunrun Dir. of Policy & Storage Strategy, Chris Rauscher May 28, 2019

#160: Sunrun’s strategy for new markets and innovative storage initiatives.

Chris Rauscher is one of the folks responsible for Sunrun’s strategy regarding new markets and innovative storage initiatives. Perhaps you heard they won a DER auction in the Northeast earlier this year? Chris was involved. And you see that Sunrun is now leading the charge to help Puerto Rico achieve a 100% renewable standard? Yep, Chris is involved. In fact, Chris is on a select team of folks who quite literally carry their companies, including Sunrun, into uncharted territory, paving the way for the rest of us.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

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159 - Solar Pioneer Gary Gerber, 40 yrs of Sun Light & Power May 23, 2019

#159: Founded Sun Light & Power in 1976

Today’s entrepreneur has been building an iconic solar business since before many of you were even born! Gary Gerber founded Sun Light & Power in 1976, and has built one of the most trusted brands in the California market. It was humbling and educational to finally sit down with Gary and chat about his 4 decades of experience.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

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158 - Know before you go, MIRECweek Mexico City May 16, 2019

#158: Jonathan Pinzon, Carlos Abad & Jamie Dowswell

If you’re familiar at all with the Mexico market, then you’ll have heard of the Mexico International Renewable Energy Congress, now know universally as Mirec. Like many of you, I’ll be headed to Mexico City next week to participate in what is essentially the SPI of Mexico, so thought it a good time to tell you both about the conference and a bit about why you might be interested in Mexico’s market at all. Today’s guests are Jamie Dowswell - Dir. of Programs for MIRECweek, Jonathan Pinzon - Dir. of Gov’t Affairs for Invenergy in Mexico, and Carlos Abad - Head of Latam Markets for Chint Power Systems.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

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157 - Devin Welch, Sun Tribe Solar May 09, 2019

#157: Virginia’s fastest-growing solar company

Devin Welch is Chief Strategy & Development officer at Sun Tribe Solar a relatively young but extremely impressive bunch of corporate renegades taking the Virginia market by storm. I recently had the chance to visit them in their new expanded Charlottesville VA office and tried to capture the essence of the culture at the heart of this fast-paced market leader.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

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156 - Impact Positive - Sandra Kwak, Cleantech Woman of the Year May 02, 2019

#156: EarthX Cleantech Woman of the Year

Sandra Kwak is a serial entrepreneur and one really smart and savvy leader. Sandra founded 10 Power to provide light and hope to the people of Haiti and beyond, and today we dig deep into the details on the who, what, when where and why of the Impact she seeks to make.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

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155 - Mexico Hedge Fund Artha Capital Betting Big on Solar with Prana Apr 26, 2019

#155: Prana Power VP Jose Jove discusses the market dynamics

Jose Jove is VP of Distributed Energy at Prana Power, one of the fastest growing and most well-capitalized clean energy developers in Mexico. Today I take a peek behind the curtain to hear how Jose feels about the current state of the solar union in Mexico

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

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154 - Jeff Wolfe, Solar Pioneer to E-Mobility Executive Apr 18, 2019

#154: Founded & sold groSolar, now focused on EV charging king Tritium.

When I first started my solar company in 2006, one of the distributors I relied on was a smaller New England company called groSolar.

Over 18 yrs, groSolar deployed more than 150 megawatts (MW) (2,000 installations) of solar PV systems across the US. Jeff sold the RESI piece of the business to SolarCity in 2011, and the rest to EDF in 2016.

Today, we’re going to learn what Jeff’s been doing with his time since the exit. Hint - he didn’t retire…

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

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153 - New Energy Nexus, Jon Bonanno Apr 11, 2019

Opportunity Zones for clean energy.

Opportunity Zones are all the buzz in investment circles, but few in the solar industry understand them or how they can be leveraged to finance deals. Jon Bonanno from New Energy Nexus has built an extensive repository of resources directed at helping you figure it out. We dive deep on the subject in today’s SunCast.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

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152 - PreCharge is Coming, Puerto Rico is on the Rise Apr 09, 2019

Mastermind with local industry insiders in a unique 1-day intensive.

Today is a mini-sode with James Ellsmoor, specifically focused on an upcoming opportunity for us to spend some time in real life together really getting into the mechanics of improving your business and market penetration. Specifically, Puerto Rico and the broader Caribbean markets.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

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151 - Puerto Rico's Green New Deal with PJ Wilson Apr 05, 2019

#151: 100% renewables in Puerto Rico by 2050.

PJ Wilson is the Founder and President of the Solar + Energy Storage Association of Puerto Rico (SESA). SESA successfully advocated for what some are calling PR’s New Green Deal, Senate Bill 1121 which will help Puerto Rico reach the ambitious requirement of 100% renewables by 2050. The bill is currently waiting to be signed onin law by the Governor, and will position the island as a leader in the transition from fossil fuels, banning their use by 2028!

You can learn about the politics and business of Solar in PR at the Solar Power Puerto Rico tradeshow taking place April 30-May 1 in San Juan.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

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150 - What Tetris Did For Energy Storage, with Henk Rogers Apr 04, 2019

#150: Tetris Inc. & Blue Planet Energy Founder, Henk Rogers, one of the world’s leading advocates and activists for weaning humankind from fossil fuels.

Henk's efforts through Blue Planet Foundation have helped pave the way for Hawaii’s 100% renewable energy commitment by 2045.

Through Blue Planet Energy, Henk has led the development of a leading energy storage system advancing safety, reliability and energy output of battery systems.

Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode here

Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!

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149 - Bernadette del Chiaro, CALSSA’s Solar & Climate Policy Maven Mar 28, 2019

Welcome to Episode 149 of SunCast!

Today’s Guest doesn’t consider herself an entrepreneur, but after listening in I’m sure you’ll agree most corporate leaders and startup founders alike can learn a lot from Bernadette del Chiaro. Her accolades are many, and we discuss them in the episode, but I thought it would be great to round out this Women’s History Month with someone who has made an indelible mark on the solar and energy sector through her advocacy and political organizing.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/149)

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148 - How To SimpliPhi Batteries, Catherine Von Burg Mar 21, 2019

Welcome to Episode 148 of SunCast!

Today’s entrepreneur has spent the better part of a decade following a very inspiring mission to provide clean electricity and energy access to the world.

The medium is a company she cofounded called SimpliPhi Power, and Catherine Von Burg is an inspirational and thoughtful leader with an impressive track record. They have delivered Gigawatts of storage to the US DOD with ZERO defects in an era when battery startups fail year after year. Listen in to hear how she and her team have done it.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/148)

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147 - Impact Positive - Katherine Ryzhaya Mar 14, 2019

Welcome to Episode 147 of SunCast!

If you haven't listened to yesterdays mini-episode with Jon Bonnano, please go check that out, as it’s the prologue to this interview you’re about to hear!

This episode is the first up in a new series we’re calling Impact Positive. Today's guest is Ms. Katherine Ryzhaya, Chief Commercial Officer at Lightsource BP. Our aim is to shine a light on under-represented perspectives, people groups, and pathways meant to inspire you along your journey and geared to help make your impact positive as well.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/146)

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146 - Introducing Impact Positive, with Jon Bonanno Mar 13, 2019

Welcome to Episode 146 of SunCast!

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/146)

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145 - Tara Doyle, Part II - Leadership & Life Mar 12, 2019

Welcome to Episode 145 of SunCast!

If you’ve jumped straight to this episode and haven’t yet listened to Part 1 with Tara, well I strongly encourage you to go back and check that one out first. Today is Part II, picking up where we left off to go further into her story and discuss regular topics such as Lessons Learned and Hot or Hype.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/144)

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144 - Tara Doyle, PVEL’s Secret Weapon Mar 07, 2019

Welcome to Episode 144 of SunCast!

Today’s entrepreneur just took a HUGE leap, literally taking her company with her. Tara Doyle and her solar lab tech nerds at PVEL sold their company, then called, PV Evolution Labs, to DNV-GL half a decade ago (you can hear more on that here).

In January, they spun it back out as a separate business retaining the PVEL brand.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/144)

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143 - Emerging Market Dynamics with Luis Morales Feb 28, 2019

Welcome to Episode 143 of SunCast!

Luis Morales has been involved in growing the Latam and Caribbean solar market for nearly a decade, having run Latam for Enphase and dominating markets like Puerto Rico & Mexico.

Today we hear his insights into the common mistakes he sees when entering new markets.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/142)

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142 - Costa Nicolaou, PanelClaw Feb 21, 2019

Welcome to Episode 142 of SunCast!

Costa Nicolaou has been at the helm of PanelClaw since it’s inception, guiding the company to a 40% market share of the flat roof solar racking market. As employee #1 he’s watched as the racking market has exploded to a healthy $1.5Billion little niche! Costa’s energy and enthusiasm are infectious, but we also dig into some hard-won lessons, like how much it cost PanelClaw to get out of the low margin ground mount racking business.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/142)

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141 - Rick Ivins, Value Engineering & Finding Focus Feb 14, 2019

Welcome to Episode 141 of SunCast!

Today’s exceptional entrepreneur, Rick Ivins, was introduced to me by Chris Grablutz, who happens to work for one of Rick’s companies, PV Pros. Thanks Chris! Rick has an insatiable appetite for learning, and it has manifested in his building not 1 but 3 companies in the last decade (you’ll learn why he killed one of them and how the other 2 are now thriving). I thought it appropriate that we bring him on to share about 2 things very important to the Solar industry 1) value engineering to improve project quality, and 2) training up good people in your organization. Rick is another infinite learner, just like you, so be sure you have your pen & paper ready for note taking! Remember you can always find me on Twitter, LinkedIn or email and you can get the resources and learn more about how to find Rick or his recommendations on the SunCast Blog.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/141)

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140 - A 7 Figure Solar Business in Under 2 Years, Matthew Britt of Switch Energy Feb 07, 2019

Welcome to Episode 140, Solar Warrior!

Matthew Britt, CEO of Switch Energy, is a Canadian entrepreneur and startup junkie who is one of the best networkers I’ve ever met. We dive deep on how he retired at 30 from his first career and is plowing all the earnings and next decade of his life into the school of hard knocks that is revolutionizing the energy industry.

You can find more great founder stories and solar startup advice in the other 139 episodes archived over at www.mysuncast.com. Thanks to our partners, Helioscope & Powerhub for supporting this show so you can listen to it for Free.

139 - NJ Solar’s Founding Father, Lyle Rawlings Jan 31, 2019

Welcome to Episode 139, Solar Warrior!

Today’s #solarwarrior is a true pioneer in the industry, and described as “the founding father of renewable-energy legislation in New Jersey’’ by the New York Times! Thanks to John Moran for putting Mr. Lyle Rawlings on my radar. His company Advanced Solar Products has been crusading for solar in New Jersey and beyond for nearly 30 years.

You can find more great founder stories and solar startup advice in the other 138 episodes archived over at www.mysuncast.com. Thanks to our partners, Helioscope & Powerhub for supporting this show so you can listen to it for Free.

138 - Aruba - Caribbean’s First 100% Renewable Commitment Jan 24, 2019

Welcome to Episode 138, Solar Warrior!

In October 2009, Mike Eman was sworn in as Prime Minister of the small island state of Aruba, a dutch territory in the Caribbean, and over the course of 8 years established a leadership position in championing renewables. Aruba became the first Caribbean island to declare a 100% renewable target, way back in 2012, long before the recent fanfare we’ve covered here on the US cities also taking up that banner. He partnered with Sir Richard Branson & Jigar Shah via their Carbon War Room, and created the 10-island challenge, a call to other Caribbean islands to increase renewables penetration & wean off fossil fuels. Today, Mike and I discuss how this all came to be, the obstacles his administration faced in passing this legislation, the lessons learned along the way, and the work he’s now doing to help other Small Island Developing States with similar visions for sustainability. His perspective is beautiful, so I hope you’ll take the time to check it out. You can find more great founder stories and solar startup advice in the other 137 episodes archived over at www.mysuncast.com. Thanks to our partners, Helioscope & Powerhub for supporting this show so you can listen to it for Free. I am opening up 2 new coaching spots this quarter, so if you're interested please shoot me an email to get an application: Nico@mysuncast.com

137 - Andrew Beebe, Obvious Ventures Jan 17, 2019

Welcome to Episode 137 of SunCast! In ’02, Andrew Beebe took a much-needed sabbatical from tech after selling his startup Big Step, in order to find new direction. Ignoring advice from solar legend Dick Swanson, he scaled a solar EPC business long before being an EPC subcontractor was a popular model, and was still able to sell his solar company to then-market-leader, Suntech, going on to run Global Sales for that company. You can find Andrew's story and more great founder stories and solar startup advice in the other 136 episodes archived over at www.mysuncast.com. Thanks to our partners, Helioscope & Powerhub for supporting this show so you can listen to it for Free. I am opening up 2 new coaching spots this quarter, so if you're interested please shoot me an email to get an application: Nico@mysuncast.com

136 - SunShare, US Pioneer in Community Solar Jan 10, 2019

Welcome to Episode 136 of SunCast! We’re kicking the new year off with an entrepreneur out of Colorado who has been instrumental in pioneering the category of solar we today call Community Solar, you may have also heard the alternate phrase "Solar Gardens". Unfamiliar w/that term? Well today you’ll learn not only what it is, but why David decided to spend the better part of his 20’s capturing a huge share of this booming segment his company coined as the 4th vertical. You may also recall that term "4th vertical" was first mentioned here on SunCast by one of his former employees, and now CEO of Nikola Power, JW Postal). You can find that episode with JW and more great founder stories and solar startup advice in the other 135 episodes archived over at www.mysuncast.com.

135 - Year In Review (2018) Jan 08, 2019

Welcome to Episode 135 of SunCast!

Do you prefer New Year’s Resolutions, or Goals? At SunCast, we are resolved to continue bringing you, solar warriors, quality content that will improve your lives and businesses. In this episode, host Nico Johnson looks back at some key moments from the podcast throughout 2018. Tune in for highlights from the wide array of fascinating guests and topics covered this year, and a preview of the first two episodes that kickoff 2019!

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/135)

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134 - Jigar Shah Anniversary Episode Dec 27, 2018

Welcome to Episode 134 of SunCast!

It was almost exactly a year ago that I had the honor and privilege of having the eponymous Jigar Shah on SunCast. To celebrate the anniversary of this episode, and the fact that it’s currently the most downloaded episode of the year, I’m re-publishing it so the numerous new listeners to SunCast this year get a chance to hear it.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/134)

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133 - Christmas Gift - Podcast Roundup Dec 26, 2018

Merry Christmas Solar Warriors!

Since today is about giving more than receiving, I wanted to give you a gift. I don’t have another interview, rather I’d like to share with you some of my favorite podcasts of the year, and in so doing, also shout out to some of the fellow podcasters I believe are bringing incredible value to the world.

Head to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/133 for the links to the podcasts mentioned.

Hear the remaining 15 recommendations and join the tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!

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132: Solar Inventions - Breakthroughs in Solar Science with Dr Ben Damiani Dec 20, 2018

Welcome to Episode 132 of SunCast!

Ben Damiani is the co-founder of Solar Inventions, and his research has already dramatically improved solar cell manufacturing, but there’s more to come.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/132)

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131: Anastasios Hionis, Planning a Solar Project Dec 13, 2018

Welcome to Episode 131 of SunCast!

Anastasios Hionis, may refer to him simply as Stas, is the founder and CEO of PV Amps. He has the rare quality of being a visionary leader AND A technical get-it-done kind of guy…and the even more rare combo of both electrical and mechanical engineering professional licenses.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/131)

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130: TT: 100% Renewables Targets, Christian Roselund - PV Magazine Dec 11, 2018

Welcome to Episode 130 of SunCast!

This week Christian Roselund, Americas Editor at PV Magazine is back to continue our discussion on 100% renewable targets. Last week there were a flurry of targets being announced by Cities, Utilities, Co-ops, it seems many people are getting on the bandwagon, but is it feasible, and if so, what will it take? Christian is particularly passionate about this topic, and we hope you are too

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/129)

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129: Casey Collins, Duke University Energy Manager Dec 06, 2018

Welcome to Episode 129, Solar Warrior!

