SunCast

Latest Episodes:

812: The Real Cost of Tariffs: What’s Stalling U.S. Solar Deployment | Andrew Birch & Kerim Baran May 08, 2025

Show notes

You can buy solar panels in many places around the world for around 10 cents-a-watt— so why are Americans still paying an average of about $3.70 for every watt installed?

In this candid and fiery live episode, Nico Johnson sits down with long-time clean energy champions Andrew Birch and Kerim Baran to unpack what’s really slowing down solar deployment in the U.S. The verdict? Bureaucracy, bad trade policy, and a lack of open-market access are dragging us down.

From SolarApp to tariffs to balcony solar, this conversation delivers a clear-eyed exploration of clean energy economics and the tension between innovation and regulation. Birchy argues for smarter global trade to lower prices and create more jobs—not fewer. And Kerim asks the tough questions about sovereignty, security, and system-wide inefficiencies. We’ve got further reading down in the resources section, but first you’ll want to tune into this discussion to learn:

🔹 How smarter permitting could unlock a solar job boom in the U.S.

🔹 Why Australia achieves $1/Watt installs—and what’s holding the U.S. back

🔹 Why tariffs don’t protect jobs—they stall innovation

🔹 What Elon Musk could do to fix residential solar (no, seriously)

This is the solar debate we should be having. Buckle up, SolarWarriors, we’re in for yet another stomach-churning ride on the solarcoaster.

Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?

Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.

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

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

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

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

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

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

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

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

811: The EV Tsunami Is Here. Are Utilities Ready? With Rachel Bryant | GridX May 06, 2025

Show notes

What if the utility bill you barely understand holds the key to stabilizing the grid, accelerating electrification, and saving you money?

Rachel Bryant has spent nearly 20 years navigating the complex world of energy regulation—as both an engineer and a lawyer. Now at GridX, she’s helping utilities across the country translate convoluted tariff structures into clear, actionable decisions for customers. The result? Better engagement, smarter energy use, and a grid that can flex with our electrifying future.

Recorded live at RE+ Northeast, this conversation unpacks why traditional cost-of-service rate structures are crumbling under the pressure of EVs, solar, and home electrification—and how time-variable pricing might just be the answer. From peak load reduction to EV charging patterns, Rachel breaks down how data, software, and savvy communication can bring utilities and customers into alignment.

Expect to learn:

🔹 Why most people still don’t know they can choose their electricity rate

🔹 How GridX lets customers simulate bill impacts down to the penny

🔹 Why EVs are the gateway drug to grid participation

🔹 What’s holding some utilities back from embracing time-of-use pricing

Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?

Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.

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

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

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

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

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

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

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

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

810: Inside Texas’ Renewable Energy Boom—and the Policy Risks Ahead | Doug Lewin & Nico Johnson May 01, 2025

Show notes

Texas: where oil and gas once reigned supreme—and now, renewables are rewriting the rules.

In this special live episode recorded at Intersolar & Energy Storage North America 2025, Doug Lewin and Nico Johnson flip the script. Doug takes the mic to interview Nico about his biggest takeaways from the show, and the two dive deep into what’s fueling Texas' meteoric rise in solar, storage, and energy expansion.

Expect a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about why Texas has become the unexpected juggernaut of clean energy—and what risks could upend that growth if policymakers aren't careful.

Expect to learn:

🔹 How Texas' merchant energy market supercharged solar and storage

🔹 Why oil and gas giants are quietly backing clean energy

🔹 The looming policy threats that could slow Texas’ renewable momentum

🔹 How massive new data center loads are reshaping ERCOT

Get ready for bold insights, insider perspectives, and a fresh view of how Texas is setting the pace for America's energy future.

Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?

Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.

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

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

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

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

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

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

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

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

809: Storytelling > Specs: How To Sell Anything Better In 2025 Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

“Don’t pitch slap me.”