Casey Collins has a unique perspective & insight into the Solar Industry as he works with the 5th largest energy buyer in the state of NC, Duke University. North Carolina is perennially among the largest solar states & recently announced the 2019 Renewable Energy and Net Metering Rules.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/129)

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128: KWH Coin Founder on Blockchain, Cryptocurrency & Solar Nov 29, 2018

Welcome to Episode 128 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Girard Newkirk is an entrepreneur on a mission to bring critical civic infrastructure to millions of homes in developing countries, starting with Africa. He has raised over $1.3 Million for his Crytpocurrency kWh Coin in an ICO earlier this year, and has big plans for his network of tokenized clean energy assets.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/128)

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127: Sam Vanderhoof: Solar Cowboyz, PV Recycling, 40 yrs in Solar Nov 22, 2018

Welcome to Episode 127 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Sam runs the consultancy Solar Cowboyz, and I thought it fitting to air his episode on Thanksgiving b/c he’s a person we all should be thankful for.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/127)

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126: Adam Hall, Million Solar Stars Nov 20, 2018

Welcome to Episode 126 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

I have a lot of respect for folks that work for non-profit organizations. I think it is one of the hardest areas of work, and doesn’t get enough recognition.

Adam Hall and I talk about how & why he chose to go the nonprofit route for his contribution to the global energy transitions. I highlight it as a reminder that there are lots of ways we can contribute, and I like to see this kind of out of the box thinking.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/126)

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125: Bill Nussey is Freeing Energy, Moving from the Cloud to the Grid Nov 15, 2018

Welcome to Episode 125 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Bill Nussey is a tinkerer & creator, and founded his first company in High School. He’s spent most of his career as a tech CEO, and has some incredible stories from his time at Greylock and as VP of Corp Strategy at IBM. But his storytelling also extends to writing, and his newest project, Freeing Energy, is one of the best new blogs I’ve had the pleasure to dive into.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/125)

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124: Nano Leasing Solar for Africa - Abe Cambridge Nov 08, 2018

Welcome to Episode 124 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Abraham Cambridge is a British born solar entrepreneur who establishes businesses and projects around the world that use solar energy as a means for bringing about major socio-economic shifts.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/124)

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123: Richard Branson Bought His Company - Bruce Levy of BMR Energy Nov 01, 2018

Welcome to Episode 123 of SunCast, Solar Warriors!

Today's entrepreneur journey leads us down the path of a seasoned energy industry exec who finally ventured out on his own, and after a couple years developing their portfolio, he successfully sold the company to none other than Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group!

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/122)

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122: TT: Empower female leaders in Renewables with Patricia Tatto Oct 30, 2018

Welcome to another episode of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Today's guest is just like you, incapable of sitting by when she sees a need, and she's a self-starter. When my Friend and long-time SunCast listener Patrica Tatto told me she was going to organize all the women in the Mexico renewables industry, I knew it would grow to be something important. Today we're going to have a look at how that spark of initiative has grown into a beacon of light for women all across Latin America.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/122)

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Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast.

121: Women In Cleantech & Sustainability Founder, Lisa Ann Pinkerton Oct 25, 2018

Welcome to another episode of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Lisa Ann and I became friends at SPI 2017, and it was a joy to finally get a full interview w/her to discuss how she transitioned from a radio career to a cleantech marketing maven.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/121)

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Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast.

120: Andy Klump on China, Trina, Quality and Personal Growth Oct 18, 2018

Welcome to Episode 120 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Andy Klump is one of the most connected and charismatic figures I have met in solar; not only does he know and work with major industry players, but he's been part of helping the industry mature, and as an American in China, has a unique perspective to share.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/120)

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Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast.

TT: Drones and Computer Vision, Lance Li of Aerospec Oct 16, 2018

Welcome to Episode 119 of SunCast!

I've been noticing there's an increasing hum drum about drones and their role in asset management and on-site data acquisition pre and post-installation, so thought I'd bring on an expert in the subject to better understand it.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/118)

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Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast.

118: Founder of Canadian Solar (CSIQ), Shawn Qu Oct 11, 2018

Welcome to Episode 118 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

This interview with Dr. Qu won't let you down. Dr. Shawn (Xiaohua) Qu has served as Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer since founding Canadian Solar in October 2001 and taking it public on Nasdaq (CSIQ) only 5 yrs later!

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/118)

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Leaving Tesla For VC With Adam James (+Happy Birthday, SunCast!) Oct 04, 2018

Welcome to Episode 117 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Adam James was the first guest on SunCast and returns to celebrate the 3rd Anniversary and talk about his new role at Energy Impact Partners.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/117)

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116: Creating Industry Leading Events, Nadim Chaudry Oct 02, 2018

Welcome to Episode 116 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Nadim Chaudry is a world traveler, a voracious reader, and a market maven the likes of few I've met. His founder story is an intriguing one, but so is his backstory, and it's all here.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/115)

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115: #ThisIsWhy, SPI Live Exclusive Sep 28, 2018

Welcome to Episode 115 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

On Monday I had the awesome opportunity to meet Dan Whitten, VP of Communications for SEIA, and he invited me to record the opening remarks by SEIA's President Abby Hopper as she kicked off the 2018 Solar Power International and Energy Storage Int'l conference and North America Smart Energy Week.

I was honored and grateful for the gracious offer, and so today I'm sharing part of that opening session with you here.

If you're a member of the SunCast Tribe, you can hear the rest of the 40 minutes I recorded with the panelists in the session via your Patreon feed.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/115)

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114: SPI 2018 is Here! Sep 25, 2018

Welcome to Episode 114 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

On this episode, Christian Roselund from PV Magazine and I discuss the reality of 100% renewables on the grid, and he gives an overview of the PV Magazine roundtables happening this week at Solar Power International 2018.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/114)

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113: Puerto Rico 1 Yr Anniversary of Hurricane Maria Sep 20, 2018

Welcome to Episode 113 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Today, September 20th is the anniversary of Hurricane Maria's landfall on the US Territory of Puerto Rico. To commemorate it, we are looking at the response to the subsequent and drastic loss of electricity on the island. Millions were left without power, and many continue to this day waiting for PREPA the local power authority to turn the lights back on.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/113)

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112: SPI 2018 Know Before You Go Sep 18, 2018

Welcome to Episode 112 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

SPI is back in California, and back at the Anaheim Convention Center. Listen in to gain pro tips and insight to optimize your time and impact at the USA's largest solar trade show.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/112)

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111: Gridvolution, Tom Tansy of SunSpec Alliance Sep 13, 2018

Welcome to Episode 111 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Tom Tansy is Chairman of the SunSpec Alliance where he leads the distributed energy industry's efforts to establish data and communication standards that enable seamless integration of solar PV and storage into the Smart Grid.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/111)

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110 - Jenya Meydbray (Pt 2) Funding & Selling a Solar Startup Sep 11, 2018

Welcome to Episode 110 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Today we're wrapping up our interview with Jenya Meydbray. You'll hear Jenya speak about how he was able to create a successful exit from his company, PV Evolution Labs.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/109)

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109 PV Evolution Labs & the Amazing Founder Story of Jenya Meydbray Sep 06, 2018

Welcome to Episode 109 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Jenya is a visionary who took the risk of opening a startup company during an economic crisis and succeeded. I'm grateful to Jenya for this his first ever podcast appearance! His depth of experience, candor and generosity will blow you away.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/109)

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108 TT Procuring Solar Tips From a Pro - Michael Foster, Origis Energy Sep 04, 2018

Welcome to Episode 108 of SunCast.

If you listened to last weeks episode with Josh Teigiser, then you will recognize today's guest.

Michael Foster plays a critical role in the success of his company's development team and project execution. Michael understands the procurement process better than most and that's what we'll be digging into on this episode.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/108)

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107: Community First - The First Storage-Coupled Community Solar Project in MA Aug 31, 2018

Welcome to Episode 107 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Today's conversation is a first for SunCast! We're going to be looking at a first of its kind solar+storage project deployed earlier this year by the city of Sterling Massachusetts, through the eyes of the developer of the project, Origis Energy, and the city manager responsible for making the energy purchasing decision.

It was a bold and audacious stretch for me to do this episode, and it took more than 2 months to pull together. SO much respect for NPR and other in-story narrative style podcasts! Enjoy, and let me know what you think!

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/107)

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106 Founding SolarEdge, with Lior Handelsman Aug 23, 2018

Welcome to Episode 106 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Speaking of Warriors, today's guest, Lior Handelsman, is not only an officer of a publicly traded company, but spent a lot of time in the Israeli army - so did the rest of the SolarEdge founding team.

Today you'll hear their process for coming up with the idea for SolarEdge, as well as how their military background is infused into the culture of one of the top solar product companies in the world.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/106)

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105 TT Marketing in 3 Easy Steps with Mike Wolpert Aug 21, 2018

Welcome to Episode 105 of SunCast!

After powering his home with solar several years ago and becoming a renewables evangelist, Mike saw a big hole in local solar marketing and realized there was a huge opportunity for solar installers to become trusted, local experts so they could develop their own, exclusive leads - in all the right neighborhoods.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/105)

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104 Start With Why, Then Amplify, with Glenna Wiseman Aug 16, 2018

Welcome to Episode 104 of SunCast!

Today, my guest is marketing maven Glenna Wiseman of Identity3, where she delivers vibrant marketing and has fueled growth in start-ups to divisions of Fortune 500 organizations.

Glenna believes in the power of story and the rising tide of the long tail of local solar installers.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/104)

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103 Danny Kennedy on CalCEF, zebras and cleantech investing Aug 09, 2018

Welcome to Episode 103 of SunCast!

Today, we are hanging out with well-known and influential solar icon, Danny Kennedy, cofounder of Sungevity and now Managing Director of the California Clean Energy Fund where he is catalyzing cleantech investment and entrepreneurship globally.

Danny believes in building a new global economy where clean energy is affordable and accessible to everyone.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/103)

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102 TT - How-to scale early-stage solar development pipeline, w/Mike Dellagala Aug 07, 2018

Welcome to Episode 102 of SunCast!

Today is Tactical Tuesday, a short-form conversation with subject-matter experts designed to give you practical tools, tips, and advice for building your solar business or career.

If you're curious about how to scale up your solar project development activity without breaking the bank, today's episode is for you.

Mike Dellagala has invested over $200M in DG (Distributed Generation) solar projects and knows more than a few tips & tricks to getting projects across the finish line.

Today, he answers my questions about:

How he invests in a solar developer's project pipeline, specifically
What is required to get an investor interested in your early-stage project?
What to do when the checks get larger than you can afford?
How does it work when a developer sells their pipeline?
What are the mechanics of selling the deal to an investor?
What red flags might disqualify a project?
What are the 2 main things his team screens to ensure the project is on the right track?
And of course, How to sell your project profitably and maximize return on effort!

Mike is a trusted advisor, not just for me but for many developers I know. And his team has cracked the code on helping development entrepreneurs get projects to a successful exit, profitably. We cover a broad swath of info about what they focus on and who they help, but of course, we cannot cover it all in only 20 minutes. That's why we're going to offer a free webinar in the coming weeks to discuss the common pitfalls of solar project development and go over the project development process (and checklist!) they have created to avoid them!

And don't forget, You can get access to the upcoming Webinar All about the nitty-gritty of developing solar projects that sell by texting "SUNCAST" to 345345 from your phone - that will get you on our mailing list so you will know when Mike and I are rolling out the webinar. And as a thank you, I'll also send you the FREE Webinar Guide, created by our last Tactical Tuesday guest, Paul Grana.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/102)

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101 - Negotiation 101 with Chris Voss Aug 02, 2018

Welcome to Episode 101 of SunCast!

Today, it's all about Negotiation with Best selling author Chris Voss.

Chris Voss is CEO of the Black Swan Group and author of the national best-seller "Never Split The Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It," which was named one of the seven best books on negotiation. And It's my TOP recommendation for any leader or organization.

Chris retired from the FBI after 24 years leading international kidnapping negotiations. He now leverages that experience in high-stakes situations by using hostage negotiation solutions to help companies secure and close better deals, save money, and solve internal communication problems.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/101)

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast.

100 Episodes! Wow - Nico is interviewed by Scott Sullivan Jul 26, 2018

Welcome to this milestone episode of SunCast, Episode 100!

Wow, thank you! SunCast doesn't exist with amazing and dedicated listeners. You've helped make this all possible - thank you.

THIS episode, Nico gets the microphoned turned on him by good friend and fellow podcaster, Scott Sullivan. Tune-in to learn more about the creator, host and voice of SunCast - Nico Johnson!

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

099 Webinar Selling 101 with Paul Grana of Helioscope Jul 24, 2018

Welcome to Episode 99 of SunCast!

Today I'm bringing back one of my favorite SunCast past guests, Mr. Paul Grana of Folsom Labs as we help you discover the value of using Webinars in your sales and marketing process.

Stay tuned to learn

The math behind Helioscope's no-salesperson organization
The Myth of 1:1 sales effectiveness, and how a group setting works better
The two types of webinars Paul uses and where they fit in the sales cycle
The nuances of how Paul structures the webinar - from length and cadence to what days and times work best

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

098 Branding Your Energy Business with Fridrik Larsen Jul 19, 2018

Welcome to Episode 98 of SunCast!

Today on SunCast, we're going to dig into the topic of Branding, what it is, how to measure it, when and why it's important - and I've invited a guest who is an expert on the topic, Fridrik Larsen.

Tune in to learn:

What is Branding?
Why Fridrik got a PhD in Branding a commodity
The 2 key aspects to consider - differentiation and segmentation
How you can incorporate and measure a brand strategy to increase your bottom line

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

097 Blockchain for Solar Energy w/SolarCoin Co-Founder Nick Gogerty Jul 12, 2018

Welcome to Episode 97 of SunCast!

Today on SunCast, we get to dig into the topic of Blockchain and Energy with SolarCoin's Co-Founder, Nick Gogerty.

Nick Gogerty is the founder of the first cryptocurrency specifically targeted for Solar Power asset owners.

Tune in to learn:

How valuing currency globally applies to cryptocurrency
The difference between a credit bubble and an asset bubble, and why that matters for Crypto Analysis
Macro applications of the blockchain, the underlying theory of currency and how Nick and his co-founder decided to focus on Solar
How SolarCoin is structured from staking claims to proof of stake, including who's buying and using SolarCoin and why it matters.

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

096 The Entrepreneur's Journey, Pt 2 with Kyle Cherrick of PickMySolar Jul 10, 2018

Welcome to Episode 96 of SunCast!

Today we're rounding out our discussion with Mr. Kyle Cherrick, Head of Business Development for PickMySolar. If you missed last week's episode, then you might consider going back to catch it, as it's actually Part 1 of this interview. We are going to continue to unpack Kyle's story, this time turning the focus more squarely on his current project, PickMySolar. Kyle managed to launch and fund his previous venture, Solar Merchant, while full-time employed AND getting his MBA.

Stay tuned to hear:

How PickMySolar earned its early strategic partnership with Google
Details about Kyle's decision to merge Solar Merchant into PickMySolar's team
Why their offering is unique among the solar sales platforms
Kyle's superpower, along with much sound wisdom he received from both mentors and books

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

095 Corporate Intrapreneurship and Startup Investing with Kyle Cherrick Jul 05, 2018

Welcome to Episode 95 of SunCast!

Kyle Cherrick has had the good fortune of working for some of the Titans in the Solar Industry straight out of school. How many of you would like to have joined First Solar 6 months after IPO, or moved on to Axio Power as an early employee long before the SunEdison acquisition? Kyle got a front-seat view this and much more. Then he copy/pasted his learning into his own startup success.

Stay tuned to learn:

How a college job interview at General Mills turned Kyle towards the solar industry
How Kyle's clear goals and intentions earned him a spot at the table of what would become not one but two of the largest solar companies in the US in the 2000's
A behind-the-scenes look at the founding of First Solar from his first-hand encounter
How Kyle pivoted from Corporate success story to Startup Investor and Founder while keeping his full-time job

I'll be at Intersolar N.America next week in SF, and we're hosting a networking event on Monday night - learn more at www.mysuncast.com.

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

094 Intersolar N.A. - Know Before You Go! Jul 03, 2018

Welcome to Episode 94 of SunCast!

Today's episode is all about Intersolar N. America, but the lessons here can apply to virtually any tradeshow or major industry event.

We kick this episode off with a conversation with the Managing Director of Solar Promotion, the company that puts on the Intersolar and EES conferences globally, Mr. Florian Wessendorf. Stay tuned after that as we have some cameo appearances from SunCast listeners, Twitter followers and more all geared to helping YOU better understand: What to Know Before You Go.

Stay tuned to learn

The key reasons you should attend Intersolar, from the guy responsible for making it happen.
Trends to look for in this year's show
Tips for maximizing your time and effort at this or any tradeshow
And some really fun clips and bits curated from our friends on Twitter and LinkedIn

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

093 The Logical Evolution of Solar with JW Postal of Nikola Power Jun 28, 2018

Welcome to Episode 93 of SunCast!

JW Postal has had by any measure a successful run as an entrepreneur, not just in the solar industry. As a co-founder of Main Street Power, he helped build the company to become one of the largest DG players in the US, eventually being absorbed into the global giant AES as their first foray into distributed generation.

He has now turned his sights toward the impending boom of the storage business, and today we gain valuable insight into how this entrepreneur is setting himself apart from the pack.

Tune in to learn:

The connection between the Obama campaign, Wall Street and Main Street Power
The fundamental first steps the Main Street team took to ensure they were launching with momentum
The keystone decisions that have helped propel his new venture, Nikola Power to early wins (including fundraising details)
Some amazing insights into JW's entrepreneurial journey, lessons learned and strategic thinking

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

092 Effective Project Execution with Stephen Smith of Solvida Jun 21, 2018

Welcome to Episode 92 of Suncast!

Stephen Smith is an entrepreneur and solar developer from the SF Bay Area who had the good fortune of being able to walk to work back in the early 2000's when he was hired on to a then-unknown Berkeley-based solar company - Powerlight. Stephen has since managed Gigawatts of solar installations, and provides his customers and the market generally a path to predictable & effective project execution.

Listen in to hear:

The 2 biggest hurdles developers encounter early in a project
Risks inherent in solar development and how you can mitigate them
Some strong opinions around project component selection, including what module application Stephen thinks is destined to rule the utility market
Stephen's advice on how to become financially successful in solar

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

091 (TT) DNV GL PV Module Reliability Scorecard: What It Is, Why It Matters Jun 12, 2018

Welcome to Episode 91 of Suncast!

Today's episode is focused on a tool that you can use to help you in your solar PV module procurement process, a free report produced by Tristan Erion-Lorico and his team at DNV GL called the PV module reliability Scorecard. The 4th generation of the Scorecard was just released, and it's a fantastic benchmark to help you understand how to avoid some of the common pitfalls experienced by developers of all sizes when buying solar PV modules.

Stay tuned to learn

What core elements make up a bankable and reliable Bill of Materials (BOM).
What the key contributors to solar module degradation are.
The one ingredient in a solar module that made a 12% difference in production results for one of the manufacturers on the report.
The one thing that is essential prior to your PV module purchase.

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

090 PV Module Evaluation Pro Tips w Tristan Erion-Lorico of DNV GL Jun 08, 2018

Welcome to Episode 90 of Suncast!

Well, today on SunCast, Tristan Erion-Lorico gives us a glimpse inside the rigorous evaluations you should be considering when procuring your PV Modules. He also gets personal about building an unconventional career in solar. Tristan, like many of you, is an infinite learner, and he attributes that as one of his keys to growth and career success. Along the way we discuss how having a family early in his life pushed this hustling kid-entrepreneur into the corporate world, and how his curious spirit and eagerness to grow has propelled him to be Head of the Solar Module Business Unit for one of the most recognized engineering firms in the solar industry, and arguably in the world - DNV GL.

Stay tuned as we discuss:

Keys to evaluating your module suppliers
Top contributors to solar module degradation
The missing link to BNEF's Tier 1 Module ratings
And Lessons from an overly ambitious corporate exit

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

089 How a Downed Boeing Dreamliner and a New York 7/11 Influenced the Solar Industry, with Josh Weiner, CEO of SepiSolar May 31, 2018

Welcome to Episode 89 of Suncast!

Today's episode is Part 2 of an interview with Josh Weiner of SepiSolar, so if you didn't listen yet to Episode 88, I would recommend you start there.

We continue to dive deep with Josh Weiner the CEO/Founder of SepiSolar, a SF Bay Area engineering services company that specializes in the integration of energy storage with solar.

Tune in to Learn:

How a 7/11 in New York became the pivot point for the storage industry
How a downed Boeing Dreamliner changed Josh's career trajectory
A clear case for including energy storage in the Investment Tax Credit
One of the best answers to the Crystal Ball question in the history of SunCast, so be sure to stay to the very end!

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

088 Battery Net Metering changes everything, Josh Weiner, CEO of SepiSolar May 29, 2018

Welcome to Episode 88 of Suncast!

Did you check out last weeks episode with Rob Andrews? If not, Listen to it here!

Josh is the CEO/Founder of SepiSolar, a Bay Area engineering services company that has taken a long view on the integration of storage with solar.

Stay tuned to learn:

SepiSolar’s foundation story and what separates them from others
Lessons learned from Akeena Solar's IPO and dramatic growth
The not-so-strange connection between Music & the Solar Industry?
The incredible impact a neighbor can have on a young mind

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

087 Solar Aerial Inspections with Heliolytics CEO Rob Andrews May 25, 2018

Welcome to Episode 87 of Suncast!

Did you check out last weeks episode with Mike Silvestrini? If not, Listen to it here!

Today on SunCast, we're going to discuss with Rob Andrews how his Canadian startup, Heliolytics, is improving the way operating assets are managed and optimized for long-term yield.

Hang tight as we explore:

Why solar plant inspection matters and how it's been done historically
How different aerial inspection methods compare
Real data on solar site failure rates
What Rob sees as the next frontier for solar assets

Rob is the CEO and co-founder of Heliolytics, a technology company developing advanced inspection tools for renewable energy facilities.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

086 Join the Tribe May 25, 2018

Welcome to Episode 86 of Suncast!

Since I started SunCast, I've received hundreds of thank-you's, dozens of positive ratings/reviews, and more high fives and pats on the back from industry friends than I can remember.

Today, I'm giving you the chance to join me in helping build Suncast even more.

To find out more about becoming a member of the Suncast Tribe, visit mysuncast.com/member

As always, thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

085 Selling the Largest US Solar Company - with Mike Silvestrini May 17, 2018

Welcome to Episode 85 of Suncast!

Did you check out last weeks episode with Jason Zook? If not, Listen to it here!

Today on SunCast, I had a chance to catch up with one of my oldest friends and colleagues in the industry. If you're unfamiliar with his name, or the company he started and recently sold for well into the 8+ figures range, then you should at least be curious to learn how he took his FIRST company to a nearly half-billion-dollar valuation and exit, and in-so-doing achieved the status of "No. 1 ranking US Solar Company in the US" by SolarPowerWorld in 2016.

Stick around as we dig into a variety of topics, including:

What contributed to becoming the largest C&I solar company in the US
How his young, inexperienced team pulled together some of the biggest deals in our industry at the time
The old-school tactics he employed that led to a very successful business and exit
And more lessons and takeaways than I can capture here in bullet points!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

084 (TT) Working to Live, a Framework for Balance and Productivity – with Jason Zook May 08, 2018

Welcome to Episode 84 of Suncast!

Did you check out last weeks episode with yours truly, me? If not, Listen to it here! I drill down on the ways that you have been losing in your negotiations, in business and life, and the subtle ways you can fix it, and stop missing out on the spoils of your labor.

Today's episode is with my first 3-time returning guest, Jason Zook, a mentor and friend who I've learned from a ton over the last 3 years. He was most recently in Episode 79 talking about his entrepreneurial journey and creating profitable products that solve real-world problems. But I wanted to have him back one more time to discuss the remarkable ways he and his wife Caroline are very intentional in their philosophy of the notion of work-life balance, or as Jason calls it, Working to Live.

Stay tuned to learn:

Jason's approach to work-life and framework for achieving balance
What they do every Monday and Friday to lock in the rewards
Jason's strategy for finding work he truly loves
The new software tool they use to help balance their finances, budget, planning, and well…life.

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/084)

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

083 Never Split the Difference May 04, 2018

Welcome to Episode 83 of Suncast!

Did you check out last weeks episode with Ed Feo? If not, Listen to it here!

Today we're going to drill down on the ways that you have been losing in your negotiations, in business and life, and the subtle ways you can fix it, and stop missing out on the spoils of your labor.

There's no formal guest today, but instead we get a virtual guest by the name of Chris Voss, author of Never Split the Difference – possibly one of the best books I've read in a decade. I've personally used the tools I've learned from it to negotiate a 150% fee increase in a contract negotiation, more than once.

It's the single most recommended book, by me, to all my business colleagues as well as family & friends, and for good reason. It's changed how I do business and has materially changed my life, and I've been waiting for a good time to share it with you because YOU deserve to have this information in your hands!

After we've studied this material together, you'll know:

The keys to spotting liars and decision makers
The power of No
The three types of Yes's
A self-effacing strategy that works every time
And the 2 magic words you need to hear in every negotiation (That's right, the magic words)

For resources from today's episode and more information on how you can support Suncast, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/083)

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

082 Ed Feo, Solar Pioneer, Attorney of the Decade Apr 26, 2018

Welcome to Episode 82 of Suncast!

Did you check out this week's Tactical Tuesday, another great one on Energy Storage with SepiSolar CEO, Josh Weiner! Listen to it here!

Today on SunCast, are returning to the Solar Pioneers Series with one of the large-scale solar project development greats, Ed Feo of Coronal Energy.

As you'll hear, Ed has a fabled history in the renewables industry. Accolades like "Attorney of the Decade" or "One of the 5 most influential people in Renewable Energy" are earned in the trenches, and Ed's been in the deal room more than just about anyone – having worked on hundreds of deals and over $35B in transactions during his 23 yr tenure leading the Project Finance practice at law firm Millbank.

Tune-in as we discuss these topics:

How Ed's favorite past time has greatly influenced his leadership style
What it means to develop "plate discipline" even as a home-run hitter
Details of Coronal's industry-first "solar put" contract with kWh Analytics
The 3 things it takes to be a successful project development company

For resources from today's episode, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to the blog. (the direct URL is ...episodes/082)

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

081 (TT) Josh Weiner, Energy Storage Cost Essential Questions Apr 23, 2018

Welcome to Episode 81 of Suncast!

Did you check out the last Suncast episode? It's with James Ellsmoor who was on Forbes 30 Under 30 for Energy! Listen to it here!

On this Tactical Tuesday, I speak with Josh Weiner of SepiSolar.

Josh Weiner is the CEO/Founder of SepiSolar, a SF Bay Area engineering services company that has taken a long view on the integration of storage with solar. He was notably one of the co-founders of another well-known storage company, Green Charge Networks.

Josh has gone on to develop grid-connected energy storage and micro-grid projects with NRG’s Station A team and NEXTracker’s integrated energy storage program, where Josh has played many roles in the development of energy storage products and services, including business, finance, policy, project, product, hardware, and software development.

Tune-in as we discuss these topics:

4 Questions Engineers should ask when evaluating energy storage $/kwh
Depth of discharge and efficiency factors
Maintenance and Safety of Lithium Batteries
and a FREE resource YOU can use

For resources from today's episode, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to today's and every other show's blog posts. (the direct URL is ...episodes/081)

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

080 James Ellsmoor, Forbes 30 Under 30 & Caribbean Solar Initiatives Apr 19, 2018

Welcome to Episode 80 of Suncast!

Did you check out the last Suncast episode? It's with my friend and mentor, Jason Zook! Listen to it here!

Today on Suncast, you'll meet James Ellsmoor. James is a social entrepreneur with expertise in sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship in rural, remote and island regions. He's on the 2017 Forbes 30 under 30 list for Energy and has been leading the efforts of the non-profit Solar Head of State for the last 5 yrs.

Tune-in as we discuss these topics:

How James got on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
The projects of Solar Head of State
How the Carribean is striving to lead the way in Solar.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Selling Your Last Name 3 Times, Making $1M from Wearing T-Shirts? Jason Zook is Back! (Ep 079) Apr 12, 2018

Welcome to Episode 79 of Suncast!

Did you check out the last Suncast episode? It's Part 2 of my conversation with Paul Grana! Listen to it here!

Today on SunCast, you'll meet my friend and mentor, Jason Zook. Jason might be the best marketer, heck, best sales guy I’ve ever met. He made over $1Million doing something you and I do every day – putting on a t-shirt.

He sold his last name...3 times!

He even got his first book sponsored by more than a dozen companies before he ever wrote the first word...or even knew what the book would be about.  

Well, Jason and his super-creative wife Caroline are at it again, only this time they've teamed up to create something together aimed at helping the budding entrepreneur navigate the wandering path toward success.

Tune-in as we discuss these topics:

Some of Jason's early struggles as an entrepreneur who looked like he had it all figured out.
Jason’s advice for someone starting out on their entrepreneurial journey.
Creating products that solve your own problems, and turning them into profit.

For resources from today's episode, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to today's and every other show's blog posts. (the direct URL is ...episodes/079)

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Helioscope's Paul Grana on growth, metrics and inflection points - Part 2 (Ep 078) Apr 05, 2018

Welcome to Episode 78 of Suncast!

Did you check out the last Suncast episode? It's Part 1 of this conversation with Paul Grana! Listen to it here!

This week we are rounding out our discussion with Paul Grana, co-founder of the much-loved solar design software, Helioscope. If you missed last week's episode, then you might consider going back to catch it next, as we go over a lot of the foundations and early pivots in Pauls career that led to founding Folsom Labs with his partner Paul Gibbs.

Known as "The Pauls", they have created one of the most successful SAAS companies in the solar industry, and I asked Paul Grana how on earth they manage to grow to >3000 users with ZERO formal salespeople.

Tune-in as we discuss these topics:

2 key inflection points along their growth path
Building a product so easy a 10 yr old can use it
How they attracted and activated early adopters
Startup advice for both employees and founders

For resources from today's episode, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to today's and every other show's blog posts. (the direct URL is ...episodes/078)

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

How Helioscope Stole AutoCADs Foothold in Solar (Ep 077) Mar 29, 2018

Welcome to Episode 77 of Suncast!

Did you check out the last Suncast episode? It's a Tactical Tuesday with Scott Sullivan! Listen to it here!

In this episode I had the honor to sit down with one of my good friends in the solar biz who, along with his partner, has built arguably the most recognizeable software in the solar industry, especially if you've been doing commercial solar for any period of time. After all they have over 3000 users.

So whether you are or aren't one of the 3000 who already sing the praises of Helioscope from the rooftops, you'll want to hang around for today's episode with Paul Grana.

Tune-in as we discuss these topics:

The failures and left turns that led to Helioscope's start
The value of experience and networking in making career moves
The core philosophy underlying the Helioscope product and how that has led to rapid adoption
How Helioscope have dominated with no outside sales team

For resources from today's episode, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to today's and every other show's blog posts. (the direct URL is ...episodes/077)

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

TT: LinkedIn Ninja Skills from a Master (Ep 076) Mar 27, 2018

Welcome to Episode 76 of Suncast!

Did you check out my full interview with Scott Sullivan? Listen to it here! As I mentioned in that episode, Scott is a pro who truly understands that your network is your net worth. He has a reach of over 60K in his LinkedIn network alone. As promised I got Scott to do a deep-dive with me on this networking, career and even brand-building tool.

Tune-in as we discuss these topics:

How to Fully Complete your LinkedIn Profile
How to Build Your Network and Career using LinkedIn
The Immense Power of LinkedIn Premium

For resources from today's episode, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to today's and every other show's blog posts. (the direct URL is ...episodes/076)

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Separating the Signal from the Noise in Recruiting with Chris Turzo (Ep 075) Mar 22, 2018

Welcome to Episode 75 of Suncast!

Did you check out the last Suncast episode? It's with Scott Sullivan! Listen to it here!

While networking is a natural part of the career advancement process, there is another key element that is often overlooked - recruitment. Today, we're going to have a closer look at the process of building your ideal team or career with the help of one of the best recruiters I know in the solar industry, Chris Turzo.

Tune-in as we discuss these topics:

The steps to consider both on the hiring and candidate side of the equation.
How to find the right recruiter.
The 3 fundamentals of a successful venture.
Chris's developmental approach to recruiting.
The personality assessments Chris recommends for companies and candidates to find the right fit.

For resources from today's episode, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to today's and every other show's blog posts. (the direct URL is ...episodes/075)

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Memory tricks for Networking & Life with Scott Sullivan (Ep 074) Mar 16, 2018

Welcome to Episode 74 of Suncast!

Did you check out the last Suncast episode? It's with Adam Gerza of Energy Toolbase. Listen to it here!

Today on SunCast, I'm taking a deep dive into the power of your network with one of the most connected people in the solar business, Scott Sullivan has built a career on leveraging the value of his connections and honing the skills of sales and relationship building.

Tune-in as we discuss these topics:

Tactics for setting up your own LinkedIn allstar profile.
Memory tricks for networking and life.
Scott's advice on building sales rapport.

For resources from today's episode, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to today's and every other show's blog posts. (the direct URL is ...episodes/074)

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

A Sales Platform for Solar and Energy Storage projects (Ep 073) Mar 08, 2018

Welcome to Episode 73 of Suncast!

Did you check out the last Suncast episode? It's all about Blockchain, Electrification of the Vehicle Industry, Distributed Storage & A Nationwide Carbon Tax. Listen to it here!