That’s the line Spenser Meeks uses to describe the all-too-common trap most any professional falls into when presenting information (Usually via presentation decks) — jumping straight into specs and data before earning your audience’s attention. In a lively convo, Spenser and Nico break down why 60% of all conference speaking sessions (yes, your conference panels) are rated “meh”… and how better storytelling could fix that.

If you’re tired of your message falling flat or sales calls that go nowhere, learn to help people care before they calculate. Spenser, who’s trained the moderators and presenters for RE+ and other top trade shows, shares the emotional and psychological blueprint that can transform technical pitches into conversations that land.

🎭 Why storytelling creates instant emotional engagement

🧠 How to structure sales conversations for maximum buy-in

💬 The “one-liner” framework that makes your value unforgettable

🎨 How to ditch boring slides and make your presentations pop

Whether you’re prepping for your next pitch or just want your message to stick, this episode will help you stand out—without shouting specs.

Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?

Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.

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

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

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

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

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

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

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

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

808: Solar Loans Are Broken — Atmos Has The Fix Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

The FinTech Reboot Solar Has Been Waiting For

What happens when local banks finally start playing ball in solar lending? Ravi Mikkelsen is here to tell us.

In this “Where Are They Now” episode, we reconnect with Ravi Mikkelsen, the co-founder and CEO of Atmos Financial, who first joined SunCast in 2021. Since then, the solar financing world has been flipped on its head—rising interest rates, shifting policies, and a return to leases have left installers and homeowners alike with questions and headaches. Ravi has been quietly building an answer in the form of a fintech platform that bridges the gap between traditional banking and solar projects.

If you’ve ever wondered why solar loans still feel so complicated—or what it would take to truly democratize clean energy finance—this is your episode.

🔹 Why solar loans are getting more expensive—even as hardware costs fall

🔹 How dealer fees can wipe out the homeowner’s tax credit benefit

🔹 The return of leases—and what that says about market conditions

🔹 Why Atmos is moving out of deposits and doubling down on lending

Tune in to hear how Atmos is powering the next wave of solar finance by making it easier, cheaper, and more transparent—for everyone involved.

Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?

Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.

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

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

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

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

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

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

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

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

807: Say Goodbye to 'Virtual Power Plants' — Embrace Demand Flexibility Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

“Virtual power plant” might be trending—but Eversource’s Tilak Subrahmanian says it misses the mark.

In this RE+ Northeast PowerUp Live stage interview, Nico sits down with Tilak for a refreshingly candid utility perspective on how distributed energy resources (DERs) are being integrated, managed, and monetized at scale. Spoiler: it's not just about demand response anymore.

From managing EV charging loads to influencing ISO capacity calculations, Tilak breaks down how Eversource is designing a distributed grid built for policy, performance, and people. If you’ve ever wondered how utilities actually think about DERs, this is the episode for you.

What you’ll learn:

🔹 How 70,000 residential and 400+ commercial customers help Eversource manage load

🔹 What “edge DOMs” and “grid DOMs” are—and why they matter

🔹 How Eversource partners with OEMs like Renew Home and EV manufacturers

🔹 Why toaster ovens are the secret weapon in small business energy efficiency

This is utility thinking, unfiltered. Tap play and gain a deeper understanding of the real opportunities—and challenges—behind the energy transition.

Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?

Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.

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

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

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

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

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

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

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

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

806: Inside MIT’s Solutions Factory: Scaling Climate Tech 2.0 | Ben Downing, The Engine Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

What’s blocking our climate tech breakthroughs?

It’s not the tech. It’s the process.

Ben Downing has seen the system from both sides—first as a Massachusetts state senator, then as VP at Nexamp scaling solar across the country. Now, as Chief Growth Officer at The Engine, MIT’s accelerator for “tough tech,” he’s helping commercialize game-changing innovations that can decarbonize the toughest sectors—steel, cement, transmission, and beyond.