Today's guest, Adam Gerza, is the COO of the fast-growing SAAS company, Energy Toolbase, which I know many of my listeners use. Today I get the chance to look under the hood and hear why over 1500 solar companies trust the most critical piece of their sales process to this barely 3 yr old company.

Tune-in as we discuss these topics:

What Adam learned from his days as an Energy Trader.
The Elevator Pitch for Energy Toolbase.
How Energy Toolbase gained their first customers.
Adam's predictions for Blockchain.

For resources from today's episode, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to today's and every other show's blog posts. (the direct URL is ...episodes/073)

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Blockchain, Electrification of the Vehicle Industry, Distributed Storage & A Nationwide Carbon Tax (Ep 072) Mar 01, 2018

Welcome to Episode 72 of Suncast!

Did you check out Tuesday's episode yet with Mike Grunow of Vizn Energy? Listen to it here!

You have told me over & over again that you love the Hot or Hype segment of the show, so we took some time to compile some of the more interesting answers to what I consider some of the more interesting questions.

Today, I decided to focus on just 4 questions - it was actually harder than it might appear - what became apparent is that I actually DON't ask the same questions to every guest!

These topics did come up several times, so today we'll hear snippets from Travis Simpkins(Ep 056), Stephen Lacey(Ep 028), Suvi Sharma(Ep 063) and Jing Tian(Ep 041) with their thoughts on

Blockchain
The Electrification of the Automobile Industry
Distributed Storage &
A Nationwide Carbon Tax

For resources from today's episode, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to today's and every other show's blog posts. (the direct URL is ...episodes/072)

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCast.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

TT: Power vs Energy, the battleground for storage (Ep 071) Feb 27, 2018

Welcome to Episode 71 of SunCast!

I hope you enjoyed the last episode with Brian Patterson of Emerge Alliance.

In Episode 59, Mike Grunow and I discussed an awful lot of excellent topics around the ins and outs of developing and even selling energy storage products. But it was his answer to one question in particular that set the stage for this Tactical Tuesday. Mike is the VP of Marketing for Vizn Energy, a Flow Battery manufacturer.

Tune in Today as we Discuss Topics Such As:

Why is Lithium Ion the dominant technology, and will that continue?
What is a flow battery, and how are these two different/similar?
The 3 critical things to understand about batteries: Duty Cycle, Cooling Cycle, and Electrodegredation
The difference between Power & Energy
How batteries can actually help a customer take advantage of these so-called ancillary services

For resources from today's episode, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to today's and every other show's blog posts. (the direct URL is ...episodes/071)

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Mike Grunow.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Creating the Enernet, Microgrids, DC Power - Brian Patterson of Emerge Alliance (Ep 070) Feb 16, 2018

Welcome to Episode 70 of SunCast!

I hope you enjoyed the last episode with James Pagonis, the Head of Product at PowerHub.

I met Brian at SPI 2017 last year after asking around a bit about the microgrid they had built to power an entire section of this enormous tradeshow. Brian gave me a clinic on the history of microgrids, and if you're at all interested in the evolution and indeed renaissance of DC-powered systems, stick around for today's discussion.

Tune in Today as we Discuss Topics Such As:

Why Charles Kettering is actually the father of microgrids
Early microgrids in rural America are a template for the modern era
Emerge Alliance addressing energy access globally
Creating the "Enernet" - aggregating personal and enterprise level power networks until we have a "world network"
The DC microgrid Emerge created to power an entire area of SPI 2017

For resources from today's episode, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to today's and every other show's blog posts. (the direct URL is ...episodes/070)

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Brian Patterson.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Technology is Consistent, People Aren't. with James Pagonis of PowerHub (Ep 069) Feb 08, 2018

Welcome to Episode 69 of SunCast!

I hope you enjoyed the last episode with Farid Dibachi, the Cofounder & CEO of JLM Energy.

On today's episode, I sit down with James Pagonis, the Head of Product at PowerHub.

James is one of the early drivers behind the development and launch of PowerHub: a simple, cloud-based Asset Management solution designed to help renewable energy asset owners manage their projects.

When I met James last Fall on travel to Chile together, it became clear to me that he is a consummate biz dev professional, and a really insightful, thoughtful and conscious questioner who seems always focused on better understanding the needs of the other person in the conversation. This is a sign of a great salesman as well as a leader, so I asked James if we could do an interview about his thoughts on customer development.

Tune in Today as we Discuss Topics Such As:

How to hear through the customer's ask to discern the real need.
The very simple question that has helped propel PowerHub's product development team forward.
The similarities in product and project development.
The value of transparency in the development process.

For resources from today's episode, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to today's and every other show's blog posts. (the direct URL is ...episodes/069)

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with James Pagonis.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Farid Dibachi, Rooftop energy storage ready for prime-time (Ep 068) Feb 06, 2018

Welcome to Episode 68 of SunCast!

I hope you enjoyed my last episode with Chris Thompson, the Principal at Ipsum Power on the key differences between the solar and storage markets.

Today is another Tactical Tuesday episode! This week we have Farid Dibachi, the Cofounder & CEO of JLM Energy.

I became aware of JLM at last year's SPI where I was on a mission to better understand the innovation coming to market for C&I storage applications.

When I heard what JLM is doing, I knew I'd have to go by and see it for myself. So I reached out and set up a meeting w/Farid at the show, and what you'll hear on this episode is that brief but very informative interview.

Tune in Today as we Discuss Topics Such As:

Disrupting the Solar + Storage Form Factor
How JLM's software helps the construction tradesman install a complex product, simply
How the Phazr product is the first solar panel-level energy storage device at scale

For resources from today's episode, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to today's and every other show's blog posts. (the direct URL is ...episodes/068)

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Farid Dibachi

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

The Sun is Setting on Gas Peaker Plants (Ep 067) Feb 02, 2018

Welcome to Episode 67 of SunCast!

I hope you enjoyed my last episode with Mark McLanahan where we discussed Asset Management + O&M.

Today on SunCast, we continue our Solar + Storage series with an industry executive, Chris Thompson, who's spent quite a bit of time running power conditioning companies - names you've heard of like Xantrex, AE, First Solar and Eaton.

Tune in Today as we Discuss Topics Such As:

How Xantrex pivoted their power business post-Enron.
Key Differences between the solar and storage markets.
How companies can achieve what Chris has coined "Free Charging" with storage.
How solar will benefit from the electrification of the automobile industry.

For resources from today's episode, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to today's and every other show's blog posts. (the direct URL is ...episodes/066)

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Chris Thompson.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Best practices from the No.1 O&M service provider in N. America (Ep 066) Jan 30, 2018

Welcome to Episode 66 of SunCast!

I hope you enjoyed my last episode with Etienne Lecompte where we discussed the use of software to maximize solar assets.

Thanks for joining me today for a new Suncast Soundbyte a drop of sunlight to get you through the workweek.

On today's episode of SunCast, we're going to continue the theme of Asset Management + O&M by hopping into my time machine and teleporting back to SPI 2017 again. I had the chance there to sit down with my friend Mark McLanahan, CEO of MaxGen Energy Services.

Tune in Today as we Discuss Topics Such As:

How Mark combined his personal passion with his work ethic & skills to help kick off the modern era of large-scale solar development.
How Mark turned around the Global Services team at SunEdison.
The evolution of MaxGen Energy Services to become the number 1 independent O&M service provider in N. America.
How AI and Machine Learning are being integrated into O&M

For resources from today's episode, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to today's and every other show's blog posts. (the direct URL is ...episodes/066)

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Mark McLanahan.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Etienne Lecompte: Using Software to Maximize Solar Assets (Ep 065) Jan 25, 2018

Welcome to Episode 65 of SunCast!

I hope you learned a lot during this week's ultra-nerdy Tactical Tuesday with Hongbin Fang of LONGi Solar.

On today's episode, I speak with Etienne Lecompte.

Etienne is a leader and entrepreneur in renewable energy, software development and regulatory compliance. Etienne's companies and products have set the standard for developers, financiers and equity providers investing in renewable energy assets in Canada and now throughout North America. He currently leads his latest venture, PowerHub: a cloud-based Asset Management solution designed to help renewable energy asset owners manage their projects.

Tune in Today as we Discuss Topics Such As:

How Etienne & PowerHub raised capital.
The opportunities and threats currently in the Asset Management space.

For resources from today's episode, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to today's and every other show's blog posts. (the direct URL is ...episodes/065)

Make sure you tune back in next Tuesday for Episode 66 of Suncast, where I talk to Mark Mclanahan for a brand new Tactical Tuesday!

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Etienne Lecompte.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Tactical Tuesday: PERC & Bifacial solar modules (Ep 064) Jan 23, 2018

Welcome to Episode 64 of SunCast!

Welcome to Tactical Tuesdays, a short-form conversation with subject-matter experts to give you the edge in building your solar business and brand.

Hongbin Fang is Director of Product Marketing at LONGi Solar, a leading dedicated monocrystalline solar cell and module manufacturer.

With the resurgence of Bifacial Modules & the rapid rise of the PERC cell technology, I thought it would be good to bring in an expert on the subject to help us understand the technical bits and why it matters to the industry.

Tune in Today as we Discuss:

The rise of PERC Mono solar cell technology - what is it, and why should we care?
The re-emergence of bifacial modules - what's new, and how does it help developers deliver more kWh?

For resources from today's episode, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to today's and every other show's blog posts. (the direct URL is ...episodes/064)

Make sure you tune back in on Thursday for episode 65 of Suncast, where I talk to Etienne Lecompte of PowerHub.

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Hongbin Fang.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

A true Innovation Machine (Ep 063) Jan 19, 2018

Welcome to Episode 63 of SunCast!

I hope you enjoyed the last week's episode with Oleg pushing the envelope on commercial finance.

Today's episode is going to plumb the depths of the entrepreneurial journey with a CEO of a US-based solar module manufacturer who's had his share of failure and success, and most certainly understands how to cross the chasm.

I had the incredible pleasure of sitting down with Suvi Sharma, CEO of Solaria Corporation.

Suvi joined Solaria in 2003 and recruited a world-class management team, developed partnerships with industry-leading solar companies and raised close to $200 million from strategic financial investors.

Tune in Today as we Discuss:

Solaria's Newest Innovation: Architectural PV Glass
How Suvi gave his job to Dan Shugar, then took it back after they spun Nextracker out of Solaria.

For resources from today's episode, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to today's and every other show's blog posts. (the direct URL is ...episodes/063)

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Solrates.com, the fast and Free online platform for providing your commercial customers with a credible lease financing proposal. If you have projects over $100K value, and you'd like to see how Solrates can help You quickly and easily deliver a financing proposal to your customers, Head over to www.mysuncast.com/SolRates and click on the Request an Invitation button.

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Suvi Sharma.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Braggawatt (Ep062) Jan 12, 2018

Welcome to Episode 62 of SunCast!

In today's episode of SunCast, I speak to Oleg Popovsky of Braggawatt Solar. We talk about a project they announced that week at SPI. On the surface, it would appear a rather innocuous, perhaps insignificant achievement, but I think Oleg does a great job explaining exactly why this announcement had my ears perked.

If you've been curious to look under the hood a wee bit to see what this SunEdison spinoff is up to, this episode is for you. It's a great example of taking intrapreneurship to its ultimate destination, spinning out your idea & turning it into a standalone business.

Oleg ran global biz dev for SunEdison in its heyday, and had an inside view at the good, bad and ugly of commercial solar finance, so he and his team are the kind of folks you want to lend your ear to.

Tune in Today as we Discuss:

The announcement of a very interesting achievement for C&I Solar.
How Oleg ran with an idea to create a standalone business.
How Big Data is paving the way for the Solar Industry.

For resources from today's episode, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to today's and every other show's blog posts. (the direct URL is ...episodes/062)

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Oleg Popovsky.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Oh, the Places You'll Go! (Ep061) Jan 10, 2018

Happy New Year. I've got some exciting episodes and community planning coming, but in the meantime, I hope you enjoy this timeless story.

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this New Years episode of SunCast.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Tied with Elon Musk - Jigar Shah (Ep060) Dec 21, 2017

Welcome to Episode 60 of SunCast!

In today's episode of SunCast, I speak to Jigar Shah, an icon in the solar industry. From founding SunEdison to leading the Carbon War Room as its first CEO, Jigar has been innovating on business models in the energy and infrastructure arenas for more than 2 decades.

Currently, Jigar is the co-founder and President of specialty finance company, Generate Capital, investing in infrastructure assets in what they refer to as the world's critical resources, energy, water, agriculture and basic materials

Tune in Today as we Discuss:

How Jigar's early career and family life shaped the companies he's built
Why Jigar believes you can't build a business as a side-hustle
SunEdison's early days of financing, and how that influences his own investing ethos
What Jigars sees smart entrepreneurs doing to win

For resources from today's episode, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to today's and every other show's blog posts. (the direct URL is ...episodes/060)

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Jigar Shah.

Flow vs Lithium - next in Solar + Storage - Mike Grunow of ViZn Energy (Ep 059) Dec 14, 2017

Welcome to Episode 59 of SunCast!

This is installment #2 in the Solar+Storage series.

Today on SunCast, I get to interview one of the guys who's had a massive impact on my own personal career, Mike Grunow, the VP of Marketing at Vizn Energy Systems.

Tune in today as we discuss:

How to spec out a good MRD - Market Requirements Document
The biggest misconception about Li-ion batteries
Limitations of both from duty & cooling cycles to electrodegradation
The difference between Power & Energy, and why it's not always clear for many developers new to storage

IF you missed the first in this Solar+Storage series, be sure to check out Travis Simpkins Episode as well #56.

And for resources (and a hilarious yet informative video) from today's episode, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to today's and every other show's blog posts. (the direct URL is ...episodes/059)

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Mike Grunow.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Funding Commercial Solar with Bryan Birsic (Ep 058) Dec 07, 2017

Welcome to Episode 58 of SunCast!

Today on SunCast, we are digging into the inner workings of a company (Wunder Capital) many of you have probably begun to work with, and who has clearly done a great job of gaining traction since it's founding back in 2013. For you entrepreneurs out there, I ask Bryan a ton of questions specifically about the who/what/how/when/why of starting and growing his business. Bryan Birsic and his co-founders have grown Wunder Capital to be one of the fastest-growing and useful platforms for funding commercial solar projects in the US right now.

Tune in today as we discuss:

Founding Bain's Green Team
Why Wunder is different from other platforms like Mosaic
How Wunder is Funding Commercial Solar
And, what Bryan believes is the most Critical decision every Founder makes

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Bryan Birsic.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Dan Shugar, Part 2 - Solar Pioneer Series (Ep 057) Nov 27, 2017

Welcome to Episode 57 of SunCast, and episode #5 in the Solar Pioneers series.

Today is the much-anticipated Part 2 of Episode 39 with Dan Shugar!

As founder and CEO, Dan Shugar helped build NEXTracker into one of the fastest growing cleantech companies in the U.S. Dan was responsible for spinning NEXTracker out of Solaria Corp. where he also served as CEO, and then merging with FLEX almost 2 years ago. Nextracker has become the largest tracker company in the world by volume shipped, and I wanted to know more about what has driven that success. If you don't know Dan's backstory, and it's a GREAT one, please be sure to listen to Episode 39!

Tune in today as we discuss:

The similar evolution of the Auto and Solar industries.
The Best Advice Dan has been given by his Mentors.
Advice to budding Entrepreneurs.
The book Dan has given away the most.
What's in Dan's crystal ball?

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Dan Shugar.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Dr. Travis Simpkins on the Future of Microgrids (Ep 056) Nov 06, 2017

Welcome to Episode 56 of SunCast.

Today I talk to Dr. Travis Simpkins, based on a recommendation from one of our amazing listeners!

Travis is the founder and CEO of muGrid Analytics.

muGrid Analytics are the nerds of the renewable energy world. Analyzing potential or existing projects to help you make sound data driven decisions and get the most out of our renewable energy investments. Travis provides techno-economic analysis of renewable energy and energy storage projects to developers, utilities and component manufacturers using their proprietary Redcloud energy optimization platform.

Tune in today as we discuss:

Solar plus Storage
Microgrids
Travel Hacking
Mountain Climbing
What's Hot and What's Hype

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Dr. Travis Simpkins

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Does software help make Renewables more competitive? (Ep 055) Oct 28, 2017

Welcome to Episode 55 of SunCast.

Edmee Kelsey, CEO of 3MegaWatt, is an expert in Solar Asset Management. Today, she's here to help us better understand the world of Asset Management, and the underlying software that keeps it going. Many of us don't really have a glimpse into this side of the plant, as we're focused on the upfront sales, marketing, and installation aspect, but with over 300GW in global operational assets being managed, one asks, "Who is handling all that data, contracts and compliance?"

3MegaWatt is the industry leader today in solar asset management software, with >16GW of assets on their platform, so I sat down with Edmee to get a bit better insight into the topic. Hope you enjoy it.

A quick reminder to check out the webinar series 5to50: The Secret Formula to Conversion, being hosted by SunCast, SolarLeadFactory & SolarEdge - This is webinar number 2 of 3, building on what we presented on Oct 13th all about Lead Generation.

If you're interested in tips on how to prepare for massive growth in your solar business go to www.mysuncast.com/webinar to register for the upcoming webinar happening Friday, November 3rd.

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Solrates.com, the fast and Free online platform for providing your commercial customers with a credible lease financing proposal. If you have projects over $100K value, and you'd like to see how SolRates can help You quickly and easily deliver a financing proposal to your customers, Head over to www.mysuncast.com/SolRates and click on the Request an Invitation button.

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Edmee Kelsey.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

054 Chad Medcroft on Bringing Zep Solar to Market Oct 20, 2017

Welcome to Episode 54 of SunCast.

Today we go deep with a friend of mine who's seen the ups and downs of this industry. He's been at the top & bottom of the food chain, successes & failures, and lots of lessons learned along the way. Some of you may know Chad Medcroft, as he was one of the key executive team members responsible for growing Zep from a niche California solar racking company to the having the largest market share in the US Residential market (and now beyond after it's acquisition by SolarCity). We get into many details about that experience, and the PTSD of being acquired by a major industry player! Tune in today as we discuss:

Ways Chad helped reduce the soft costs of solar installation
The hurdles to scaling resi & commercial solar companies
Benchmarks and resources for installation and engineering best practices
What it's like to watch your baby be absorbed into a larger organization
And some of Chad's Aha moments and advice for others on a similar path.

Chad cut his teeth in solar more than 20 years ago, and has done a lot of thinking about how the industry can improve and what he could have done, and can now do better to contribute even more. And I think you're gonna love this discussion.

A quick reminder to check out the webinar series being hosted by SunCast, SolarLeadFactory & SolarEdge - we had installment 1 of 3 Last week all about Lead Generation, and it was a PACKED House with a ton of value delivered. If you're interested in tips on how to prepare for massive growth in your solar business go to www.mysuncast.com/webinar to register for the next one happening on November 3rd.

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Chad Medcroft.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

053 Mika Nuotio on NEC & UL Codes Oct 17, 2017

Welcome to Tactical Tuesdays, a weekly short-form conversation with subject-matter experts to give you the edge in building your solar business and brand.

And this week, we welcome Mika Nuotio of Empower Micro Systems.

Nature of how power electronics sector works and implication for solar industry, inverters, etc.

What changes in UL and NEC standards are driving inverter and module electronics architecture evolution?

How is safety in power electronics evolving?

UL 1741 - what is it? how has it evolved and what implications are there for solar technology development?

2014 edition Vs 2017 edition - what's new in these updated editions?

When is compliance required?

What is Rule 21

Is the US leading or lagging in terms of grid integration and control standards? What is Low-voltage ride-through and why is it important?

What is Reactive power

NEC 680.2 & The background behind Rapid-shutdown

And differences between the implementations of the 2014 version and the revisions of the 2017 version

Who is really driving this regulation, and when is compliance required?

Mika really breaks things down to very specific details, but I think he manages to keep it approachable by the layman, which appreciate.

Tune in, and Tune-up your skills.

Thanks for checking out Tactical Tuesday and please share this episode with someone you think would benefit!

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

052 TJ Kanczuzewski on Building a Brilliant Tomorrow, CEO of Inovateus Solar Oct 13, 2017

Welcome to Episode 52 of SunCast. I'm so glad

I'm eager to hear your thoughts on the first Tactical Tuesday.It's 20 minutes of marketing morsels with our friend Solar Fred. What topics do you want more of there, or who should be featured? Today on SunCast is Mr. TJ Kanczuzewski, CEO and chief innovator at Inovateus Solar. TJ is one of the most high-energy executives I know, and he leads a team of winners, but don't take my word for it, tune in as we discuss:

The time-honored tradition of taking over the family business
Best places to work and having a fun culture
Growing a nationwide presence with staying power, in particular, the keys to their staying power
The power of a pivot
Detailedexamples of tactics he's infused into Inovateus to foster growth and productivity
Probably one of the best reading lists yet and more...

This episode is Long, but Worth it. This really was a blast to record and is jam-packed with good insight into how to build a thriving company straight from the man who's dedicated the last decade of his life to it.

This episode is brought to you by Buyourfuture - You can go back and listen to Episode 25 or go to http://bit.ly/buyfuture to learn more,

And by US - SunCast, SolarLeadFactory & SolarEdge - we had installment 1 of 3 TODAY on how to prepare for growth in your solar business. We broke records with nearly 800 registrations. Go to www.mysuncast.com/webinar to learn more, and join us for the next one on November 3rd.

1 more thing, stick around ALL the way to the end, because everybody loves a good party!

Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with TJ Kan-chew-zeski, CEO of Inovateus Solar.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

051 Solar Fred's Content Marketing Strategy Oct 10, 2017

Welcome to Tactical Tuesdays, a weekly short-form conversation with subject-matter experts to give you the edge in building your solar business and brand.

And first up, my friend Tor Valenza, AKA Solar Fred, is back to discuss Content Marketing. What is it? How can you integrate it into your marketing strategy? Where does Social Media add value, and even who are some of the thought leaders Tor recommends we follow.

Tune in, and Tune-up your skills.

Thanks for checking out Tactical Tuesday and please share this episode with someone you think would benefit!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

050 Know Your Scene, 2 Yrs of SunCast, Exciting News Oct 09, 2017

I can scarcely believe it's already been 2 yrs since the launch of SunCast! Today, October 6th, is in fact the exact anniversary. It also marks the beginning of my 39th trip around the Sun, woot! Launching on my birthday in 2015 was an easy way to never forget the anniversary of the show!

There are 5 things I'll cover on today's episode:

wow, 50 episodes, what does that mean? And an announcement regarding upcoming episodes & content
Know your scene, the value of creating a tribe
Staying connected
If you're on my mailing list, or care about giving input, I'll be sending a survey next week, so make sure you're signed up to receive it.
Next week's webinar is gonna rock your face off.

Today, on SunCast episode #50, we are going to dive deep, not with a guest, but with you. I'd like to tell you some of the things I've been thinking about and how I hope to create more value for SunCast as it begins to expand beyond a weekly podcast into a broader platform. I began SunCast 2 yrs ago with the intention to create a place in the solar industry where you can come every week to get insights in to the Latin America solar market, hear from leaders in the space about how they built their business and careers, and create a community of solar warriors who are seeking to push the boundaries of what we're capable of doing.

Enjoy!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

049: Unlocking dramatic sales growth to drive your business Sep 29, 2017

Episode 49 - the missing link(s) to solid growth

This week's episode is one I REALLY enjoyed recording for 2 reasons. #1, it's mostly unscripted because of #2, it's after dinner with one of my favorite humans, Scott Mueller, and we aptly dubbed it the first Winecast, over a great bottle of Vino - It's officially WineCast #2 (see Episode 46 for WineCast #1) but let's not get into semantics!

Today I'll keep the intro short & focused on 2 important things you need to know, that tie back to today's chat w/Scott.

Thing 1: Scott is one of my solar brothers, part of my Scene, my tribe.

What does that mean, and why do you care? Well, that's the topic of next week's episode, which is #50, and which celebrates 2 awesome milestones in MY Life - my 38th birthday - AND the 2nd anniversary of the launch of SunCast!

So, next week's episode will take a look at how we build community, what has SunCast become over the first 50 episodes, how you all have in fact become my tribe of sorts, and what you can expect from the next 100 episodes! Exciting stuff, so please don't miss out on next week's momentous episode.

Thing 2: Scott has sold solar around the globe, including more than a year as a digital nomad while building his current company, Solar Lead Factory. We get into lots of stuff today that is interesting, but the most notable and what I want to focus on is that on the heels of this recording, we decided to do a Webinar, which we just announced yesterday. So let me tell you about the Webinar before we get into the show with Scott.

It'll be a 3-part series on growing your solar business, hosted by SolarEdge, Solar Lead Factory, & SolarEdge

October 13th - 10AM PDT

Part I - LEADS - Growth starts here

In Part 1 we explore various types of leads, how to get them, and how to architect your approach for success with a special focus on how to leverage paid marketing as fuel to dramatically increase your sales.

What are the differences in sales approach by lead type?
How can leveraging strengths in certain approaches help or hurt success in other areas?
Which marketing strategies are most effective?
How does the ‘top of the funnel’ impact the rest of the funnel?

This weeks episode is brought to you by Buyourfuture - go to http://bit.ly/buyfuture to learn more.

And by SunCast, SolarLeadFactory & SolarEdge - bringing you this awesome webinar in 2 weeks on how to prepare for growth in your solar business - www.mysuncast.com/webinar to learn more.This weeks episode is brought to you by Buyourfuture - go to http://bit.ly/buyfuture to learn more.

And definitely, Stay tuned next week for a solo episode with a bit of a look back at starting the podcast, and a riff from me on building your tribe.

Alright! Thanks again for taking the time to be here. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with my man, Scott Mueller of Solar Lead Factory

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

048: Solar Fred, the state of marketing in the solar industry with Tor Valenza Sep 22, 2017

Welcome to SunCast, and Episode 48!

Today we'll be spending time with a friend who's no stranger to the media and spotlight surrounding solar, and who has been a major voice advocating for the solar industry's maturity both as a resource and as a marketing community vying for people's attention in a crowded space. Tor Valenza, AKA, Solar Fred, is a strategy advisor and communications consultant for a number of well-known companies, and regularly shares his insights, thoughts and recommendations with us through social media and online publications. So I thought I'd have Tor come on SunCast to not only dig into his background, but to hear his take on how solar companies can learn from the best marketers in the world and what we should be doing to up our game. In today's episode, Tor and I discuss:

The making of Solar Fred
What is branding, and how are solar companies getting it right
What's holding many solar companies back
The failures that have led to Tor's successes
What you can learn from a giant solar panda in China
A ton of book recommendations and other goodies related to marketing best practices

You can get the full show notes and links to books and other resources if you head over to the blog at mysuncast.com.

If you like what you hear, please SHARE it!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

047: Jeff Spies, Solar Pioneer Parties, and evolution of solar contracting Sep 15, 2017

Welcome to Episode 46 of SunCast. I'm your host, Nico Johnson, and I'm so glad you're back with me again this week!

My friend, and fellow podcaster, Jeff Spies, has been in the solar industry for nearly exactly the same amount of time I have (that's 11 yrs and counting!) and I don't think Anybody has spent as much time as he has thinking about how to tell the story of the dawn of the Solar PV Industry and the vanguards who ushered it out of obscurity and into mainstream. His Solar Pioneer parties are legendary, so stay tuned to hear how you can attend the 3rd and final one this November!

In today's episode, we get into detail about:

Jeff's journey into solar, from his early days at AEE to now
What exactly is this Solar Pioneers party he keeps talking about on LinkedIn and Facebook and why you should attend?
Which contractor trade Jeff expects solar to most resemble as it continues to evolve
His take on Hot or Not, and of course, books, lessons learned and much more.

If YOU have someone or something you think should be on Suncast, you can shoot me an email, a LinkedIn message, or even just pop over to the website and leave me a quick Voicemail, right from your smartphone! That website is www.mysuncast.com and email is nico@mysuncast.com.

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Solrates.com, the fast and Free online platform for providing your commercial customers with a credible lease financing proposal. If you have projects over $100K value, and you'd like to see how Solrates can help You quickly and easily deliver a financing proposal to your customers, please reach out to me directly for an invitation code to join the platform.

Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Jeff Spies of Quick Mount PV.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

046: Pam Cargill, Chaos Analyst Sep 08, 2017

Welcome to Episode 46 of SunCast.

Today we will be spending time with my new friend, Pamela Cargill of Chaolysti Management Consulting. Stay tuned for:

Insights into how small companies prepare for growth in solar
Solid tools Pam uses to coach her clients along that path
What its like leaving corporate to run your own consulting business, from a woman's perspective
And about a dozen other insights gleaned from this hour with Pam

Pam cut her teeth more than a decade ago schlepping modules on a crew installing in the Northeast. She then moved up to the marketing and operations teams at Sungevity before stepping out on her own. So, she understands how to help companies get to scale, address common misconceptions, and how to frame the conversation.

By the time you hear this, you may already be on a plane to Vegas, or perhaps you missed it but you're finally catching up on episodes, that's ok too!

If you do hear it ahead of SPI, I still have some spots available for interviews, and there will be lots of opportunities for us to meet up.

www.callnico.com

One such opportunity is the annual Tweetup hosted by my friend Tor Valenza, aka Solar Fred, and his company, Kiterocket

DATE AND TIME

Tue, September 12, 2017

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM PDT

LOCATION

Flex House (Booth 6340)

Mandalay Bay Convention Center

http://bit.ly/spitweetup

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

045: Unlocking Solar Capital in Latin America (LIVE) Sep 01, 2017

Welcome to Episode 45 of SunCast.

We're here to help you unlock your potential as a leader in the solar industry.

The recent Solar Pioneers Series we have begun, and some upcoming series on Solar Storage, Understanding Solar Finance, and more are aimed at helping you unlock the potential stored in the wisdom of Other people's struggles, growth and success stories, so I hope you keep coming back for more!

Today, we'll take another pause in the Solar Pioneers series, returning to Latin America and a discussion I recorded live at the SolarPlaza Unlocking Solar Capital event in Miami back in June.

The first segment of this week's show (about 11 minutes) is from the "Keys to unlocking Capital for the Offgrid Market" panel moderated by Robert Constantino, with guests

JUAN FERMÍN RODRIGUEZ

CEO & CO-FOUNDER // KINGO ENERGY

JOSÉ ORDÓÑEZ

CO-FOUNDER // HYBRICO ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES

ANDY BINDEA

FOUNDER & CEO // SIGORA INTERNATIONAL

ANNE GERSET

SENIOR IMPACT INVESTMENT MANAGER // ENGIE

FERNANDO ALVARADO

PRESIDENT & CEO - SUSTAINABLE ENERGY CENTRAL AMERICA

They discussed:

How to obtain financing for off-grid projects
Keys to making off-grid business models bankable and best practices in risk mitigation
Opportunities for telecom integration in Latin America and possibilities for PAYG business model
Overview of business models with potential in mini-grid and off-grid segments

I wish I had recorded the whole thing, but hopefully, the bits we got were insightful!

And the second segment of the show (about 30 min) is from a session we called

CEO Spotlight: Two Off-grid companies with vastly different approach to the market

Andy Bindea and Juan Fermin tell-all with Nico Johnson

It's a candid live session with 2 previous guests of the show, Episodes 031 & 032 respectively. These are two of the smartest and hardest-working young entrepreneurs I've had the pleasure to interview, and they've both raised a lot of money! I hope you enjoy this unscripted free-form session where I get into the differences between their two approaches to building an off-grid solar company in Latam.

I hope you enjoy both segments, and that you consider attending a future SolarPlaza conference. Thanks again to SolarPlaza for all the support and for letting me run around like a reporter at this event.

Also mentioned in the show, SPI is in a couple of weeks!

Let's meet up! I'll be attending the annual Tweetup put on by my friend Tor Valenza, aka Solar Fred, and Kiterocket

Tue, September 12, 2017

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM PDT

LOCATION

Flex House (Booth 6340)

Mandalay Bay Convention Center

http://bit.ly/spitweetup

Hey I'd love to know, what are you struggling with? What one thing is in your way that you'd like help solving? Are there areas specific to your business, or the industry as a whole, that you wish you knew how to do better, or where you're getting stuck? Let me know; I love brainstorming ideas and helping people think through these types of problems. And if I don't know it, I just might know someone who does, and we'll get them on the show!

If you'd like to schedule a 1:1 call w/me, you can now do that at www.callnico.com

You can also just shoot me an email, a LinkedIn message, or pop over to the website and leave me a quick Voicemail, right from your smartphone! That website is www.mysuncast.com and email is nico@mysuncast.com.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

044: Tony Clifford, Creating Rapid Growth as the CEO of Standard Solar Aug 25, 2017

Welcome to Episode 44 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

I'm so glad you are with me again this week! We're back with another edition of the Solar Pioneers Series, and today's guest hails from the East Coast of the US. I know what you are thinking - "Wait a minute, Nico, aren't all the solar pioneers from California?"

Not all of them!

Back in the 70s and 80s, there were a number of companies in and around the DC area that were quite innovative. Among them, Solarex. Today's guest was one of the early employees at Solerex.