But it’s not just about the science. It’s about fixing the systems—permitting, infrastructure, policy—that stall progress. In this episode, Ben shares why real-world deployment is the biggest hurdle… and how The Engine is building what he calls a “Solutions Factory” to overcome it.

Expect to learn:

⚡ Why product-market fit is the #1 blind spot for climate tech founders

⚡ How startups like Sublime and Commonwealth Fusion are scaling real impact

⚡ Why Massachusetts might be the best place to pilot manufacturing

⚡ How to rebuild broken processes that stall startup success

Ben’s optimism is infectious—and it’s backed by hard-won insight from the frontlines of policy and innovation. If you’ve ever wondered why brilliant climate ideas stall out and how to course-correct, press play and take notes.

Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?

Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.

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

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

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

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

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

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

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

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

805: Why Energy Storage Is the Linchpin of America’s Clean Energy Future | Joan White, SEIA Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

The U.S. grid is facing its biggest stress test since WWII. The answer? Batteries.

Joan White, Director of Storage & Interconnection Policy at SEIA, joins Nico on the PowerUp Live stage at RE+ Northeast to unpack the audacious 700 GWh storage deployment target laid out in SEIA’s latest white paper. That’s a 50% increase over the “business as usual” trajectory—and Joan believes it’s not just possible, but necessary.

As AI data centers, EV adoption, and manufacturing supercharge national energy demand, the grid must evolve. Energy storage isn’t a luxury anymore—it’s a requirement. Joan walks us through the policy levers, market dynamics, and cost curves shaping this once-in-a-generation energy transformation.

🔹 Why SEIA is pushing for 700 GWh of storage (and how we get there)

🔹 The invisible hand of tariffs and trade cases reshaping the battery market

🔹 The threat of repealing the ITC—and how states are stepping up

🔹 How storage can finally retire fossil peaker plants and replace standby fees

Joan doesn’t just know the policy—she’s writing the playbook. Whether you’re a policymaker, developer, or just curious about what’s next for the grid, this one’s a must-listen.

Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?

Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.

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

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

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

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

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

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

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

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

804: From DOE to IREC: Maria Robinson’s Mission to Modernize Energy Access Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

When Maria Robinson took the helm at the Grid Deployment Office within the US Department of Energy (US DOE), she stepped into one of the most pivotal (and difficult) roles in the clean energy transition.

Now that she’s no longer a government employee, Maria reveals what really happens inside DOE decision-making rooms, why the grid is far more fragile than most realize, and how her new role as CEO of IREC is helping shift the power back to the people.

From wildfire response to data center load growth and interconnection bottlenecks, Maria clearly understands what is driving (or stifling) our energy transition —you don’t want to miss this conversation.

🔌 Why our grid is more outdated than you think

🔥 The inside story of DOE’s wildfire response efforts

📊 What solar pros need to know about FERC (and why they’re not paying attention)

🧩 How IREC is taking on the hard problems utilities don’t want to face

Tune-in, and after you’ve had a listen, consider sharing this with someone to help us spread the word!

Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?

Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.

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

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

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

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

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

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

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

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

803: Is C&I The Solar Market Savior In 2025? With John Carroll Of Solaredge Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

Residential solar may still be a long way from recovery —but the commercial and industrial (C&I) solar market is heating up. In this power-packed episode recorded live at RE+ Northeast, Nico sits down with John Carroll of SolarEdge to explore why the commercial market could be the biggest growth driver in clean energy this year.

From training installers to navigating the evolving incentive quagmire, John unpacks the forces reshaping the C&I landscape in 2025..

📜 The IRA’s surprising ripple effects on project development and jobs

⚙️ Top challenges facing new C&I installers—and how to overcome them

🔌 How module-level power electronics are changing the economics of scale

🏭🇺🇸 Why SolarEdge is doubling down on U.S. manufacturing and domestic content

Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?

Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.

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

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

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

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

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

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

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

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