When I met Tony back in 2010, he was the CEO of Standard Solar, a company he continues to lead today.

I have had the pleasure of watching Standard Solar become one of the fastest growing and important solar companies, not just in the North East region, but now with an established presence across the US.

In today's episode, Tony and I discuss:

What it was like to work for Solarex in the 70s.
What Tony believes are the fundamentals or bellwether signs of a maturing industry (and where solar is along that curve).
What key employee characteristics he looks for when hiring into such a fast-growing company.
Tony's thoughts on the next 5 years ahead for the solar industry.
A fun Hot or Not segment, including Tony's thoughts on topics from Distributed Storage to the Section 201 Trade Case with Suniva.
...and of course, some key lessons and advice gleaned from his 30+ years, not just in solar, but in scaling startups!

You can read more on the blog and see the show notes for this episode.

If you or someone you know is selling commercial solar, you should check out Solrates.com, the fast and Free online platform for providing your commercial customers with a credible lease financing proposal. If you have projects over $100K value, and you'd like to see how Solrates can help you quickly and easily deliver a financing proposal to your customers, please reach out to me directly for an invitation code to join the platform.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

043: Smart Home, Monitoring on steroids, Blockchain & startup fundamentals with Stefan Grosjean of Smappee Aug 18, 2017

Welcome to Episode 43 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

While I was recently in SF for the Intersolar N.America show, I was on the lookout for products that I thought were innovative. Thanks to my friend Tor Valenza, aka Solar Fred, I was introduced to the guys from Smappee. Smappee is WAY more than just a monitoring device, and I had the privilege to sit down with the founder, Stefen Grosjean, himself a serial entrepreneur, to dig into exactly how he his positioning the US launch of this innovative product already available in 80+ countries! I'm happy to bring you that conversation, recorded live from Intersolar. In today's episode, we learn:

How Stefen and the Smappee team have been disrupting the building automation and information business for years
What exactly does Smappee do, and how could it revolutionize the smart home, not just connecting solar, but basically everything in the home
What Stefen means that every appliance in the home has a "fingerprint", and how smappee can "hear" it all with only ONE sensor
How the Blockchain can finally be realized for resi & commercial solar customers with Solarcoin - and of course how Smappee has been built to integrate it.
And something I think is quite a unique approach or concept - Stefen envisions Smappee can be a gateway product, or door-opener for solar installers to get into offering smart home and automation services that lead to recurring revenue models!

You can read more on the blog and see the show notes to this episode.

Also, ACK (!) I gaffed in the intro and said Steffan hails from France - I beg his and your apology - Smappee and Stefan are from Belgium.

I also get into Stefen's previous successful entrepreneurial ventures and what it takes to found and grow a company to exit (sold to Honeywell). He blew my mind on several topics we discussed, and I was supremely impressed with Stefen, his product, vision and startup chops. I expect Smappee to do great things in their entry into the US Market. And I expect enterprising solar installers to begin to realize the opportunity at their doorstep with integrating smart-home technologies into their sales process.

And lastly, if you or someone you know is selling commercial solar, you should check out Solrates.com, the fast and Free online platform for providing your commercial customers with a credible lease financing proposal. If you have projects over $100K value, and you'd like to see how Solrates can help You quickly and easily deliver a financing proposal to your customers, please reach out to me directly for an invitation code to join the platform. Did I mention it's free?

Please enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with the serial entrepreneur making his entry into the US market all the way from France - Stefen Grosjean of Smappee.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

042: Cory Vaughan - Pt 2, After Sunedision, lessons from the trenches Aug 11, 2017

Welcome to Episode 42 of SunCast, and episode 3 of our Solar Pioneers series.

Today we're picking up on Part 2 of our Episode 40 with Cory Vaughan. If you missed the previous episode, please do take some time to go back and hear how it all started. Cory has had the good fortune of being an early team member with a front row seat to several startups that have become industry-leading behemoths, and in today's episode, we get into detail about:

The truth about Sunedison's rooftop leasing practices and whether it created an advantage
How Sunedison set up regulatory affairs and other inside information on upcoming market development
How SunEdison seemed to Always be ahead of the cost curve on solar project pricing
What it was really like to ride the rise and fall of the MEMC acquisition and company explosion
Cory's vision for financing and storage solution that will help the C&I market
Hot or Not, from DG to SAAS for solar to grid stabilization
Cory's advice to developers from his owned lessons learned
And what he'd do differently if he could start over with SunEdison again

Really Cory just doles out so much advice and insight in this follow-on episode, gleaning from 20+ yrs of experience selling solar!

I hope you have as much fun as we did recording it.

Head over to the blog for more details and the show notes.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

041: Jing Tian is the Boss you wish you had Aug 04, 2017

Welcome to Episode 41 of SunCast.

Today we'll chat with a friend who has done some pioneering work in solar R&D and in setting the bar for Women in Solar. I had the privilege to work with Jing Tian when she first got to Trina Solar in 2014, and have been impressed from day One. She was recently promoted as President of Trina's North America business unit. And I think that you'll understand after today's episode exactly why she has been able to achieve the great heights she presently enjoys. In today's episode, we get into detail about:

Jing's journey through various startup failures to arrive at now the top regional position for one of the largest and most respected Solar manufacturers in the world.
The contrast of working at solar startups in thin film and CPV versus one of the largest crystalline module manufacturers
Jing's approach to new product introduction
Her thoughts on career development, especially as a woman in a mostly male industry
Of course we play hot or Not
And I get Jing to dispel some wisdom learned from her viewpoint at the top of the foodchain, as well as books and other ways she keeps her mind sharp to run a global organization

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Solrates.com, the fast and Free online platform for providing your commercial customers with a credible lease financing proposal. If you have projects over $100K value, and you'd like to see how Solrates can help You quickly and easily deliver a financing proposal to your customers, please reach out to me directly for an invitation code to join the platform. Did I mention it's free?

Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Jing Tian of Trina Solar.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

040: Cory Vaughan, From Solar Cowboyz to SunEdison Jul 28, 2017

Wow, Episode 40 of SunCast! And you're gonna love it.

This is a long-ish intro, for a longer episode, so settle in for what I hope you'll agree is a fun and fact-filled episode.

Today we're continuing what I have dubbed the Solar Pioneers series.

I have chosen to use the term Pioneers primarily because the folks in this SunCast interview series have indeed been pioneers of business models and companies contributing to what might be called the modern Solar PV Growth era, beginning around the mid 1990's and into the 2000's growing some of today's iconic businesses. Though as we discovered last week (and this one as well), many of my guests have been in the solar biz since the 80's, and have been instrumental in helping our industry scale to become one of global importance and dominance.

I first met Cory Vaughan in 2009, and have been dying to get him on SunCast. Cory has had the good fortune of being an early team member with a front row seat to several startups that have become industry-leading bohemoths, and in today's episode, we get into detail about:

His early days in retail and his pivot to working at British Petroleum
A group of fellow pioneers who call themselves the Solar Cowboyz
Cory's thoughts on selling in the pre and post china era of low-cost solar panels
Being one of the first in and last out at SunEdison
How Cory thinks about growing his sales teams, and bringing in strategies from other industries
A revised version of Hot or Not
And really so much more.

So much more, in fact, that this will be part 1 of 2. So, hope you enjoy Part 1 today, and get ready for an audio-history journey with a true storyteller.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

039: Dan Shugar, CEO NEXTracker Jul 14, 2017

Welcome to Episode 39 of SunCast. We're going to continue our trip down memory lane this week, in what might be more like a Back-to-the-Future style episode for SunCast.

Today I'm launching what I call the Solar Pioneers series, and I'm honored, and super excited, to have the first in this series be with none other than Mr. Solar, Shugar Magic, Mr. Dan Shugar, CEO of NEXTracker, and one of the most successful folks I know in the business. This conversation diverges from my typical interview format but is nonetheless packed with information on how one of our industry's leaders thinks about starting and scaling a business. Along the way, we touch on

Dan's roots as an engineer and researcher and how that has influenced his career path and leadership style
The 3 keys to growth of any startup
The practical side of institutionalizing a corporate culture that is both aggressive and forgiving, empowering yet accountable, fun and fast-paced with industry-leading low turnover
Dan's thoughts on squeezing even more power out of PV power plants, including machine learning
and so much more.

So while we didn't get into Hot or Not, or book recommendations, or his Bold prediction, you'll want to listen all the way through especially if you have any interest at all in peering inside the mind and thought process of a guy who's built some of our industry's most iconic brands and largest power plants.

You can get the full show notes and links to books and other resources if you head over to the blog at mysuncast.com.

If you like what you hear, please SHARE it!

I also am grateful for those who choose to collaborate with SunCast, and this episode is brought to you in partnership with Solrates.com, the fast and Free online platform for providing your commercial customers with a credible lease financing proposal. If you have projects over $100K value, and you'd like to see how Solrates can help You quickly and easily deliver a financing proposal to your customers, please reach out to me directly for an invitation code to join the platform. Did I mention it's free?

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

038: Arturo Herrero, Old-school solar & a world-class network Jul 09, 2017

Today we are going to take a trip down memory lane, to a time when names like Trina and Jinko Solar were yet unheard of in the solar industry, a time when the largest brands were BP, and Conergy, and countless other mainly western names you may or may not recognize. When I joined Trina solar back in 2011, I became aware of a legendary figure who had been responsible for building the sales team there, and who had subsequently moved on to another Chinese company. That mythical figure is the eponymous Arturo Herrero, and at long last we got a chance to sit down at the Miami Solarplaza event. Arturo has forgotten more things about growing a solar business than most of us have learned.

I learned a lot from Arturo, and I think you will too. We cover

How Arturo climbed the ranks at BP Solar, and how he was ultimately enticed to move to China for a fledgling solar panel startup!
The contrast between growing Trina Solar's team and later moving over to repeat the process at Jinko Solar
How Arturo, who travels a ton, prepares himself to get into each new country he's traveling to
Where he believes are the next areas of innovation
And of course, what's hot, what's not, and so much more.

I'll be out in San Francisco at this year's Intersolar North America, and I just love meeting SunCast listeners. So please let me know if you're out there. IF you're interested in the Latin America market, I'll be the moderator for a Breakfast Briefing being held by my friends at Green Power Conferences. That event is from 8 to 10am on Wednesday, the 12th at the Kimpton in Union Square. I'll post more details on the website, so head over to www.mysuncast.com if you're interested in attending this year's Latam Breakfast Briefing and meeting me, Edgar Arvizu, Dino Barajas, and about 100 or so other solar leaders in the Latam market!

As always,If YOU have someone or something you think should be on Suncast, you can shoot me an email, a LinkedIn message, or even just pop over to the website and leave me a quick Voicemail, right from your smartphone! That website is www.mysuncast.com and email is nico@mysuncast.com.

This episode is brought to you by Solrates.com, the fast and Free online platform for providing your commercial customers with a credible lease financing proposal. If you have projects over $100K value, and you'd like an invitation code to join the platform, please reach out to me directly for an invitation code.

Thanks again for taking the time to be here. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with the one and only, Arturo Herrero.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

037: Bob Blenker, CEO of WRB Energy Jun 30, 2017

Welcome to Episode 37 of SunCast.

Bob Blenker is CEO of WRB Energy, an Independent Power Producer who is perhaps most well known in the solar space for the 28MW solar plant they built after winning the first Jamaica solar tender.

Bob has done development in just about all types of energy, and is one of the most knowledgeable people I know and trust when it comes to learning about how this "game" works. He's also traveled the world developing all types of projects and his stories are some of the funniest and interesting I've ever heard.

I loved hearing his insights into how they think about new market development, project funding, diversification, and many other topics.

This week's episode is a bit long, at 82 minutes, but well worth it.

You can get the full show notes and links to books and other resources if you head over to the blog at mysuncast.com.

If you like what you hear, please SHARE it!

SunCast is brought to you by Solrates. SolRates helps solar installers provide instant online financing quotes for commercial and industrial customers with projects $100K value and up. If you'd like an invitation code to join the platform, please reach out to me directly. Solrates is currently only offered for US-based projects.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

036: Edgar Arvizu (Round 2), Be the CEO of your own Career! Jun 23, 2017

Welcome to Episode 36 of SunCast.

Today we will be spending time with Edgar Arvizu, VP of Development at major global IPP, Sonnedix. Edgar was one of my original guests back in Episode 4 of the SunCast launch! Stoked to have him back for round 2.

Edgar is one of the top solar development leaders in the world today. I had fun asking him some probing questions, specifically about who, what when and where to build development teams, skills and strategy.

Stick around if you're interested in hearing:

What markets Edgar is spending most of his time in these days
Advice he'd give to himself now 8 yrs riding the solarcoaster
Key takeaways from mentors in his career
Critical things developers should STOP doing
And what areas of solar development Edgar sees around the corner that excites him the most

You can get the full show notes and links to books and other resources if you head over to the blog at mysuncast.com.

If you like what you hear, please SHARE it!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

034: Minisode - Santiago Barcon, Mexico Energy specialist & Publisher of Energia Hoy Jun 02, 2017

Welcome to another minisode here on SunCast. If you're new here, I'm your host, Nico Johnson, and we're here to help you unlock your potential as a leader in the solar industry.

The show is usually long-form narrative, so these minisodes are brief 20 min or so morsels of sunlight to get you through the workweek.

I'd like to wish a belated happy birthday to today's guest, Santiago Barcon, who I had the distinct pleasure of spending time with on a recent trip down to Mexico. The recording was done on the terrace of a café on a busy Mexico City street, so while we've tried to clean it up, you will certainly hear the usual street noise.

Nonetheless, I think you'll get value from the conversation today if you'd like to know more about:

The recent Mexico energy auctions and his thoughts on the energy reform
What Santiago believes more energy professionals should do to strengthen their creativity and analytical capabilities
Details of the historical 120MW energy contract with the capital city Metro company
The 4 things you need in order to enter the Mexican market as a foreign company
And examples of the types of "dead bodies" we're starting to see in wake of the energy reform.

Santiago has been in the energy business for a long time and knows the sector in Mexico better than just about anyone. Indeed, he owns and publishes the magazine, Energia Hoy, which is a fantastic resource to keep tabs on not just policy and movement but editorial content around the evolution of the Mexico Energy market, especially post energy reform.

And, It's not too late to get your ticket to SolarPlaza's Unlocking Solar Capital LATAM event in Miami coming up on June 15 & 16.

I'll be there, along with key leaders in the Latin America Market, and it's a great place to not just meet folks but also learn how and where investors are looking at the Latam solar market.

Head over to www.mysuncast.com/plaza for more details on registration.

SunCast listeners will get a 10% discount by using the code "SUNCAST" on the registration page.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

033: Prepare for the Unexpected with Sarah Chapman, Faro Energy May 26, 2017

Welcome to Episode 33 of SunCast

Today you'll meet my friend, Sarah Chapman, Co-Founder & CEO of Faro Energy. I Some Takeaways from today's episode:

Looking at the C&I solar market in Latin America from a developer perspective
How to partner with financing sources who are targeting this market
The transition from boutique social impact investment to mainstream investor interest in Latam
The importance of diversification and paying attention to energy market dynamics, in particular how they can dramatically change your business model
And, Sarah's take on What's Hot & What's Not in Latin America DG solar finance

Faro Energy is a solar financing firm focused on the distributed generation market in Latin America. Faro offers long-term solar finance contracts to commercial & industrial customers, and has built a local team of expert solar professionals who are leading the charge in these frontier markets, many of which are in their infancy regarding solar financing or solar energy at all. I've had the pleasure of working with the Faro team for a few years now and can attest to their professionalism, depth of knowledge and local partner model to earning their place in the Latin America DG market. So I was thrilled to finally have Sarah on the show to talk about their roots, and dig into where she sees this market going.

You can get the full show notes and links to books and other resources if you head over to the blog at mysuncast.com.

If you like what you hear, please SHARE it!

Sarah will be a speaker at the upcoming Unlocking Solar Capital LATAM event in Miami June 15th & 16th, hosted by this week's SunCast partner, Solarplaza.

SunCast listeners get a 10% discount, just use the code "SUNCAST" when you begin registration.

SunCast is also brought to you by Solrates. SolRates helps solar installers provide instant online financing quotes for commercial and industrial customers with projects $100K value and up. If you'd like an invitation code to join the platform, please reach out to me directly. Solrates is currently only offered for US-based projects.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

032: Andy Bindea - The next step in our Energy Evolution May 19, 2017

Welcome to Episode 32 of SunCast

Today we spend time with Andy Bindea of Sigora International, a company revolutionizing energy access in Haiti and beyond. Listen in if you're interested in hearing:

How Andy thinks about scaling electrification to serve the 1.3B people in the world without energy
What it means to be the first Micro-utility with a concession to bring electricity to an entire region of Haiti, the largest market in Latin America for electrification and energy access
The reason he believes building a technology-first company is what will empower their growth
And using a franchise-like model for expanding their technology and business model beyond Haiti

Sigora is a specialty provider of micro-utility energy systems designed for frontier markets. They have focused on Haiti as a proving ground for their innovative grid-control hardware and software, and have built a very promising model for community empowerment that I hope you enjoy learning more about. I sure did.

You can get the full show notes and links to books and other resources if you head over to the blog at mysuncast.com.

If you like what you hear, please SHARE it!

Andy will be a speaker at the upcoming Unlocking Solar Capital LATAM event in Miami June 15th & 16th, hosted by this week's SunCast partner, Solarplaza.

SunCast listeners get a 10% discount, just use the code "SUNCAST" when you begin registration.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

031: Financing off-grid solar, Juan Fermin Rodriguez of Kingo Energy May 12, 2017

Welcome to Episode 31 of SunCast

Today we will be spending time with Juan Fermin Rodriguez of Kingo Energy. Stick around if you're interested in hearing:

The strategy behind starting an off-grid solar company focused on Latam instead of Africa and Asia
The size of the Latam offgrid market
The difference in technology's role in Latam versus other markets
How Kingo has become one of the best-capitalized solar startups in Latin America
And a detailed discussion of both their fundraising and go-to-market strategy

Today's episode is a doosy. I'll be honest; it was NOT what I expected. I would say that I enjoyed this conversation as much as any I've done, and I believe it's one of the most valuable we've brought to you yet.

You can get the full show notes and links to books and other resources if you head over to the blog at mysuncast.com.

If you like what you hear, please SHARE it!

Juan will be a speaker at the upcoming Unlocking Solar Capital LATAM event in Miami June 15th & 16th, hosted by this week's SunCast partner, Solarplaza.

SunCast listeners get a 10% discount, just use the code "SUNCAST" when you begin registration.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

030: Financing Energy Efficiency + Renewables, Patrick Doyle of MGM Innova Capital May 05, 2017

Welcome to Episode 30 of SunCast (woohoo, Thirty!).

Today, we will be spending time with Patrick Doyle of MGM Innova Capital. You should have a listen if you're interested in:

Structured finance for the DG Solar market in Latin America
Lessons learned financing private sector deals at the IDB
And how to compete as a developer for the limited capital available to the DG market

Patrick knows what he's talking about when it comes to financing private sector renewables, having been among the first to do so for the Latam DG sector during his tenure at the Inter-american Development Bank (IDB). Today, he continues doling out financing, but this time for more than just renewables, and on behalf of private investors.

You can get the full show notes if you head over to the blog at mysuncast.com.

And as always, you can check the blog page for resources from today's show.

If you like what you hear, please SHARE it!

Patrick will be a speaker at an upcoming event hosted by this week's SunCast partner, Solarplaza. Solarplaza organizes some of the finest conferences and trade missions on solar energy in emerging markets that I've attended. And June 15th & 16th, I'll be joining them and other key leaders in the Latin America Market at the Unlocking Solar Capital LATAM event in Miami.

SunCast listeners get a 10% discount, just use the code "SUNCAST" when you begin registration.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

029: Alejo Lopez, a field guide to career change, from Fracking to Photovoltaics Apr 28, 2017

Welcome to Episode 29 of SunCast. Today we will be spending time with Latin America solar veteran, Alejo Lopez of Nextracker. You should keep listening if you're interested in

What's happening in the Mexico market
Where else in Latin America Alejo believes hot, or not
What it's like to convert from the Dark Side of Oil & Gas to the Renewables industry
Key lessons and takeaways from one of the regions veteran developers
And some fantastic book recommendations!

Alejo has been a leader in the Mexico solar industry for nearly 6 years now, and has been involved in some of the most important deals in that country. We turn over a lot of stones in this conversation. Thanks again for taking the time to be here. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Alejo Lopez.

And as always, you can check the blog page for resources from today's show.

If you like what you hear, please SHARE it!

This episode is brought to you by Solrates. SolRates helps solar installers provide instant online financing quotes for commercial and industrial customers with projects $100K value and up. If you'd like an invitation code to join the platform, please email me directly. Solrates is currently only offered for US-based projects.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

028: Stephen Lacey, Editor-in-Chief at GTM and creator of The Energy Gang podcast Apr 20, 2017

Welcome to Episode 28 of SunCast. Today's episode in many ways has been 18 months in the making. I met today's guest way back when I was just recording the first episodes of SunCast, and have looked to him as a mentor and spiritual podcast guide longer still.

Today on SunCast, you'll meet Stephen Lacey. Stephen is the Editor-in-Chief of Greentech Media and host of the extremely popular GTM podcasts The Energy Gang and The Interchange. Like many of you, GTM is one of my go-to-resources for up-to-date info on the bleeding edge of cleantech, so I'm truly excited to have Stephen on the show today.There's a Ton here to ponder today, but among the topics discussed, we discover:

There's a Ton here to ponder today, but among the topics discussed, we discover:

The origins of the Energy Gang podcast
A modified version of Hot/Not where Stephen opines on topics from Distributed storage to SAAS startups in cleantech
The likelihood of a carbon tax
Stephen's view on the impact of the Trump Administration
And some of his biggest takeaways from over a decade of clean energy reporting.

Thanks again for taking the time to be here. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with none other than, Stephen Lacey.

And as always, you can check the blog page for resources from today's show.

If you like what you hear, please SHARE it!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

027: Latam Founder Juan Carlos Navarro, pivoting from public servant to solar warrior Apr 14, 2017

Today’s episode, back by popular request - is in English. ;-)

This is Episode 27 of SunCast, and Episode 7 in the Latam Founders Series. It’s the final installment of this series, brought to you in collaboration with Enphase Energy. I’ve really enjoyed this series, as it's given us a real chance to dig deep into some of the up-and-coming solar companies in the Latin America region. If you've enjoyed this series-style focus, would you shoot me a message? What else should we do a series on? You can find me on Linkedin, or just drop by www.mysuncast.com and leave me a voicemail.

Well Today on SunCast, you'll meet Juan Carlos Navarro, founder and CEO of N-Solar in Panama. If you've never had the pleasure of meeting Juan Carlos, he's not only a luminary in Panamanian society (he was mayor of Panama City for a Decade!), but is also an entirely passionate fanatic of solar power and climate conservation. We go into his background in non-profit management and his 10+ yrs as a public dignitary, and I'm sure you'll find some interesting takeaways on the how and why he decided to start a solar company.

Among the many topics today, we cover:

The value of technological innovation as a differentiator in the sales & marketing of a solar firm
The three areas Juan Carlos has learned the most in founding a solar company
Common challenges facing all latam solar startups
The logic behind building a 2.4MW utility project with microinverters
Juan Carlos's extensive reading list,
And much, much more

We hope you get a ton of value from today’s episode, but if you’re interested in learning more about Juan Carlos and his team, I encourage you to visit their website or their Facebook Page.

And as always, you can check the blog page for resources from today's show.

If you like what you hear, please SHARE it!

And be sure to check out all the rest of the episodes in this Latam Founder series!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

026: [ES] Latam Founders Hector and Gabriel of Ecopartners, technical gurus for emerging markets Apr 07, 2017

This is Episode 26 of SunCast, and Episode 6 in the Latam Founders Series, which is being brought to you through a collaboration with Enphase Energy. This is our final episode in Spanish, but do check out the intro if you would like access to a head-to-head inverter and MLPE document the Ecopartners guys have provided.

Well Today on SunCast, you'll meet Hector Pomales and Gabriel Perez, founders of a leading Caribbean solar development firm, Ecopartners, based out of the Isla del Encanto, Puerto Rico.

I'd like to state for the record that, though this series is brought in partnership with Enphase, at no point were the guests asked to provide any form of endorsement of Enphase product. That said, today's guests do spend a decent portion of the show expounding on why and how they have evaluated the exclusive use of module-level power electronics in their portfolio, providing an example project along with specific numbers around the lifetime cost-benefit evaluation. And, even for those of you who don't stick around for the episode, you may opt to go over to www.mysuncast.com/enphase where you can download a pdf of the head-to-head comparision of Enphase vs. string inverters that Hector walks through on the show.

I tell you, these guys know their stuff, so stick around, and enjoy this Spanish episode of Suncast.

De nuevo, mil gracias por estar con nosotros hoy. Espero que disfrutes este episodio de SunCast con Ecopartners.

And as always, you can check the blog page for a longer writeup & resources from today's show.

If you like what you hear, please SHARE it!

And be sure to check out all the rest of the episodes in this Latam Founder series - stay tuned!!!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

025: Jason Zook sold his future to make YOUR goals a reality Apr 01, 2017

This is Episode 25 of SunCast. And, today you get to meet one of the guys who’s most influenced my life in the last 5 years. He’s not in the solar industry. He’s not even in the Energy industry. But he could teach a lot of us in the solar industry about two things that matter most when going from Idea to Income - creativity and hustle.

Today on SunCast, you'll meet my friend and mentor, Jason Zook.

Jason might be the best marketer, heck, best sales guy I’ve ever met.

He made over $1Million wearing t-shirts for others.

He sold his last name...3 times!

He even got his first book sponsored by more than a dozen companies before he ever wrote the first word...or even knew what the book would be about. No kidding.

In the next hour, you’ll hear all about:

The best investment I have made in the last 3 years
Jason’s advice for someone starting out on their entrepreneurial journey
Creating products that solve your own problems, and turning them into profit
And what crazy thing he’s up to next.

If this stuff resonates with you, You can also buy Jason’s future HERE.

Disclaimer - This is an affiliate link, and SunCast will directly benefit financially from your investment in your own future. Thank you.

If you like what you hear on today's show or think someone else needs to check it out, please SHARE it!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

024: [ES] Latam Founder Arturo Duhart on scaling up a Mexico solar distributor Mar 26, 2017

This is Episode 24 of SunCast, and Episode 5 in the Latam Founders Series, which is being brought to you through a special collaboration with Enphase Energy. This episode is entirely in Spanish (well, except for the introduction).

Today on SunCast, you'll meet Arturo Duhart, founder of one of Mexico’s largest solar companies, and possibly the largest solar distributor - Exel Solar. Today's episode was recorded live in Las Vegas back in September during the annual Solar Power Int'l conference.

Arturo and I spent some time talking about:

The early days of Exel
Their growth trajectory
Expansion plans outside of Mexico
And, of course, what he sees happening in the market

And as always, you can check the blog page for a longer writeup & resources from today's show.

If you like what you hear, please SHARE it!

And be sure to check out all the rest of the episodes in this Latam Founder series - stay tuned!!!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

023: Jon Bonanno, a new energy paradigm and being a good Gridizen Mar 10, 2017

This is Episode 23 of SunCast. Today we take a break from the Latam Founders Series, but not from meeting yet another solid founder in the solar industry.

Today on SunCast, you'll meet Jon Bonanno, CCO of Empower Micro Systems.

Jon is a friend and mentor, and knows a Ton about technology, launching and growing new companies, and is well-versed in the challenges of the Solar Industry.

In the next 30 minutes, we discuss:

Jon's penchant for Making up new words
Why he believes Module level power electronics (MLPE) is the most appropriate technology for rooftop projects
Survival when you're founding companies that are way ahead of their time or the market
And of course, much more

We hope you get a ton of value from today’s episode, and if you’re interested in learning more about Jon or Empower, I encourage you to visit their website or ping Jon on LinkedIn. Both are in the show notes; check the blog page for resources from today's show.

If you like what you hear, please SHARE it!

And be sure to check out all the rest of the episodes in this Latam Founder series - stay tuned!!!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

022: [ES] Latam Founders Series: Maximo Solar takes over Isla Del Encanto Mar 03, 2017

This is Episode 22 of SunCast, and Episode 4 in the Latam Founders Series, which is being brought to you through a special collaboration with Enphase Energy.

Today on SunCast, you'll meet Maximo Torres, founder of Maximo Solar in Puerto Rico, along with his GM, Jonattan Martir. Today's episode was actually recorded live in Las Vegas during the annual Solar Power Int'l conference.

I call Maximo the Solar philosopher, and it's true. He has an infectious passion for solar, and it's no surprise that his company is one of the strongest in the Puerto Rico market. There are some real goodies in here, so take some time to listen intently, as we discuss:

Choosing between the large utility-scale markets, C&I or Residential
The importance of having a growth mindset, and the resulting view on competition
The value of being extremely customer-centric
One internal tool they've used multiple times to expand beyond their current product offering into profitable new segments
The two most important people in a solar company, and aligning corporate values around them
And so, so much more

We hope you get a ton of value from today’s episode, but if are interested in learning more about Maximo and his team, I encourage you to visit their website or their Facebook Page.

And as always, you can check the blog page for resources from today's show.

If you like what you hear, please SHARE it!

And be sure to check out all the rest of the episodes in this Latam Founder series - stay tuned!!!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

021: Jake Hoppe on the secret sauce that landed some of Enphase Energy’s early Latam customers Feb 24, 2017

Bienvenidos and Welcome to Episode 21 of SunCast, and Episode 3 in the Latam Founders Series, which is being brought to you through a special collaboration with Enphase Energy. Today we have a slight departure from the usual format. No, it's not in Spanish like last week's episode, but it also doesn't follow the typical question flow I've used in the first 20 episodes. In prep for the interviews in this series, I asked my friend Luis over at Enphase if there was anyone on his team who was able to articulate well the challenges they come across in the field, especially from the perspective of financing for C&I customers. He pointed me to Jake Hoppe. And after you hear today's conversation, you'll understand why. I was originally going to use my call with Jake just to backfill with some soundbites on the episodes (like Episode 17 with Jose Zambrano) as a way to provide a third voice explaining some of the intricacies of financing C&I deals. But after I heard the interview again, I knew it was plenty good enough to stand on its own merits.

Today on SunCast, you'll meet Jake Hoppe, who is currently working in Business Development for Spruce Finance, but Jake got his start in the solar industry at Enphase.

And from what I can tell, he was instrumental in helping get some of their pivotal early deals across the finish line in Latin America. He's also been very hands-on with areas of the business like working with underwriters (think Moody's) on evaluating the underlying risks of assets Enphase had deployed for large IPPs looking to go public. I've said it before, but you'll want to take notes on this one. If you're anything like me, you'll have to go back and listen to it again as Jake dispels wisdom at almost every turn in the conversation.

Jake and I discuss:

Some of the difficult problems his team was able to help customers solve in the field.
Where you can look to better understand what he calls the Gold Standard in conservative best practices in valuing solar systems
The fundamental elements of project underwriting for financing C&I deals
The one question that could radically change a company’s ability to scale - or put a different way, the wrong versus the right way to think about how you value the inputs to your IRR and margin calculations

I am supremely positive you’re going to get a ton of value from today’s episode.

If you like what you hear, please SHARE it!

And be sure to check out all the rest of the episodes in this Latam Founder series - stay tuned!!!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

020: [ES] Latam Founders Series: Julian Willenbrock, Enlight Mexico’s rebrand is just the beginning Feb 17, 2017

Bienvenidos and Welcome to Episode 20 of SunCast, and Episode 2 in the Latam Founders Series, which is being brought to you through a special collaboration with Enphase Energy. If you didn’t have a chance to hear the setup episode last week, go back and check out Episode 16, as I speak with Luis Morales at Enphase about why we wanted to collaborate on this specific series of conversations.

As you may have noticed in the show title - today’s episode, and several others in the series, is completely in Spanish, si, totalmente en espanol. One of the ideas I'm exploring with Enphase's support is whether there is an audience for our content in Spanish. So, if you don't speak or understand Spanish, you’ll want to key in on the [ES] in the show title, just like today's which let’s you know ahead of time - they're totally in Spanish.

If that is you, and you don’t speak Spanish - have no fear, b/c I’ll also be releasing some minisodes like the one I did this past Wednesday with Rod Barfield. The content will vary, but it will be a bite-sized morsel of sunshine, in English, to brighten your week! If that’s you, or if you missed it, go back and listen to that one, it’s only 15 min.

I'll put up a summary of the episode in English along with the resources mentioned, so feel free to go check that out over at http://www.mysuncast.com.

Today on SunCast, you'll meet Julian Willenbrock of Enlight.

Julian and his partner Roberto founded the company as Enerclima several years ago, but in 2016 they took on investment and rebranded the company as Enlight, aimed at taking a leadership role in the Distributed solar market in Mexico.

Julian and I discuss lots of things particular to their business as well as the Mexico market generally:

History of Enlight's foundation, formation, growth and inflection points.
Role and/or importance of technology in scaling the business
details around how Enlight has overcome obstacles and roadblocks to deploying projects, to growing the company
Financed systems as a means for growth (vs turnkey ownership)

We hope you get a ton of value from today’s episode. If you are interested in learning more about Enlight, I encourage you to visit their website or their Facebook Page.

If you like what you hear, please SHARE it!

And be sure to check out all the rest of the episodes in this Latam Founder series - stay tuned!!!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

019: Mini - Brazil Market update with Rodrigo Barfield Feb 15, 2017

A few weeks ago we published Episode 15 with my friend Rodrigo Barfield of Long Light Energy. Last year in 2016, he had moved back to Brazil to run his new company, and we discussed his thoughts on the market. As with many startups, things don’t always go as planned, and I hinted at the end of the show that Rod had an update pending.

In this episode of SunCast, we have a follow-up call with Rodrigo. While he is still actively developing business in Brazil, he has made the decision to return to the US. Today we discuss Rod’s thoughts on the state of Brazil in 2017, what it would take for the market to be "ready" for his project pipeline, as well as why he believes the US market is hotter than ever, especially for DG finance.

As always, If you like what you hear, please SHARE it!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

018: Inside the Latam PV Playbook with Manan Parikh of GTM Research Feb 10, 2017

In this episode of SunCast, you'll meet Manan Parikh of GTM Research. Many of you already know who Manan is, but, for the uninitiated, Manan is the analyst at GTM who authors their quarterly Latam PV Playbook - basically the bible on all-things-solar for latin america from market size and potential, to who, specifically, is doing what in each region. I love catching up with Manan, as he always has his finger on the pulse of what's hot in the region. And this week he's fresh off publishing the latest quarterly report.

In today’s episode, Manan shares his predictions for markets like Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, and more. You'll want to listen to all 60 minutes of this interview, as Manan is one of the industry experts on where the market is trending and what to look out for.

He gets into specific detail about Argentina right out of the gate (the entire first 10 minutes!), so you'll want to tune in if you're at all curious whether that market will meet expectations for the Year of Renewable Energy they've declared!

If you like what you hear, please SHARE it!

And thank you for continuing to help make SunCast one of the most listened-to solar podcasts!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

017: Latam Founders Series: Jose Zambrano & Galt Energy’s rise to the top in Mexico Feb 03, 2017

In this episode of SunCast, I'd like to introduce you to my friend, Jose Zambrano, Founder & CEO of Galt Energy, one of Mexico’s fastest growing residential and commercial solar installers. This is the inaugural episode of the "Latam Founders Series", and I really think it’s a great example of the kinds of entrepreneurs we’re seeing arise in the solar industry throughout Latam. Galt and Jose are emblematic of solid fundamentals, great leadership, and being out ahead of what we believe will be a massive wave of solar growth in Mexico.

In today’s episode, Jose and I dig into exactly how Galt has become one of the fastest growing solar companies in Mexico, maybe in Latin America.

It's impressive to see how they’ve built such a successful system to scale the company, and he shares the tools and mindset that have helped them get to this stage in their growth.

He even shares the secret hiring tip that took their system failures down to zero.

If you've ever wondered how to start and scale a distributed solar company in latin America, or how to sell to one, then keep your pen handy, you might want to take some notes.

If you like what you hear, please SHARE it!

And be sure to check out all the rest of the episodes in this series, which are forthcoming - stay tuned!!!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

016: Launching Latam Founders Series with Luis Morales of Enphase Energy Feb 01, 2017

In this episode of SunCast, I'd like to introduce you to my friend, Luis Morales, Head of Latin America for Enphase Energy. For the last year, Luis and I have been in discussions about an idea that is now bearing fruit in the form of this special Series of interviews we're calling the "Latam Founders Series". I have spent the last 6 months meeting with or interviewing some of the Enphase customers who are growing the fastest not only in their own countries but in the Latam Region and have taken often innovative approaches to both technology and financing to do so.

The thesis is this: If you're building a business you're a maverick. If that business is in the growing but still extremely small niche of solar power, in Latin America, and beyond that, you've done in-depth analysis of cutting-edge technology like Enphase sufficient to standardize (and scale) around it as you grow, there's a chance you have an interesting story to tell.

NB: There are 6 episodes (presently) in the series - FOUR of them will be completely in Spanish. Yes, we're proud to be FINALLY releasing content to the SunCast audience in Spanish (or to those who would be in the audience if only we would produce some content in Spanish - Yep, I've heard that, so we'll test it!)

In today’s episode, we discuss the thought behind why we think these entrepreneurs need to be heard, and why Enphase is teaming up with us to bring these stories to light.

If you like what you hear, please SHARE it!

And be sure to check out all the rest of the episodes in this series, which are forthcoming - stay tuned!!!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

015: Brazil is on the rise, with Rodrigo Barfield of Long Light Energy Jan 28, 2017

A 2015 Financial Times article says, “Brazil is mired in its worst recession since the 1930’s, but entrepreneurs know how to find opportunities.” That sentiment is pervasive in the booming Brazilian solar market; despite economic turmoil, sky-high interest rates and fluctuating exchange rates, the Brazilian solar market grew to more than 72MW of interconnected DG systems!

Last year, I sat down with my friend Rodrigo because I was really interested in better understanding the Brazil market. He had just moved back to Brazil to run his new company, so I reached out and we chatted for a bit about what’s going on down there. This is part of what I’m calling The Founders Series, stories from entrepreneurs on the front lines of solar in Latin America.

In this episode of SunCast, you'll meet Rodrigo Barfield of Long Light Energy. Rod has had quite an interesting career from the World Bank and private equity in SE Asia to building Real Infrastructure in Central America.

In today’s episode, we discuss:

What Rod believes are the Biggest bottlenecks to DG solar in Brazil

The difference he sees among the various markets in Latin America and why, for him, Brazil represents by far the largest opportunity yet.

And how he really feels about some of the other markets!

Brasil’s distributed market regulations that are boosting solar DG (in particular Residential) installations.

His big question for Brazil is - How do you structure the deals to solve for Debt financing?

Today’s episode is full of information, so I hope you stay through to the end.

If you like what you hear, please SHARE it!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

014: Matthew Harris of SEI and training Latam’s solar workforce Jan 20, 2017

This episode of SunCast features a discussion with Matthew Harris of Solar Energy International (SEI). Matthew is the Program Manager for SEI’s Spanish-language solar training program, and he’s has been with SEI for over ten years (!), involved in many aspects of their mission of providing industry-leading technical training and expertise in renewable energy to empower people, communities, and businesses worldwide.

Matthew has led the development of the Spanish training program for the last 4 years with a focus on Latin America, now boasting over 1000 students and counting. In today’s episode, we discuss

State of the Industry for solar training in Latam

Training standards across the region and the need for further advocacy

SEI’s innovative partnership model that’s led to relationships with industry titans like First Solar leading their training efforts in Chile

In-person vs Online and the future of integrated learning

And lastly, we get into one little practice You could be implementing that would boost your sales presence and “on your feet” alertness right now.

If you like what you hear, please SHARE it!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

013: Alvaro Garcia (Part 2) on building trust relationships Aug 30, 2016

This episode of SunCast continues our discussion with Alvaro Garcia of X-Elio, a Gestamp subsidiary. Alvaro has built one of the most significant solar projects to-date in Mexico, the 40MW Aura Solar project, and he’s got 3 years of experience there as an expat building 2 different companies. We dig into stories from Aura, getting buy-in from regulators, the future of C&I as well as resi in Mexico, and finally how Alvaro starts each day on the right foot. Alvaro is a wellspring of info, and this episode is short but very sweet.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

012: Taking projects from PowerPoint to Powerplant, Pt 1 with Alvaro Garcia of Gestamp Aug 27, 2016

This episode of SunCast features Alvaro Garcia of X-Elio, a Gestamp subsidiary. Alvaro has the distinction of being chosen, during his Martifer Solar days, as the EPC for the first Utility-scale project ever financed and built in Mexico - the Aura Solar project in Baja California. And as an ex-pat living in Mexico for more than 5 yrs now, he has some interesting insights into doing business within the confines of the Mexican “economy”. You’ll be surprised to hear what he says about corruption. We discuss the value of hiring local, the key roles to fill in your solar startup, and this year’s Mexico solar auctions. If you’re curious at all about how to develop solar in Mexico, today’s show should scratch your itch.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

011: Karin Berardo Pt2, and the 104 yr old EPC Jun 21, 2016

This episode of SunCast continues our discussion with Karin Berardo of M+W Group. Karin has been a pioneer in solar through her involvement with MuniMae’s MMA Renewables, Cleanpath, and now M+W Group’s global expansion. In this Episode, we dive into the dynamics of working for a 100 yr old company in a low-margin game, keeping your mind fresh and informed, and how to prioritize and do the right things as a company and individual for maximum impact. We chat about EPC differentiation, organizing your thoughts, managing a company of 7000 individuals, and which markets she thinks are Hot or Not. This is a fun conversation, and Karin dispels loads of wisdom.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

010: Karin Berardo on learning the language of finance Jun 13, 2016

This episode of SunCast features Karin Berardo of M+W Group. Karin has been a pioneer in a number of ways in the solar industry, being involved in what was one of the first companies in the US to finance large-scale solar using a Power Purchase Agreement. She's now heading up international expansion for M+W and we cover her broad-ranging experience from Brazil to Mexico as well as what it takes to finance a solar project today.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

009: Microgrids are the future, with Pablo Astorga of ABB Feb 11, 2016

Host Nico Johnson and ABB Global Manager of Microgrids, Pablo Astorga. Join in as Nico and Pablo discuss the global microgrid market.

We talk about definition of microgrid, where microgrids are growing, projections for the global microgrid markets and more. Pablo has had a nearly decade-long career at ABB, and is leading the effort at ABB to address what could soon be a fast-growing market which is often at the bleeding edge of power delivery and technology development.

We really hope you get massive value from this next episode of SunCast!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

008: Your network is your net worth, with Jeff Atkin of Foley & Lardner Jan 13, 2016

Host Nico Johnson and Foley & Lardner Partner, Jeff Atkin. Join in as Nico and Jeff discuss how their mutual time serving in volunteerism in Latin America (in particular, Guatemala) has informed their professional decisions.

We talk about the Horus solar project in Guatemala, one which Jeff’s team at Foley was responsible for structuring; if you’re unfamiliar with this project, it was the first major tender-awarded and utility-scale project in Central America, and it’s one of the largest in the region now at about 75MW AC.

Jeff gives his opinion on lessons learned from that project, and what he admired about the way the developer approached the project with the end in mind.

We discuss the power of initiative, and how he leveraged the power of a large organization to gain traction in an emerging industry, and subsequently, how Jeff has differentiated Foley among the pool of international firms that have a Latin America focus.

And, Jeff confirms the not-so-secret fact that the “wealthy families” are almost always the entry point for finding the early stage opportunities and localizing good partnerships, while providing great tips on how to develop and care for your own network.

We really hope you get massive value from this next episode of SunCast!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

007: 4 tips for standing out as a good local partner, Recap of SunCast Launch episodes, and strategic planning for 2016 Dec 02, 2015

Host Nico Johnson does a solo round this week providing a recap of the past few weeks episodes that constitutes the SunCast launch. We take a look at 4 tips for positioning yourself as (or finding) a good local partner in Latin America. And Nico discusses some of the ways he looks at planning for the new year as well as the main tool he uses to keep it all straight - meditation! We believe today’s episode is value-packed, and trust you will too.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

006: How to pivot from product to projects, with Lamberto Camacho of SolaireDirect Nov 25, 2015

Host Nico Johnson and SolaireDirect Managing Director for Mexico & Central America, Lamberto Camacho. Join in as Nico and Lamberto discuss the similarities of International development between Africa and Latin America, and go deep on how Lamberto positioned SolaireDirect to win the Panama Solar PV Tender last year. Lamberto has been involved in solar development for a decade, and has personally developed >200MW of projects on 3 continents. Nico pulls a lot of tips and insights out of Lamberto to share with the SunCast audience, so listen carefully and probably multiple times, as they discuss Mexico, Central America and the regional differences that a good developer has to consider in market development.

We really hope you get massive value from this next episode of SunCast!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

005: Q&A with Nico - Episodes in Spanish, Conference planning, and finding good development partners Nov 17, 2015

Host Nico Johnson takes some time today in this first Question and Answer episode to respond to some questions received from the audience the past few weeks.

There are a lot of requests for whether the show will ever be in Spanish. The short answer is "maybe" and "it depends". Nico unpacks it a bit further.

In our inaugural episode, there was quite a bit of data and market trend info shared between Nico and Adam James, and many really enjoyed this style approach for the show. We'll definitely be bringing more of this back, but Adam is moving on from his role at GTM, so the recordings have necessarily been put on the back burner as he makes this transition.

Conferences are an important way to gain exposure to the players in any specific region, and Latin America is no different. Nico's been to, and spoken at most of the regional conferences, and takes some time here to highlight what he sees working.

A common hurdle for someone entering into a new market is determining where and with whom they should partner. Nico shares some guidance on how you might go about making that decision.

Finally, LACSA has been mentioned a few times on the 'cast, so Nico takes a moment to explain the reasoning behind it here.

And, this Q&A tees up the Bonus Episode that you can listen to only on the SunCast website, which is our Live recording of the event we hosted in Anaheim during this year's Solar Power International (2015).

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

004: Solar tenders, Storage, and the perspectives of an IPP, with Edgar Arvizu of sPower Oct 27, 2015

Host Nico Johnson and sPower VP for Latin America, Edgar Arvizu. Join in as Nico and Edgar discuss the in-detail one of Edgar’s first projects in the region, the 5MW Puerto Rico Convention Center carport project. Edgar and his team have developed some of the first and largest solar projects in the region, from Puerto Rico to Peru, and this Mexican-born devleper has a deep understanding of both the development and banking aspects of the business. In this episode, Edgar touches on the variability of the solar tender process, bankability of solar+storage, and volatility in exchange risk as it pertains to getting a project financed.

Edgar is one of those experienced developers with a broad range of expertise whose willing to share what he knows. I really hope you get massive value from this next episode of SunCast!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

003: When will Solar Energy be FREE, with Camilo Patrignani of Greenwood Energy Oct 20, 2015

Host Nico Johnson meets with Greenwood Energy CEO, Camilo Patrignani, live from Solar Power International 2015. Join in as Nico and Camilo discuss the hard parts of developing one of the largest private solar PPAs in Latin America. We also cover the decisions behind Greenwood’s JV with Illios in Mexico, and the art of letting go when your partner is courted by deeper pockets. Camilo gives a little insight as well into Greenwood’s master plan to pivot away from the Utility markets and move towards what he sees as the burgeoning and more cash-cycle-friendly rooftop distributed generation (DG) markets.

Camilo helps us delve into the specific variables that can affect the success of a solar project in latin america, and how to avoid common pitfalls. I really hope you get massive value from this next episode of SunCast!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

002: Anatomy of a winning market entry strategy, with Marco Garcia of Nextracker Oct 13, 2015

Host Nico Johnson and Nextracker COO, Marco Garcia, dive deep into Marco's global experience developing solar energy projects with Powerlight, SunPower, and now Nextracker as he has lived through multiple emerging market growth cycles. Marco and his team have been present at the birth of most of today's largest solar market booms, and Latin America is no different. We dig into exactly how they won some of the largest supply deals in the Latin America region, and what Marco has learned over the years about how to get in early and dominate a new market.

The depth of solar experience demonstrated in today's show is perfect for young developers and sales engineers who are eager to learn tips and tricks from an old pro. From how to hit the ground running in a new country to key signs you're courting a winning prospect, Marco lays out some golden nuggets for the discerning listener. Hope you get as much out of this as I did.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

001: Latin America Solar Update Oct 2015 with Adam James of GTM Research Oct 06, 2015

Host Nico Johnson and GTM Sr. Analyst Adam James dig deep into the various solar markets in Latin America that are, or are not, ready for prime time. Adam provides sweeping perspectives from energy reform in Mexico to Commercial & Industrial solar in Central America, Capacity payments for solar, and the Chilean Auctions. Near that end, Adam highlights some of the markets he feels are Hot, and some that are Not, along with commentary on success markers in each.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

000: What is SunCast? Who I am and why you care. With your host, Nico Johnson Oct 05, 2015

Host Nico Johnson discusses in detail the research, tools and strategies you need to succeed as a solar professional in the Latin America market. Through regular contributors like Adam James of Greentech Media and interviews with Industry Executives from leading companies like SolarCity, Nextracker, Conergy and others, Nico shares what's hot, what's working, and how you can be a cut above the rest as you take your company into the fastest growing solar market in the world.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

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